Half-Day Private Tour in Durrës: Visit Ancient Greek and Roman Landmarks from Tirana

Explore the ancient Greek and Roman landmarks in Durrës on a half-day private tour from Tirana. Visit the largest amphitheater in the Balkan Peninsula and the country’s largest Archaeological Museum. Enjoy the relaxed beach town atmosphere and indulge in delicious seafood.

Duration: 4 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Durres Castle - Durrës Castle (Albanian: Kalaja e Durrësit) is the fortified part of the old city of Durrës. It is enclosed by city walls built in the late 5th century, and repaired and reinforced in the Middle Ages and early modern periods.
  • Durres Amphitheatre - Surely one of the greatest pieces of ancient architecture in Albania, if not the Balkans, the Durres Amphitheatre was built in 100AD by Hadrian and was only rediscovered in the 1960s. It was used for about 300 years and back then it could as many as 20,000 spectators.
  • Rotonda, Forumi Bizantin - This structure, known as the Byzantine Forum, is a historical monument dating back to the 5th-6th centuries. In its center there is a well and a base of several steps in the shape of a circle. It is part of a vast complex of buildings decorated with marble columns and a floor covered with large marble slabs.
  • Town Square - Sheshi Liria - Plac - let’s get amazed with the architecture and the space of Freedom Square, the main square of the city. Next, we walk through the Mercantile Road is one of the most important areas of the city, where the walking along the seaside is a tradition nowadays. It consists of 2 or 3 store buildings, constructed in the beginning of the XX century.
  • Venetian Tower - It was once regarded as one of the most formidable defense structures along the western coast of the Adriatic Sea. The present-day fortress traces its roots to the initial construction efforts of Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I (491–518), a native of Durrës (ancient Dyrrhachium). Built atop the remains of the Byzantine tower around the XV century, the Venetian Tower was fortified with cannons to protect the city from the sea. Specifically designed to be armed with artillery, it served as a crucial observation point for monitoring the surrounding area. In 2022-2023 the Venetian Tower was renovated and transformed into the first Albanian Heritage Interpretation Center and now offers visitors the chance to explore historical events and places through state-of-the-art digital and multimedia tools. These include VR headsets, audio guides, dome multimedia projections and other activities, which combine entertainment with a more in-depth look at the city’s ancient history.
What's Included
  • Certified National Tourist Guide
  • In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
  • Everything else that is not mentioned in the :What’s included” section.
  • Gratuities
  • Lunch
Additional Information

The ancient city of Durrës is at once a relaxed beach town and a historical center, home to the largest amphitheater in the Balkan Peninsula! Fittingly, the city of Durrës also houses the country’s largest Archaeological Museum which is still under reconstruction, after the earthquake of 2019. It shows traces of the ancient cultures that have passed through Albania, mainly Greek and Roman. Alongside its history, Durrës also provides loads of lighthearted fun. Located on the Adriatic coast and only a 30-minute drive away from the capital of Tirana, the beach of Durrës is the longest and most populated one in Albania. Modern architectural structures, like the Sphinx, the vibrant promenade and delicious seafood restaurants are a serious part of this city’s charm.

Location
Durres Castle
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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up to 4 guests
1
Adult
October 2024
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