About this tour

On a day tour of Kruja and Qafeshtama, you will get to see one of the most important towns in Albania. And one of the most important National Parks of Albania.

In a day tour of Kruja, it’s easy to find parts of the Albanian history scattered across the city. Begin with the old bazaar to see the handcrafts and then head towards the castle of Scanderbeg, the Albanian national hero.

Kruja Castle was built in the 5th and 6th centuries A.D. Charles I of Anjou rebuilt the walls in the 13th century and the Turks rebuilt them again some centuries later. In 1617 an earthquake caused great damage to the walls, after which they were reinforced with 9 towers. The highest and most well-defended part of the fortress is a clock tower. It used to serve as an observation platform during times of war.

Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu was an Albanian military commander and noble man.

People thought he had supernatural strength. Kruja is one reason to visit Albania. But that is not all Kruja has to offer.

After we have visited Kruja the tour continues towards the national park of Qafeshtama.

Hiking one of the most beautiful parks of Albania, located in Kruja and just 45 km away from the capital of Albania is an experience to never forget.

The national park of Qafeshtama named after the Qafe Shtame passage has a beautiful landscape.

It consists of pine forests, small lakes, and springs with crisp fresh water and fresh air. It is supposed that the Albanian Royal Family used to have their daily water supply from these springs.

This day tour of Kruja and Qafeshtama will be remarkable for you.

Highlights

Kruja’s bazaar and the handcrafts
The castle of the National Hero “Scanderbeg”
Hiking Qafeshtama
Stunning Views

Included/Excluded

Hotel pick-up and drop off
Private guide in English
Transportation

Meals and drinks
Entrance fees for the museums

Itinerary

We pick you up at your hotel in Tirana and drive towards Kruja.
Kruja was the most important town for the Albanians during the 15th century which withstood successfully to at least 3 major sieges by the Ottoman Empire. The medieval hero Gjergj Kastrioti called “Scanderbeg” is considered not only by Albanians as a symbol of resistance but also by Ottomans who believed that a supernatural force dwelled in him. Therefore after his death they wanted to destroy his tomb and take parts of his bones to keep them as a charm for good luck. We walk in the Old Bazaar full of old shops that sell traditional handmade items and next stop is the castle and the ethnographic museum (optional entrance) after that we are going to hike towards Qafeshtama National Park. The park has a spectacular view of the mountain. The spring is named “Queen Mother’s Spring” because the Albanian Royal family is supposed to have their daily supply from there. In 1932 it was awarded by Vienna as the best water in the country.
After our hike it’s time to return to Tirana and here your splendid day is over.