L’Albanie médiévale et l’ancienne Dyrrachium

After meeting with the guide you will be transferred toward Kruja. Kruje was the centre of the Albanian resistance against the Ottomans led by Skanderbeg.
Driving along the winding mountain road, you will reach the town’s main square marked by the equestrian statue of Skanderbeg wielding his sword.
Continuing uphill and above the town, you will reach the historic fortress and citadel which successfully withstood three Ottoman sieges led by Sultan Murat and later by his son Sultan Mehmed II – the conqueror of Constantinople (now Istanbul).
It was only after Skanderbeg’s death that the fortress finally fell and the Albanian resistance was suppressed.

Once you are in Kruja you will visit the castle, Ethnographic museum and Ottoman-style covered bazaar.
Another great activity included is also where you will learn how our traditional hat (Qeleshe) and slippers (papuce) are produced in a local workshop at the old bazaar. Enjoy shopping time at the old bazaar of Kruja.
Later on transfer towards Durres where you will have time to enjoy lunch on your own on the shores of the Adriatic Sea.

Durres is the largest port of Albania. It also has the status of one of the oldest settlements in Albania being founded in 7th century BC from Greek colonists. Being in such favourable position in the Adriatic Sea, Durres (named Epidamnum from Greeks and Dyrrachium from Romans) has always been envied and was a very influential city under the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman Empires as an important connection point.
It’s importance still lives today as being one of the most influential cities in the country’s economy.
Short visit of Durres city centre and its ancient ruins before being transferred back to Tirana.