Kruja
— Tour overview
Kruja - The Stronghold
Rich in history and tradition, Kruja is home of the patriots and the epicenter of Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. It was here that Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg, Albania’s greatest national hero, defended the country from the invasion of the Ottomans.
The National Museum dedicated to the hero is housed in the famous Kruja Castle and shows both the legendary hero’s history and the traditional way of life of the city’s population.
The city’s famous bazaar serves as a bridge between this glorious past and the present, offering a rich array of traditional products made from local artisans.
Home to one of the spiritual centers of the country, that of Sarisalltik, Kruja is a crucial destination for every local and visitor!
The Ethnographic Museum, housed in a typical 19th-century house, reveals the sustainable methods of food, drink, tools, and furniture production in a typical household, as well as the customs of life in the castle.
The Masjid of Dollma is yet another beautiful monument, the pulpit of Muslim faith during the 18th century. Right next to it, the castle’s Turkish bath (hammam) reveals its gorgeous 15th century roof.
The 450-year-old Grand Bazaar of Krujë is located on the road heading towards the castle. In its heyday, this bazaar had more than 150 merchants who supplied the castle’s inhabitants. Now, the bazaar sells traditional handmade objects and souvenirs, keeping the legacy of fine craftsmanship alive.
The sights are endless in this small yet significant city, symbols of a country’s bravery and persistence throughout the centuries.
The National Museum dedicated to the hero is housed in the famous Kruja Castle and shows both the legendary hero’s history and the traditional way of life of the city’s population.
The city’s famous bazaar serves as a bridge between this glorious past and the present, offering a rich array of traditional products made from local artisans.
Home to one of the spiritual centers of the country, that of Sarisalltik, Kruja is a crucial destination for every local and visitor!
The Ethnographic Museum, housed in a typical 19th-century house, reveals the sustainable methods of food, drink, tools, and furniture production in a typical household, as well as the customs of life in the castle.
The Masjid of Dollma is yet another beautiful monument, the pulpit of Muslim faith during the 18th century. Right next to it, the castle’s Turkish bath (hammam) reveals its gorgeous 15th century roof.
The 450-year-old Grand Bazaar of Krujë is located on the road heading towards the castle. In its heyday, this bazaar had more than 150 merchants who supplied the castle’s inhabitants. Now, the bazaar sells traditional handmade objects and souvenirs, keeping the legacy of fine craftsmanship alive.
The sights are endless in this small yet significant city, symbols of a country’s bravery and persistence throughout the centuries.
— Book
Book Tour
Overview
Included
Not included
What To Expect
Overview
Travel to the city of Kruja, north of Tirana.
Visit the Skanderbeg Museum, Ethnografic Museum and the Old Bazaar.
Travel to Durrës, known for the biggest Roman amphitheater in Balkans and the starting point for Via Egnatia which was a continuity for Via Apia.
Explore the grounds and check out the city’s street art, the Venetian Tower and the Bizantine Walls of Durres.
Visit the Skanderbeg Museum, Ethnografic Museum and the Old Bazaar.
Travel to Durrës, known for the biggest Roman amphitheater in Balkans and the starting point for Via Egnatia which was a continuity for Via Apia.
Explore the grounds and check out the city’s street art, the Venetian Tower and the Bizantine Walls of Durres.
Included
• Transport with a/c vehicle
• City Tour of Kruja
• Driver / Guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• City Tour of Kruja
• Driver / Guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included
• Meals and drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activity costs
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activity costs
What To Expect
• Kruja Castle
We start our journey from Tirana towards the old Albanian capital, Kruja. Will visit the Bektashi Holy Foot mark and will get to know this religion, the surroundings and the Castle itself and the Skanderbeg Museum and the Ethnographic Museum as well as the Bektashi Tekke.
• Old Bazar
You will have free time to wander around the Old Bazaar, with beautiful and original cobblestone alleys and lovely old architecture to find your perfect Albanian authentic souvenir. Lunch in a local restaurant with a tremendous view of the city and valley of Kruja and its amazing and different gastronomy.
• Durres Amphitheatre
After lunch, we travel to Durres for our last “digestive” stop. Set off on a guided tour of the City Walls, Byzantine Forum, the Venetian Tower and the Amphitheater and enjoy the city’s street art around the ancient ruins and the Archeologic museum.
Watch the sunset and get back to Tirana in the late afternoon.
Discover historical Kruja and Durres on a private day trip from Tirana.
Visit the famous Stronghold and Biggest Roman Amphitheatre.
Try the local gastronomy.
Visit one of Europe’s oldest cities with private car and guide.
Hear history you’d miss alone and relax with handy hotel pickup.
This tour has other surprises on the way.
We start our journey from Tirana towards the old Albanian capital, Kruja. Will visit the Bektashi Holy Foot mark and will get to know this religion, the surroundings and the Castle itself and the Skanderbeg Museum and the Ethnographic Museum as well as the Bektashi Tekke.
• Old Bazar
You will have free time to wander around the Old Bazaar, with beautiful and original cobblestone alleys and lovely old architecture to find your perfect Albanian authentic souvenir. Lunch in a local restaurant with a tremendous view of the city and valley of Kruja and its amazing and different gastronomy.
• Durres Amphitheatre
After lunch, we travel to Durres for our last “digestive” stop. Set off on a guided tour of the City Walls, Byzantine Forum, the Venetian Tower and the Amphitheater and enjoy the city’s street art around the ancient ruins and the Archeologic museum.
Watch the sunset and get back to Tirana in the late afternoon.
Discover historical Kruja and Durres on a private day trip from Tirana.
Visit the famous Stronghold and Biggest Roman Amphitheatre.
Try the local gastronomy.
Visit one of Europe’s oldest cities with private car and guide.
Hear history you’d miss alone and relax with handy hotel pickup.
This tour has other surprises on the way.
— Book
Book Tour
— Tour overview
Berat - the city of one over one windows
Berat, known as the “City of One Over One Windows”, is a historic city in Albania, located in the heart of the country’s lush landscape. Known for its picturesque beauty and rich cultural heritage, Berat offers visitors a glimpse into Albania’s fascinating past and a taste of its warm welcome.
A 2,400-year-old city, pride of Albanian architecture, wealth of culture and symbol of religious coexistence, has been proven in the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
The first thing you will notice in Berat is its stunning natural environment.
The city is divided into two distinct parts: Kala (old town) and Mangalem (new city). Both are set in the backdrop of the Tomorri mountains and the Osum river winds through the valley, creating a mesmerizing view.
Across the Osum River, lies the Goricë neighborhood, with its houses facing Mangalem. The Arched Bridge of Gorica, built in 1780, is a beautiful architectural monument built to connect Gorica with Mangalem. The ottoman-era white houses in the old town with their many windows create a unique architectural spectacle, which has given Berat its nickname.
Historical significance: Berat has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with influences from the Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The city is home to many historic sites, including The Castle of Berat, a castle dating back to the 4th century.
Within its walls, you can explore the Byzantine churches of St Mary and St Michael, each featuring stunning frescoes. Furthermore, the Onufri Museum, located in St. Mary’s Cathedral, displays an extraordinary collection of religious art, including works by the renowned iconographer Onufri.
The city of Berat is not only an architectural wonderland; It is also a living museum of traditional Albanian life. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, you’ll meet locals who are proud of their heritage.
A visit to Berat will surely leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for this enchanting Albanian pearl.
A 2,400-year-old city, pride of Albanian architecture, wealth of culture and symbol of religious coexistence, has been proven in the UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2008.
The first thing you will notice in Berat is its stunning natural environment.
The city is divided into two distinct parts: Kala (old town) and Mangalem (new city). Both are set in the backdrop of the Tomorri mountains and the Osum river winds through the valley, creating a mesmerizing view.
Across the Osum River, lies the Goricë neighborhood, with its houses facing Mangalem. The Arched Bridge of Gorica, built in 1780, is a beautiful architectural monument built to connect Gorica with Mangalem. The ottoman-era white houses in the old town with their many windows create a unique architectural spectacle, which has given Berat its nickname.
Historical significance: Berat has a rich history dating back to ancient times, with influences from the Illyrian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman periods. The city is home to many historic sites, including The Castle of Berat, a castle dating back to the 4th century.
Within its walls, you can explore the Byzantine churches of St Mary and St Michael, each featuring stunning frescoes. Furthermore, the Onufri Museum, located in St. Mary’s Cathedral, displays an extraordinary collection of religious art, including works by the renowned iconographer Onufri.
The city of Berat is not only an architectural wonderland; It is also a living museum of traditional Albanian life. As you stroll through its cobbled streets, you’ll meet locals who are proud of their heritage.
A visit to Berat will surely leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for this enchanting Albanian pearl.
Overview
Included
Not included
What To Expect
Overview
On the way to Berat we will drive through a beautiful country side where will be sightseeing the once called STALIN city.
Here we will be acquainted with the diesel pulling pumps installed since communism times. Explore the historic neighborhoods of Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala; admire architectural landmarks including Berat Castle, the Red Mosque, and St. Trinity Church; visit the Museum of Iconography and National Ethnographic Museum; get introduced with ONUFRI, the master of XVI Century; learn about Berat mythology.
Discover historical Berat on a private day trip from Tirana
Free time in Berat: explore both with and without a guide
Traditional Albanian lunch at a local restaurant (optional)
Great-value tour: hotel pickup and all entrance fees included
Travelling through inner Albania for more country insights.
Here we will be acquainted with the diesel pulling pumps installed since communism times. Explore the historic neighborhoods of Mangalemi, Gorica, and Kala; admire architectural landmarks including Berat Castle, the Red Mosque, and St. Trinity Church; visit the Museum of Iconography and National Ethnographic Museum; get introduced with ONUFRI, the master of XVI Century; learn about Berat mythology.
Discover historical Berat on a private day trip from Tirana
Free time in Berat: explore both with and without a guide
Traditional Albanian lunch at a local restaurant (optional)
Great-value tour: hotel pickup and all entrance fees included
Travelling through inner Albania for more country insights.
Included
• Transport with a/c vehicle
• City Tour of Berat
• Driver/ Guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• City Tour of Berat
• Driver/ Guide
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
Not included
• Meals and drinks
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activity costs
• Personal expenses
• Tips and gratuities
• Optional activity costs
What To Expect
• National Ethnographic Museum Berat
The National Ethnographic Museum of Berat, situated within a striking, typical 18th century two-story Berat residence, is a pleasant immersion into the lifestyle traditions of this fascinating town.
The museum’s pavilions are nicely organized within the two stories of the former residence.
The nice journey along the pavilions reveals an accurate panorama of the traditions and daily conditions of the lives of Berat’s prominent families.
• National Iconographic Museum Onufri
Built in 1797, this cathedral is situated at the highest altitude of the Berat Castle, though it can be a little difficult to find. While the Ottomans were Muslim, they allowed Christians to continue practicing their faith and build churches, though not very visibly.
This cathedral is one of them, a typical church of three naves and two rows of tall stone columns. Inside, you initially find yourself facing the Holy Altar with masterful engravings and paintings of Bible scenes in the incredibly lavish and ornate iconostasis of the Cathedral – the only one to have survived from the former metropolitan complex.
The iconostasis, created in 1807, the most eye-catching part of the interior of the church, is considered one of the greatest accomplishments of the 19th-century Albanian wood-carving masters. It stretches along the entire interior of the cathedral and includes twelve royal icons as well as twenty-seven small festive icons. The royal icons, objects of reverence and worship.
• Holy Trinity Church The Holy Trinity Church is a medieval Byzantine church which stands on a hill in the city of Berat in the Kalaja district of Southern Albania.
The National Ethnographic Museum of Berat, situated within a striking, typical 18th century two-story Berat residence, is a pleasant immersion into the lifestyle traditions of this fascinating town.
The museum’s pavilions are nicely organized within the two stories of the former residence.
The nice journey along the pavilions reveals an accurate panorama of the traditions and daily conditions of the lives of Berat’s prominent families.
• National Iconographic Museum Onufri
Built in 1797, this cathedral is situated at the highest altitude of the Berat Castle, though it can be a little difficult to find. While the Ottomans were Muslim, they allowed Christians to continue practicing their faith and build churches, though not very visibly.
This cathedral is one of them, a typical church of three naves and two rows of tall stone columns. Inside, you initially find yourself facing the Holy Altar with masterful engravings and paintings of Bible scenes in the incredibly lavish and ornate iconostasis of the Cathedral – the only one to have survived from the former metropolitan complex.
The iconostasis, created in 1807, the most eye-catching part of the interior of the church, is considered one of the greatest accomplishments of the 19th-century Albanian wood-carving masters. It stretches along the entire interior of the cathedral and includes twelve royal icons as well as twenty-seven small festive icons. The royal icons, objects of reverence and worship.
• Holy Trinity Church The Holy Trinity Church is a medieval Byzantine church which stands on a hill in the city of Berat in the Kalaja district of Southern Albania.