• Rozafa Castle - Rozafa Castle is a grand fortress perched atop a hill near the city of Shkoder. It offers breathtaking, panoramic views of Shkoder and Lake Shkodra. Originally established by the Illyrians in ancient times, the castle was later reconstructed by the Venetians and the Ottoman Turks.

A well-known legend surrounds the castle. It is said that three brothers built the castle by day, but the walls would collapse each night. An old man advised them that a human sacrifice was necessary to keep the walls standing. The brothers agreed that the wife who brought lunch the next day would be sacrificed. The two older brothers warned their wives, but the youngest brother did not. Thus, his wife, Rozafa, was sacrificed. She consented on the condition that her foot, hand, and breast remain exposed so she could care for her infant child. A statue of Rozafa can be seen at the entrance of the castle’s museum.

• Venice Art Mask Factory - The Venice Art Mask Factory is both a factory and an exhibition space for Venetian masks. Founded in 1997 by Edmond Angoni, an Albanian who spent considerable time in Venice, the factory has grown into a global enterprise. It operates eight shops in Venice and one in Las Vegas, and its masks are sold in luxury stores in Dubai and Australia.

At the Venice Art Mask Factory, you can view a collection of 1,700 unique art masks. Each mask is crafted by a team of 12 to 13 professionals who handle molding, papier-mâché, painting, and decoration. The factory produces over 30,000 masks annually. Browsing through the exquisite collection is a delightful experience, and with a range of price points, you might find a unique souvenir to take home.

• Marubi National Museum of Photography - The Marubi National Photography Museum houses a collection of photographs taken by three generations of photographers. In 1850, Pietro Marubi, an Italian painter and photographer, fled to Shkoder for political reasons and established a photo business called Foto Marubi. He trained Kel Kodheli, who succeeded him and adopted the name Kel Marubi. Later, Kel’s son, Gege Marubi, continued the family tradition.

The museum features a collection of 400,000 photographs that chronicle Albania’s history. The Marubi family captured significant national events and everyday life in Albania, including portraits of tribal leaders, highland uprisings, and notable figures like Edith Durham.

• Mesi Bridge - The Mesi Bridge is a cultural monument located northeast of Shkoder. Built in the 18th century during the Ottoman Empire’s rule over Albania, it is the largest surviving bridge from that period in the country.

Today, the bridge is a popular tourist attraction and was voted the top bridge to visit in Albania by TripAdvisor. It spans 108 meters and features 13 small arches, set against a backdrop of stunning mountains.

• Rruga Kole Idromeno (улица Коль Идромено) - Kole Idromeno Street is a renowned pedestrian boulevard in the heart of Shkoder. Designed by local architect and painter Kole Idromeno, who was educated in Venice, the street exudes an Italian ambiance with its decorative stones and romantic lighting. It’s a charming spot for a leisurely stroll, souvenir shopping, or enjoying a pleasant afternoon at a terrace café.
• Shkoder - In the afternoon, you’ll have free time to explore Shkoder’s city center. You might visit the Ebu Bekr Mosque, St. Stephen’s Catholic Cathedral, or the Orthodox Cathedral of the Nativity. Alternatively, you can simply wander through the city’s beautiful historic streets.
• Shkodra Lake - For nature enthusiasts, an afternoon visit to Shkodra Lake is a must. The largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula, it straddles the border between Albania and Montenegro. The area is serene and refreshing, with crystal-clear waters. You can drive along the road to Shiroka and visit the Buna River delta, making it a picturesque destination.

• Private tour guide in Shkoder
• Entrance fee to Rozafa Castle
• Entrance fee to Marubi National Museum of Photography
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Tirana
• Entrance fee to Venice Art Mask Factory
• Private transport with a/c vehicle

• Lunch
• Gratuities