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

Today, Durres is a year-round tourist destination. Visitors can explore the Old Town, the remnants of the Byzantine forum and walls, the Roman baths, the modern city center, the famous Roman Amphitheatre, the Venetian tower, and the archaeological museum, which showcases remarkable ancient finds, particularly highlighting the city’s historical urban planning.

• Durres Amphitheatre - Situated in the heart of the city, the Roman Amphitheater of Durrës was initiated under Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD. Unfortunately, it was twice devastated by earthquakes in the 6th and 10th centuries.

Discovered in late 1966, it remains the largest Roman amphitheater in the Balkan Peninsula, once accommodating 20,000 spectators. The Durres Roman amphitheater is on Albania’s tentative list for UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is among the most frequented attractions in Albania.

• Venetian Tower of Durrës - As a first-category cultural monument, the Venetian Tower is one of Durrës’ most stunning historical defensive structures. Part of the Durres Byzantine fortress, it was a formidable defense along the Adriatic coast. The current fortress dates back to the Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I (491–518), a native of Durrës (ancient Dyrrhachium).
  Built on the remains of the Byzantine tower in the 15th century, the Venetian Tower was armed with cannons to defend the city from the sea and served as a vital observation point. Renovated in 2023, it has been transformed into Albania’s first Heritage Interpretation Center, offering visitors a chance to explore historical events and sites through advanced digital and multimedia tools, blending entertainment with a deeper understanding of the city’s ancient history.

• Byzantine Forum (Macellum) - Located in the center of Durrës, the Byzantine Forum was built during the reign of Roman Emperor Anastasios at the end of the sixth century. It held a key position among the Byzantine era’s major civic and religious structures.
  Considered one of Albania’s finest Late Roman and Early Byzantine Period structures, the Forum resembles Constantine’s Curved Forum in Constantinople, which was destroyed by the Fourth Crusade in 1204. Despite being surrounded by modern Durres, the ancient atmosphere is tangible, and the structure, along with other city-harbor defenses, was once considered the strongest in the Balkans. This explains the forum’s longevity, with its circular paved area indicating its use for formal events. The Forum’s rotunda is believed to have housed a massive statue now lost to time, with market and trade activities centered around it.

• Beach of Durrës - A visit to the seaside city of Durres is incomplete without a stroll along the Beach Promenade, enjoying the stunning views of the Adriatic Sea and relaxing at the numerous cafes, shops, and restaurants lining the shore.

• Berat Castle - Behind the crumbling fortress walls atop the hill above Berat lies the whitewashed, village-like neighborhood of Kala. Wandering the quiet cobbled streets of this ancient area, visitors may inadvertently find themselves in someone’s courtyard, mistaking it for a church or ruin, though this is generally not an issue.

• National Iconographic Museum Onufri - Located in the largest church of the Kala quarter, the Church of the Dormition of St Mary (Kisha Fjetja e Shën Mërisë), the Onufri Museum showcases spectacular 16th-century religious paintings by Onufri, along with the church’s beautifully gilded 19th-century iconostasis. The museum houses 200 artworks, icons, and liturgical items from the 14th to the 20th century, collected from various regional churches and monasteries.

• Kisha Shen Triadha (Holy Trinity Church) - One of Berat’s most visited sites, this church is considered one of the best-constructed and preserved Byzantine churches in Berat. Its construction dates back to the late 13th century, as confirmed by an inscription on one of the gates bearing the name of Andronicus Paleologus, Governor of Berat.

• Ruins of the Red Mosque - According to Ottoman explorer Evliya Çelebi (1611–1682), the mosque was built during the reign of Bayazid II, likely in the 15th century, making it one of the oldest mosques in the country. It was probably constructed shortly after the Ottomans conquered Berat in 1417, with the earliest written record dating from 1431/32. Originally known as the Mosque of the Ruler and Mosque of Conquest.

• Mangalem - The Mangalemi quarter in Berat is one of the city’s oldest and most iconic districts, located just north of the Osumi River and south of Kalaja. Historically an Islamic area due to its Ottoman heritage, its influence is still evident today.
  Walking through Mangalem Quarter, visitors are surrounded by centuries-old white stone houses with terracotta tiles, wooden doors, and flowers adorning the windows. This district is famous for its unique architecture, earning the nickname ‘City of 1000 Windows’ due to the numerous large symmetrical windows along its rocky hillsides.

• The King Mosque - Also known as the Sultan’s Mosque or Sultan Bayezid Mosque, it is one of Albania’s oldest mosques. Built in the 15th century by Ottoman Sultan Bayezid II, it served as a place of worship for Berat’s local Albanian population. The mosque was completely rebuilt in the 19th century to prevent collapse and remains an active site today. Inside, there is a beautiful women’s gallery with intricate painted designs and decorations on its wooden ceiling.

• Halveti Tekke, Berat - Helveti Tekke is a place of worship for the Helveti, Muslim dervishes or mystics. This small square building was constructed in the 15th century and later rebuilt by Ahmet Kurt Pasha in 1782. Above its doorway is an inscription dedicated to him, marking this special occasion. Inside, visitors will find a small prayer hall with an external portico featuring columns from the ancient city of Apolonia. There is also a balcony designed to enhance sound quality for religious rituals.

• Gorica Bridge - With a rich history, complex architecture, and a simple yet beautiful aesthetic, the Gorica Bridge has captivated admirers for centuries.
  Built in the center of Berat, the grand Bridge of Gorica is one of the most beautiful Ottoman bridges in the Balkans, connecting the city with the neighborhood of the same name. Its beauty is attributed to its gradual arch, standing 10m tall and elegantly spanning 130m across the Osumi riverbed. It features seven arches, wooden railings, and several small “windows,” giving the arches whimsical facial features, making this bridge a truly unique sight.

• 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

Explore the highlights of two important Albanian cities in one full day tour that will immerse you into two thousand and half years of history.

Admire the ancient seaside city of Durres and its Roman amphitheater where one can still hear the gladiators roar, and the UNESCO’s sites of Berat with its lived-in castle, two museums, and the world-renowned Ottoman neighbourhoods.

Depart from your hotel and make your way in comfort to the port city of Durres where you can stroll through the ruins of the old Dyrrachium, sightseeing the Byzantine Forum, the Venetian Tower, and lastly, what will make your day - enjoy a cafe taking in the lovely vistas by the shore of the Adriatic Sea.

Be in awe by the breathtaking views on top of Berat castle - perfect place for photos, and revere the frescoes of the medieval iconographic master, Onufri.

Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your hotel with our professional guides that possess a deep knowledge and love of history and language skills.

• Travel time is already included in the tour duration.
• Please contact us after your booking if you are travelling with infants

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