A Journey into Tradition The olive harvest in Berat is a celebration of Albanian heritage, where tradition, culture, and culinary artistry meet. Each autumn, the olive groves come alive with activity, as farmers carefully pick olives that have grown in these hills for generations. For many families in Berat, olive oil production is more than a livelihood; it’s a symbol of pride, deeply woven into the culinary tradition of Albania. 

As one of Albania’s most productive olive regions, Berat stands at the forefront of olive cultivation in the Balkans. Known for the high yield and quality of its native Kokërmadhi olives, Berat produces some of the finest table olives and olive oil in the country. The region’s age-old olive groves, home to trees that have witnessed centuries of history, form an essential part of Albania’s agricultural landscape. 

As one of Albania’s most productive olive regions, Berat stands at the forefront of olive cultivation in the Balkans. Known for the high yield and quality of its native Kokërmadhi olives, Berat produces some of the finest table olives and olive oil in the country. The region’s age-old olive groves, home to trees that have witnessed centuries of history, form an essential part of Albania’s agricultural landscape. 

Program Highlights:

• Meeting Point: Begin the journey in the early morning at Castle Park Hotel, Berat.

• Olive Harvesting in Drobonik Village: A 10-minute drive takes us to the picturesque olive groves of Drobonik, known for its prized olives. Here, you’ll pick olives directly from the trees as our guide shares stories and insights into the ancient art of olive farming in Albania.

• Visit to the Olive Oil Processing Factory: With baskets brimming with fresh olives, we visit a local processing factory to see firsthand how olive oil is crafted. The factory owner guides us through each step, revealing the delicate transformation from fruit to golden oil.

• Cooking Class & Traditional Lunch: Back at Castle Park, enjoy a hands-on cooking class where we prepare three traditional recipes that celebrate olive oil as the star ingredient.