Berat: Old Town Walking Tour with Local Products Tasting

Discover the authentic atmosphere of Berat, Albania's UNESCO World Heritage city, during a guided walking tour through the historic neighborhoods of the Old Town, followed by a tasting of traditional local products hosted by local families.

Accompanied by a local guide, you'll stroll through the cobbled streets of Mangalem, famous for its characteristic Ottoman houses and known as the "City of a Thousand Windows." Along the way, you'll discover the history of local families, Berat's artisan and trading traditions, and the remarkable religious coexistence that has shaped the city over the centuries. The tour includes stops at some of the Old Town's most picturesque viewpoints overlooking the Osum River, as well as its most important historical landmarks.

The experience continues with a tasting of traditional Albanian specialties in one of three authentic locations within the Old Town, depending on the season and availability. You may be welcomed into the Qako family's historic home in Gorica, where Xhoxhi and his wife continue to preserve the traditions of one of Berat's first-category protected monument houses; at a community-run local café in Mangalem, managed by young people from the city's Catholic community; or in the historic home of Gladiola and her parents inside Berat Castle, where the family still lives following long-standing local traditions.

During the tasting, you'll enjoy one sample of homemade raki (one shot per adult), Turkish-style coffee, gliko (traditional fruit preserved in syrup), homemade lemonade made with seasonal citrus fruits, suxhuk (a traditional sweet similar to Turkish delight) or a homemade version, together with other homemade sweets, depending on the season and availability. Throughout the experience, your hosts will share family stories, explain the preparation of these traditional products, and introduce you to the role that hospitality and food continue to play in everyday life in Berat.

Children are welcome to join the experience and enjoy the same traditional food selection as adults, with homemade lemonade replacing the alcoholic beverages and coffee.