Explore Shkoder, Lezhe, and Kruje: A Cultural and Nature Adventure

We drive from Tirana towards Shkoder. Shkodra is the only mentioned Illyrian capital in the 3rd-2nd centuries B.C. Visiting Rozafa castle we will not only experience the supremacy the Illyrians would have feel over their enemies standing in such an imposing Castle, but will also admire breathtaking views 360 degrees over the valley, the two rivers Buna and Drin, the lake of Shkoder and the surrounding mountains.

We will take a walking tour in “Gjuhadol” a newly renovated pedestrian area of Italian and Austrian architectural influences, testimony to this city’s historic links with both these countries. Then we can nvisit the Marubi Museum (Optional) (master photographer of the end of 19th century) which houses an exposition of old prints. He took the first photograph in the Balkans in 1856. Marubi has left a wealth of 500 000 glass negatives. The selection of prints we will view, show people and life of the area nearly 2 centuries ago.

In Lezhe we will see the mausoleum of Skanderbeg, the national hero of the Albanians. He was buried inside the church of saint Nicholas.

we proceed to Kruja centre of Albanian resistance against the Ottomans under our National Hero, Scanderbeg. He kept the Ottoman armies from crossing into Western Europe for 25 years, thus earning the title “Athleta Christi” awarded by the Pope of the time. We will visit the Skanderbeg Museum and a rich Ethnographic Museum with almost all items being original from the end of the 19th century. Finally we make our way through Kruja’s famous Bazaar full of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Return to Tirana.