Berat & Apollonia: Timeless Cities of Heritage and Ancient Wonders

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We will begin our journey with the first stop at Lake of Belsh. In a picturesque setting, we will enjoy the natural beauty that offers Belsh.

Next, we head to Berat, where we ascend to the castle, a site that speaks volumes about the resilience of its civilization. It offers a panoramic view of the city. Here, we will also enjoy lunch.

After lunch, we descend to the Mangalem quarter, surrounded by shops featuring artisanal crafts and a variety of souvenirs.

We take a walk towards Gorica Bridge, an ancient structure that connected villages of its time and still serves to pedestrians today.

Facing Gorica Bridge and Berat Castle, we find the “One Above One Windows” neighborhood, a UNESCO-protected site welcoming tourists in every season.

The next stop after Berat is Apollonia, where we will visit the Temples of Apollo and Artemis. This archaeological site played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of the ancient city.

Adjacent to the Temples of Apollo and Artemis is the Monastery of Saint Mary, located in a picturesque area that attracts believers and visitors from around the world.

In the Archaeological Museum of Apollonia, we will find a wide variety of weapons and artifacts uncovered in the ancient city and its surrounding area.

After exiting the Archaeological Museum, we take a short walk to the Roman Library and Portico, two magnificent structures that highlight the cultural and architectural importance of Apollonia during the Roman period.

Within this complex of Apollonia, we find the city’s small theater, which demonstrates Apollonia’s dedication to culture and art, along with the adaptation of Greek and Roman architectural styles.

Near the Small Odeon Theater, we find the Mosaics of Apollonia, offering a visual journey into the ancient world.

Encircling these attractions, we find ourselves surrounded by walls that, in present times, are partially covered by erosion.