Kruje and Shkoder Day Trip: Explore Albania's Rich History, Traditional Bazaar & National Museum
4.9
7 Ratings
Kruje
Embark on a day trip to Kruje and Shkoder in Albania to explore the rich history, traditional bazaar, and national museum. Discover the heroic past of Kruja and the vibrant culture of Shkoder.
Duration: 10 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjeter) - The Kruja Bazaar is famous for being one of the oldest in Albania. The construction of the beautiful and fascinating marketplace of Krujë dates back over 400 years and was the starting point of free trade among the city’s most established merchants. It is in this particular bazaar that traders first began to officially exchange various kinds of goods with one another. Conveniently located on the main road leading to the Castle of Kruja, space forms part of the museum while also serving its traditional commercial purpose.
    Whether you need a traditionally-crafted rug or masterfully-made copper products from the renowned craftsmen who work here, you can find every object of interest you might need! Other items in the fascinating bazaar include genuine handcrafted items and silver jewellery that is known to last a lifetime. The bazaar has steadily grown over the centuries, dictating the spread of housing and urban structures around it, making it the real epicenter of Kruja.
  • Museumi Gjergj Kastrioti (Skenderbeu) - The Skanderbeg museum is a wonderful insight for visitors into the importance of one of Albania’s most celebrated national heroes. The site is a must for history buffs, and anyone with an interest in the nation’s fascinating past!

The ruins of the Kruja Castle can be seen at the base of Kruja’s mountain. The castle holds within it the National Museum of “Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu,” known simply as the Skanderbeg Museum – dedicated to the most celebrated of all Albanian heroes. Skanderbeg’s ability to reunite Albanian families that had been divided for six centuries, made him the important national figure that he is today. It was Skanderbeg’s return to Kruja, following his childhood in Turkey, which eternally bonded the great man’s name to the city, and the city’s to his. He was the leader of the country during one of its most prosperous periods, and created an army that successfully fended off the Ottomans’ advances for 25 years, until his death in 1468.

  • Kruja Castle - Among the ruins within the castle walls stands the Old Clock Tower, with the same bell that once rung to announce the death of Skanderbeg. This clock, crafted by artisans of the Old Bazaar of Krujë, once coordinated the city’s time: such as the opening and closing hours of the shops, as well as the times of prayer. Near the clock tower stands the National Museum “Gjergj Kastriot Skënderbeu”, designed by Pirro Vaso and Pranvera Hoxha, part of the architectural team who designed the Pyramid of Tirana. Built in the early 1980s, crowning the castle walls, this recognisable museum structure has become an icon of this city’s skyline. Inside, the exhibits reveal insights into Skanderbeg’s life, his historical victories and achievements, as well as copies of Skanderbeg’s weapons: his recognisable helmet crowned with a goat’s head, and his sword.
  • Shkoder - Known as the capital of North Albania -
    Visit its castle and enjoy the views of the rivers and vellay
    Walk in the famous pedestrian street of Shkoder -
    Take some free time to enjoy by your own the atmosphere if this lovel town
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • English-speaking guide
  • All fees and taxes included
What's Not Included
  • Private expenses
Additional Information

Explore Kruja, a town steeped in history and tradition, renowned for being the heart of Albania’s independence from the Ottoman Empire. Tour the Kruja Castle, which houses The National Museum dedicated to the country’s legendary heroes. It throws light on the illustrious history of these heroes and the traditional way of life of Kruja’s inhabitants. The town’s well-known bazaar connects the magnificent past with the present, presenting a plethora of traditional products crafted by local artisans.
Discover Shkoder, celebrated as the Northern Capital of Albania. Take a stroll along its renowned pedestrian street and visit its iconic castle.
Historic & Cultural Highlights
Kruja and Shkoder
Kruja Bazaar
Kruja National Museum
Rozafa Castle in Shkoder
Shkoder’s famous pedestrian street
Hotel pick up and drop off services

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
4.9
(7 Ratings)
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1 star
Clairesc6426jn
Dec 16, 2023
Great day - Bovilla Lake is an amazing place and Kruje beautiful and charming. Zeni was a great guide. Thank you for the interessing cultural explanations, your kindness, your rally skills and the good laughs😁
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Nedetoader
Nov 8, 2023
Shkoder and Kruje - Feedback for Zeni: We had the privilege of having Zeni as our guide on our excursion to Kruje and Shkoder, Albania, yesterday, and it was truly remarkable. Zeni demonstrated exceptional attention to our small group of just my wife and me, going above and beyond to ensure we had a wonderful experience. One aspect that truly made a difference was Zeni's ability to explain the history, culture, and landscape of this beautiful region in detail. Every question we had received a well-informed and engaging answer, making the trip not only enjoyable but also educational. Additionally, I must mention that Zeni added a touch of humor and lightheartedness to our excursion. He was witty and created a relaxed atmosphere that made the day pass by with ease, making us feel like we were traveling with a friend. In conclusion, Zeni was undoubtedly one of the best guides we've ever encountered. Our experience in Kruje and Shkoder was truly special thanks to Zeni's expertise and personality. We highly recommend his services and hope to have him as our guide on our future adventures. Thank you, Zeni!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Borfrancisyenolam
Jul 24, 2023
Hot and interesting - Fun trip with an interesting history. We went when it was very hot! If you can I would try to avoid going in a heat wave it would definitely be more enjoyable. Henri took care of us, thanks for a fun day!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danette
Mar 11, 2023
A must do if you coming to Albania - Our guide Zeni was excellent. Super knowledgeable, flexible and very friendly. Made this trip very memorable and special for us. Kruje is a mystical place, it holds so much history and charm. We loved it Definately a must do if you coming to Albania
Review provided by Viator
Eglie2023
Mar 3, 2023
Great! - The trip overall was very impressive. The accommodations were very nice, our driver Kevi was a real pleasure and also, a fantastic driver. Our tours and tour guides were also very informative and delightful. I would recommend this trip for anyone wanting to get a taste of Albania and all its beauty. Thanks to everyone for making this a memorable experience for us.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Danielasy3179sj
Mar 17, 2024
A day in Kruja and Shkoder - We have been positively impressed by the courtesy of the guide Erald who made all the efforts to make us feel comfortable during the trip, even if it was the first time for him as a guide to visit Kruja. Nevertheless the human attitude of his compensated some lack of info about the places we visited. Very good result!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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up to 12 guests
1 Adult
May 2024
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