Kruja, Old Bazaar, Museum,Sari Saltik tour from Tirana
Description
Your day begins with a comfortable pickup from your accommodation in Tirana by a professional guide and driver. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle through scenic countryside to Kruja, about 60-90 minutes away, depending on traffic. Explore Kruja Castle, offering panoramic views and housing the Skanderbeg Museum (entry NOT included 5 euros, 45 mins), which highlights Albania's medieval history and resistance against the Ottoman Empire. Optionally visit the ethnographic museum (entry not included) for insights into Albanian heritage. Enjoy 90 minutes of free time to explore, shop, or dine. Then, travel to Mount Kruja to visit the Sari Salltik Shrine, where you can admire stunning views and learn about Albania’s sacred sites. Return to Tirana by 5:00-6:00 PM, with the option of airport drop-off for flights after 9:00 PM. Note: Museum visits may change on Mondays (seasonal closures). Weather conditions may restrict access to the shrine
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your day begins with a comfortable pickup from your accommodation in Tirana by a professional guide and driver. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle through scenic countryside to Kruja, about 60-90 minutes away, depending on traffic until you reach the town of Kruja.Arrive at the parking and start the walk towards the casstle of Kruja( approximately 15 minutes with a moderate level ascent). Here the guide will explain the ruins of the castle as you will be transported 5 centuries back in time. Discover the iconic Kruja Castle, perched on a hill with panoramic views of the Adriatic coast and surrounding valleys. The castle served as the headquarters of the Albanian national hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, during his resistance against the Ottoman Empire
In all our tours we believe that free time is essential to allow our customers to explore on their own or just have enough time to enjoy a traditional Albanian lunch, stroll the bazaar or just take more pictures of the landscape. You will be given 110 minutes of free time in Kruja.
After the free time head back to the van/bus to drive on a serpetine road for 20 minutes to reach the top of Mount Kruja where the Sari Salltik Shrine is located. Here, you will have the chance to enjoy amazing views of West Albania and the Adriatic coast and also learn about the Bektashi Order and sacred places around Albania.
Relax as you journey back to Tirana, reflecting on the rich experiences of the day and listening to more explanations about Albania and its rich history. Expect to be dropped off at your accommodation by 5:00 to 6:00 PM.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
You will be contacted with details on the day of the tour. Please remember the pickup might start 45 minutes before your selected time. Please provide a working phone number that preferably is connected to WhatsApp or Telegram.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Reviews(48)
Beautiful places to explore... very characteristic... Denis, our guide, is very knowledgeable. Even though the tour was in English, he helped us with Italian since he knows the language...
Exciting tour into the history of Albania. One visits the Sari Saltik shrine and the castle in Kruja. In Kruja, there is also a historical bazaar where one can find many souvenirs. The ethnological museum in the castle is also worth a visit, even though it is small. Here, one learns more about life in historical Albania, wedding customs, and rural culture. The tour guide provided us with a lot of information about the various places and the history and culture of Albania. I would do it again.
The tour was good ,on top of the mountains to see sari saltik,it was very chilly and windy. Kruja was good ,the castle tour and the old bazaar were good ,lots to see and had around 90 mins to explore the bazaar and shop.the guide altin was very informative and knowledgeable,and overall a good tour. Recommend to all.
Very interesting, the guidebook Ervin was also great. Great experience, the castle, the incredible views, scenery, temple visit and bazaar. It was also great the two hours at leisure. So I kobbled emotionally something to eat for Muttag and there was still enough time to buy souvenirs.
A great way to get out of the city and see some history and beautiful scenery so close to Tirana. The traffic was terrible, the price was very good and our tour guide, Altin was an encyclopedia of knowledge and a very proud Albanian.
The tour was excellent and provided us with a great understanding of Albanian history. Huge shoutout to Altin and the driver for being an excellent team. I especially liked Altin’s funny stories!
Our tour guide Altin has lectured very knowledgeably about the history and peculiarities of Albania and was always helpful. The driver carried out his difficult task, which was difficult due to the road conditions, with flying colours. The mediocre rating comes about because I found the sights of the tour rather less interesting.
We had a wonderful experience. Our guide Altin was engaging, humourous, and informative. We enjoyed visiting the village and exploring the bazaar and managed to pick up a few of their quality, handcrafted items. It was a great day, we recommend it!
I booked this trip to Kruje by Booking. I really enjoyed discovering new things about Sari Saltik, the view was breathtaking. I enjoyed a lot also the knowledge, kindness and company our tour guide and driver Altin. He showed me the Skanderbeg Museum, giving me a lot of interesting informations. He told us a lot about the history of Albania and he explained us a lot of interesting facts about the Albanian culture. I really liked this trip and I recommend it with Altin.
The driver certainly knew his roads, both in Tirana and the steep winding mountain roads. The tour guide, Bris, was excellent. I’ve been to Albania three times, but I learned a lot. Bris was full of nuggets of local information, and very balanced and professional in how he spoke. You will have time to explore on your own too, and visit the great sites on the tour. If you’re in Tirana, and want a taste of life and history beyond the capital, this is a great use of your limited time, and certainly very good value for money. Go for it!
