Join us for a fun social event and learn some Albanian folk dancing. 

All ages and beginners are welcome! 

If you'd like to get a head start on learning some of the dances, here are dances we've done in the past:

• Vallja e Rugoves
• Valle Kosovare
• Pogonishte
• Vallja e Katjushkes
• Xhamadani vija vija

Chef Qato's Cooking Class 

Welcoming guests into your home is serious business in Albania.

"Besa" the core of an ancient Albanian code of honor requires hosts to protect guests and to look after them with care and gratitude.

Want a taste of this hospitality in 2025?

We would love to give you the experience of visiting a local home where you can join the family in cooking up a traditional feast. 

You will take turns helping to knead "byrek" dough, roll the layers, and do other preparations for the meal. Then, we will sit amongst our newfound friends and enjoy the flavors of the fresh produce we cooked up in Qato's kitchen. 

The day will begin with pick up from Tirana. It includes transport, a hearty memorable lunch, a quick tour of Berat's castle and a stroll through the picturesque Mangalem area of town. 

Don't miss this chance to visit this 2000-year-old town!

You'll leave with recipe cards to make this amazing meal in your home and with lifetime memories!

Tentative Itinerary

09:00 –  Depart from Tirane 

11:00 –  Arrive at Chef Qato's home for the cooking class

13:00 –  Eat lunch together 

14:00 –  Leave for a short tour of the castle, Byzantine churches, and the Mangalem Quarter

16:00 –  Depart for Tirana

18:00 –  Arrive back in Tirana

What’s Included:

• Round-trip transportation from Tirana

• Cooking class & lunch

• Glass of raki

• Guided walking tour of Berat

• Recipe cards to take home

Testimonials

"Sarah was fantastic. Her sweet spirit and enthusiasm is contagious."

- CarrieAnn, USA

"The tour was great. A good amount of walking, history, architecture and culture."

- Aliya, Kazakhstan

"We joined Josh, Sarah, and Bailey for a tour of Berat which included an amazing time learning to cook Albanian dishes at a local home. This day-trip was so fun!!"

- Olivia, USA

"Great insights from Josh."

- Dwight, USA

"Highly recommended for insightful and engaging tours!"

- Sajida, Pakistan

"The best part was tasting all the fresh dishes we made amongst a table of new found friends (or family).Highly recommend!"

-
S.A., Australia 

Note: The dishes you will learn to make include eggs, milk, flour, ground beef, and vegetables. Please let us know about any food allergies or dietary restrictions, and we will do our best to accommodate.

Taste Berat: An Authentic Culinary Experience 

Did you know that cooking with locals will be a lifelong memory? 

Did you know the olives & cheese taste so good you'll forget you are in an amazing castle? 

Did you know Berat’s vineyards date back to ancient Illyrian times? 

That's over 2000 years ago! 

Yes, it's one of Albania’s most historic wine regions.

Itinerary

Day 1

After a scenic trip (departing at 9am) from Tirana, you’ll explore the iconic Berat Castle, visiting the Byzantine Cathedral and the Onufri Museum. The highlight of Day 1 is an authentic wine-tasting experience at a local vineyard with cheese and finger foods for lunch. Stroll along the Osumi River, taking in the charm of Mangalem and Gorica districts.

Day 2

The first authentic food experience of Day 2 involves a 1-hour trip to the village of Bilç for olive oil tasting at Zaimi, home to Berat's finest olives. We’ll visit the beautiful Bogove Waterfall (weather permitting). Relish lunch and a wine tasting at another renowned winery. The highlight of the trip for many is an evening cooking lesson hosted by a local family, where you create your dinner masterpiece.

Day 3

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and check out. Embark on a short hike from the Berat neighborhood of Gorica for breathtaking views of Berat Castle and the majestic Tomorr and Shpirag mountains. Savor light snacks (in place of lunch) before bidding farewell to Berat. Leave from Berat at 12pm.

Testimonials

"Thank you guys for a wonderful and authentic experience! I absolutely loved the Albanian hospitality in a family home and learning tips and tricks from traditional cooks.!"

- S.A., Australia 

"The drive to Berat was beautiful, the hospitality of the host was incredible, the food was fresh and delicious, plus the tour of the Berat castle was breathtaking. I would strongly recommend this tour to anyone who is looking for a different kind of tour that really gets a local perspective.are enthusiastic, well prepared and knowledgeable guides."

- Olivia, USA

"The tour was great. A good amount of walking, history, architecture and culture."

- Aliya, Kazakhstan

"Bailey was so professional and knowledgable."  

- Sally, USA

"Sarah was fantastic. Her sweet spirit and enthusiasm is contagious. We loved her so much as our tour guide, we booked 3 more tours with her. Our children, ages 17, 18, 20, 22 & 23 enjoyed her young adult perspective."

- CarrieAnn, USA