- Librazhd, Albania
- 24/7
Jewish heritage tour Albania. Join a member of the Biçaku family on a unique journey to Qarrishta, where 26 Jewish people were courageously protected during WWII. Experience this powerful story firsthand, surrounded by natural beauty in the Shebenik-Jabllanicë National Park.
1 - Departure & Arrival in Qarrishta
06:30 – Departure from Tirana (designated pickup point)
07:30 –Short stop for coffee along the way
09:00 – Arrival in Qarrishta, welcomed by local residents
2 - History & Memorial Visit
09:15 – Short briefing on Qarrishta’s WWII role
Insight into the Biçaku family's involvement in rescuing Jews
09:30 – Visit to the Jewish Memorial "Story of the 26 rescued Jews"
3 - Historical Trail & Lunch
10:00 – Visit actual hiding places of rescued families
Nature walk in Shebenik National Park
12:00 – Traditional Albanian Lunch "Home-cooked meal in a local house, same food as back in the time"
4 - Cultural Exploration & Return
14:00 – Visit traditional home, mosque, or church
15:30 – Departure from Qarrishta "Photo stop on the way back"
18:00 – Arrival in Tirana "Drop-off"
The True Story of Qarrishta’s Courage
During World War II, the quiet mountain village of Qarrishta in Librazhd became a refuge for 26 Jews fleeing Nazi persecution. With the threat of German forces looming, the Biçaku family and their neighbors risked everything to protect these lives. Guided by the Albanian code of “Besa”, a promise of honor and protection, they hid and sheltered the refugees without ever revealing their presence.
None were captured. All survived.
Today, memorial in the village stands as a testament to their bravery, inscribed with the words:
“Qarrishta – Albanian Faith.”
Visitors retrace this powerful story by walking the same paths, hearing first-hand accounts, and discovering a chapter of history where humanity triumphed over fear. Jewish heritage tour Albania.
“An unforgettable experience. Walking through Qarrishta felt like touching the soul of a story I had only read about. The people, the stories, and the emotion behind every stop were deeply moving.”
“I never expected to feel so connected to a place I had never been. The story of Besa and the courage of the Biçaku family brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for preserving this memory”
“A place of beauty and memory. This tour honored history in the most respectful way possible. The stories we heard deserve to be shared across generations.”
“The scenery was breathtaking, but it’s the story that stayed with me. I left Qarrishta with a full heart and immense gratitude. This tour is something every person should experience.”
“In Qarrishta, I saw not just history — but humanity at its best. This village and its people showed the world what it means to do what is right.”
"This wasn’t just a tour — it was a homecoming. To see the place where people like my grandparents could have found shelter brought me to tears."
"This wasn’t just a tour — it was a homecoming. To see the place where people like my grandparents could have found shelter brought me to tears."
“In Qarrishta, I saw not just history — but humanity at its best. This village and its people showed the world what it means to do what is right.”
“The scenery was breathtaking, but it’s the story that stayed with me. I left Qarrishta with a full heart and immense gratitude. This tour is something every person should experience.”
“A place of beauty and memory. This tour honored history in the most respectful way possible. The stories we heard deserve to be shared across generations.”
“I never expected to feel so connected to a place I had never been. The story of Besa and the courage of the Biçaku family brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for preserving this memory”
“An unforgettable experience. Walking through Qarrishta felt like touching the soul of a story I had only read about. The people, the stories, and the emotion behind every stop were deeply moving.”
