Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
Day 1
Plan your flight to arrive at Tirana airport ideally in the morning, but no later than 15:00 - this leaves time for the transfer and to be able to visit the town of Gjirokastra with your guides. From the airport the transfer will be by mini-van or off-road car and will take around 3-4 hours (250km). Settle into your hostel, 10 minutes walking from the centre of historical Gjirokastra .
You can have a walk around the historical town of the old Bazaar before dinner. Riders can also visit Enver Hoxha’s house, Gjirokastra castle, the church of the Old Bazaar, the mosque of the Bazzar and Skenduli house representing an ideal sample of Gjirokastra traditional life. Dinner will be served at a traditional restaurant. During dinner your guides will be able to speak to you about the trail: possible requests or needs, advice and things which are good to know. If you want you can buy a map of the area before dinner in order to gain a good understanding of the itinerary.
Day 2 Begin your riding adventure from our stable, a 15-minute drive from Gjirokastra, at an elevation of 360 meters above sea level. Prepare to be amazed as the mountainous ecosystem rapidly transforms before your eyes. The ride starts with traversing valleys, allowing for exhilarating canters, before crossing the Drino River. The rest of the day entails riding through hilly terrain, small rivers, pine forests, and steep ascents and descents. We will take a short break at the Cepo Monastery, an essential Orthodox site boasting breathtaking views of the Drinos Valley. After a 30-minute ride, we will stop to enjoy launch at a local farm. Afterward, we will ride down to the Kardhiq River, where you'll encounter intriguing natural formations like the "Gods of the Light" pillar rocks. We will also pass through the village of Zhulat. The day's ride will conclude after approximately 6 hours in the village of Fushbardha, a significant hub in the Laberia region. Spend the evening and night in a village house, enjoying homemade traditional food and beverages. Immerse yourself in the local life by taking a walk, enjoying a beer, meeting the locals, and reconnecting with the horses by feeding and brushing them while soaking in the village's peaceful atmosphere.
Total Riding Hours: 6
Day 3 After enjoying a traditional breakfast at the family house, you will prepare for a long day of riding, which can last up to 8-9 hours. Today's ride follows the tracks of King Skerdilajd's army, which passed through the "Neck of the Rock" around 2,300 years ago. King Skerdilajd played a crucial role in Queen Teuta's plans to create an Adriatic Front against Rome.
The trail takes you through beautiful woods, mountain climbs, rocky landscapes, and ancient ruins. Along the way, you will encounter various landmarks such as the Basha Stones, Dhespina cave, the Rock of Kaze, The Valley of Cheries, the Crooked Brook, Shameti Brook, Trullas Neck, and Derrasa Hole. These sites offer glimpses into the rich history and ancient civilizations of the region.
During the day, you will have a picnic lunch break in a mountain valley surrounded by a small oak forest, which you will pack yourself in the morning. The picturesque landscape and serene atmosphere provide a perfect setting for a relaxing meal. Be prepared for some walking during the day, as you may need to lead the horses for approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes through difficult paths and steep downhill sections. It is advisable to wear good mountain hiking shoes to ensure your comfort and safety, and to carry at least three bottles of water with you.
By late afternoon, you will arrive at a family house where you will spend the evening and night. The hosts will treat you to homemade traditional food, often prepared with olive oil, which is abundant in the region. You can also enjoy local wine, raki (a traditional Albanian spirit), and mountain tea, which will help you unwind after a long day of riding. In the evening, you can enjoy the return of the herds (sheep and cows). You are also welcome to feed or brush the horses once again.
Total Riding Hours: 8-9 (including walking by leading the horses downhill)
Day 4 After a hearty breakfast with the shepherd's family, you will embark on a shorter but pleasant riding day. The first stop is the castle of Borsh, also known as the Castle of Sopot, situated on a hill in Borsh village at an altitude of 500 meters. This ancient castle dates back to the 4th or 3rd century BC and has witnessed the influence of various civilizations, including the Byzantine Empire and the Republic of Venice.
After exploring the castle ruins, you will ride along the old road that runs parallel to the seaside. Olive trees, citrus fruits, and grapefruits adorn the upper part of the road, while remnants of defense bunkers from the past can be seen along the coastline of Piqeras, an old fishing village. The ride concludes for the day in the village, where you will enjoy lunch on the terrace of a hosting house. For accommodation, you will stay in a typical house of the coast, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere.
After lunch, you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy a free afternoon by the sea (where we will drive you by car).
Dinner will be served on the terrace of the guesthouse, where you can enjoy the local atmosphere, music, and fresh fish. You are also welcome to feed or brush the horses once again, immersing yourself further in the experience.
Total Riding Hours: 3.5
Day 5 Start your day with a delightful breakfast on the terrace, overlooking the Ionian Sea. Traditional coastal delicacies such as byrek (cheese pie), cookies, butter, fresh milk, and honey will be served. The day's ride takes you through olive tree terraces, offering magnificent views of the sea. You will ride along the beach of Bunec, a pristine stretch of sand and pebbles, enjoying the refreshing breeze from the sea.
Enjoy a homemade lunch at a small restaurant by the sea. Afterward, take a 2-3 hour break to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy leisurely walks along the beach.
The day's ride continues as you enter a small "jungle" of trees, bushes, and rocks, encountering the remains of an old road that once connected the sea with the villages along the coast. In the afternoon, you will pass through the village of Shen Vasil, a medieval center with a dark history during the dictatorship era, as it served as a labor camp for political prisoners. Traces of this tumultuous past can still be seen throughout the village.
We will then descend into the Kalasa Valley to reach the battlefield of 229 BC, where we will canter along the ancient battlefield of King Skerdilajd. Along the way, you may encounter herds of sheep and goats accompanied by local shepherds. This region has a strong rural tradition, and you might get a glimpse into the daily lives of the local population. The day will conclude in Bajkaj Village, located 200 meters above the valley and surrounded by citrus groves (oranges, lemons, olives).
In the late afternoon, you will arrive at a local house where you will be accommodated for the night. The village atmosphere provides a cozy and comfortable setting, allowing you to rest and recharge for the next day's adventures. You are welcomed to feed or brush the horses once again.
Total Riding Hours: 6.5
Day 6 The day begins with the ascent of Mount Sopoti. Initially, you'll ride through gentle and picturesque hills towards Varfaj village, where you'll be greeted by breathtaking vistas. As you continue to reach the summit of Mount Sopoti, where we’ll stop at some natural springs to water the horses, refill our bottles, and refresh ourselves.
After the village of Varaj, the ascent becomes steeper and more rocky, so we will ride at a slower pace until we reach the top of Mount Sopoti. At the summit, we will enjoy a picnic that you have prepared in the morning.
The descent offers panoramic views of the Drinos Valley, but some sections require dismounting and walking for approximately 15 minutes.
Arriving at Lazarat village, known for its storied past and recent transformations, you'll find yourself immersed in its rich culture. Once infamous for marijuana cultivation, Lazarat now proudly showcases its timeless traditions. Your accommodation in a local home offers an authentic experience, enhanced by your participation in a cooking class led by your hosts. Amidst the serene ambiance of the olive groves, dinner becomes an unforgettable feast, evoking a sense of tranquility and contentment. Afterward, you are welcomed to feed or brush the horses once again, further connecting with the local atmosphere.
Total Riding Hours: 6 (including possible walking while leading the horses)
Day 7 On the final leg of your journey, we'll embark on a shorter riding day, beginning with a traverse through Lazarat village en route to Drinos Valley. Our path will lead us to a suitable crossing over the Drino River, where we'll navigate numerous exhilarating canters. As we approach the southern outskirts of “Asim Zeneli” village, we'll ascend the hills, eventually arriving at the stables. Here, we'll tenderly care for the horses, granting them a chance to roam freely and unwind.
After bidding farewell to our week companions, we'll pause for the lunch break. A picnic, thoughtfully prepared by a local family in Asim Zeneli, awaits us, and we'll savor it alongside a refreshing beverage at the village café. This moment offers a fitting conclusion and reflection on our week equestrian adventure.
Total Riding Hours: 3
Day 8: After breakfast a shuttle service will take you to Tirana airport.
Beach Riding
Please note that although this trail includes some beach riding, any fast riding takes place along an old path 200m from the beach. The sand is rocky and therefore is only suitable for walking on. The mountain horses are also not too keen on the water so will not tend to want to paddle!
