Albania: Mini UNESCO Food Tour – 4 Days

Set off on a guided tour of the City Walls, Byzantine Forum, Roman Thermal Baths, the Venetian Tower and the Amphitheater and enjoy the city’s street art around the ancient ruins.

Head for lunch in a local restaurant facing the city. Get settled in the hotel and head out for a guided tour admiring the citadel / castle of Berat with the Red Mosque, recognized by its solitary minaret, and the many Byzantine Churches like the Holy Trinity Church and the St. George Church. Step inside a local home inside the castle of Berat for a coffee, raki and dessert break. The King Mosque, the Halveti Tekke and the arched bridge of Gorica, built in 1780 are the other attractions that await you in the Medieval Center of Berat after the Castle visit. Enjoy the rest of the day to wander in the two main districts of Mangalem and Gorica.

Soak up to the rich history of the castle and enjoy the view of the “city of stone” from above. Pass by the Ottoman Bazaar and historic wooden houses and visit Gjirokastra Obelisk dedicated to the first school of Gjirokastra and enjoy the 360º view from there. Stop for lunch in a small, local restaurant for a taste of the city’s authentic dishes. Step into Skenduli house, the nicest Ottoman tower house and listen to its history and details from the 10th generation of Skenduli family. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the streets of Gjirokastra.

Marvel at 2500 year of history embedded in the Amphitheater, the Castle, the Churches and the Lion Gate.

Spend your afternoon in Ksamil and on the way back to Saranda visit the Lekursi Castle overseeing the city.

Marvel at the architecture and listen to entertaining legends about the man who build it, Ali Pashe Tepelena. Stop for lunch at a rustic local restaurant along Shushica river.

Hometown to the National Independence movement, visit the Flag Square with its Independence Monument right in the center, the Muradie Mosque and Vlore Lungomare. Transfer to Tirana. (Hotel accommodation in Tirana is not included on tour) Transfer to Tirana in late afternoon.