Kruje & Holy Mountain Tour from Durres: Experience, Learn, and Enjoy Scenic Views and Rich History
4.8
19 Ratings
Kruje
Explore the rich history and scenic beauty of Kruje and Holy Mountain on a tour from Durres. Experience stillness, learn about the Bektashi Missionary Sarisalltik, and enjoy traditional Albanian dishes.
Duration: 6 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjeter) - The Kruja Bazaar is famous for being one of the oldest in Albania. The construction of the beautiful and fascinating marketplace of Krujë dates back over 400 years, and was the starting point of free trade among the city’s most established merchants. It is in this particular bazaar that traders first began to officially exchange various kinds of goods with one another. Conveniently located on the main road leading to the Castle of Kruja, the space forms part of the museum while also serving its traditional commercial purpose.
  • Museumi Gjergj Kastrioti (Skenderbeu) - The Skanderbeg museum is a wonderful insight for visitors into the importance of one of Albania’s most celebrated national heroes. The site is a must for history buffs, and anyone with an interest in the nation’s fascinating past!

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.

  • Sari Salltik - Sarisalltik, who was a 13th-century semi-legendary Turkish dervish venerated as a saint by the Bektashis in the Balkans and parts of the Middle East.
    The trail to the cave that has been used for centuries by pilgrims on their way to pray at the tekke.
  • Kruja Castle - Krujë Castle or Kruja Castle became famous as the last resort of Christian resistance against invading Ottoman Turks. A small garrison of Albanians was headed by an Albanian lord George Kastrioti Skanderbeg. Krujë Castle (Kalaja e Krujës) became known in the country as the last Christian fortress that fell before the onslaught of the Ottoman army. Surprisingly, the small fortress offered strong resistance. During the Albanian uprising of 1432-1436. Krujë Castle was unsuccessfully besieged by Andrea Topii, and Ottoman rule was restored. After the uprising of Scanderbeg in 1443, the castle withstood three major sieges of the Turks, respectively, in 1450, 1466 and 1467, with garrisons usually not exceeding 2000-3000 men under the command of Scanderbeg. Mehmed II the Conqueror himself could not break down the castle’s defenses until 1478, 10 years after Skanderbeg’s death.
  • Kruje - The mountain of Kruja is called the “Adriatic Balcony” by locals because of the stunning views that can be seen both day and night.
  • Bar George W.Bush - FUSHE KRUJE, Albania (Reuters) - A tiny Albanian village that President George W. Bush visited in 2007 has unveiled a shirt-sleeved statue of him, in a square named for him.

The 2.85 m- (9.3 ft-) tall statue of the former president, raising his left hand in greeting, was unveiled on Wednesday in the square festooned with Albanian and American flags for the occasion.

What's Included
  • Artisans Studio Tour
  • Transport with vehicle
  • Pickup and drop-off
  • Guide to the city of Kruje
What's Not Included
  • Personal expenses
  • Tip and Gratuites
Additional Information

Absorb the awe-inspiring visuals of the Adriatic Sea, majestic mountains, and serene lakes.
Discover authentic tranquility and serenity.
Delve into the lore and past of the Bektashi Missionary Sarisalltik.
The charmingly worn cobblestone path of the old bazaar that snakes its way to the magnificent Kruja Castle is lined with merchant stands, each overflowing with a wealth of conventional items crafted by local artists.
Uncover the intricate procedure behind the creation of Albanian vintage hats from Artisan Crafts.
Your guide will walk you through the castle’s past and provide an account of Skanderbeg’s life and eventful history. This is an excellent chance to familiarize yourself with Albanian history from the Medieval Era.
Savor traditional Albanian cuisine, including Tavë Dheu and Tavë Kosi, while gazing out at the stunning views from the castle and the heart of the city.

  • Seats for children under 6 years old are not available!
Location
Old Bazaar (Pazari i Vjeter)
Rruga Albanopolis
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.8
(19 Ratings)
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562itzelc
Feb 14, 2024
Guided day tour to Kruje! - The visit was very interesting, especially the castle and the museum. He told me a lot of curiosities about the country, as well as lots of tips on places to go. The choice of restaurant he proposed was excellent. I recommend it.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adriendl9561gb
Oct 3, 2023
Magnificent views. - A nice castle with an amazing view. From there, you could even see the sea. The old bazaar right before the castle also looks really magnificent. The narrow streets are very attractive and full of vendors selling different products. Joni, our tour guide, spoke excellent English and patiently answered all of our questions. We truly recommend him and this tour.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Fellowtraveler82516
Jun 11, 2023
We got a good knowledge. - The place worth to see. The guide was very helpfull and was telling on an interesting way. We could see a castle, a museum and the Trade street.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
A3665huleonh
Apr 14, 2023
A fascinating history and tasty food - Excellent journey with an informed and friendly guide.The tour was essentially private; the guide drove us about while thoroughly describing Albanian history and culture. We also tasted the regional specialties in Kruja in a stunning restaurant with a panoramic view.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Michael_b
Aug 1, 2022
Kruje + Guide = Great Experience - Very passionate guide. Certainly worth a trip to Kruje if you're in Durres and fancy a half-day away from the beach!
Review provided by Viator
Joshuatl6341sj
Jun 28, 2022
Great experience - I very much enjoyed the bazaar and castle. Amazing history and culture with the great mountains that were beautiful sight
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Thehonestreview657
May 19, 2022
Albanian kruga trip - This was a great trip, well worth it. The guide is very knowledgeable and friendly also the scenery and places you see are are amazing.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Adriana_r
Apr 26, 2022
Fabulous experience in Albania (excellent service of Rio) - Surprised by the beauty of Albania, I decided to take this tour to also discover the secrets that its mountains hide. Initially, the reservation was for a group but I was the only one and they respected me the service so on Sunday, my guide named Río, picked me up at my hotel on time (If you take this tour, I strongly recommend you to ask for Rio as your tour guide). From there we started our way to Kruje where Rio very kindly shared information and important data about Durres and Kruje, as well as the history of each place or anecdotes of some stores on the town. As we were going up the mountain by car, we made a stop to take pictures of the place and later we continued our trip to the Dragon cave that is at the top of the mountain. Rio at all times provided me with excellent service so that I could enjoy and live this tour to the fullest, so we decided not to drive up the mountain but to hike until we reached the top. It was an incredible experience where we had the physical challenge of hiking, peace, contact with nature and we discovered beautiful places that are part of the mountain, we enjoyed the panoramic view of all Kruje until we came across the holy water and reached the top. I also had the opportunity to have a coffee and a raki inside a typical home of a man at the top of the mountain before entering the cave which was for me great because I saw their culture and traditions so different from mine, it was surprising . Finally, in the dragon's cave I made my wishes by lighting the candle and drank sacred healing water. Coming down the mountain, we got to eat traditional local dishes in a very tasty restaurant that had an spectacular view and we ended the visit walking through the local bazaar and learning a little more about its history in the Castle. I thank you very much for the spectacular service you gave me this day, especially Rio who, by enjoying his work and providing quality service, made this day in the mountains one of the best days getting to know Albania thanks to yoiur guide on this extraordinary tour I took.
Review provided by Viator
Nathanjca
Apr 14, 2022
Amazing experience - Excellent private tour. Rio was really knowledgeable and passionate but most of all funny and made sure I enjoyed the tour. The journey up to the mountain was beautiful with stops along the way to take photos and at the top the most stunning vistas. Kruje is a beautiful town and I got to watch someone make traditional shoes from sheep wool which was truly interesting. I did feel pressure to buy after, especially as only me on the tour but I didn’t mind too much. We went to the Skanderbeg museum and then to a restaurant nearby for one of the nicest meals I had my entire stay. It was a traditional meal called Tavë Kosi, perfectly cooked meal in a yogurt sauce. This trip is well worth it and make sure to get Rio as your guide!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Beth_c
Jun 30, 2022
Highly recommend! Faleminderit! - Great trip to Kruje & the mountains with tour guide Rio who was very informative and friendly! Highly recommend this trip - the only reason why I didn't give it 5 stars is due to the slight car trouble at the beginning of the day which I think made the tour a little longer than it needed to be - noones fault, just an unfortunate incident caused by super high temperatures! The stop at the restaurant was great, bazaar was really cool, and the museum was interesting. Thanks again Rio!
Review provided by Viator
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May 2024
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