Durres & Wine Tasting Tour

Explore the historic port city of Durres with this engaging 10-hour tour that combines cultural sights with wine tasting in a picturesque setting along the Adriatic Coast. With a small group size limited to 6 participants, you get personalized attention, guided by knowledgeable guides speaking English and Italian. This tour is ideal for those interested in exploring Durres’s ancient monuments, street art, and sampling local Albanian wines and cuisines. The tour’s highlight is a visit to the Durres Amphitheatre and a vineyard tour with wine and cheese tastings. Priced inclusively with transportation, entrance fees, and tastings, it offers a well-rounded experience, though lunch remains an optional extra.

While the tour excels in providing a comprehensive look at Durres’s history and culture, it also emphasizes wine and food experiences that stand out, especially in the Abaia Winery. The main limitation is that lunch is not included unless added as an upgrade, so guests should plan accordingly. With a review score of 4.9 out of 5 based on 8 reviews, this tour clearly satisfies most participants seeking an authentic and relaxed day in Durres.

Key Points

• Duration: 10 hours, starting at flexible times (check availability)
• Locations: Durres city, Durres Amphitheatre, Abaia Winery and Vineyards
• Highlights: Ancient city walls, Byzantine Forum, Roman Thermal Baths, street art, wine, and cheese tastings
• Included: Transportation, guided tour, entrance fees, wine tastings
• Small group size: Limited to 6 participants for a more intimate experience
• Optional: Up to a 3-course lunch with wine available for an extra charge

You can check availability for your dates here:

Durres’s Ancient Sights and Modern Streets

The tour begins with pickup from your hotel in either Tirana or Durres. After being collected, the guided exploration of Durres kicks off with a walk around its city walls, where you’ll see the remnants of the city’s fortifications. This provides a great introduction to Durres’s layout and history, showing the blend of ancient and modern elements that define the city today. The Byzantine Forum and Roman Thermal Baths are also on the itinerary, offering glimpses of the city’s long history that dates back to Roman times.

Throughout the walking tour, you’ll notice Durres’s vibrant street art, which has gained international fame. This colorful modern expression contrasts nicely with the ancient monuments, giving the city a lively, contemporary feel. The guided walk lasts about 45 minutes, during which the guide explains Durres’s fascinating past and its modern-day character, making it easier to picture the city’s significance past and present.

Visiting the Durres Amphitheatre

A key highlight in the tour is the visit to the Durres Amphitheatre, an impressive ancient Roman site that dates back to the 2nd century AD. The 40-minute guided tour inside this monument reveals its structure and history, helping visitors appreciate its scale and importance. The Amphitheatre remains one of the best-preserved Roman structures in the region, making it a must-see for history enthusiasts. Its location within the city makes it easy to combine with subsequent stops.

Exploring Abaia Winery and Vineyard

After the historical sightseeing, the tour heads to the Abaia Winery and Vineyard, where you spend about 2 hours enjoying wine tasting. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit the vineyards and learn about the wine production process and Applied Agriculture techniques used by the winery. The wine tasting includes three glasses (125 ml each), with options for local wines and Raki, accompanied by appetizers that enhance the flavors.

The winery setup is described as magnificent and surprising, standing out as a special feature of this experience. Guests also get to taste a variety of local cheeses and foods, complementing the wines and offering a genuine taste of Albanian cuisine. The wine tasting is a major highlight, praised in reviews for its quality and the knowledgeable staff that explains each wine’s characteristics.

Optional Lunch with Wine Tasting

For those seeking a more indulgent experience, there is an option to add a 3-course meal paired with wine at the winery. This lunch upgrade offers a full meal to enjoy alongside the wine and cheese tastings, making the day even more satisfying. Guests should plan for additional costs if they wish to include this option.

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Logistics and Transportation Details

The tour departs from two pickup locations: Durres and Tirana, making it convenient whether you’re based in the capital or the coastal city. After the day’s activities, the group is dropped off at either Tirana or Durres, according to the original pickup point.

Transportation is included, ensuring a comfortable journey between the different stops. The group size remains small, capped at 6 people, which promotes a more personalized and relaxed atmosphere throughout the day. The tour is designed to run according to weather conditions and availability, especially for the boat tours, if applicable.

Experience Level and Physical Requirements

This tour involves walking around Durres’s historic sites and the amphitheatre, which may involve some uneven surfaces or steps. However, the overall pace is manageable, making it suitable for most visitors with moderate mobility. No specific physical requirements are noted, but guests should be prepared for some light walking.

Guides and Commentary

The guides lead the tour with clear explanations of Durres’s history, architecture, and wine production. In reviews, guides are praised for being knowledgeable, engaging, and great company, helping to make the experience enjoyable and educational. The guide’s storytelling ability is a standout feature, making complex history accessible and lively.

Comparing Durres & Wine Tasting to Similar Experiences

This tour stands out because of its combination of historical sightseeing and wine tasting in a small group setting. It offers a detailed look at Durres’s ancient monuments without feeling rushed, thanks to carefully planned stops. The wine and food experience at Abaia Winery adds a flavorful dimension that many similar tours lack.

Though lunch is optional, the included tastings and guided visits make this tour a balanced day trip that appeals to history buffs and food lovers alike. Its high rating of 4.9 out of 5 reflects consistent satisfaction among previous attendees.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

If you enjoy history, culture, and local wines, this Durres & Wine Tasting Tour offers a well-rounded day exploring Albania’s second-largest city. The small group size and personalized guides ensure a relaxed experience, and the wine tasting at the magnificent winery is a true highlight.

However, travelers should be prepared for some walking and consider adding the lunch upgrade for a more filling experience. This tour is especially suited for those who want to combine cultural exploration with food and drink in a scenic coastal setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the price of the tour?
The tour includes transportation, a guided tour of Durres and its amphitheatre, entrance fees, and wine tastings with cheeses and appetizers. Lunch is optional and costs extra if chosen.

How long is the wine tasting at Abaia Winery?
The wine tasting session lasts about 2 hours, during which you’ll sample three glasses of wine and enjoy local cheeses and foods.

Can I add lunch to this tour?
Yes, an optional 3-course meal with wine pairing can be added, providing a more complete dining experience alongside the wine tastings.

What are the pickup options?
The tour departs from Durrës or Tirana, with pickup included at your hotel or designated location. Drop-off is available at either city.

Is this tour suitable for all mobility levels?
While mostly suitable for most visitors, some walking on uneven surfaces or steps at the ancient sites may require moderate mobility. No specific restrictions are noted.

How many people are in each group?
The tour operates in small groups limited to 6 participants, ensuring a personal experience with the guide.

This Durres & Wine Tasting Tour offers a compelling mix of ancient history, modern street art, and local wine culture, perfect for those eager to experience Albania’s coastal charm with a relaxed, informative day.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby