Known as ‘The City of a Thousand Windows', beautiful Berat invites you to peek into the past at its monuments, mosques and museums. Wander beneath minarets, mosaics and murals in the old town – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pair your exploring perfectly with a tour and tasting session at a local vineyard. Noel, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Berat is divided in two by the River Osum, and in centuries past the north bank neighbourhood of Mangalem was the Ottoman or Muslim quarter, while Christians lived in Gorica on the opposite, south bank.'
Journey into central Albania and you'll arrive in medieval Berat – a melting pot of cultures and religions. Follow your guide on a tour of the hilltop castle district, enclosing homes, museums, minarets and churches that dot the skyline. You'll get great views of the gleaming-white Ottoman-era houses climbing the mountainside towards the castle – their long, evenly-spaced windows explain the city's nickname.
Next, we'll visit the Historical House for the chance to try typical treats like gliko jam, often made with cherries and traditionally offered to guests. Noel says, ‘I remember helping my mother to pit the cherries for gliko when I was a child. We would use knitting needles and crochet hooks, but nowadays, she uses a special cherry pitting tool.' After all that exploring, you'll have built up quite a thirst – so we head to a local winery for a sampling of typical Berati wines, all accompanied by their perfect snack pairing. Enjoy a couple of hours of free time roaming Berat to round off your day.
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