Kruja & Old Bazaar Half-Day Tour from Durres

Explore the rich history and scenic beauty of Kruje and Holy Mountain on a tour from Durres. Experience stillness, learn about the Bektashi Missionary Sarisalltik, and enjoy traditional Albanian dishes.

Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjeter) - The Kruja Bazaar is renowned as one of the oldest in Albania. This captivating marketplace in Krujë has a history spanning over 400 years and was the birthplace of free trade among the city’s most prominent merchants. It was here that traders first began to officially exchange various goods. Conveniently situated on the main road to the Castle of Kruja, the bazaar is part of the museum while still fulfilling its traditional commercial role.
  • Museumi Gjergj Kastrioti (Skenderbeu) - The Skanderbeg Museum offers visitors a profound insight into the significance of one of Albania’s most revered national heroes. It’s a must-visit for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the nation’s rich past!

The ruins of Kruja Castle are visible at the base of Kruja’s mountain. The castle houses the National Museum of “Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu,” commonly known as the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s most celebrated hero. Skanderbeg’s efforts to reunite Albanian families divided for six centuries have cemented his status as a national icon. His return to Kruja after his childhood in Turkey forever linked his name to the city. As the leader during one of Albania’s most prosperous times, he formed an army that successfully resisted Ottoman advances for 25 years until his death in 1468.

  • Sari Salltik - Sarisalltik was a 13th-century semi-legendary Turkish dervish revered as a saint by the Bektashis in the Balkans and parts of the Middle East. The trail to the cave has been used for centuries by pilgrims on their way to pray at the tekke.
  • Kruja Castle - Krujë Castle, also known as Kruja Castle, gained fame as the last bastion of Christian resistance against the invading Ottoman Turks. Led by Albanian lord George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, a small Albanian garrison defended the fortress. Known as the last Christian stronghold to fall to the Ottoman army, Krujë Castle offered surprising resistance. During the Albanian uprising of 1432-1436, the castle was unsuccessfully besieged by Andrea Topii, and Ottoman rule was reinstated. After Scanderbeg’s uprising in 1443, the castle withstood three major Turkish sieges in 1450, 1466, and 1467, with garrisons typically numbering 2000-3000 men under Scanderbeg’s command. Even Mehmed II the Conqueror couldn’t breach the castle’s defenses until 1478, a decade after Skanderbeg’s death.
  • Kruje - The mountain of Kruja is known locally as the “Adriatic Balcony” due to its breathtaking views, both day and night.
  • Bar George W.Bush - FUSHE KRUJE, Albania (Reuters) - A small Albanian village visited by President George W. Bush in 2007 has unveiled a statue of him in shirt sleeves, located in a square named after him.

The 2.85 m (9.3 ft) tall statue of the former president, raising his left hand in greeting, was revealed on Wednesday in a square adorned with Albanian and American flags for the event.

  • Artizanat Kruja - ARTISAN WORKSHOP WITH ÇIMI
    Albanian hats, known as ‘qeleshe,’ are available in shops in the Old Bazaar. These hats, which date back to ancient times, have always been a vital part of Albanian traditional customs. Made from wool, the felt is thoroughly washed with soap and water. The fabric goes through 16 different stages to create the “qeleshe.”
What's Included
  • Artisans Studio Tour
  • Pickup and drop-off from your hotel
  • Transport with comfortable vehicle with air conditioning
  • Professional licensed tour guide
What's Not Included
  • Personal expenses
  • Tip and Gratuites
Additional Information

Absorb the awe-inspiring visuals of the Adriatic Sea, majestic mountains, and serene lakes.
Discover authentic tranquility and serenity.
Delve into the lore and past of the Bektashi Missionary Sarisalltik.
The charmingly worn cobblestone path of the old bazaar that snakes its way to the magnificent Kruja Castle is lined with merchant stands, each overflowing with a wealth of conventional items crafted by local artists.
Uncover the intricate procedure behind the creation of Albanian vintage hats from Artisan Crafts.
Your guide will walk you through the castle’s past and provide an account of Skanderbeg’s life and eventful history. This is an excellent chance to familiarize yourself with Albanian history from the Medieval Era.
Savor traditional Albanian cuisine, including Tavë Dheu and Tavë Kosi, while gazing out at the stunning views from the castle and the heart of the city.

  • Seats for children under 6 years old are not available!
Location
Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjeter)
Rruga Albanopolis
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(19 Ratings)
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562itzelc
Feb 14, 2024
Guided day tour to Kruje! - The visit was very interesting, especially the castle and the museum. He told me a lot of curiosities about the country, as well as lots of tips on places to go. The choice of restaurant he proposed was excellent. I recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adriendl9561gb
Oct 3, 2023
Magnificent views. - A nice castle with an amazing view. From there, you could even see the sea. The old bazaar right before the castle also looks really magnificent. The narrow streets are very attractive and full of vendors selling different products. Joni, our tour guide, spoke excellent English and patiently answered all of our questions. We truly recommend him and this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fellowtraveler82516
Jun 11, 2023
We got a good knowledge. - The place worth to see. The guide was very helpfull and was telling on an interesting way. We could see a castle, a museum and the Trade street.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A3665huleonh
Apr 14, 2023
A fascinating history and tasty food - Excellent journey with an informed and friendly guide.The tour was essentially private; the guide drove us about while thoroughly describing Albanian history and culture. We also tasted the regional specialties in Kruja in a stunning restaurant with a panoramic view.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_b
Aug 1, 2022
Kruje + Guide = Great Experience - Very passionate guide. Certainly worth a trip to Kruje if you're in Durres and fancy a half-day away from the beach!
Review provided by Viator
Joshuatl6341sj
Jun 28, 2022
Great experience - I very much enjoyed the bazaar and castle. Amazing history and culture with the great mountains that were beautiful sight
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thehonestreview657
May 19, 2022
Albanian kruga trip - This was a great trip, well worth it. The guide is very knowledgeable and friendly also the scenery and places you see are are amazing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adriana_r
Apr 26, 2022
Fabulous experience in Albania (excellent service of Rio) - Surprised by the beauty of Albania, I decided to take this tour to also discover the secrets that its mountains hide. Initially, the reservation was for a group but I was the only one and they respected me the service so on Sunday, my guide named Río, picked me up at my hotel on time (If you take this tour, I strongly recommend you to ask for Rio as your tour guide). From there we started our way to Kruje where Rio very kindly shared information and important data about Durres and Kruje, as well as the history of each place or anecdotes of some stores on the town. As we were going up the mountain by car, we made a stop to take pictures of the place and later we continued our trip to the Dragon cave that is at the top of the mountain. Rio at all times provided me with excellent service so that I could enjoy and live this tour to the fullest, so we decided not to drive up the mountain but to hike until we reached the top. It was an incredible experience where we had the physical challenge of hiking, peace, contact with nature and we discovered beautiful places that are part of the mountain, we enjoyed the panoramic view of all Kruje until we came across the holy water and reached the top. I also had the opportunity to have a coffee and a raki inside a typical home of a man at the top of the mountain before entering the cave which was for me great because I saw their culture and traditions so different from mine, it was surprising . Finally, in the dragon's cave I made my wishes by lighting the candle and drank sacred healing water. Coming down the mountain, we got to eat traditional local dishes in a very tasty restaurant that had an spectacular view and we ended the visit walking through the local bazaar and learning a little more about its history in the Castle. I thank you very much for the spectacular service you gave me this day, especially Rio who, by enjoying his work and providing quality service, made this day in the mountains one of the best days getting to know Albania thanks to yoiur guide on this extraordinary tour I took.
Review provided by Viator
851sylvianev
Sep 14, 2023
Do not miss - This city in the middle of concrete has retained an authentic heart that should not be missed, a beautiful stroll to be completed if possible at the Emiliano restaurant, it is in the best location, the service is impeccable and the prices are reasonable. Then you can visit the bazaar, which is worth its buildings. do not miss the monumental statue of Skanderbeg the national hero
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beth_c
Jun 30, 2022
Highly recommend! Faleminderit! - Great trip to Kruje & the mountains with tour guide Rio who was very informative and friendly! Highly recommend this trip - the only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is due to the slight car trouble at the beginning of the day which I think made the tour a little longer than it needed to be - noones fault, just an unfortunate incident caused by super high temperatures! The stop at the restaurant was great, bazaar was really cool, and the museum was interesting. Thanks again Rio!
Review provided by Viator
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September 2024
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