Albania Shkodër & Krujë City Day Trip from Tirana

In the morning we drive to Shkodra the most important city of north Albania, set in a beautiful plateau in front of the largest lake in the Balkans named after the town itself, and with the Albanian Alps as a backdrop. We will take a walking tour in “Gjuhadol” a newly renovated pedestrian area of Italian and Austrian architectural influences, testimony to this city’s historic links with both these countries. Then we will visit the Marubi Museum (master photographer of the end of 19th century) which houses an exposition of old prints. He took the first photograph in the Balkans in 1856. Marubi was based in Shkodra but was also invited to work for the King of Montenegro. He has left a wealth of 500 000 glass negatives.

After this culinary highlight proceed to Kruja 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. We will visit the Skanderbeg Museum and a rich Ethnographic Museum with almost all items being original from the end of the 18th century. Finally we make our way through Kruja’s famous Bazaar full of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs. we spend some free time on our own before heading back to the capital city. Return to Tirana.