Known for beach, castle, coastal town, fortress, viewpoint
Borsh is a maritime village in the Albanian Riviera, in the Vlore County of Albania. The village is inhabited by Albanians many of whom have traditionally been Bektashi people. Borsh Castle (also known as Sopot Castle) is a picturesque ruined castle dates back to Antiquity, used in Roman times, by Byzantine empire, and Ottomans. The walls of the castle, which follow the ancient fortifications, survive.
Apollonia - Known for ancient theatre, archaeological site, museum, orthodox monastery; archaeological site is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Berat - Known for architecture, bridge, byzantine empire, castle, historical center, medieval old town, museum, river, venetian empire; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Divjakë (Divjake) - Known for beach, coastal town, lagoon, nature, park
Durrës (Durres) - Known for archaeological site, architecture, beach, marina, venetian empire; ancient theatre is a UNESCO Tentative List Site
Elbasan - Known for ancient theatre, castle, historical center, orthodox church, islam mosque
Gjirokastër (Gjirokaster) - Known for fortress, historical center, medieval old town, museum, viewpoint; historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Himarë (Himare) - Known for beach, castle, coastal town, viewpoint
Krujë (Kruje) - Known for castle, historical center, museum
The region where village and castle Borsh is located was part of the Chaonia, an ancient region of Epirus. Borsh was probably fortified from antiquity and it belonged to the part of the Chaonian tribal state, one of the main ancient Greek tribes in Epirus.
The name Borsh came from combination of the words snow (bore) and rain (shi). In Borsh, the Lab dialect of Albanian is spoken. The village is inhabited by Albanians, traditionally belonged to the Bektashi order.
The Bektashi order or Bektashism is an Islamic Sufistic (Sufism) movement, established in the 16th century and named after Haji Bektash Veli. Bektashism began as a Shia Islamic Sufi Order in Anatolia, during the Ottoman Empire. After the foundation of the Turkish Republic, Kemal Atatürk banned Bektashism, and the community relocated to Albania.
Sufism is a mystic body of religious practice within Islam characterized by a focus on Islamic spirituality, ritualism, asceticism and esotericism.
According to a 2005 estimate, there are over seven million Bektashis worldwide. Albania is the country with the most Bektashis, where they make up 20% of the Muslim population, and about 2.5% of the country's population. Bektashis are mainly found throughout Anatolia and the Balkans and among Ottoman-era Greek Muslims communities.
The Borsh castle (also known as Sopot castle) dates back to Antiquity, and its fortifications follow the trace of an acropolis, with four subsequent phases of reconstruction, ranging from the early Byzantine period to the late Middle Ages. The site was first mentioned in the early 13th century.
The name Sopot is of Slavic origin, and in medieval Greek documents, the castle is named Sopoton or Sopotos. The castle's harbour is mentioned in Greek portolans (nautical charts, first made in the 13th century in the Mediterranean basin and later expanded to include other regions, which have been noted for their high cartographic accuracy) with the name Gazopolis.
The castle remained in use in Roman times and was refortified by the Emperor Justinian in the sixth century. The Borsh castle was mentioned as Sopotos in 1258 when it was part of the Despotate of Epirus that grew out of the failing Byzantine empire. Borsh settlement went through a period of considerable turmoil, changing hands several times between the Despotate of Epirus and Norman crusades invaders before being taken by the Turks in 1431.
Fifty years later it was captured by Albanians led by Skanderbeg's son Gjon Kastrioti II, but was retaken by the Turks eleven years later and heavily refortified. On June 10, 1570 the castle of Sopot was taken by James Celsi, Proveditor of the Venetian navy, who left after leaving in charge the commander of Nauplion, Emmanuel Mormoris. This also caused part of the nearby settlement Himare to submit to Venetian rule. The next year the Ottoman army recaptured it and took Mormori as a prisoner.
The 18th century was a turbulent economic time and due to Orthodox revolts and conflicts with Orthodox powers such as the Russian Empire, Ottoman governors at times applied pressures including drastic tax raises on the local Christian population as well as other pressures caused towns to convert. Borsh converted in 1744 and followed it up by raiding nearby Piqeras, which remained Christian.
The castle was renovated again and become fortress by Ali Pasha Tepelena, and it is these fortifications that visitors can view by taking the half-hour walk up to the "castle rock" the limestone mount clearly visible above the old village. Below the castle mount still visible ruined mosque and a madrese (a Muslim theological school), both of which were damaged in Ali Pasha's wars but survived, only to be destroyed by fighting after 1912 when the Turks left the region.
Between 1912 and 1914 serious inter-ethnic conflict took place between Greeks and Albanians, and significant portion of the old village was destroyed, however some buildings remain in fine condition. Modern Borsh was built after that, but became seriously depopulated, following severe reprisal killings by Germans in WW2. However, depopulation was balanced by an influx of refugees from Vlore, fleeing into partisan territory from the city which was heavily contested until late in the war.
Borsh related tours
We at Monterrasol Travel welcome you to see Borsh during multi-day private car tour. Contact us if you would like to customize your tour to Borsh.
We have developed several private tours that visiting beautiful Borsh. But, if you have a special conditions or any from these tours fit you, please do not hesitate to contact us, we can organize a tour exactly as you would like. We charge nothing for develop a custom itinerary. And remember, we have no problems to take you from almost any place where you stay, hotel or private accommodation.
tour destinations: Apollonia, Berat, Blue eye, Borsh, Butrint, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Himarë, Krujë, Ksamil, Llogara pass, Lëkurësi, Porto Palermo, Sarandë, Tepelenë
We invite you to the trip across Albania, the hidden gem of Balkans, with 6 days all seasons discovery tour from Tirana. With this cultural tour we going to visit UNESCO sites, fortresses, monasteries, beaches, and admire nature and scenic roads of this Balkan country.
Our tour will firstly come to Kruje, famous for its historical center, medieval old town and fortress. Next, we will see ancient theater in Durres, come to Berat (UNESCO World Heritage Site), called as town of thousand windows, and admire the view from Berat fortress, visit archaeological site Apollonia (UNESCO Tentative List site), see Tepelene fortress, come to see historical center of town Gjirokaster (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here in Gjirokaster we will walk in Ottoman fortress and see local museum.
From Gjirokaster we will come to coast, to see archaeological site Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and on the way to famous coastal town Himare we will see coastal town Ksamil and Lekuresi fortress.
At the next day we will visit medieval fortress Himare, and after continue our road along the coastal line. At summer time we can take a splash in the see on some sandy beach on the way, and before arriving to Vlore we will pass a famous scenic road over Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera, called Llogara pass.
In Vlore, we will see St Mary's monastery, and will take road back to Tirana. On the way, we can visit Ardenica monastery, or at summer time we can come to swim in Divjake beach.
We welcome you to travel across Albania, the hidden gem of Balkans, with all seasons 7 days discovery tour from Tirana. With this cultural tour we going to visit UNESCO sites, fortresses, monasteries, beaches, and admire nature and scenic roads of this Balkan country.
The tour will firstly come to Kruje, famous for its historical center, medieval old town and fortress. Next, we will see ancient theater in Durres, come to Berat (UNESCO World Heritage Site), called as town of thousand windows, and admire the view from Berat fortress, visit archaeological site Apollonia (UNESCO Tentative List site), see Tepelene fortress, come to see historical center of town Gjirokaster (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here in Gjirokaster we will walk in Ottoman fortress and see local museum.
From Gjirokaster we will come to coast, to see archaeological site Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and on the way to Sarande will see coastal town Ksamil and Lekuresi fortress.
At the next day we going to take a road along the coastal line, to see medieval fortresses Borsh and Himare, at summer time take splash in the see on some sandy beach on the way, and before arriving to Vlore we will pass a famous scenic road over Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera, called Llogara pass.
After night in Vlore, we will see St Mary's monastery, Ardenica monastery, at summer time will come to swim in Divjake beach.
We welcome you to travel across Albania, the hidden gem of Balkans, with all seasons 8 days discovery tour from Tirana. With this cultural tour we going to visit UNESCO sites, fortresses, monasteries, beaches, and admire nature and scenic roads of this Balkan country.
We will see ancient theater in Durres, at summer time will come to swim in Divjake beach, walk in Berat (UNESCO World Heritage Site), called as town of thousand windows, and admire the view from Berat fortress, visit archaeological site Apollonia (UNESCO Tentative List site), see Tepelene fortress, come to see historical center of town Gjirokaster (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here in Gjirokaster we will walk in Ottoman fortress and see local museum.
From Gjirokaster we will come to coast, to see archaeological site Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and on the way to Sarande will see coastal town Ksamil and Lekuresi fortress.
At the next day we going to take a road along the coastal line, to see fortress Borsh and fortress Himare, at summer time take splash in the see on one of many sandy beaches on the way, and before arriving to Vlore we will pass a famous scenic road over Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera, called Llogara pass.
After night in Vlore, we will see St Mary's monastery, Ardenica monastery, and on the next day see Kruje, famous for its historical center, medieval old town and fortress.
tour destinations: Apollonia, Ardenica, Berat, Blue eye, Borsh, Butrint, Divjakë, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Himarë, Krujë, Ksamil, Lezhë, Llogara pass, Lëkurësi, Porto Palermo, Sarandë, Shkodër, Tepelenë, Tirana, Vlorë
We welcome you to travel with us across Albania, the hidden gem of Balkans, with our Albania 10 days cultural year-round tour. With this cultural tour we going to visit UNESCO sites, fortresses, monasteries, beaches, and admire nature and scenic roads of this Balkan country.
We will start with Shkoder fortress and Lezhe fortress, both played important role in the history of Albania. In Kruje, we going to see fortress and pass pedestrian street with famous bazaar. Second part of this day we will spend for Tirana sightseeing.
At next day we will see ancient theater in Durres, at summer time will come to swim in Divjake beach, walk in Berat (UNESCO World Heritage Site), called as town of thousand windows, and admire the view from Berat fortress, visit archaeological site Apollonia (UNESCO Tentative List site), see Tepelene fortress, come to see historical center of town Gjirokaster (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Here in Gjirokaster we will walk in Ottoman fortress and see local museum.
From Gjirokaster we will come to coast, with small detour to visit so called Blue eye, a water spring and natural phenomenon. Next, we will see archaeological site Butrint (UNESCO World Heritage Site), and on the way to Sarande will see coastal town Ksamil and Lekuresi fortress.
At the next day we going to take a road along the coastal line, to see small coastal town Borsh with beautiful beach and fortress Himare, at summer time take splash in the see on one of many sandy beaches on the way, and before arriving to Vlore we will pass a famous scenic road over Ceraunian Mountains along the Albanian Riviera, called Llogara pass.
After night in Vlore, before before to arrive to Tirana, we will see St Mary's monastery in Vlore and Ardenica monastery.
All seasons 15 days exploring tour across 3 Balkans countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. Explore in your pace the medieval land of Bosnia-Herzegovina, see Venetian coastal towns in Montenegro, and admire beautiful Albanian Riviera.
In Bosnia-Herzegovina we going to see historical center of the capital, Sarajevo, controversial landmark Bosnian Pyramids, walk in streets of medieval old towns Mostar, walk in windy cave to see unique animal called human fish, stay silent in Tvrdos monastery and taste their famous wine, and come to Trebinje to see old bridge and hilly cathedral with magnificent panoramic view. We will see also archaeological site Radimlja with medieval carved tombstones, and walk over historical bridge in Konjic.
In Montenegro, we will see Venetian coastal towns Kotor and Budva, admire small town Perast with its island church, see cave monastery Dajbabe with unusual frescoes, and see ancient Roman mosaic in Risan museum.
In Albania, we will visit fortresses Shkoder, Tirana, Lezhe, Tepelene, Gjirokaster, Sarande and Himare, walk narrow streets of fortified towns Kruje and Berat, see sandy beach Divjake, walk in Apollonia archaeological site, see Roman amphitheater in Durres, and admire panoramic views from Llogara mountain pass.
With this tour we will discover Balkans cuisine and wines, pass scenic roads and admire panoramic views from the hills, visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites and UNESCO Tentative List sites, and all that across three off the beaten path Balkans countries definitely worth to see.
tour countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro
tour destinations: Apollonia, Bar, Berat, Blagaj, Borsh, Bosnian Pyramids, Budva, Butrint, Dajbabe, Divjakë, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Himarë, Jajce, Ključ, Kotor, Kravica, Krujë, Ksamil, Lezhë, Livno, Llogara pass, Međugorje, Mogorjelo, Mostar, Perast, Počitelj, Radimlja, Risan, Sarandë, Shkodër, Stolac, Tepelenë, Travnik, Trebinje, Tvrdoš, Una National Park, Vjetrenica, Vlorë, Zavala, Šćit
All seasons 19 days tour in-depth cultural exploring Balkans off the beaten path across 3 countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. Meet and get to know the medieval land of Bosnia-Herzegovina, see Venetian coastal towns in Montenegro, and admire beautiful Albanian Riviera in your pace.
In Bosnia-Herzegovina we going to see historical center of the capital Sarajevo, controversial mountain landmark Bosnian Pyramids, we will visit medieval fortress Travnik, in Jajce walk in park with cute small watermills, and see Jajce fortress and waterfall, see small fortress Kljuc on the way to see waterfalls of National park Una, visit Scit monastery and ethnographic museum.
Around Mostar area, we will see pilgrimage center Medjugorje, amazing natural waterfalls in Kravica, climb to Ottoman fort by narrow streets of medieval town Pocitelj, visit Roman villa rustica Mogorjelo, and finally stroll streets of medieval old town Mostar with its famous Old Bridge.
On the way from Mostar we will admire Dervish monastery over the water of Buna river in Blagaj, climb on Ottoman fortress Stolac, see archaeological site Radimlja with medieval carved tombstones, explore windy cave to see unique animal called human fish, see why Tvrdos monastery is famous for history and taste their famous wine, come to Trebinje to see old bridge and hilly cathedral with magnificent panoramic view.
In Montenegro, we will see Venetian coastal towns Budva and Kotor, small picturesque coastal town Perast with its island church, see cave monastery Dajbabe with unusual frescoes, see ancient Roman mosaic in Risan museum and on the way to Albania visit Stari Bad ancient settlement.
In Albania, we will visit fortresses Shkoder, Tirana, Lezhe, Tepelene, Sarande and Himare, walk narrow streets of fortified towns Kruje and Berat, see sandy beach Divjake, walk in Apollonia archaeological site, see Roman amphitheater in Durres, and admire panoramic views from Llogara mountain pass.
We will be almost on Greek border in archaeological site Butrint, admire the view from Sarande fortress hill, and on the way to Tirana visit Gjirokaster, famous for its huge fortress, museum and historical center.
With this tour we will discover Balkans, pass scenic roads and admire panoramic views from the hills, cuisine and wines, visit several UNESCO World Heritage sites and UNESCO Tentative List sites, and all that across three off the beaten path Balkans countries definitely worth to see.
tour countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro
tour destinations: Apollonia, Bar, Berat, Blagaj, Borsh, Bosnian Pyramids, Budva, Butrint, Dajbabe, Divjakë, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Himarë, Jajce, Ključ, Kotor, Kravica, Krujë, Ksamil, Lezhë, Livno, Llogara pass, Međugorje, Mogorjelo, Mostar, Nikšić, Ostrog, Perast, Podgorica, Počitelj, Radimlja, Risan, Sarandë, Shkodër, Stolac, Tepelenë, Travnik, Trebinje, Tvrdoš, Una National Park, Vjetrenica, Vlorë, Zavala, Šćit
Off-season 21 days off the beaten path across the Balkans to discover 3 countries: Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. Explore the most important attractions in each country in safe and secure manner, out of crowd, in your pace.
With this tour we going to walk in streets of medieval old towns, climb on walls of Ottoman fortress and castles, refresh in parks, admire the beauty of waterfalls, enjoy local food and local wine, admire scenic roads and panoramic views from the hills and mountains, wonder in silent monasteries, visit few UNESCO World Heritage sites, and all that across three Balkans countries definitely worth to see.
tour countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro
tour destinations: Apollonia, Bar, Berat, Bihać, Blagaj, Borsh, Budva, Butrint, Dajbabe, Divjakë, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Himarë, Jajce, Ključ, Konjic, Kotor, Kravica, Krujë, Ksamil, Lezhë, Livno, Llogara pass, Martin Brod, Međugorje, Mogorjelo, Mostar, Nikšić, Ostrog, Perast, Podgorica, Počitelj, Radimlja, Risan, Sarajevo, Sarandë, Shkodër, Stolac, Tepelenë, Travnik, Trebinje, Tvrdoš, Una National Park, Vjetrenica, Vlorë, Štrbački buk
We welcome you to travel with us and discover 3 Balkans countries: Montenegro, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Albania. Scenic Balkans off-season 23 days tour from Tivat, off the beaten path, with many non-touristy sites. Explore the most important attractions in each country in safe and secure manner, out of crowd, in your pace.
With this tour we going to walk in streets of medieval old towns, climb on walls of Ottoman fortress and castles, refresh in parks, admire the beauty of waterfalls, enjoy local food and local wine, admire scenic roads and panoramic views from the hills and mountains, wonder in silent monasteries, visit few UNESCO World Heritage sites, and all that across three Balkans countries definitely worth to see.
tour countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia
tour destinations: Apollonia, Bar, Berat, Blagaj, Blue eye, Borsh, Bosnian Pyramids, Budva, Butrint, Divjakë, Durrës, Gamzigrad Feliks Romulijana, Gjirokastër, Golubac, Gostilje, Himarë, Jajce, Kotor, Kraljevo, Kravica, Krujë, Ksamil, Lezhë, Llogara pass, Manasija, Mediana, Međugorje, Mileševa, Mogorjelo, Mokra Gora, Mostar, Niš, Novi Pazar, Perast, Porto Palermo, Počitelj, Radimlja, Ram, Ravanica, Resavska, Risan, Sarajevo, Sarandë, Shkodër, Sirogojno, Smederevo, Sopoćani, St Peter and Paul in Ras, Stari Ras, Stolac, Stopića, Studenica, Tepelenë, Tivat, Travnik, Trebinje, Tumane, Tvrdoš, Ulcinj, Uvac Molitva, Viminacium, Višegrad, Vjetrenica, Vlorë, Zaječar, Zlatibor, Đavolja Varoš, Đurđevi Stupovi, Šćit, Žiča
We invite you to take with us a extended 39 days roadtrip across 4 Balkans countries: Serbia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Albania. Scenic roads will pass hills and mountains, beaches an rivers, see castles and fortresses, lakes and waterfalls. The whole trip is in-depth cultural, full of history, interesting facts and historical intersections.
With this exploring-style roadtrip you will understand the sense and style of Balkans as the multicultural land where different cultures live together centuries. We will pass across deeply Christian Orthodox areas with old but active monasteries and strong Muslim areas with mosques almost on every corner. We will come to old towns with rich history and beautiful parks with unique natural ensembles, like amazing waterfalls or unusual rock formations.
Several different UNESCO sites are visited during this roadtrip. We will come to see small villages and large cities, castles and fortresses, breathtaking viewpoints and sandy beaches. You will walk narrow medieval streets and beautiful coastal line, steps of ancient archaeological sites, see faraway islands, get amazing pictures passing by scenic roads, and all that within just one trip.
tour countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia
tour destinations: Apollonia, Bar, Berat, Bihać, Blagaj, Blue eye, Borsh, Bosnian Pyramids, Budva, Butrint, Dajbabe, Divjakë, Durrës, Gamzigrad Feliks Romulijana, Gjirokastër, Golubac, Gostilje, Himarë, Jajce, Ključ, Kotor, Kraljevo, Kravica, Krujë, Ksamil, Lezhë, Livno, Llogara pass, Manasija, Martin Brod, Mediana, Međugorje, Mileševa, Mogorjelo, Mokra Gora, Mostar, Nikšić, Niš, Novi Pazar, Ostrog, Perast, Podgorica, Porto Palermo, Počitelj, Radimlja, Ram, Ravanica, Resavska, Risan, Sarajevo, Sarandë, Shkodër, Sirogojno, Smederevo, Sopoćani, St Peter and Paul in Ras, Stari Ras, Stolac, Stopića, Studenica, Tepelenë, Tivat, Travnik, Trebinje, Tumane, Tvrdoš, Ulcinj, Una National Park, Uvac Molitva, Viminacium, Višegrad, Vjetrenica, Vlorë, Zaječar, Zlatibor, Đavolja Varoš, Đurđevi Stupovi, Štrbački buk, Šćit, Žiča
We welcome you to travel with us across four Balkan countries with our year-round 42 days Serbia Bosnia-Herzegovina Montenegro Albania Trans-Balkan tour from Belgrade.
With this extended, exploring-style, in-depth cultural tour, you will understand the sense and style of a few Balkan countries, which are different and similar at the same time. We will pass deeply Christian Orthodox areas with old but active monasteries and strong Muslim areas with mosques almost on every corner. We will come to old towns with rich history and beautiful parks with unique natural ensembles, like amazing waterfalls or unusual rock formations.
We will visit small villages and large cities, UNESCO sites, fortresses and castles, beaches and breathtaking viewpoints. You will be able to walk narrow medieval streets and sandy beaches, climb steps of ancient archaeological sites, watch the beautiful coastal line with faraway islands, take amazing pictures passing by scenic roads, and all that within just one trip.
Transfers to Borsh
Currently we know prices for these transfers to Borsh:
January 13, 2025 Dion, Greece. The Archaeological Park of Dion, the most important archaeological site at Mount Olympus in Greece, features several notable sanctuaries, including those dedicated to Zeus, Demeter, Artemis, Asklepios, and Isis. The Sanctuary of Demeter is the oldest, dating back to the Archaic period, while the Sanctuary of Zeus was built during the Hellenistic period. The site also includes a theater, which, although rebuilt in wood, was once a venue for concerts and shows.
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Safe Travels
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Monterrasol Travel Private tours has implemented health and hygiene protocols. Monterrasol Travel is the Safe Travels company.
