We start from Kotor at 8:00 am, taking guests from Budva at 8:45 and then we drive to Podgorica where we will pick up guests at 10:00 am. Half an hour later we will be on Božaj border crossing, from where we will drive to the nearest Albanian city Skhoder. While travelling to Skhoder, you will see the slops of the Prokletije mountain massif also known as South Alps on your left side, and on your right you will have the view on Skadar Lake. It is one the oldest and most historical places in Albania, as well as an important cultural and economic centre.

We will walk down the most popular pedestrian street known as Pjaca (KoleIdromeno St. in the center of Shkodra), full of cafes and shops. That street got a name of KoleIdromeno (1860-1939) who was a famous Albanian sculptor, photographer, architect and engineer. At the beginning of the street you will see the Mother Theresa monument (Nene Teresa), which is one of the newest statues in Shkoder. Mother Teresa was a Catholic nun, who was born in neighboring Macedonia to an Albanian family. In 1979 she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. On the left of Mother Teresa monument the large Ebu Beker Mosque, which is the focal point of the local Muslim community, dominates Skhoder's city centre. This mosque is also known as Al-Zamil Mosque; it was built in 1995 with funds from Saudi Arabia and Egypt. This mosque has been extensively renovated in 2008. Across the mosque is statue of Luigj Gurakuqi (1879-1925) who was born in Shkoder. He became a poet and a nationalist. Luigj Gurakuqi was given the titles of Hero i Popullit (Hero of the People) and Meseus i Popullit( Teacher of the People). The university of his hometown Shkoder was named after him.

After visiting the center of the town we go to the Rozafa Castle from where there is a beautiful view on the entire region, the city of Skoder and the river Buna (Bojana). The Rozafa Castle is located on a small hill about 2,5 km southwest of Shkoder city centre. The Rosafa Castle was probably founded by Illyrians. Later it was rebuilt several times by Romans, Venetians and Ottomans. The castle ruins consist of 3 courtyards and a few buildings. The oldest still standing structure on the castle grounds is the St. Stephen's Church, which dates back to 1319. One of the main reasons to visit the castle is its location on a 130 m high hilltop, which offers panoramic views of Shkoder, the Buna and Drini rivers as well as the southern end of Lake Shkodra.Next to the Rozafa castle is located multiple-domed Lead Mosque (Xamia e Plumbit) which dates back to 1773, when it was built in Ottoman style by Memet Pasha Bushati. The name Lead Mosque derives from the material which was used for the roof and the cupolas. In 1948 the mosque was declared a Cultural Monument which probably also saved it from destruction during the communist years. In 1967 the minaret was destroyed by a lighting.

After Shkoder we go to Kruje located 30 km before Tirana between Mount Kruje and the Ishemriver. Kruje is an important touristic center in Albania. The name "Krujë" is thought to have originated from the word "front-head" ( water source), because Kruja has many sources. This area has given to the Albania's history, the name of Albania, the first state-Albanian feudal principality of Arber, and of course Albanian national hero, Skanderbeg (chosen as the capital of its state Kruja).

The area of Kruja was included in dominions of Kastrioti family precisely by Skanderbeg's father, John Kastrioti. Kruja will serve again as the center of Arber and in the XV century, will be the center of attention of all European nations threatened by the Ottoman invasion. Three times Kruja was surrounded by the Ottomans (1450, 1466, 1467) with a large army. The city was besieged by two of the most powerful sultans of the Ottoman Empire (Sultan Murad II and his son Mehmed II) However, Kruja castle resisted and fell under Ottoman rule in 1478, ten years after the death of Skanderbeg. After we arrive in Kruje we will visit the old town, museum, after which our guests can buy some of the souvenirs on the traditional bazaar.

In Museum of Skanderbeg Kastrioti in the Old Town Kruje, you will see a lot of exhibits about the biggest Albanian hero, hundreds of his works, publications, paintings, sculptures, documents, weapons, workroom, library, etc. Some documents have certified the war and Skanderbeg efforts for freedom, not only in defense of Albania (Albëria in that time), but all of Western and Southwest Europe, which was threatened seriously by Ottoman invasion. The city of Kruja is rich in monuments of culture and ethnography, because of its history, is even an area rich in archeological sites. Kruja is declared "hero city", because it carries a priceless value and is one of the most famous Albanian cities in the world, even during the period of communist isolation. The Castle of the city and its historical museum, are surely two of the most important, including the characteristic cobble stone street of the Old Bazar, the Ethnographic Museum, etc. Old Bazar has 70 traditional shops where you can buy: copper, wool, jewelry, fez production, and a lot of souvenirs.

Kruja is today a small town, whose economy is based mainly on personal and small business development in crafts today's tourism industry. However, the city is pleasant and gives you a feeling that you went back in time. After we finish the visit of Kruje we will be heading back to Podgorica, Budva and Kotor

 

NOTE: Entrance fee for Rozafa Castle of 2 euros and entrance fee in Museum in Kruje of 2 euro  are not included in the price. Breakfast and lunch are not included in the price. In total, all tickets, breakfast, lunch and snack will cost you 15-20 euros. But if you want you can bring your own food and drink.

The price for the tour includes licensed tour guide in English language. Tour is organized by air conditioned car, mini van or mini bus.

For more info about the tour and booking, contact us on e-mail montenegrohostel@gmail.com or by phone 0038269039751

Hope you will enjoy on our tour:)