Private Tour of Berat and Durres from Tirana

Leaving Tirana, we’ll head south to explore one of Albania’s most unique and charming cities. The journey will take about two hours, passing through the country’s fertile agricultural heartland.

The Castle of Berat and the Castle of Elbasan are the only two historical sites where life has continued uninterrupted for at least the past two centuries. The heavy stones in their foundations date back to ancient times, when the city thrived under the name of Antipatrea.

The Castle is the oldest neighborhood in the historic area, home to a large Orthodox population and several charming Byzantine churches. Perched on top of a hill, it overlooks the city and is naturally protected by steep terrain on three sides. For centuries, the castle has been continuously inhabited, fostering a tight-knit community that feels like one big family.

The Greek Orthodox monastery of “The Dormitory of St. Mary” houses one of Albania’s most fascinating museums, showcasing the country’s religious heritage. The church, a typical Byzantine structure with a dual cross shape and two domes, stands as one of the best-preserved in Albania. Its stunning iconostasis and impressive paintings in the nave are complemented by a decorative rosette above the main dome, which experts believe once adorned the church.

The Iconography Museum displays works by Onufri and his followers, as well as pieces from an anonymous painter of the period. These artworks testify to the city’s rich intellectual and artistic heritage.

Archaeological excavations and historical documents show that Berat revived in the 13th century, especially within the castle. As the city grew, its population increased, which led to the expansion of dwellings beyond the castle walls.

Mangalem, which primarily developed during the Ottoman period, took its current form after an earthquake destroyed parts of the city. The architectural style changed from heavy, tower-like structures with small windows and stone to lighter buildings with more windows and materials.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, Berat became one of Albania’s most important cities, drawing people from all over the country to settle around it. One area, Gorica, developed into a merchant quarter, mainly populated by residents from Voskopoja in southeastern Albania. The neighborhood preserved its white color and unique architectural style, shaping a city with two similar faces on either side of the Osumi River, connected by the Stone Bridge of Gorica.

Durres was likely the most important city in Albania until 1920, when Tirana became the capital. Since ancient times, it has been a key port in the Mediterranean. For the Romans, it was also a crucial stop along the “Via Egnatia,” a major trade route. One of the city’s standout features is its magnificent amphitheater, which seats around 20,000 people and was built by the Romans in the 2nd century.

After our visit to Durres, we’ll return to Tirana, where the tour will conclude.