Pogradec
— Tour overview
Pogradec - The picturesque city by the lake (UNESCO)
An idyllic and picturesque city located on the shores of Lake Ohrid (UNESCO) in southeastern Albania, is a popular destination for travelers looking for a quiet escape full of stunning natural beauty, rich heritage, and warm hospitality.
Pogradec with Lake Ohrid known for its stunning surroundings as one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The lake’s crystal-clear waters, surrounded by greenery and majestic mountains, offer endless opportunities for water-based activities, from swimming and boating to fishing and bird watching. The lake is also home to numerous species of fish, such as Koran, the symbol of the city for its importance and taste.
Pogradec boasts a fascinating history and a wealth of cultural attractions.
Attractions are numerous in Pogradec, starting from the old town known for its Ottoman and Balkan architecture, the 2400-year-old castle with its unique charm, the royal tombs of Selca as well as the settlements of Lini.
In a groundbreaking discovery that has once and for all changed the tourist prospects of the village of Lin, foreign archaeologists have declared the settlement of Lin the oldest in Europe, over 8,500 years.
Pogradec with Lake Ohrid known for its stunning surroundings as one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The lake’s crystal-clear waters, surrounded by greenery and majestic mountains, offer endless opportunities for water-based activities, from swimming and boating to fishing and bird watching. The lake is also home to numerous species of fish, such as Koran, the symbol of the city for its importance and taste.
Pogradec boasts a fascinating history and a wealth of cultural attractions.
Attractions are numerous in Pogradec, starting from the old town known for its Ottoman and Balkan architecture, the 2400-year-old castle with its unique charm, the royal tombs of Selca as well as the settlements of Lini.
In a groundbreaking discovery that has once and for all changed the tourist prospects of the village of Lin, foreign archaeologists have declared the settlement of Lin the oldest in Europe, over 8,500 years.
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Book Tour
Overview
Included
Not included
What To Expect
Overview
On the way to Progradec we will travel along side Shkumbini River which divides Albanians in the two big dialects, Gheg and Tosk.
The scenery will be green and amazing.
Here we will experience the hard voluntary work of Albanias to build the railway all over the country in communism times.
The scenery will be green and amazing.
Here we will experience the hard voluntary work of Albanias to build the railway all over the country in communism times.
Included
• Transport with a/c vehicle
• City Tour
• Driver/ Guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• City Tour
• Driver/ Guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included
• Meals and drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activity costs
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activity costs
What To Expect
Discover Pogradec on a private day trip from Tirana
Visit the famous Illyrian Kings Monumental Tombs.
Try the local gastronomy.
Visit one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes with private car and guide.
Boat tour.
Hear history you’d miss alone and relax with handy hotel pickup.
This tour has also some surprises for you that only our guides know.
Visit the famous Illyrian Kings Monumental Tombs.
Try the local gastronomy.
Visit one of Europe’s oldest and deepest lakes with private car and guide.
Boat tour.
Hear history you’d miss alone and relax with handy hotel pickup.
This tour has also some surprises for you that only our guides know.
— Book
Book Tour
— Tour overview
Berat - the city of one over one windows
Berat, known as the “City of One Over One Windows”, is a historic city in Albania, located in the heart of the country’s lush landscape. Known for its picturesque beauty and rich cultural heritage, Berat offers visitors a glimpse into Albania’s fascinating past and a taste of its warm welcome.
A 2,400-year-old city, pride of Albanian architecture, wealth of culture and symbol of religious coexistence, has been proven in the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
The first thing you will notice in Berat is its stunning natural environment.
The city is divided into two distinct parts: Kala (old town) and Mangalem (new city). Both are set in the backdrop of the Tomorri mountains and the Osum river winds through the valley, creating a mesmerizing view.
Across the Osum River, lies the Goricë neighborhood, with its houses facing Mangalem. The Arched Bridge of Gorica, built in 1780, is a beautiful architectural monument built to connect Gorica with Mangalem. The ottoman-era white houses in the old town with their many windows create a unique architectural spectacle, which has given Berat its nickname.
Historical significance: Berat has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with influences from the Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The city is home to many historic sites, including The Castle of Berat, a castle dating back to the 4th century.
Within its walls, you can explore the Byzantine churches of St Mary and St Michael, each featuring stunning frescoes. Furthermore, the Onufri Museum, located in St. Mary’s Cathedral, displays an extraordinary collection of religious art, including works by the renowned iconographer Onufri.
The city of Berat is not only an architectural wonderland; It is also a living museum of traditional Albanian life. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, you’ll meet locals who are proud of their heritage.
A visit to Berat will surely leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for this enchanting Albanian pearl.
A 2,400-year-old city, pride of Albanian architecture, wealth of culture and symbol of religious coexistence, has been proven in the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
The first thing you will notice in Berat is its stunning natural environment.
The city is divided into two distinct parts: Kala (old town) and Mangalem (new city). Both are set in the backdrop of the Tomorri mountains and the Osum river winds through the valley, creating a mesmerizing view.
Across the Osum River, lies the Goricë neighborhood, with its houses facing Mangalem. The Arched Bridge of Gorica, built in 1780, is a beautiful architectural monument built to connect Gorica with Mangalem. The ottoman-era white houses in the old town with their many windows create a unique architectural spectacle, which has given Berat its nickname.
Historical significance: Berat has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with influences from the Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The city is home to many historic sites, including The Castle of Berat, a castle dating back to the 4th century.
Within its walls, you can explore the Byzantine churches of St Mary and St Michael, each featuring stunning frescoes. Furthermore, the Onufri Museum, located in St. Mary’s Cathedral, displays an extraordinary collection of religious art, including works by the renowned iconographer Onufri.
The city of Berat is not only an architectural wonderland; It is also a living museum of traditional Albanian life. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, you’ll meet locals who are proud of their heritage.
A visit to Berat will surely leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for this enchanting Albanian pearl.
Overview
Included
Not included
What To Expect
Overview
On the way to Berat we will drive through a beautiful country side where will be sightseeing the once called STALIN city.
Here we will be acquainted with the diesel pulling pumps installed since communism times. Explore the historic neighborhoods of Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala; admire architectural landmarks including Berat Castle, the Red Mosque, and St. Trinity Church; visit the Museum of Iconography and National Ethnographic Museum; get introduced with ONUFRI, the master of XVI Century; learn about Berat mythology.
Discover historical Berat on a private day trip from Tirana
Free time in Berat: explore both with and without a guide
Traditional Albanian lunch at a local restaurant (optional)
Great-value tour: hotel pickup and all entrance fees included
Travelling through inner Albania for more country insights.
Here we will be acquainted with the diesel pulling pumps installed since communism times. Explore the historic neighborhoods of Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala; admire architectural landmarks including Berat Castle, the Red Mosque, and St. Trinity Church; visit the Museum of Iconography and National Ethnographic Museum; get introduced with ONUFRI, the master of XVI Century; learn about Berat mythology.
Discover historical Berat on a private day trip from Tirana
Free time in Berat: explore both with and without a guide
Traditional Albanian lunch at a local restaurant (optional)
Great-value tour: hotel pickup and all entrance fees included
Travelling through inner Albania for more country insights.
Included
• Transport with a/c vehicle
• City Tour of Berat
• Driver/ Guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• City Tour of Berat
• Driver/ Guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included
• Meals and drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activity costs
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activity costs
What To Expect
• National Ethnographic Museum Berat
The National Ethnographic Museum of Berat, situated within a striking, typical 18th century two-story Berat residence, is a pleasant immersion into the lifestyle traditions of this fascinating town.
The museum’s pavilions are nicely organized within the two stories of the former residence.
The nice journey along the pavilions reveals an accurate panorama of the traditions and daily conditions of the lives of Berat’s prominent families.
• National Iconographic Museum Onufri
Built in 1797, this cathedral is situated at the highest altitude of the Berat Castle, though it can be a little difficult to find. While the Ottomans were Muslim, they allowed Christians to continue practicing their faith and build churches, though not very visibly.
This cathedral is one of them, a typical church of three naves and two rows of tall stone columns. Inside, you initially find yourself facing the Holy Altar with masterful engravings and paintings of Bible scenes in the incredibly lavish and ornate iconostasis of the Cathedral – the only one to have survived from the former metropolitan complex.
The iconostasis, created in 1807, the most eye-catching part of the interior of the church, is considered one of the greatest accomplishments of the 19th-century Albanian wood-carving masters. It stretches along the entire interior of the cathedral and includes twelve royal icons as well as twenty-seven small festive icons. The royal icons, objects of reverence and worship.
• Holy Trinity Church The Holy Trinity Church is a medieval Byzantine church which stands on a hill in the city of Berat in the Kalaja district of Southern Albania.
The National Ethnographic Museum of Berat, situated within a striking, typical 18th century two-story Berat residence, is a pleasant immersion into the lifestyle traditions of this fascinating town.
The museum’s pavilions are nicely organized within the two stories of the former residence.
The nice journey along the pavilions reveals an accurate panorama of the traditions and daily conditions of the lives of Berat’s prominent families.
• National Iconographic Museum Onufri
Built in 1797, this cathedral is situated at the highest altitude of the Berat Castle, though it can be a little difficult to find. While the Ottomans were Muslim, they allowed Christians to continue practicing their faith and build churches, though not very visibly.
This cathedral is one of them, a typical church of three naves and two rows of tall stone columns. Inside, you initially find yourself facing the Holy Altar with masterful engravings and paintings of Bible scenes in the incredibly lavish and ornate iconostasis of the Cathedral – the only one to have survived from the former metropolitan complex.
The iconostasis, created in 1807, the most eye-catching part of the interior of the church, is considered one of the greatest accomplishments of the 19th-century Albanian wood-carving masters. It stretches along the entire interior of the cathedral and includes twelve royal icons as well as twenty-seven small festive icons. The royal icons, objects of reverence and worship.
• Holy Trinity Church The Holy Trinity Church is a medieval Byzantine church which stands on a hill in the city of Berat in the Kalaja district of Southern Albania.