Things to do in

Osum River

Embark on a cultural and artistic pilgrimage. See master painter Onufri's work in the churches of Berat. Visit Berat Castle, Onufri Museum, Mangalemi & Gorica neighborhoods, and Gorica bridge. Meet your guide at your hotel and start the tour of Berat city. Berat is one of the most visited and characteristic towns in Albania. It is under the protection of UNESCO and considered a World Heritage site due to its unique architecture. Visit Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum. The Berat castle is of particular interest because people still live within its walls in their traditional houses, just like their ancestors did for centuries. Explore this fortress overlooking the town of Berat and its many Byzantine churches. Witness some of the most beautiful shades of red and gold you have ever laid eyes on in the museum. Then, continue to your next stop in the old quarters of Mangalemi and Gorica that connect with each other by the Gorica Bridge over the Osumi River. On the way back you will visit Belshi, a very small town, with a small lake in front of the buildings.

Begin your tour with a pickup from your hotel in Golem or Durres. Travel to Berat in an air-conditioned vehicle, admiring the views of the countryside, with a stop at Belshi Lake along the way. Upon arrival, head to the city’s Mangalam Quarter. See major landmarks such as the Bachelors Mosque. Continue to the historic Gorica Bridge, an Ottoman stone bridge that crosses the Osum River and connects the two parts of the city. Next, cross the bridge and make your way to Berat Castle. Explore the 13th-century landmark, learn about its history from your guide, and admire spectacular views of the city. Then, visit the Onufri Iconographic Museum (ticket not included) to discover more about Albanian culture. After marveling at the collection of icons and religious art, return to Durres or Golem.

Go on a river trekking adventure in Osumi Canyon, with optional transfers from Berat. Receive all necessary equipment including a wetsuit, thermic jacket, safe jacket, helmet, and shoes. Explore the canyon's unique ecosystem, stunning caves, and different shapes of rock formations. Pass local landmarks including Crocodile Head and Devils Gate, and swim in the cool waters of the canyon’s natural swimming pool. Feel an adrenaline rush as you leap from an island into the canyon, adding an extra thrill to your adventure. Along your exploration, listen to fascinating tales from your guides, adding depth and intrigue to your journey. Be enchanted by the vast tapestry of stories and legends that adorn this majestic place. Marvel at the majestic presence of waterfalls, with the Love Waterfall standing tall as a testament to nature's grandeur. At the end of your adventure, head to a local restaurant for lunch (if the option is selected.)

Discover the best of Albania on a private or shared day trip to Berat from Tirana. Visit the picturesque Lake Belshi on the way, then explore Berat’s highlights, including Gorica Bridge, Berat Castle, and the Onufri Iconographic Museum. Begin your tour at the meeting point with the shared tour option, or enjoy a hotel pickup if you opt for the private tour. Then, travel to Berat in an air-conditioned vehicle, admiring the views of the countryside, with a stop at Belshi Lake along the way. Upon arrival, head to the city’s Mangalam Quarter and see its landmarks, such as the Bachelors Mosque. Continue to the historic Gorica Bridge, an Ottoman stone bridge that crosses the Osum River and connects the two parts of the city. Next, cross the bridge and make your way to Berat Castle. Explore the 13th-century landmark, learn about its history from your guide, and admire spectacular views of the city. Visit the Onufri Iconographic Museum (ticket not included) to discover more about Albanian culture. After marveling at the collection of icons and religious art, return to Tirana.

Depart for Berat at 9:00 am and you will be transferred to this beautiful city for around 2.5 hours. This is one of the oldest cities and the pride of Albanian architecture. The three major neighborhoods of the old city are Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala where the castle itself is located. You will start our tour with the castle area. Visiting the 'Kala' involves a steep walk up a cobbled path, but those who make it to the top will be rewarded with a fine view of the surrounding area. You will visit the Museum of Iconography 'Onufri' which bears the name of the renowned fresco and icon-painter Onufri, who has left a rich inheritance. This museum is located within the cathedral of St. Mary’s Assumption. You will also visit the Red Mosque, recognized by its lonely minaret and St. Trinity Church. After the fortress you will visit the Mangalemi quarter and the National Ethnographic Museum. This museum is located in one of the most characteristic and interesting houses of the town, a rich assemblage of traditional objects (more than 1000) and is one of the greatest examples of Berat’s long history and culture. Across the Osumi River lies the Gorica neighborhood, whose houses face those of Mangalemi. The arched bridge of Gorica, built in 1780, is a beautiful architectural monument constructed to link Gorica with Mangelemi. Enjoy some free time to stroll on the bridge. After the tour, there will be optional lunch in a restaurant with traditional cuisine (at extra cost) Return to Tirana.

Welcome to Berat Adventure - Your Ultimate Berat Exploration Hub! Our dedicated team of expert guides ensures a safe and enjoyable experience, catering to both seasoned travelers and first-time adventurers. Join us today for an unforgettable journey filled with excitement and discovery in the historic city of Berat. Unveil the rich cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you explore its ancient castles, picturesque Ottoman-era architecture, and charming cobbled streets. Don't miss the chance to visit the iconic Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum, which houses a remarkable collection of religious art. Let Berat Adventure be your gateway to a captivating exploration of Berat's hidden treasures, creating memories that will stay with you forever.

Embark on a cultural and artistic pilgrimage. See master painter Onufri's work in the churches of Berat. Visit Berat Castle, Onufri Museum, Mangalemi & Gorica neighborhoods, and Gorica bridge. Meet your guide at your hotel and start the tour of Berat city. Berat is one of the most visited and characteristic towns in Albania. It is under the protection of UNESCO and considered a World Heritage site due to its unique architecture. Visit Berat Castle and the Onufri Museum. The Berat castle is of particular interest because people still live within its walls in their traditional houses, just like their ancestors did for centuries. Explore this fortress overlooking the town of Berat and its many Byzantine churches. Witness some of the most beautiful shades of red and gold you have ever laid eyes on in the museum. Then, continue to your next stop in the old quarters of Mangalemi and Gorica that connect with each other by the Gorica Bridge over the Osumi River. On the way back you will visit Belshi, a very small town, with a small lake in front of the buildings.

This magnificent 2400-year-old city is the pride of Albanian Architecture and is protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Berat has been influenced by both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. Its influences from the Eastern & Western empires can be seen through their costumes, traditions and outlooks. Berat is a treasure-trove for Albanian history & culture, and it is a testament of the country’s tradition of religious harmony and tolerance. The city’s life began in the 5th-6th century B.C. as an Illyrian settlement. Later, in the 3rd century B.C., it was turned into a castle city known as Antipatrea. Even today, residents still live inside of the castle walls. The three main neighborhoods of the old city are Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala, the latter being where the castle itself is located. In Mangalemi, below the castle, you can see the famous view of the facades of the houses, with windows that seem to stand above each other. With its houses built along the steep hill, the view of Mangalemi is the reason that another name for Berat is the City of the Floating Windows. Across the Osum River lies the Gorica neighborhood, whose houses face those of Mangalemi. The arched bridge of Gorica, built in 1780, is a beautiful architectural monument constructed to link Gorica with Mangalemi. Its rugged mountain setting is particularly evocative when the clouds swirl around the tops of the minarets or break up to show the icy peak of Mt Tomorri. The old stone houses that have been loyally accompanying each other for centuries,stand up proudly and do not show their age on their snow-white facades. Depart from Tirana for Berat at 9:00 am and you will be transferred to this beautiful city for around 2 hours. First we will start the tour with the castle area,and we will be piercing through old stone houses on a nice walk on the cobbled paths until we reach “Onufri” iconographic museum. The Cathedral of Shën Mëria houses a museum of works by the famous iconographers of the 16th century: Onufri, and his son, Nikolla. There are over 100 icons on display. We will continue walking on the narrow cobbled paths and make a quick stop for a coffee in one of the old houses while interacting with locals. We will continue our walk with beautiful sightseeing of the old churches and mosques that will be accompanying us. We will reach the view point,where you can clearly see the two other neighborhoods from above- Mangalem and Gorica. You will also see the beautiful Osumi river piercing through the city and view the High-Mighty mountains. After touring the fortress, we will continue onto the old Mangalem neighborhood where we will reach the old plaza of the city. We will continue our walk alongside the river towards the Gorica bridge where we will have an amazing view of the Gorica neighborhood. This will be the end of the city tour, and of course there will be an optional lunch in a traditional Albanian restaurant with traditional cuisine.

Begin your tour with a pickup from your hotel in Golem or Durres. Travel to Berat in an air-conditioned vehicle, admiring the views of the countryside, with a stop at Belshi Lake along the way. Upon arrival, head to the city’s Mangalam Quarter. See major landmarks such as the Bachelors Mosque. Continue to the historic Gorica Bridge, an Ottoman stone bridge that crosses the Osum River and connects the two parts of the city. Next, cross the bridge and make your way to Berat Castle. Explore the 13th-century landmark, learn about its history from your guide, and admire spectacular views of the city. Then, visit the Onufri Iconographic Museum (ticket not included) to discover more about Albanian culture. After marveling at the collection of icons and religious art, return to Durres or Golem.

Depart for Berat at 9:00 am and you will be transferred to this beautiful city for around 2 hours. First we will start the tour with the castle area, and we will be piercing through old stones houses on a nice walk on a cobbled path, until we reach “Onufri” iconographic museum. The Cathedral of Shën Mëria houses a museum of works by the famous iconographers of the 16th century: Onufri, and his son, Nikolla. There are over 100 icons on display. We will continue walking in the narrow cobbled paths, and do a quick stop for a coffee in one of the old houses and interact with locals. We will continue our walk with beautiful sightseeing of old churches and mosques accompanying us. We will reach the view-point, where you can see clearly the two other neighborhoods: Mangalem and Gorica from the top view, the beautiful Osumi river piercing through and the high mighty mountains. After the fortress we will go on the old Mangalem neighborhood, until we reach the old plaza of the city. We will continue our walk by the river towards the Gorica bridge, and have an amazing view of Gorica neighborhood. This will be the end of the city tour, and there will be an optional lunch in a restaurant with traditional cuisine. Afterwards we will drive to “Cobo” winery, one of the best wineries in Albania where you will have a wine tasting of their finest wines with appetizers. After the wine tour, we will start heading back to Tirana.