Explore Kruja & Durres Daytrip
- 7–8 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 4 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
This is a tour that combines the history and cultural heritage of two cities that have been very important for Albania. Durres has been the antiquity most important city and Kruja was medieval capital city. In this way you get to see them both and learn about the history of Albania from Antiquity to medieval period of time. Our representative will show you everything interesting as well as a lot of curiosities about Albanian country.
Inclusions
What's included
- Entrance fees as specified in the attractions to be visited
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Guide/Driver for the whole day according to the language that you have requested
What's not
- Lunch
- Tips/gratuities to guide/driver
- Everything that is not mentioned in the section "Included"
Itinerary
Ethnographic Museum with almost all items being original from the end of the 19th century. Built during the mid-18th century, in 1764, by Ismail Pashë Toptani, this Ottoman house is considered one of the most unique museums in Albania. It includes a total of 15 rooms which tell of work and family life in the town of Kruja. A white, three-story construction with a tower placed in the middle, this house is surrounded by wood-carved windows of all sizes, letting the breeze flow freely in an out, and creating a pleasant sense of open space. Outside, you’ll notice traces of former springs surrounding the castle, from which the name of the city derives (the word for “springs” in Albanian is kroje), which also reflect the city’s former position as an agricultural centre prior to the rise of commerce and artisanal activities.
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.
We make our way through Kruja’s famous Bazaar full of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. Kruja is a 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.
The Amphitheater of Durrës remains one of the most majestic of the ancient world and one of ten most beautiful Roman amphitheaters. Widely recognized among enthusiasts of Antiquity, it is a pearl of the Balkans that is slowly making its way out of the shell. Discovered relatively recently, in 1966, its unearthing occurred in a slightly comical way by Vangjel Toçi. Legend has it that Vangjel, an archaeologist and resident of Durrës, happened upon a fig tree which had fallen a few meters below ground level. Curious and inquisitive, he insisted that the area undergo excavations. Rightly so, for underneath was lying the long sought-after Amphitheater.
It is an Optional Visit that our tour representative will recommend you. This ultra-modern, well lit and labelled museum just back from the seafront has a breathtaking collection of historical artefacts. Highlights include the fine-boned sculptures and statues, delicate gold jewellery, amphoras recovered from the seafloor and still covered in barnacles and beautiful painted vases and pots that are so perfectly preserved they look as if they were painted just yesterday.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Durrës
- Pickup
- Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the starting point.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Operated by
- Alb Tourist Experience
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Tirana
- Its from-price is 42% above the median of the 271 day trips we list in Tirana.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Tirana
Tirana is Albania's colourful, spirited capital, with painted buildings, Ottoman and Italian landmarks, Cold War bunkers and cafés on every corner.
Skanderbeg Square, a vast open plaza, is the heart of the city, flanked by the Et'hem Bey Mosque with its delicate frescoes, the clock tower and the National History Museum with its giant socialist-era mosaic. Nearby, the Pyramid of Tirana is a striking concrete relic of the communist decades.
Top-ranked sights in Tirana: Skanderbeg Square (Sheshi Skënderbej), Pyramid of Tirana (Enver Hoxha Pyramid), Et'hem Bey Mosque (Xhamia e Et'hem Beut).
Special offers in Tirana
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
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