Berat city UNESCO tour, the Castle & Belshi lake- From Tirana

Tirana , Albania

Berat city UNESCO tour, the Castle & Belshi lake- From Tirana

Active

(573 reviews)

9h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Join a guided tour of Berat City, a UNESCO heritage site. Explore the historic neighborhoods of Mangalemi & Gorica. Visit Berat Castle & Onufri Museum and stop at Belshi Lake on the way

Available options

Berat city UNESCO tour, the Castle & Belshi lake- From Tirana

Pickup included

What's included

Castle entrance fee

Transportation to destination location

English speaking tour guide

Pickup & Drop off from Tirana city

Detailed itinerary

Meet your guide at your location and start your journey to the historic city of Berat, one of Albania’s most unique and visited destinations. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture and rich history.

Your first stop is Belshi Lake, a peaceful and picturesque spot near a small town. Take a moment to enjoy the natural beauty before continuing to Berat.

Upon arrival, visit Berat Castle, a remarkable fortress where people still live within its ancient walls. As you explore, admire the stunning views of the city and discover several well-preserved Byzantine churches.

Next, you have the option to visit the Onufri Museum (optional) known for its breathtaking collection of sacred artwork with vibrant red and gold hues.

After the museum, stroll through the charming old quarters of Mangalemi and Gorica. These historic neighborhoods, separated by the Osumi River, are connected by the iconic Gorica Bridge, offering a glimpse into Berat’s timeless beauty.

FREE TIME/LUNCH: After soaking in the culture and history, enjoy 2 hour 30 minutes of free time to explore the New Berat city, take photos and enjoy the lunch.
After exploring the city, we will return to Tirana.
IMPORTANT: During off season November- May most of the museums may be closed on Monday.

KNOW BEFORE YOU RESERVE:
PICK UP: If you select the hotel pick-up option, please note that in some cases, you may be kindly asked to walk a short distance (1–5 minutes) to a nearby main street. This is usually due to certain hotels being located on narrow streets where our buses cannot easily access
IMPORTANT: You’ll receive the final tour details via email and WhatsApp the night before the tour, between 22:30 and midnight. Pick-up times may slightly change depending on the schedule, so it’s very important to check our message. If you’re asleep when we send the info, just check it in the morning to confirm your pick-up time.
MOBILE DATA ROAMING: On the tour day, all communication will be via WhatsApp, so please make sure your phone number is linked to WhatsApp and you have mobile data/roaming enabled
FITNESS LEVEL: Participants should have a basic level of fitness to comfortably complete the tour.

What's not included

Snacks and drinks

Everything not mentioned in the included section

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

131 reviews

5★

105

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

442 reviews

5★

399

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Not recommended for travelers with walking problems

The walking tour inside the castle includes stone streets with some uphill and downhill paths. Comfortable shoes and basic fitness are recommended

Since Berat is located further south than Tirana, temperatures during the summer can be noticeably higher. We kindly recommend bringing a bottle of water, a sunhat, and wearing light, comfortable clothing to ensure you stay cool and enjoy the tour to the fullest

Kindly note that this tour is not suitable for children under 4 years old.

Meeting point

Start the tour at 09:45 AM near the Selman Stërmasi Stadium, Rruga Gjin Bue Shpata, Tirana. Pickup details: Please wait in front of the entrance of Proper Pizza "Stadiumi Dinamo".

About Tirana

Tirana, Albania's vibrant capital, is a city where Ottoman, Italian, and communist influences blend to create a unique urban tapestry. Known for its colorful buildings, lively cafes, and rich history, Tirana offers a dynamic mix of old and new that captivates visitors.

Top Attractions

Bunk'Art 2

A Cold War-era bunker turned museum, Bunk'Art 2 offers a fascinating look into Albania's communist past. The museum features exhibits on the history of communism, the secret police, and the Cold War.

Historical 1-2 hours €5

Blloku

Blloku is Tirana's most vibrant district, known for its lively nightlife, restaurants, and cafes. Once the exclusive residential area of communist leaders, it has transformed into the city's entertainment hub.

Entertainment Evening or full day Free to explore, varies by venue

Dajti National Park

Dajti National Park offers stunning views of Tirana and the surrounding mountains. Visitors can hike, enjoy nature, or take the cable car for panoramic views.

Nature Half day or full day €5 for cable car, free for hiking

Must-Try Local Dishes

Tavë Kosi

A traditional Albanian dish made with baked lamb and rice, topped with a yogurt and egg sauce.

Main Dish Contains dairy and meat

Byrek

A savory pastry filled with cheese, spinach, or meat, baked until golden and flaky.

Snack Vegetarian options available

Fërgesë

A hearty dish made with peppers, tomatoes, onions, and cheese, often served with bread.

Main Dish Vegetarian

Popular Activities

Hiking in Dajti National Park Mountain biking in the surrounding hills Paragliding near Tirana Visiting Blloku for cafes and people-watching Enjoying a spa day at a local wellness center Relaxing at a traditional hammam (Turkish bath) Exploring Bunk'Art 2 and other museums Attending a performance at the National Opera and Ballet Theatre

Best Time to Visit

April to June, September to October

Spring and fall offer the best weather for exploring Tirana, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. The city is in full bloom during spring, while autumn provides a warm, pleasant climate.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Albanian
Widely spoken: English, Italian
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Albanian Lek (ALL)

Time Zone

CET (GMT+1), CST (GMT+2) during daylight saving time

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Tirana is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas and tourist spots.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious with valuables, especially in crowded areas and on public transport.
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-sharing apps to avoid overcharging.
• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and stick to well-lit and populated areas.

Getting there

By air

Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza • 20 km from city center

By bus

Tirana Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the primary mode of public transport in Tirana. The system is affordable and covers most major areas, though it can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: TaksiTirana, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Blloku Pazari i Ri Kamza

Day trips

Berat

120 km from Tirana • Full day

Berat, known as the 'Town of a Thousand Windows,' is a UNESCO World Heritage site with a rich history and stunning architecture. Visitors can explore Ottoman-era houses, churches, and the Berat Castle.

Durrës

35 km from Tirana • Half day or full day

Durrës is Albania's largest beach resort, offering a mix of relaxation and history. Visitors can enjoy the beach, explore the Roman amphitheater, and visit the Archaeological Museum.

Krujë

30 km from Tirana • Half day or full day

Krujë is a historic town known for its medieval castle, bazaar, and the Ethnographic Museum. It's a popular day trip from Tirana, offering a glimpse into Albania's medieval past.

Festivals

Tirana International Film Festival • November Tirana Jazz Festival • November Tirana Summer Festival • July to August

Pro tips

Visit Bunk'Art 2 for a fascinating look into Albania's communist past.
Explore the vibrant Blloku district for nightlife, dining, and shopping.
Take a day trip to Berat or Durrës for a mix of history, culture, and beach relaxation.
Try local dishes like Tavë Kosi and Byrek at traditional restaurants and cafes.
Use public transport or rent a bike to get around the city and reduce your carbon footprint.