LEZHA
The city dates to at least the 8th century BC. At about 385 BC Diodorus I. from Syracus founded because of strategic reasons a greek colony named Lissos to protect the trading routes along the Adriatic Sea. Diodorus called the city Polis. The town was divided into sectors. Elements of the Syracuse architecture can be found within the walls. Later it came under Illyrian rule (211 BC). The city had a certain importance in the Roman civil war. She was conquered by Marc Antony and remained faithful to Julius Caesar. In Roman times the city was part of the province of Epirus Nova. In latin language the town received the name "Lissus". In the Middle Ages, the Venetians changed hands frequently until 1386, when the Venetians took possession of it. She still belonged to the Venetians when Skanderbeg died. In 1478 it fell into the hands of the Turks during the siege of Shkodra, except for a short period (1501-1506) when the city returned to Venetian rule. In 1444 it was chosen by George Castrioti (Skanderbeg) as a neutral place for the convention of Albanians, Serbs and Dalonians.
SHKODRA
Shkodra, also known as the "Capital of Northern Albania", is one of the country's oldest cities. It was founded in the 4th century BC as the centre of the Elbeat tribe of the Illyrians. Throughout history, Shkodra was occupied several times by the Romans (168 B. C.), then by the Serbs (1040), the Venetians (1396) and finally by the Ottomans (1479). Afterwards, the town was returned to Albanian rule as a feudal principality of Balshaj. From 1757 to 1831 it served as the urban centre of Bushatllinj Pashallëk. Shkodra is rich in cultural heritage. Both the city itself and its people are proud of it. They are especially proud about the great number of artists, musicians, painters, photographers, poets and writers born here. The Rozafa Castle, which lies majestically on a rocky hill west of the city. The foothills of the castle and its battlements paint a blazing picture in the light of the setting sun. The city is surrounded by the waters of three rivers: Drini, Buna and Kiri. Like the town that has been protected, the castle is of Illyrian origin. Historians tell us about a less enchanting and more scientific background to the characteristics of the castle. The castle reflects the dominion of the Balshaj family. However, it also passed through enough other periods of rule in which each left his own marks and traces on the terrain. Among them are distinctive Venetian elements, some Ottoman architecture from the 16th and 17th century and even some modifications of the Bushatllinj family from the 18th and 19th century. Inside the fortress walls there is a museum where a demanding admirer of antiques can spend an inspiring afternoon discovering more about history. A restaurant has been added to present the local cuisine and traditional clothing.
Lake Shkodra is located in the northwest of Albania. With an area of 368 hectares, Lake Shkodra is the largest lake in the Balkans. The lake is part of Albania and Montenegro. 149 hectares and altogether 57 km of shoreline are located within the Albanian territory. According to legend, in the place where the lake is today, there was originally only a small stream fed by a water source. One evening, a young woman was informed at the spring that her husband had just returned home after years abroad. She jumped up jubilantly and ran home. She forgot to cover the rocks that kept the water from running unhindered. The water flowed all night long and the next day the Shkodra Lake was born. In fact, the lake is fed by the Moraca River and its water flows via the Buna River into the Adriatic Sea.
Course of the day:
08:30 Meeting and greeting by the local guide.
08:45 Drive via the city of Lezha to Shkodra.
11:00 Arrival in Lezha (visit of the ancient ruins of the city and the Church of St. Nicholas, which is the mausoleum of Gjergj Kastrioti "Skanderbeg" at the same time)
12:15 Continue to Shkodra
13:30 Arrival in Shkodra and lunch at a traditional restaurant.
15:00 Sightseeing tour at Shkodra in the famous "Paruca" and "Kol Idromeno" streets, addtionally a visit to the famous "Marubi" exhibition.
17:00 The legendary Rozafa Castle is visited before the return trip.
18:00 Return to Tirana
20:15 Arrival at the hotel and farewell.