How to Plan Your Tirana and Kruja Day Trip

If you’re looking for an enriching and immersive cultural experience, a day trip to Kruja and Tirana is the perfect choice for you. This tour includes visits to both the medieval chief-town of Albania, Kruja, and the capital city of Tirana. You’ll get to explore the best of both worlds in just one day. In this guide, we will provide you with all the information you need to know to plan your Tirana and Kruja day trip.

Highlights

The following are the top highlights you can expect on your day trip to Kruja and Tirana:

– Visit Kruja, the medieval chief-town of Albania
– Explore the castle and Scanderbeg Museum in Kruja
– Walk in the Old Bazaar of Kruja and find the best souvenirs
– Visit Tirana, the capital city of Albania as the beating heart of Albania

Experience

The day starts in the morning when the tour guide picks you up at the Scanderbeg Square in Tirana at 8:30 am. From there, you will head to Kruja town, which is only about 35 kilometers away. Kruja is a unique destination in Albania, with its rich medieval history and culture.

When you arrive in Kruja, you will be fascinated by the castle and the Scanderbeg Museum. Kruja was the most important town for the Albanians during the 15th century, which endured several major sieges by the Ottoman Empire successfully. The medieval hero Gjergj Kastrioti, called “Scanderbeg,” is regarded not only by Albanians as a symbol of resistance and savior, but also by Ottomans who believed that a supernatural force dwelt in him. Therefore after his death, they destroyed his tomb and took parts of his bones to keep them as a charm for good luck.

You will spend some time exploring the castle and the Scanderbeg Museum. The museum is dedicated to the national hero Gjergj Kastrioti, and visitors can learn about his life and triumphs. The castle itself provides excellent views of the town below.

In the Old Bazaar of Kruja, you’ll find a fascinating blend of traditional handicrafts and modern shopping. In the bazaar, you’ll see a plethora of shops that sell traditional handmade items as well as other souvenirs you can take home.

After spending time at Kruja, the next stop is Tirana, the capital city of Albania. Tirana is Albania’s largest city and has a lot to offer, from cultural and historical sites to trendy bars and restaurants with traditional Albanian cuisine. You will explore Tirana’s landmarks and modern atmosphere.

Full Description

The tour begins at 8:30 am in the morning when you will meet your tour guide at Scanderbeg Square in Tirana. From there, you’ll head towards the historical town of Kruja.

Kruja’s castle served as the main defense against the Ottoman Empire during the 15th century. Inside the castle, you can visit the Scanderbeg Museum, dedicated to the famous Albanian hero Gjergj Kastrioti also known as Scanderbeg. The museum presents an extensive collection of Scanderbeg’s personal and military tools, important historical documents, and other exhibits.

After exploring the castle, we will head to the nearby bazaar well-known for its suitably-albanian vibes. The bazaar is always bustling with the sounds of shoppers haggling with sellers on prices for the locally made Ottoman sword replicas, ceramic pottery, and woven blankets among many other traditional handicrafts you can’t find anywhere else.

After that, you will be driven to the capital city of Albania, Tirana, with your guide. Tirana is an interesting mix of both traditional and modern elements. The city has something for everyone, from historic sites to trendy cafes and bars.

In Tirana, you will visit several landmarks such as the Skanderbeg Square, named after the Albanian national hero, which is at the heart of the city. At Skanderbeg Square, you will see the National Historic Museum of Albania, the Et’hem Bey Mosque, and the Tirana Clock Tower.

You will also explore the vibrant culture in Tirana. The modern city’s bohemian district, Blloku, houses a popular meeting spot for locals and visitors alike, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafes with traditional Albanian cuisine. You will have time to take a break, have a cup of coffee, and taste the local cuisines in this bohemian part of the city.

The tour will end late in the afternoon around 5:00 pm back at the Scanderbeg Square in Tirana, where it all began.

Book the Tour Here

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Conclusion

Exploring Albania can be an epic experience, but choosing the right tour is critical. This tour conveniently allows you to cover two of the most significant Albanian destinations in one single day. Plan your Tirana and Kruja day trip with this guide, and we’re sure that you’ll enjoy the cultural experience and have many memories to share.