Day Tour From Tirana: Discover Berat and Divjaka

Discover Berat and Divjaka: A Full Day Tour from Tirana

If you’re craving a window into Albania’s stunning landscapes and historic towns, this day trip from Tirana might just be your best bet. For $101 per person, you’ll spend about 12 hours exploring two of the country’s most fascinating sites: the UNESCO-listed Berat, often called the “City of a Thousand Windows,” and the lush Divjaka National Park, with its tranquil lakes and abundant wildlife. With a friendly guide leading the way, you’ll enjoy a well-paced itinerary that combines nature, history, and local flavors.

What we love about this tour? First, the chance to stand atop Divjaka Tower and get panoramic views of the park’s greenery. Second, wandering through Berat’s cobbled streets and feeling the weight of centuries in its stone walls and charming neighborhoods. One consideration? The tour involves quite a bit of walking, so comfortable shoes are a must.

This experience suits travelers who want to see more of Albania than just Tirana’s bustling streets, especially those eager to connect with its natural beauty and its storied past. If you’re short on time but want to make the most of a day, this trip offers a balanced taste of both worlds.

Key Points

• Natural beauty: Divjaka’s lush landscapes and wildlife, including endemic cranes.
• Historic charm: Walking through Berat’s UNESCO World Heritage site and exploring Berat Castle.
• Flexible options: A boat ride in Divjaka and visiting the Onufri Museum are available but optional.
• Authentic experiences: Enjoying local lunch options and a lakeside coffee break.
• All-in-one day: Perfect for those with limited time wanting a rundown.
• Value: Includes transportation, guiding, and entrance fees, making it a convenient package.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Journey Through Albania: From Nature to History

This tour kicks off early in the morning with a hotel pickup around 9 AM, giving you a head start on what promises to be a rewarding day. The 1.5-hour scenic drive from Tirana takes you through the Albanian countryside, giving glimpses of rural life, rolling hills, and the changing landscape that makes this country so captivating.

Divjaka National Park: Nature’s Hidden Gem

Arriving around 11 AM, we find ourselves in Divjaka National Park, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. The park’s lush greenery and diverse wildlife are on full display—if you’re lucky, you’ll see the endemic crane species from close range. The park features well-maintained trails where we can go for a gentle walk, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

One highlight is the Divjaka Tower, where we climb up to take in sweeping views across the park. The panoramic vistas reveal a tapestry of forests, lakes, and open spaces, inviting you to pause and appreciate the natural purity. For those wanting a bit more adventure, a small boat ride is available for just €3, offering a different perspective of the wetlands and lakes. This optional activity lets you see the park from a different angle and often results in delightful sightings of local birdlife.

The reviews rave about the peacefulness of Divjaka, with one traveler noting, “The views from the tower were stunning, and the wildlife was surprisingly diverse.” The park’s tranquility makes it an ideal spot for a picnic or just a moment of quiet reflection amid nature.

Lunch and Local Flavors

After a few hours in the park, it’s time to refuel. The tour includes an option to enjoy lunch at a local restaurant or tavern, where you can sample authentic Albanian dishes—think fresh seafood or simple grilled meats accompanied by seasonal vegetables. Many travelers find this part of the tour a highlight, appreciating the chance to taste local flavors in a relaxed setting.

Berat: A Walk Back in Time

The drive to Berat takes about 45 minutes, and upon arrival, you’ll immediately notice the town’s distinctive architecture—stone houses with distinctive windows and terraced streets that climb up the hills. Berat’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site is well-deserved; it feels like walking through an open-air museum.

Our guide will lead us to Berat Castle, perched high above the town. Walking through its ancient ruins, we get a sense of the history that shaped this place over centuries. The Onufri Museum offers a glimpse into religious art and icons, though visiting it is optional. The real charm lies in wandering the cobbled streets of Mangalem and Gorica, two neighborhoods with contrasting architectures but equally enchanting atmospheres.

Travelers often comment on Berat’s unique “thousand windows” facades, which make for fantastic photos. The town’s atmospheric streets are lined with cafes, small shops, and historic churches, creating a lively but relaxed vibe.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lakeside Coffee Break at Belsh Lake

As the day winds down, we make a brief stop at Belsh Lake for a relaxing coffee or tea break. The serene waters and calm surroundings allow you to reflect on the day’s discoveries, share stories, and simply enjoy the moment before heading back to Tirana.

Return and Reflection

The journey back to Tirana is about 2 hours, and most travelers arrive around 9 PM. By then, you’ll have experienced a full spectrum of Albania’s natural beauty and cultural riches—all in one satisfying day.

Practical Aspects and Tips

Transportation: The tour includes comfortable transportation, making the logistics hassle-free. The group size is designed to be manageable, ensuring you’re not just another face in a crowd.

Guiding: Your guide, probably someone like Genti or Ermal, provides insightful commentary, making history and nature come alive with small stories and background.

Cost and Value: At $101, the tour covers transport, entrance fees, and guiding. The optional boat ride and museum visit are affordable extras that add depth to your experience. Many travelers find this price a good deal considering the time, accessibility, and curated experience.

What to Bring: Wear comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and outdoor exploration. Sunscreen and a hat are advisable in summer, and a camera is a must-have for capturing the views.

Accessibility: The tour involves walking in Berat and Divjaka, so it may not be suitable for those with mobility challenges or wheelchair users.

Booking and Flexibility: You can reserve with the option to pay later, giving you flexibility in planning. Cancellations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Who This Tour Is Best For

If you’re eager to see Albania beyond the capital’s urban sprawl, this trip offers a comprehensive taste of the country’s scenic and historic highlights. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate nature walks, panoramic views, and historic architecture without the hassle of planning each leg themselves. It suits those with a sense of curiosity about local traditions and landscapes, and who don’t mind a bit of walking.

It’s particularly well-suited for first-time visitors to Albania looking for a well-organized, value-packed day that hits the highlights. Although it’s not designed for travelers with mobility issues, the pace is moderate and manageable for most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included? Yes, the tour includes transportation from and back to your hotel, as well as all sightseeing transfers during the day.

How long is the drive from Tirana to Berat? The drive takes approximately 45 minutes, giving you a comfortable window to enjoy the scenery.

Can I visit the Onufri Museum? Visiting the museum is optional and included in the guided tour. It’s a small but interesting museum showcasing religious art.

What is the cost of the boat ride in Divjaka? The boat ride costs an additional €3 per person and is a fun way to experience the wetlands from the water.

What should I wear? Pack comfortable shoes and clothes suitable for walking and outdoor activity, and bring sun protection if necessary.

Is lunch included? Lunch is optional but highly recommended, with local restaurants offering authentic Albanian fare.

How do I cancel my booking? Cancellations are accepted up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind if your plans change.

To sum it up, this Day Tour from Tirana to Berat and Divjaka combines natural beauty, historic charm, and local flavors into one manageable package. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see the best of Albania without the fuss of organizing multiple excursions. From panoramic park views to centuries-old stone houses, you’ll come away with a richer understanding of what makes this country so special. If you enjoy scenic landscapes, authentic towns, and a touch of adventure, this tour offers genuine value and memorable moments—ideal for your Albania itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: