Mini UNESCO Food Tour

tourhub | Good Albania | Mini UNESCO Food Tour | Mini Unesco 25 | Map

225 Views

4 Days From

~~$1219~~

$1161

Mini UNESCO Food Tour

4 Days Starting and ending in Tirana

Visiting: Tirana, Durrës, Berat, Gjirokaster, Blue Eye, Buthrotum, Ksamil, Sarandë, Porto Palermo, Llogara National Park, Vlorë

Tour operator:

Good Albania

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Low, EASY

Age range:

4-90

Special diets catered:

Kosher, Vegetarians, Vegans, HalalMeat

Tour operated in:

English , Spanish

Private Available:

From: $1219 $1161 Travel Club discount: -$58

NB: Prices correct on 24-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Spend an afternoon wandering in the cobbled streets of Berat, with its Ottoman homes earning it the name “The city of thousand windows”. Venture down to Gjirokastra where a massive oval fortress guards over the steep, narrow streets and stone – roofed houses. Explore the 8th century BC city of Butrint and head back to Tirana through the southern coastland drive. The narrow alleys and castle of the city of “a thousand windows” of BeratThe Bazaar built of stone of GjirokastraA hypnotic spring and a coffee break in the middle of waterfalls

Highlights

The narrow alleys and castle of the city of “a thousand windows” of Berat
Durrës’s City Walls, street – art and the Venetian Tower
The Albania Riviera
The Bazaar built of stone of Gjirokastra
A hypnotic spring and a coffee break in the middle of waterfalls
A stroll through Albanian history in Butrint and Lekursi Castle
The fresh seafood in the Southern Coast and mind-relaxing sight in Llogara National Park

Places You'll See

Mini Unesco Food Tour

Itinerary

Not what you're looking for?

People that have booked this tour have also searched for the following:

Cultural tours in Albania Cultural tours Tours in Albania Singles tours Art Galleries & Museums tours Shopping tours Sightseeing tours Walking tours Art tours

Expand All

Day 1 : Sightseeing Tour Of Berat Via Durres

Location: Tirana, Durrës, Berat

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Mangalem or similar

Meals Included: Lunch

Today, we journey to Berat, stopping en route in the coastal city of Durres for a brief walking tour of its ancient landmarks. Discover the City Walls, the remnants of the Byzantine Forum, the Roman Thermal Baths, the historic Venetian Tower, and the impressive Roman Amphitheater, which stands as a testament to the city’s long history.

Continuing onward, we pass through scenic hills dotted with olive groves before arriving in Berat, where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant with views of this picturesque city. After lunch, settle into your hotel before heading out for an in-depth guided tour of Berat, known as the “City of a Thousand Windows” for its unique Ottoman architecture.

Start by exploring the iconic citadel, or Berat Castle, which houses the Red Mosque, easily recognized by its lone minaret, and an array of beautiful Byzantine churches, such as the Holy Trinity Church and St. George’s Church. During the tour, step into a local home nestled within the castle walls and experience traditional hospitality with coffee, raki, and local desserts.

After the castle visit, continue to Berat's Medieval Center, where you’ll see the historic King Mosque, the Halveti Tekke, and the Gorica Bridge, a charming arched bridge built in 1780 that connects the two sides of the city.

Wrap up your day with free time to wander Berat’s two main districts, Mangalem and Gorica. Explore their winding streets, admire the Ottoman-era architecture, and immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this UNESCO World Heritage city.

Day 2 : Sightseeing Tour Of Gjirokastra (Unesco)

Location: Gjirokaster

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Kalemi or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Embark on a journey to Gjirokaster, often celebrated as the "City of a Thousand Steps" due to its labyrinthine, steep streets and terraced hillside layout. This UNESCO World Heritage city is renowned for its impeccably preserved Ottoman-era architecture and its striking stone houses that seem to cling to the mountainside.

Begin your exploration with a visit to the Skenduli House, an exceptional example of Ottoman residential architecture. This beautifully preserved tower house, with its intricate wooden balconies and stone masonry, offers a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Gjirokaster's historical elite.

Next, make your way to the Gjirokaster Castle, a formidable fortress that dominates the city’s skyline. Wander through its expansive grounds and explore the various sections, including the former prison and military museum.

After your castle exploration, delight in a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant renowned for its authentic regional cuisine. Savor traditional dishes that showcase the rich flavors and culinary heritage of southern Albania, offering a perfect complement to the day’s historical adventures.

Enjoy a relaxing evening in the streets of Gjirokastra.

Day 3 : Sightseeing Tour Of Butrint & The Blue Eye Spring

Location: Blue Eye, Buthrotum, Ksamil, Sarandë

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Titania or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Start your day with a visit to the enchanting Blue Eye Spring, a natural wonder renowned for its mesmerizing, crystal-clear blue waters. Surrounded by lush greenery, this stunning spring creates a kaleidoscope of blue hues as sunlight dances across its depths.

Next, we journey to Butrint National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a captivating blend of ancient history and natural splendor. As you explore the Butrint Archaeological Park, a local expert will guide you through its rich tapestry of 2,500 years of history. Wander through the evocative ruins of the ancient Amphitheater, stand in awe of the imposing castle, and admire the remnants of early Christian churches. The Lion Gate, with its intricate carvings, stands as a testament to the city's historical significance and grandeur.

After soaking in the historical and cultural riches of Butrint, head to the idyllic Ksamil Beach. This pristine stretch of coastline is renowned for its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. Enjoy some leisurely free time to relax, swim, or simply bask in the sun.

Our arrival in Ksamil includes a special treat: lunch at the renowned Mussel House restaurant. Set near the beautiful Lake Butrint, this local gem offers the freshest seafood in the region, with mussels that are sourced directly from the lake itself. Indulge in a menu featuring expertly prepared dishes, from traditional Albanian mussel recipes to a range of Mediterranean-inspired flavors, perfectly paired with local wine.

On our return to Saranda, we’ll make a scenic stop at Lekursi Castle. From this vantage point, take in breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Saranda and its shimmering bay, offering a perfect end to a day filled with exploration and natural beauty.

Day 4 : Vlore Via Llogara National Park

Location: Porto Palermo, Llogara National Park, Vlorë, Tirana

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Travel along the breathtaking Riviera road on your way to the historic city of Vlore, with a memorable stop at Ali Pasha Castle. With your Tour Director leading the way, explore this impressive fortress, an architectural wonder overlooking the Ionian Sea. Listen as your guide shares the intriguing history and colorful legends of Ali Pasha Tepelena, the ambitious leader who constructed this castle, reputed for his defiance and complex alliances.

Pause for a delightful lunch at a rustic restaurant, where you’ll enjoy local flavors in an authentic, scenic setting.

In the afternoon, continue to Vlore, a city rich in history as the birthplace of Albania’s National Independence movement. Begin your exploration at Flag Square, where the towering Independence Monument commemorates Albania’s first steps as a sovereign nation. Discover the Muradie Mosque, an architectural gem dating back to the 16th century, and stroll along Vlore Lungomare, a scenic coastal promenade offering views of the sea and the vibrant cityscape.

After an enriching day along the Albanian Riviera, transfer to Tirana.
(Please note that hotel accommodation in Tirana is not included as part of this tour.)

What's Included

Accommodation

3 nights in handpicked hotels
Drinks with Meals

meals with beer or wine
Entrance Fees

3 guided sightseeing tours and select entrance fees
Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
Fully Guided

Expert Tour Director & local guides
Meals – Half Board

4 Lunches three course meals with beer or wine.
Private deluxe motor coach

What's Not Included

Tipping and Gratuities
International Travel

Optional Extras

Pre/Post Tour Accommodation

Single Room
Airport Pick up / Drop off

Airport Pick up / Drop off
Pre/Post Tour Accommodation

Double Room

Requirements

From April to October light clothing that provide comfort are advised. Sunglasses, a sun hat, and good pair of walking shoes or sneakers are recommended for sightseeing. A lightweight jacket and emergency rainwear are also advised

Check out our Q&As

Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

Yes! No matter which of our tours you pick, when you go solo, you’ll have your Tour Director and fellow travelers to keep you company.
Are airport transfers included in this tour?

No is not included. If you
Travelling to Albania by boat/ferry

There are many ferry companies making the jouney to and from Durrës, distancing just 37km from Tirana (a pick up service is often included in the tour price - please check for details).
Travelling to Albania by plane

Nënë Tereza International Airport is 17 km northwest of Tirana and is a modern, well-managed terminal. There are no domestic flights within Albania.
Albania: Climate & Weather

The climate is decidedly Mediterranean throughout the whole of the coastal area with hot summers tending towards heat waves. Winters are rainy but mild in temperature with very agreeable mid-seasons. It tends to be more continental in the mountainous zones: The temperature differences are especially marked from one season to another and the north-east of the country experiences winters with frequent snow.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Kelly

Mini Unesco Food Tour

15-Dec-2020

It was my first time in Albania and I didn't know what to expect but Good Albania are an amazing company and the tour was so well organised. My favourite part was when we went and cooked some traditional food with a lovely Albanian family (all fresh ingredients!) The hotel's were clean and very well chosen. The guides Migert and Geri were excellent and really made the experience perfect!

Declan

Mini Unesco Food Tour

01-Apr-2019

Enjoyed the tour. Got alot in on one small tour. Hope to do a 4 day trip to Macedonia soon with your company.

Edinburghtraveller

Great company

05-Jun-2019

We did the mini UNESCO food tour. There were four days packed with treats. The quality of the guiding was excellent. We learned such a lot. Our driver/tour director was good and safe driver. He took us to some great restaurants and was flexible on a couple of occasions when we varied the itinerary. Communication with the company was excellent. I took the hotel bookings on trust and wondered if there would be a/c or even private bathrooms. Our three hotels were excellent, two traditional Albanian and one modern sea front and all three had everything we needed including a lovely breakfast. I will definitely return to Albania to see more of this beautiful. It has so much to offer that I believe it will soon be overrun with tourists. Go now and definitely use this company.

Traveled with family

Anonymous

Mini Unesco Food Tour

16-Mar-2019

This is a great tour and much more than a food tour. You get the best of every thing at a fantastic price. If you are a foodie this tour is for you. If you are a history person this tour is for you. Plenty of Castles and stories to tell. Our guide Rando was fantastic also. Rando was always on time, energetic and fun to be with every day. He showed us how much he loves his country and really wanted to share its history and culture with foreign visitors. We came early in the year which made a few places not yet open for the season, but Rando worked around these issues calling his connections and introducing substitute items as needed so that our days where always filled. He was our personal concierge with infinite knowledge. We felt like we made a friend very quickly and he truly is a hospitality ambassador for Albania. Albania has come a long ways since its communist days and it shows what these people can do. Everyone needs to put Albania on their list of places that have to be visited.

Daniel G

Erand best tour guide 2020

23-Oct-2020

Gjirokaster is a must visit. We enjoyed soaking in the Ionian sea. Authentic Albanian food was great as well

Traveled as a couple

Want a private tour?

Personalise your trip

Make changes to the itinerary, accommodation, or transport method
Travel more exclusively

Your tour guide can focus all their attention on your group
Travel for a special occasion

Celebrate an important event by only travelling with your friends or family

1 Select your preferred date

Nov
2024 Dec
2024 Jan
2025 Feb
2025 Mar
2025 Apr
2025 May
2025 Jun
2025 Sep
2025 Oct
2025 Nov
2025 Dec
2025

Wednesday - Saturday

Nov 27, 2024 - Nov 30, 2024

~~$1219~~ $1161