Visit Kruja and Durres – Day tour from Tirana

Be ready to leave Tirana at 8:30. In less than an hour-long drive we will reach the city of Kruja. The first stop will be, the traditional Bazaar of Kruja which resembles an old carnival where friendly locals invite you to take a look at their handicrafts. The Bazaar is a vibrant mosaic of traditional motives, colors, and warm hospitality. We will be welcomed at a local family’s bar for a short break where we will have the chance to see how the locals have lived for years.

We will make our way uphill, toward the Castle of Kruja. It is the stronghold symbol of the Albanian Resistance during the Ottoman Invasion. The 25-year war was successfully led by the Albanian National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu. The same castle has also been the center of the first Albanian state, “Principata e Arberit”, since the XII Century.
On our tour of the castle, we will visit the Bektashi Tekke, Turkish Hamman, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Museum of Scanderbeg.

Located in a unique house of the 17th century this museum reflects the vibrance of the lifestyle in the city of Kruja and the surroundings. Divided into two main stores it is a scene of the everyday life of Albanian families, but also handicrafts, agriculture, and more.

Dedicated to the glorious figure of Skanderbeg, this museum sends us back in history, and through historical dates and facts, we will try to understand the importance of his figure. Built in the Albanian communist days this museum is influenced by the dictated style of the communist party.

For those who like mystic, holy places the Sari Saltic Cave is the place to be. Since the 14th century, it has been a place where thousands of pilgrims perform rituals and worship. There are plenty of stories and miracles that witness its power, but you have to visit this place to feel it.
 After visiting Sari Saltic cave we’ll return to Tirana.

Durres has been probably the most important Albanian city, at least until 1920 when Tirana became the capital of Albania. Since antiquity, it is one of the main ports in the Mediterranean. Also, for the Romans, it was one of the most important stations of “Via Egnatia” a merchant Roman Road. The main highlight of the city is a magnificent amphitheater, of around 20000 seats, built by the Romans in the 2nd century.

After our visit of Durres, we will head back to Tirana where our tour ends.