Teqeja e Sari Salltikut

Uncover the vibrant history and culture of Albania on a captivating half-day tour to Kruja from Tirana. Start with pickup from the activity provider's office in the centry of Tirana and hop aboard a comfortable and climate-controlled vehicle for a scenic transfer through the Albanian countryside. Step back in time with an immersive visit to the medieval fortress of Kruja Castle which is perched above the city. Learn about how the castle was key in Skanderbeg's rebellion against the Ottoman Empire. Find out about the legacy of Albania's national hero, Skanderbeg, at the Skanderbeg Museum where you can see a replica of the hero's famous goat head-topped helmet. Admire paintings, armor, and an assortment of historical artifacts dating back to his time. Delve into the rich tapestry of Albanian craftsmanship and culture at the Old Bazaar. Snap pictures of the colorful stalls and soak up the lively atmosphere. Head to Sarisalltik Tekke, a Sufi shrine that offers a glimpse into Albania's spiritual heritage. Return to your meeting point in Tirana with a deeper appreciation for the history of Albania.

Your day begins with a comfortable pickup from your accommodation in Tirana by a professional guide and driver. Travel in an air-conditioned vehicle, enjoying the scenic countryside views as you head north towards Kruja, approximately 60-90 minutes away( depending on traffic). Upon arrival 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. Inside the castle, explore the Skanderbeg Museum, which celebrates Albania’s fight for independence and offers insights into its medieval history (Entrance included, around 45 minutes). Audioguides can be used only at this museum in Spanish, French, German if you would like this option instead of following the guide. " After the visit of the museum, individually you can choose to visit the ethnographic museum. Located within a traditional Ottoman-style house, this museum provides a glimpse into Albanian life through its exhibits of household artifacts, clothing, and tools. It's a fascinating way to understand the region’s cultural heritage and daily life in past centuries. Please discuss with your guide if you opt to visit it and arrange the timing ( ENTRY TICKET NOT INCLUDED) . 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 90 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 thr 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. ATTENTION: YOU CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT THE AIRPORT IF YOU FLY ON THE SAME DAY AND YOUR FLIGHT IS AFTER 9:00 PM. YOU CAN ALSO BE PICKED UP FROM THE AIRPORT BETWEEN 10:00 AM TO 10:30 AM AND DO THIS TOUR ON YOUR ARRIVAL DAY. ATTENTION: THE ORDER OF VISITS MIGHT CHANGE ATTENTION: THIS TOUR MIGHT BE OFFERED IN 2 OR MORE LANGUAGES ATTENTION: ON MONDAYS THE MUSEUMS ARE CLOSED FROM NOVEMBER 1 UNTIL FUTHER NOTICE ATTENTION: THE ROAD TO SARI SALLTIK SHRINE MIGHT BE CLOSED IN ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS SUCH AS ICE AND SNOW

Join us for a guided tour to Kruja, a historic city just an hour away from Tirana. During this tour, you'll visit key attractions like Kruja Castle, the Skanderbeg Museum, the Old Bazaar, and the peaceful Sari Salltik Mountain. We’ll start by picking you up from your hotel and taking a scenic drive to Kruja. After about an hour, we’ll reach the city and begin our tour at Kruja Castle. This ancient fortress is home to the Skanderbeg Museum, dedicated to Albania’s national hero, Skanderbeg, who led the fight against the Ottomans in the 15th century. Inside the castle, you’ll see replicas of Skanderbeg’s helmet and sword, along with family crests and other historical artifacts. Next, we’ll visit the Ethnographic Museum, set in a beautifully restored Ottoman-era house. This museum offers a look into daily life in Kruja during the Ottoman period, showcasing traditional clothing, tools, and household items. Afterward, we’ll head to the Old Bazaar, a lively market filled with local crafts. You can browse for unique souvenirs like handwoven rugs, silver jewelry, and pottery. To end the tour, we’ll take a scenic drive up to Sari Salltik Mountain, where you’ll visit a peaceful cave at 1,176 meters above sea level. From here, you’ll enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Sometimes, religious ceremonies take place at the cave, though this is rare. If you’d prefer to avoid this, please let your guide know before the tour. After the visit to Sari Salltik, we’ll return to Tirana. Please consider: The pick up will be handled by the guide, and you will be promptly informed 10 to 15 minutes before we get to your location. You might have to walk some minutes to get on some main road if the bus can't enter the area/ road where you are located. Furthermore, the pickup starts 30 to 40 minutes before your selected time.

Embark on a guided excursion through the enchanting city of Kruja, where you'll delve into its famed landmarks. Explore Kruja Castle, Skanderbeg’s Museum, the Old Bazaar, and Sari Salltik mountain. Begin your journey by being picked up from your Tirana hotel, setting off towards Kruja city. After an approximately one-hour drive, arrive in Kruja and commence your tour with a visit to Kruja Castle, home to Skanderbeg’s Museum. This fortress stood as the heart of the legendary Albanian resistance against the Ottomans, under the leadership of national hero Skanderbeg in the 15th century. Marvel at replicas of Skanderbeg's helmet and sword in the main hall, as well as the banners and insignias of influential families who supported the heroic cause, all while your guide regales you with tales of the past. Following this enriching historical exploration, venture into the vibrant ambiance of the Old Bazaar to peruse contemporary arts and crafts, perhaps snagging some intricate local souvenirs. Conclude your adventure with a scenic drive along a mountainous route to the sacred enclave of Sari Salltik. Explore this cave nestled on a mountaintop 1176 meters high, and relish breathtaking vistas stretching all the way to the Adriatic Sea. Upon completion, return to Tirana, cherishing the memories of your captivating journey through Kruja.

The historic city of Kruja, the town glued to the slopes of Mount Kruje, has a picturesque location and is packed with attractions. Considered as “balcony of Albania”, because you can see at the same time Adriatik sea laying in front of you on the horizon, the northern part of Albania up to Montenegro border on your right, and the city of Tirana and southern part of Albania on your right. Here was the main fortress Skanderbeg, who protected Albania and Europe from the Ottomans for 25 years. The most important attraction of the city is the Museum of the National Hero, Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg, situated in an Illyrian castle. The castle has nine towers, a few houses, and the Tekke of Dollma. The hamam is on the western side of the castle. The traditional old bazaar of Kruja stands near the castle. It is one of Albania’s largest handicrafts markets. This bazaar has operated since the 15th century. On top of this magnificent city, lays the holy place of “Sari Salltik”. Located inside a cave where believers of Bektashi religions do the yearly pilgrimages. The panoramic view from the mountain peak is simply breathtaking.

-Enjoy the spectacular scenery of the Adriatic Sea, mountains, and lakes. -Experience true stillness and peace. -Learn more about the history and legend of the Bektashi Missionary Sarisalltik. -Leading to the wonderful Kruja Castle, the cobblestone narrow street of the old bazaar will impress you with its small shops offering a rich array of traditional products made by local artisans. -Learn the secrets process of Albanian ancient hats from the Artisan Crafts. -The guide will take you through the castle’s history and provide you with an introduction to the life and history of Skanderbeg. It is a great opportunity to learn about the history of Albania during the Medieval Ages. - Enjoy Traditional Albanian dishes such as Tavë Dheu and Tavë Kosi with amazing views from the castle and downtown.

Be ready to leave Tirana / Durres at 8:30 and in less than 1-hour drive we will reach the City of Kruja. The first stop will be, the Traditional Bazaar of Kruja. It resembles an old carnival where friendly locals invite you to have a look at their handicrafts. It is a vibrant mosaic of traditional motives, colors, and warm hospitality. We will be welcomed in a local family Bar for a short break where we will have the chance to see how the locals have made their life in years. We will make our way uphill, toward the Castle of Kruja. It is the Stronghold Symbol of the Albanian Resistance during the Ottoman Invasion. The 25-year war was successfully led by the Albanian National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Skenderbeu. The same castle has been the center of the first Albanian state, “Principata e Arberit”, since the XII Century. On our tour of the castle, we will be able to visit some of the Bektashi Tekke, Turkish Hamman, the Ethnographic Museum, and the Museum of Scanderbeg. Dedicated to the glorious figure of Skanderbeg, this museum sends us back in history, and through historical dates and facts, we will try to understand the importance of his figure. Built in the Albanian Communist Days this museum is also influenced and indoctrinated by the dictated style of the Communist Party. For those who like a mystic, holy places the Sari Saltic Cave is the place to be. Since the 14th century, it has been a place where thousands of pilgrims do their rituals. There are plenty of histories and miracles that show its power but have only one way to feel it, visiting. Return to Tirana.

Join a guided tour of Kruja city to explore all its iconic attractions. Visit Kruja Castle, Skanderbeg’s Museum, the Old Bazaar, and Sari Salltik mountain. We will pick you up from the hotel and start the tour to Kruja city. After around one hour driving you are in Kruja and we continue the first visit to the Castle of Kruja, which houses Skanderbeg’s Museum. It was the epicenter of the legendary Albanian resistance to the Ottomans, led by national hero Skanderbeg in the 15th century. See a copy of the helmet and the sword of Scanderbeg in the main hall, the flags and stems of prominent families of that time who supported the national hero and a lot of the history telling by the guide. The Ethnographic Museum, recently renovated and now open for visits, is housed in an old Ottoman-era residence. This museum offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the region during that historical period After soaking in the culture and history, discover the current arts and crafts in the Old Bazaar. Look for souvenirs, including intricate local handicrafts. Finally, driving by car on a panoramic mountain road to visit the holy site of Sari Salltik. Head to this cave located on the edge of a mountain 1176 meters high and also enjoy the amazing view from the top of the mountain. Afterward, head back to Tirana. NOTE: During the visit to the Sari Salltik cave, it is possible (though rare) to encounter local religious rituals involving animal sacrifices; if this is a concern, please inform your tour guide in advance.