Cultural Day Trip to Shkoder, Lezhe, and Kruje in Albania

8 Hours Free CancellationMin 2 participantsPickup availableInstant confirmationMin age 1+Guided Operated by Aria Travel Albania 5.0 from 14 reviews
Castle of Kruja Marubi National Museum of Photography Rozafa Castle Skanderbeg Tomb

Why we love it?

This 8-hour tour from Tirana explores key historical and cultural sites in northern Albania, ideal for history and archaeology enthusiasts as well as nature lovers and active travelers. You’ll visit Rozafa Castle near Shkodra, where you can admire panoramic views over the Buna and Drin rivers, Lake Shkoder, and surrounding mountains. A walking tour through Gjuhadol highlights Italian and Austrian architectural influences, followed by a stop at the Marubi National Museum of Photography, which showcases early Balkan photography with a vast collection of historic prints. In Lezhë, the mausoleum of Skanderbeg offers insight into Albania’s national hero, while Kruja features the Castle of Kruja, the Skanderbeg Museum, and an Ethnographic Museum with original 19th-century artifacts. The tour concludes with time to explore Kruja’s traditional bazaar before returning to Tirana, all traveled in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Inclusions

  • Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions

  • Gratuities
  • Lunch

Itinerary

We drive from Tirana towards Shkoder

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.

Stop 2

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.

mausoleum of Skanderbeg

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

Stop 4

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.

Please Note

  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not recommended for people with back problems
  • Not recommended for people with heart conditions

Know Before You Go

  • Public transportation nearby
  • Infants must sit on laps

Cancellation Policy

Fully refundable until 1 day before start

Non-refundable after 1 day before start