History & Nice to know
Apollonia and Berat are the historical highlights of Albania. Apollonia is an impressive archaeological park with ruins from the Greek & Roman times. During the Roman empire, Apollonia was a great and important city. And it was famous for its school of philosophy.
Berat is a historical city in Albania, which is on the UNESCO world heritage list. In Berat, you will explore the historical neighbourhoods of Mangalem, Gorica & Kala. You will visit Berat Castle and the Museum of Iconography. In the late afternoon, you will have some free time to shop for souvenirs, take pictures & stroll through the cobblestone streets.
Hotel pick-up in Tirana, transportation and all entrance fees are included.
Highlights - Apollonia and Berat UNESCO tour from Tirana
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Apollonia is an archaeological parkwith ruins from the Greek and Roman periods. In the ancient times, the Roman philosopher Cicero called Apollonia “a great and important city” and you can see that today from the impressive ruins.
- The historical center of Berat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site& it is a Museum City in Albania.
- Berat is called the city of a thousand windows, because of the traditional white houses build on the hillside. The traditional Ottoman style houses are well-preserved and beautiful.
- You will have a Panoramic view of Berat cityfrom the Kala Castle on the hilltop.
- You will visit Apollonia and Berat with a private tour guideand you can customize the itinerary based on your personal interests.
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Private transportationto Apollonia & Berat.
Itinerary - Apollonia and Berat UNESCO tour from Tirana
Apollonia Archaeological Park
Apollonia is an archaeological park in center of Albania. In the ancient times, Apollonia was an important Greek city. The city was founded in 588 BC by Greek colonists from Corfu and Corinth. However, it was during the Roman period that the city of Apollonia really flourished.
In the 4th century AD, Apollonia was an important economic city and trade center. The city was known for its famous school of philosophy. Cicero, a famous Roman public speaker, called Apollonia “a great and important city”. And the city was also one of the most important gateways to the Via Egnatia, which was a Roman trade route through the Balkans.
The ruins of Apollonia were re-discovered in the beginning of the 19th century. The park is set of a hilly plateau and it is surrounded by calming nature.
Berat Castle
The Berat Castle is an enormous fortress called “Kala” on the top of the hill in Berat. From the castle, you will have amazing views in all directions and see the historical town and river below.
Within the castle walls, you will see a village-like neighbourhood, called Kala. Until this day, some people are still living within the castle walls. The castle dates back to the 13th century and there are many Byzantine churches within the walls and one Ottoman mosque.
Museum of Iconography “Onufri”
The Museum of Iconography is a museum with religious painting from several Albanian monasteries. The museum is located within the castle walls in the largest church on the premises, called “the Church of the Dormition of St. Mary”. The museum is named “Onufri” after the Albanian fresco and icon-painter.
Mangalem Quarter & Gorica Quarter
Then in the afternoon, we will visit the Mangalem & Gorica Quarters. These are the traditional neighbourhoods build on the side of the hill. You will see hundreds of little white Ottoman-style houses. From the bottom of the hill, it looks like the little houses are stacked on top of each other. Therefore, Berat is called “the city of a thousand windows”. In short, Berat is a very romantic city with an Italian atmosphere.
Inclusions - Apollonia and Berat UNESCO tour from Tirana
- Transport with a/c vehicle
- A guided tour through the Apollonia Archaeological Park
- Hotel pick-up and drop off in Tirana
- Entrance fee to Apollonia
- Entrance fees to the Museum of Iconography ‘Onufri’
- Entrance fee to the Castle of Berat
Exclusions - Apollonia and Berat UNESCO tour from Tirana
- Meals and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
