Skadar Lake Nestled amidst the stunning Balkan landscape lies Skadar Lake, a true natural wonder that captivates visitors with its breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity. Spanning the border between Montenegro and Albania, this shimmering jewel is the largest lake in the Balkan Peninsula, offering a myriad of enchanting experiences for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and adventure seekers alike. Rozafa Castle Perched majestically atop a hill overlooking the city of Shkodër in northern Albania, Rozafa Castle stands as a symbol of resilience, history, and enduring legends. With its commanding presence and panoramic views, this ancient fortress offers visitors a glimpse into the region's rich past and captivates them with its intriguing stories and architectural marvels. Skadar-Shkoder Stroll along Shkodër's bustling pedestrian street, Rruga Kolë Idromeno, lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants. This lively thoroughfare leads to the city's historic center, where you can admire beautifully preserved Ottoman-era architecture and visit landmarks like the Lead Mosque and the Catholic Cathedral of Shkodër.

Join us for an unforgettable day trip to explore the stunning attractions of Shkodra and Lezha ( Scutari and Lisus ), two of Albania's most historic cities. We'll meet at 9:00 AM sharp at your hotel in Tirana before setting off on our adventure. Our first stop will be in the city of Lezha. We will visit the city and then proceed to visit the tomb of the national hero of Albania, Gjergj Kastriot Skanderbeg. Then we continue the trip to visit the iconic Rozafa Castle, also known as the Fortress of Shkodra, located just 3km south of the city center. This massive defensive structure sits atop a rocky hill overlooking the town and has a fascinating history dating back to the early Bronze Age. Archaeological excavations have yielded an impressive array of artifacts, revealing the castle's long and storied past. Within the castle's walls, you'll discover a treasure trove of architectural wonders, including the Church of St. Stephen, several Venetian administrative buildings, and some medieval rooms. From the castle's ramparts, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby Buna and Drin Rivers. Next, we'll head to Shkodra Lake, located on the border of Montenegro and Albania. This vast body of water was once a bay of the Adriatic Sea but was cut off when sea levels dropped thousands of years ago. Today, it's the largest lake in the Balkans, spanning over 41km in length with a surface area of between 370-530 km2. As one of the largest bird reserves in Europe, Shkodra Lake is a paradise for bird watchers, with some 240 species of birds inhabiting its shores. Among the most impressive are the last remaining pelicans in Europe, whose majestic wingspans can be seen gliding gracefully over the water. Our next stop will be the Catholic Cathedral, one of the largest in the Balkans and dedicated to St. Stephen. After a reconstruction in 1991, the cathedral was inaugurated by Mother Theresa, and two years later it was visited by Pope John Paul II. Inside the cathedral, you'll find a copy of the Shroud of Turin, which bears the negative image of a man that some believe to be Jesus of Nazareth. Finally, we'll take a leisurely stroll along Shkodra's bustling main boulevard, where you'll soak up the vibrant atmosphere and enjoy the city's unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. Don't miss the opportunity to sample some of the local cuisine, which is renowned for its delicious flavors and fresh ingredients. This day trip is a must-do for anyone visiting Albania, so don't miss out on the chance to explore the magic of Shkodra and Lezha with us!

Discover the beauty of Shkoder and Skadar Lake on a private day tour from Tirana. See the famous castles, churches, natural beauty, and lakes of Albania with a professional guide. Depart from Tirana and head towards the north of Albania to see the famous Castle of Rozafa. Built on a hill overlooking the city, the castle is the most important monument of Shkoder. Uncover the fascinating facts and know its historical importance from your professional guide.  Next, travel towards the city of Shkoder, the third-largest town in Albania. Marvel at the beauty of the Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, and Muslim Mosque. Stroll through some of the most famous lanes and notice the diverse religious elements of the city. Afterward, drive away from the city crowd and enjoy tranquility on the shore of Skadar lake. Relax and soak in the magnificent views of Albanian nature. Apart from the crystal waters of the lake, the place is also famous for its “Karp” fish specialties.  Finally, drive back to Tirana after a long and unforgettable experience.

Shkodra is a pretty city full of light and things to do, including cafes, shops, and beautiful sights on each corner. Enjoy a full-day driving and touring around the city, with sights of ancient architecture and the iconic Rozafa Castle. First, visit wUra e Mesit (the middle bridge), a bridge located in the village of Mes, on the Kir river, about five kilometers north-east of Shkoder. This bridge connects the city with the ancient site of Drisht, which preserves important testimonies of Roman and medieval architecture. The tour's highlight is a visit to the legendary Rozafa Castle, whose original core was raised by the Illyrians in the 4th century BC. Subsequently, the fortress was enlarged during the Middle Ages and the Venetian period (1396-1478). Here, you can take the opportunity to see Shkodra, its lake, and its mountains from a unique vantage point.

Welcome to Shkoder Expeditions - Your Gateway to Cultural Charms! Embark on an enchanting journey through the captivating city of Shkoder, nestled in the north of Albania. Our passionate guides will lead you through a fascinating exploration of this historical and cultural hub. Unveil the ancient marvels like the Rozafa Castle, perched atop a hill with panoramic views of Lake Shkoder and the surrounding landscapes. Immerse yourself in the vibrant local culture as you wander through charming streets, adorned with colorful buildings and bustling markets. Engage with friendly locals, savor traditional delicacies, and discover the city's rich heritage through its museums and galleries. For nature enthusiasts, nearby Lake Shkoder offers a tranquil escape with its diverse flora and fauna. Join Shkoder Expeditions for an enriching adventure where you'll uncover the hidden treasures and cultural delights of this charming city, creating memories that will linger in your heart for a lifetime.

The city of Lezha is located 47 kilometers south of Shkodra. It is one of Albania’s ancient cities, and in historical documents, it is mostly referred to by the name Lissus. In 1398, after the construction of its castle, the city was under the direct control of the feudal family of Lekë Dukagjini but was eventually conquered by Venice. One of the most important historical events for Lezha, and indeed for all of Albania, was the famed “League of Lezha” on March 2nd, 1444, where under the leadership of national hero Skanderbeg, the Albanian princedoms united against the Ottomans. The Memorial Grave of Skanderbeg is here, at the ex-Cathedral of Shën Kolli, where he was buried in 1468. The memorial tomb of National Hero Gjergj Kastrioti Scanderbeg is one of the most popular tourist landmarks in the town of Lezha. It was inaugurated in 1981 over the ruins of a Saint Nicholas cathedral. It is supposed to be the place where our national hero has been buried since 1468. In the walls of the memorial tomb, there are exposed 25 shields, which symbolize the main battles led by Scanderbeg. There is also a copy of his sword and helmet. Lezha Castle is perched on top of a hill 186 meters high, overlooking the town. Because of its strategic location, the visitor can see the outlet of the Drin River, the Adriatic Coast, and even Mount Tomorr and Sazan Island in the south. The castle dates since the Illyrian times but it has been reconstructed by Venetians in the year 1440. After that, the Ottomans did another reconstruction in the year 1552. The visitor can see ruins from the Illyrian, Roman, Venetian, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods. Mrizi i Zanave is set in the village of Fishte, in the region of Zadrima, a location that gave birth to Albania’s national poet, Gjergj Fishta. Mrizi i Zanave is the most famous restaurant in Albania and one of the best. Its cuisine is part of the slow food mentality. They have reinvented Albanian traditional cuisine and taken it to the next level. Everything that we consume there is created on their farm and in the Fishta Village. Delicious, fresh, and great hospitality.

Shkodra, the capital of the North, is one of the oldest cities in Albania that dates back to 4th century B.C, which lies by the magnificent Shkodra’s Lake, which is the biggest lake in all of the Balkans! Also known as the city of bikes,and the high importance of Albanian culture. The ancient Rozafa Fortress has stunning views over Lake Shkodra, while the pastel-painted buildings in the Old Town have a distinct Italian ambience. Discover the fascinating legends of the Albanian Epos and how it relates to the castle's history. The city is famous for its typical architecture, sense of humor, and friendly atmosphere. It is one of the most important city centers of Albania. Take in the religious diversity of the city where one can find a Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, and Muslim Mosque next to each other. Depart from Tirana at 9:00 am and we will be driving to Shkodra for around 2 hours. Stop for a coffee break by the wonderful Shkodra’s lake,and after that we will visit the old castle. There we will learn about the fascinating legends of the Albanian Epos and how it relates to the castle's history. After visiting Shkodra’s castle, we will visit St. Stephens Cathedral, which lies in the center of the city where you will learn about the history of this church. We will then take a walk through the old city of Shkodra before we visit the Ebu Beker Mosque and learn about its history. After visiting the mosque, we will head towards Mesi Bridge, which was built in the mid 18th century. Afterwards there will be an optional lunch of traditional Shkodra cuisine called Tave Krapi if you are interested in trying the most famous dish in Northern Albania. We will then start our drive back to Tirana where you will be dropped off at your hotel.

Kruja Historical City Tour On our way north the first visit would be at the historic city of Kruja where we will visit the old Bazaar , the medieval castle and the museum of the Albanian National Hero Skanderbeg Tirana to Shkoder- Visiting Rozafa Castle As we set out on our journey from Tirana, we are headed towards the beautiful North of Albania, with the majestic Castle of Rozafa as our first destination. Perched atop a hill, overlooking the city, the Castle is steeped in Albanian history, from antiquity to the Iliryan-Roman wars. Cascaded with legends, the Castle stands as a reminder of the timelessness of Albanian Epos. Shkodra City Tour Leaving the Castle, we travel down to the vibrant city of Shkoder! With its unique architecture, hilarious sense of humour, and warm hospitality, this city is an essential part of Albania’s history. It is also a place of great religious tolerance, with a Catholic Church, Orthodox Church, and Muslim Mosque all in close proximity. Let’s embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the most exciting parts of Shkoder, including the illustrious “Pedonale”! On the lake shores of Scadar Lake- Shiroke Village and back to Tirana When we have finished exploring the beauties of Shkodra city we can pay a visit to a small touristic village on the Shkodra Lake Shores famous for the traditional fish restaurant where we can also enjoy our lunch.