Tour of 3 UNESCO sites: Berat, Gjirokastra & Butrint in four days – How to Plan Your Trip

If you’re looking to explore Albania’s rich cultural heritage, a tour of Berat, Gjirokastra & Butrint is an excellent choice. This tour gives you the opportunity to visit three UNESCO World Heritage Sites in just four days. Whether you’re a history buff or just love to experience different cultures, this tour has something for everyone. In this post, we’ll provide you with all the information you need to plan your tour.

Overview

The Tour of 3 UNESCO sites: Berat, Gjirokastra, and Butrint in four days is the perfect opportunity for you to explore three of Albania’s most impressive UNESCO sites. Berat, also known as the city of a thousand windows, is nestled at the foot of the Tomorr mountains and famous for its white houses and narrow streets. The well-preserved Ottoman-era architecture and charming cobblestone alleys take you back in time, and you can visit a castle that’s over 2,400 years old. Gjirokastra, located in southern Albania, is a UNESCO-listed city and has a signature character with stone-roofed houses – known as ‘kulle’ – that scatter the hillside overlooking the Drinos River valley. The last stop, Butrint, is an impressive archaeological park documenting the area’s evolution from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine era.

What’s Included

This tour package includes all the logistic and accommodation needed for a comfortable tour that meets your expectations.

– BB (Accommodation and Breakfast) for all overnights in 3-stars hotels
– Private transportation
– Professional tour leader
– Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
– Souvenirs
– Personal spending

Note that the package excludes everything that is not mentioned in the included.

Meeting and Pickup

The tour departs from Choose Balkans’ office at Rr. Reshit Çollaku. You can either head directly to the meeting point or request a pickup service from your hotel in Tirana to the meeting point. If you need a pickup, make sure to request it at least 12 hours before departure, and it will be free of charge.

What to Expect

During your four-day tour, you will experience the rich cultural and historical heritage of Albania. You will discover Berat’s city of a thousand windows and its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Explore Gjirokastra’s folklore and rich cultural history of Albania’s southernmost city. The tour days include guided tours to each of the destinations, which will provide insights into the rich heritage of each site.

At Butrint, you will explore an impressive archaeological park covering ancient times from the Bronze Age to the Byzantine era. Don’t forget to bring your camera; the place is beautiful to capture memories to go home with.

Additional Info

– Confirmation will be received at the time of booking.
– Not wheelchair accessible.
– Most travelers can participate.
– Prices are calculated on double/twin/triple/quadruple room occupancy in 3-star hotel accommodation.
– Single room occupancy is possible at an additional cost of 35 €.

Book the Tour

Book this exciting four-day tour – Tour of 3 UNESCO sites: Berat, Gjirokastra, and Butrint – now and get ready to embark on an adventure. Click the following link to book the tour and get ready to explore the rich cultural heritage of Albania: book the tour here.

Conclusion

The Tour of 3 UNESCO sites: Berat, Gjirokastra, and Butrint in four days is an ideal opportunity for you to discover the best of Albania’s cultural heritage. This tour provides you with the convenience of a well-planned itinerary, professional tour leader, and private transportation, and accommodation for a comfortable tour experience. With untouched natural beauty, incredible historical sites, and unique local culture, Albania is an exceptional destination, and this tour allows you to explore the very best of all three worlds!

An Insider’s Guide to Berat, Albania

Known as the “City of a Thousand Windows,” Berat is an ancient city located in central Albania, nestled on the banks of the Osum River. Although the city is renowned for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, there is so much more to explore in Berat. As an insider, here’s our guide to the hidden gems, local cuisine, cultural experiences, and the fascinating history of Berat.

Local Attractions: Hidden Gems in Berat

While traditional attractions like Berat Castle and the National Ethnographic Museum are worth a visit, there are other lesser-known places to explore. For a unique experience, visit the Mangalem Quarter, a warren of narrow cobbled streets and white Ottoman houses. Here, you will find Dudaj House, the oldest dwelling in Berat, adorned with beautiful frescoes covered with jasmine trees and grapevines.

Another hidden gem is the Saint Mary Church, a small but beautiful medieval church made entirely of stone and located in a tranquil forest setting. For those seeking an offbeat and off-the-beaten-path experience, check out the Onufri Museum, a small museum home to valuable, centuries-old religious art and icons.

Dining in Berat: Savor Local Flavors

No visit to Berat is complete without a taste of the city’s traditional cuisine. Try Byrek, a savory pastry filled with cheese or meat, or Tave Kosi, a hearty casserole of lamb and yogurt. Cafe Visit Berat, located near the Mangalem quarter, serves traditional Albanian cuisine, including grilled lamb and homemade rakia, the local fruit brandy.

For a taste of something sweet, visit the local bakery and try the Baklava or Revani, cakes made with cornmeal and honey syrup. As you enjoy your meal, remind yourself that Berat’s gastronomy is a result of a long and complex history of cultural exchange, influenced by Ottoman, Byzantine, and Mediterranean culinary traditions.

Cultural Experiences in Berat: Engaging with Traditions

Berat is steeped in history, and there are many cultural experiences to be had. During summer, check out the National Folk Festival, held every August. The three-day festival is a celebration of Albanian folk music and dance and features performances from across the country. For a more intimate experience, visit the ‘Papares Tavern,’ located in the city’s historic castle, where you can indulge in traditional Albanian music and dance while sipping rakia or local wine.

Additionally, you can catch a performance at the Aleksandër Moisiu theater, which often hosts international and local theater productions.

Local History: Stories from the Past

While Berat is a UNESCO-listed city, the truly captivating stories lie in its less tourist trodden paths. During the Cold War era, Berat played a significant role as a strategically situated base with a top-secret missile installation. Get lost in the backstreets of the city and discover the bunkers and other remnants of this period.

Moreover, the city is home to some intriguing stories of the past, including tales of ancient Illyrian tribes, Ottoman rule, and the Communist era — all of which shaped the city’s character and architecture. With each twist and turn in the cobbled alleys, occupants of historic dwellings share stories of Berat’s rich past and present.

Off-the-Beaten-Path: Unique Experiences

Rent a bike and head out to the Osum Canyon for a beautiful but challenging ride. The scenic beauty will leave you mesmerized as you ride along the river and through the cliffs. As an alternative, we suggest a hike up to Mount Tomorr, where you’ll see the sacred mountain of the Bektashi Sufi sect and witness awe-inspiring panoramic views.

Just outside Berat, be sure to check out Permet, a picturesque town known for its thermal springs. Here, you can soak your feet in hot water and relax as your muscles release the day’s tension. Otherwise, head to Polican, a town famous for its locally brewed Raki called “Raki i Policanit,” a strong, smooth brandy made from grapes or plums.

Ultimately, Berat is the embodiment of cultural richness and history. From the labyrinthine Whitewashed houses to the succulent local cuisine, Berat is an enthusiasts’ dream come true. With so much history, culture, and beauty to explore, a visit to Berat is an unforgettable experience.