Day Tour of Berat and Ancient City of Apollonia

Join a guided day tour from Tirana to Berat, one of Albania’s most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage cities, where history, culture, and tradition come together. Explore the iconic Berat Castle, one of the oldest still-inhabited castles in Europe, stroll through its cobbled streets, and admire Byzantine churches, Ottoman architecture, and panoramic views over the “City of a Thousand Windows.” Enjoy a break to taste authentic local Albanian cuisine, carefully chosen to reflect the region’s culinary heritage.

Continue your journey to the Apollonia Archaeological Park, one of Albania’s most important ancient sites, founded in the 6th century BC. Surrounded by peaceful landscapes, Apollonia’s well-preserved ruins offer a fascinating insight into the Greek and Roman past, making this UNESCO day trip from Tirana a perfect blend of history, archaeology, and local experience—all in one memorable day.

Highlights

Visit Berat Castle, one of the oldest still-inhabited castles in Europe
Discover the Apollonia Archaeological Park, founded in the 6th century BC
Perfect mix of UNESCO heritage, culture, history, and archaeology in one day
Guided day tour from Tirana to the UNESCO World Heritage city of Berat

Drive from Tirana to Apllonia :

The ancient city of Apollon

The ancient city of Apollonia lies in southwestern Albania, approximately 13 miles from the modern city of Fier. Set within a serene and beautifully preserved landscape, the archaeological park offers a rare harmony between monumental ruins and surrounding nature. Walking through Apollonia reveals centuries of history, from its Hellenistic origins to the Roman era, all within a peaceful atmosphere that invites reflection and relaxation. It is one of Albania’s most impressive and well-preserved ancient sites, offering both cultural depth and scenic beauty.

2.5 hours

Discovering Berat :

The historical city of 1001 windows

We shall set forth and make our way to Central South Albania, to the City of Many Windows, Berat. Since 2008, it has been inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage list, and continues to be a significant city even today, boasting a remarkable history of over two millennia. Despite the passage of time, life has remained persistent here, and the Castle or “Kalaja” is the oldest district of the city. Predominantly inhabited by the Christian Orthodox population, this part of the city features a remarkable assemblage of churches, some of which date as far back as the 14th century.

2 hours

Berat Castle :

Citadel of Berat

Rising high above the historic town, the Citadel of Berat—commonly known as Berat Castle—dominates the landscape with its impressive stone walls dating back to the 13th century. Unlike many fortresses, the castle remains a living quarter, home to residents and a remarkable collection of Byzantine churches alongside Ottoman-era mosques. Walking through its cobbled streets offers a unique journey through centuries of history, culture, and religious coexistence, all framed by panoramic views over the city and the Osum River.

1001 windows :

Mangalem historical neighbourhood

The 1001 windows

Mangalem stands majestically in the hills below the castle, its typical architecture and white walls being a testament to its past. It is a scene of beauty, its counterpart, Gorica, visible in the many windows that line its walls. Structured mainly during the Ottoman period, it was still affected by the devastating earthquake which saw parts of the city destroyed and the style of architecture change from its heavy towers with small windows and stone to a lighter build with larger windows.
We can also enjoy a traditional lunch in Berat.

Day Tour of Berat and Ancient City of Apollonia

Overview

Itinerary

Cost