Full Day
Daily Tour
up to 15 people
English
Embark on a remarkable Kotor to Albania private day trip that promises a truly memorable experience. Our journey will lead you to one of Albania’s most captivating and enchanting cities: Shkodra. Nestled in Northwestern Albania, this city holds the title as the birthplace of Ilirian Kingdom, and exploring its streets is akin to delving into a realm of legends and history.
Dating back to the 4th century B.C., Shkodra stands as one of Albania’s oldest inhabited cities, steeped in a rich tapestry of historical events. Throughout the centuries, it has witnessed the rise and fall of various civilizations. The Romans left their mark in 168 B.C., followed by Albanian Feudal families and the Venetians in 1396. Eventually, the Ottomans established their presence in 1479. During the 14th century, Albania took control, transforming Shkodra into the feudal principality of the Balshaj family.
Shkodra’s cultural heritage is a testament to its illustrious past. The city has given birth to an impressive array of artists, musicians, painters, photographers, poets, and writers, who have left an indelible mark on the world of art and creativity. As we explore Shkodra, you’ll witness the pride the locals carry for their city’s artistic legacy.
Among the main attractions in Shkodra, the crown jewel is undoubtedly Rozafa Castle. Majestic and commanding, it boasts a fascinating museum within its walls. Here, you can delve into the depths of history, unraveling tales of bravery, love, and sacrifice. The castle’s vantage point offers breathtaking panoramic views that capture the essence of Shkodra’s natural beauty.
Prepare to immerse yourself in the wonders of Shkodra as we unveil its captivating stories, architectural marvels, and cultural treasures. This day trip promises to leave you spellbound, allowing you to forge an everlasting connection with the allure of Albania’s magnificent city.
We start our journey from your Hotel in Kotor at 8:30 a.m, and we drive towards the border control that separates the two countries.
After the border control, we drive towards Shkodra where we will visit the Rozafa Castle.
The Rozafa Castle and the legend
One of the most touching legend and most famous in Albania is that of the castle of Shkodra, Rozafa. Rozafa was a girl married in a family of three brothers. The brothers were building a castle during the day, but during the night an unknown force destroyed the castle.
So, the legend goes that the youngest brother had a dream that his “Dead father” told him to bury in the walls the wife of one of the three brothers. However, the chosen one would be the one who would bring them lunch the next day. He goes and tells that to his brothers and they all betray him by telling the secret to their wives.
The next day, the youngest brother’s wife brought them lunch. Moreover, she just had given birth to a child whom she loved too much. They tell her about the dream and she accepts her fate. And she tells them to bury her in one condition… Learn this condition in this tour and learn what happens to Rozafa.
After your tour of the castle, you will visit the museum. The museum will shed light on every stone and ruin you have visited so far.
Any questions you might have had throughout the tour of the castle will be answered. In addition to the story of the castle, the museum showcases artifacts from the Hellenistic and medieval periods up until World War I.
During the communist period, this magnificent cathedral underwent a transformation into a sports hall, reflecting the complex history of Albania. Despite its past, the cathedral's grandeur and significance make it a must-visit destination in the country. Its understated simplicity adds to its allure, allowing visitors to appreciate its architectural beauty and historical significance.
Inside the cathedral, you'll find captivating paintings depicting the stories of the martyrs, providing a glimpse into the rich history of the region. These artworks offer a profound insight into the sacrifices made by individuals who upheld their beliefs during challenging times. The cathedral serves as a poignant reminder of Albania's religious and cultural heritage.
One of the remarkable features of the cathedral is its original ceiling, which showcases intricate craftsmanship and adds to the overall aesthetic appeal. The preservation of this ceiling speaks to the dedication of those who have worked tirelessly to restore and maintain the cathedral's historical integrity.
Dedicated to St. Stephen, the cathedral holds great significance for both locals and visitors. It serves as a place of reflection and reverence, offering a serene atmosphere for contemplation and prayer. Exploring the cathedral allows visitors to connect with the spiritual and historical essence of Albania.
The Ebu Bekr Mosque, also known as the Lead Mosque (Xhamia e Plumbit), is one of the oldest mosques in Shkodra and holds great historical and cultural importance. It stands as a symbol of the city's religious diversity and heritage.
The mosque's construction dates back to the 18th century during the Ottoman era. It was named after Ebu Bekr, the first caliph and companion of the Prophet Muhammad. The mosque's nickname, "Lead Mosque," comes from the lead dome that adorns its structure.
Architecturally, the Ebu Bekr Mosque showcases a blend of Ottoman and Islamic design elements. The exterior features a traditional minaret, while the interior boasts beautiful calligraphy and decorative motifs.
Visiting the mosque offers an opportunity to witness Islamic religious practices and experience the serene atmosphere of a place of worship. You can observe the faithful engaging in prayers and learn about the rituals and customs associated with Islam.
The Ebu Bekr Mosque stands as a testament to Shkodra's multicultural heritage and is a place where locals and visitors can appreciate the city's religious diversity and the significance of Islam within the community.
Venice Art Mask Factory: If you're interested in traditional craftsmanship, visiting the Venice Art Mask Factory is a must when in Shkodra. Watch skilled artisans create unique Venetian-style masks using traditional techniques. It is as well possible to buy various art-craft and learn more about the stories which make this factory unique in Albania
Bazaar of Shkodra: Explore the vibrant Bazaar of Shkodra, a bustling marketplace where you can find a wide range of traditional crafts and products. From intricate embroidery and woven rugs to handmade copper items and leather goods, the bazaar offers a treasure trove of locally crafted items.
Our Kotor to Albania day trip typically lasts approximately 6-8 hours, including travel time and visits to key attractions. Please note that the duration may vary depending on traffic conditions, the amount of time spent at each site, and the pace of the group. We always strive to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience, balancing the time for exploration, relaxation, and travel.
The price includes transportation, professional guiding, and entry tickets to all attractions. Meals and personal expenses are not included.
We will arrange pick-up from your hotel at a set time (8:30 am) in the morning. Please be ready in your hotel lobby 5 minutes before your scheduled pick-up time
Yes, we can offer some flexibility in the itinerary for private tours. Please let us know of any specific requests or requirements you may have when booking.
Absolutely, as a private trip this is ideal for families with children or elderly members as it allows for a more personalized pace and greater flexibility.
This trip is exclusively for your group. You won't be sharing transportation or a guide with other travelers, which allows for a more personal and tailored experience.
We typically use comfortable, air-conditioned car for up to 4 participants or minibuses up to 12 participants.
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