• Durres - The ancient city of Dyrrachium, situated on the eastern Adriatic coast, was established by Greek settlers in the 7th century BC. It later became a significant part of the Roman and Byzantine Empires. Due to its strategic location and Mediterranean climate, the vital Via Egnatia began here, stretching across the Balkans to Constantinople.

Today, Durres is a year-round tourist destination. Visitors can explore the Old Town, Byzantine forum ruins, Roman baths, modern city center, the famous Roman Amphitheatre, the Venetian tower, and the archaeological museum showcasing ancient artifacts, particularly those related to the city’s historical urban planning.

• Durres Amphitheatre - Situated in the city’s heart, the Roman Amphitheatre of Durrës was constructed under Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD. It suffered destruction twice due to earthquakes in the 6th and 10th centuries.

Discovered in 1966, it remains the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkans, once accommodating 20,000 spectators. The amphitheater is on Albania’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage Sites list and is a major tourist attraction.

• Venetian Tower of Durrës - A first-category cultural monument, the Venetian Tower is a prominent historical defense structure in Durrës. Part of the Byzantine fortress, it was a key defense along the Adriatic coast.

The current fortress dates back to Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I (491–518), a native of Durrës. Built on the remnants of a Byzantine tower in the 15th century, the Venetian Tower was armed with cannons for coastal defense and served as a crucial observation point. Renovated in 2023, it now houses Albania’s first Heritage Interpretation Center, offering visitors a digital and multimedia exploration of the city’s history.

• Byzantine Forum (Macellum) - Located in central Durrës, the Byzantine Forum was built during Emperor Anastasios’s reign in the late 6th century. It was a key civic and religious site in the Byzantine era.

One of Albania’s notable Late Roman and Early Byzantine structures, the Forum resembles Constantinople’s Curved Forum, destroyed in 1204. Despite being surrounded by modern Durrës, the Forum’s ancient atmosphere is evident. It was used for formal events, with a circular paved area and a rotunda that likely housed a large statue. The Forum was a hub for market and trade activities.

• Durres Beach Promenade - No visit to Durres is complete without a stroll along the Beach Promenade. Enjoy the Adriatic Sea views, and relax at the many cafes, shops, and restaurants lining the shore.

• Berat Castle - Behind the fortress walls atop Berat hill lies the whitewashed Kala neighborhood. Wandering its cobbled streets, you might find yourself in someone’s courtyard, mistaking it for a church or ruin, but locals don’t seem to mind.

• National Iconographic Museum Onufri - Located in the Church of the Dormition of St Mary in the Kala quarter, the Onufri Museum showcases 16th-century religious paintings by Onufri and other renowned Albanian icon painters. The church, dating from 1797, was built on a 10th-century chapel’s foundations. The museum houses 200 artworks, icons, and liturgical items from the 14th to 20th centuries.

• Kisha Shen Triadha (Holy Trinity Church) - One of Berat’s most visited and well-preserved Byzantine churches, the Holy Trinity Church dates back to the late 13th century, as indicated by an inscription naming Governor Andronicus Paleologus.

• Ruins of the Red Mosque - Built during Bayazid II’s reign, the Red Mosque dates back to the 15th century and is one of Albania’s oldest mosques. It was likely constructed shortly after Berat’s Ottoman conquest in 1417. The earliest written record is from 1431/32, and it was originally known as the Mosque of the Ruler and the Mosque of Conquest.

• Mangalem - The Mangalemi quarter in Berat is one of the city’s oldest and most iconic districts. Located north of the Osumi River and south of Kalaja, it retains its Ottoman roots.

Walking through Mangalem, you’ll see centuries-old white stone houses with terracotta roofs, wooden doors, and flower-adorned windows. Known as the ‘City of 1000 Windows,’ the district is famous for its unique architecture and numerous large, symmetrical windows.

• The King Mosque - Also known as the Sultan’s Mosque or Sultan Bayezid Mosque, the King Mosque is one of Albania’s oldest mosques. Built in the 15th century by Sultan Bayezid II, it was rebuilt in the 19th century to prevent collapse. The mosque features a beautifully decorated women’s gallery with intricate designs on its wooden ceiling.

• Halveti Tekke, Berat - The Helveti Tekke, a place of worship for Muslim dervishes, was built in the 15th century and rebuilt by Ahmet Kurt Pasha in 1782. An inscription above the doorway marks this event. Inside, there is a small prayer hall and an external portico with columns from the ancient city of Apolonia. A balcony enhances sound quality for religious rituals.

• Gorica Bridge - The Gorica Bridge in Berat is an architectural marvel with a rich history. Built in the city’s center, it is one of the Balkans’ most beautiful Ottoman bridges, connecting Berat to the Gorica neighborhood.

The bridge features a gradual arch, standing 10 meters tall and spanning 130 meters across the Osumi River. It has seven arches, wooden railings, and small windows, giving it a unique appearance.

• Bottled water
• Licensed Tour guide
• Skip the Tickets line for the unique ONUFRI ICONOGRAPHIC MUSEUM
• Skip the Tickets line for the ancient Durres Amphitheater
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Professional Drivers with Deep knowledge of history
• PRIVATE TOUR option

• Meals and drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activity costs