8 Day Following Zagoria Pathways Horse Riding Holiday in Gjirokastra, Albania
Albania Horseback Riding Holiday
Embark on a captivating journey through time along the medieval Zagoria caravan pathways, immersing yourself in a realm of legends, folklore, and melodies. Traverse through the remnants of the ancient Ilirian civilization, meander through medieval villages, and discover hidden gems like remote churches and monasteries. Marvel at the remarkable mountain bridges constructed during the governance of Ali Pasha, boasting rare and exquisite designs. The pinnacle of this extraordinary trail awaits you at Swallow's Rock, a majestic ascent that will leave you awe-inspired.
Key Information
- Rider Weight Limit: 198 pounds / 90 kilograms
- Horse Breed: Local breed mix of Tarpan and Arab Horses
Highlights
- Daily great adventures on horseback
- Approximate daily riding time: 3 to 5 hours
- Ride on very good, smart, and surefooted horses
- Enjoy great food and culinary experience and real-life encounters
- Experience the culture and heritage and nature and diverse landscape
- Have fun exchanges with other international riders
- Daily meals and drinks will be provided
- 7 nights accommodation
Skill level
- Intermediate
- Advanced
Styles
Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (US$ 105 per person)
Accommodation
You will meet friendly locals and learn about their traditions while enjoying accommodation as guests in local homes. Your luggage will be transported by car with the most necessary things in saddlebags on your horse.
Program
Indulge in the rich tapestry of rural Albanian traditions as you forge connections with the local populace and traverse vibrant, untouched natural landscapes. Our chosen steeds for this adventure are the Albanian horses, a blend of Tarpan and Arab breeds. Despite their compact size, these horses are perfectly adapted to the rugged terrain, boasting surefootedness and familiarity with arduous mountain paths. Their presence instils a sense of confidence, relaxation, and the freedom to revel in breath-taking vistas.
Interact with warm-hearted locals, gaining insights into their customs and way of life while experiencing the warm embrace of authentic homestay accommodations. Our knowledgeable guides not only ensure your safety but also make excellent companions, sharing their expertise and engaging in delightful conversation. Ultimately, this equestrian expedition seeks to celebrate the harmonious bond between humanity, horses, nature, and culture.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive at Tirana airport, aiming for a morning arrival but no later than 14:00 to allow time for transfer and a visit to Gjirokastra. The drive to Gjirokastra will take approximately 3 hours. Once you reach the hotel, conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the historical center of Gjirokastra, settle in and get ready to explore.
Before dinner, take a leisurely stroll by yourself through the captivating historical town and the old Bazaar. Along the way, you can visit various attractions such as Enver Hoxha's house, Gjirokastra Castle, the Church of the Old Bazaar, the Mosque of the Bazaar, and the Skenduli House, which offers a glimpse into traditional life in Gjirokastra.
For dinner, enjoy a delicious meal at a traditional restaurant. During this time, the guides will be available to discuss the trail with you, addressing any questions or requests you may have and providing valuable advice and insights.
Transfer Day
Day 2
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, the next part of the adventure begins—a horseback ride through the picturesque countryside towards the charming medieval village of Karjan. This village embodies tradition and serves as a rural haven for passing caravans, boasting quaint churches and an ancient Roman bridge. As the journey unfolds through the rural landscape, small houses, gardens, and traditional farming and cultivation practices will be encountered. The ride takes place amidst a backdrop of rolling hills, serene valleys, babbling water streams, and majestic cliffs.
Along the way, breathtaking views of the River Drino, also known as the "Tree of Life" river, a significant water source deeply rooted in ancient pagan beliefs, will be enjoyed. On route, the remnants of the Santa Triada castle, reconstructed by Ali Pasha between 1809 and 1810, will be encountered. This strategically positioned castle once served as a control point for caravan routes and later found utility in military affairs during the socialist era.
A well-deserved lunch break will be taken in the scenic Shen Toder village. Afterward, the journey continues with approximately 1.5 hours of riding until arriving at the enchanting village of Karjan. Here, a warm welcome awaits from a local family who will provide accommodation. For dinner, delectable dishes made from locally grown ingredients sourced from their own garden will be savored, accompanied by raki and wine, offering a true taste of the region. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses.
Total Riding Hours: 4-5
Day 3
After breakfast, you will continue further north to the villages of Small Labova and the valley of Cajupi. You will follow the ancient merchant’s cobblestone road of Zhapa, enjoying its mountain panorama and wide views of the hills and valleys. The first break will be in Small Labova, a village well known across the south for its wonderful church and the large merchant houses, now mostly in ruins. Labova is also the birthplace of Vangjel Zhapa, the organizer of the first Modern Olympic Games. Zhapa was a well-known businessman and philanthropist who lived around 200 years ago.
After visiting the church, a unique medieval building, you will start riding up the mountain. You will be impressed by the rare mountain vegetation, including mountain tea, oregano, wild rose, and other endemic plants such as digitalis, locally known as "Dig-Dag." The trail follows the mountain path to the valley of Cajupi, where you will stop by a flock of 1,000 sheep to visit shepherds and share lunch with them. You will have the chance to taste the famous Brati spring water, a traditional stop for old caravans, with its small tower “karakoll.” After a thrilling gallop through Cajupi valley, the trail will follow the medieval caravan pathway, passing the famous bandit hideout "Hija e Mallkuar" or "The Cursed Shadow." From this vantage point, medieval thieves once ambushed passing caravans.
Depending on road conditions in this segment, the guides may adjust the route accordingly. If necessary, the alternative route may require mandatory walking on sloped terrain for up to 20 minutes.
Your final destination today will be the village of Nderan, located in the heart of the Zagoria region. This village will be your home for two nights. Dinner will be a delicious mix of local products, raki, and wine. You can immerse yourself in village life by joining the family during the milking process, helping with dinner preparation, or observing their farming practices. You are also welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses once again.
Total Riding Hours: 6
Day 4
Wake up to the refreshing mountain air and savor a traditional breakfast of homemade bread, cookies, butter, jam, eggs, cheese, honey, and milk. Don't forget to enjoy a cup of mountain tea, a local specialty. Embark on a captivating horseback ride through Lliar, Hoshteva, Koncka, and Nivan villages, encountering diverse landscapes of cliffs, rivers, woods, and hills. Take in the scents of wildflowers, the presence of shepherds, and the charm of roaming animals. Follow an ancient horse pathway that connected major commercial centers in Southern Albania, passing by the impressive Rock of Zhej. Pause at the reconstructed Lliar water spring, commissioned by Ali Pasha. Experience a thrilling downhill ride to the ruins of a medieval stone bridge (now collapsed) and perhaps take a summer swim. Explore the unique church of Hoshteva, adorned with pagan-inspired wall paintings, and pass by the Byzantine church of Lliar and the 1702-built Nivan Saint Mehilli monastery. Cross the medieval bridge to reach Nderan village, a historical center of medieval livestock fairs, where you'll spend the night in the welcoming embrace of a local family. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses. Depending on the road situation, an alternative route may also be taken during the day. Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Total Riding Hours: 5-6
Day 5
Prepare for an exhilarating morning as you embark on an unforgettable equestrian adventure. Following a delightful country breakfast, you will journey through a picturesque mountain valley, perfect for invigorating gallops. Along the way, you will pass by secluded farms, majestic cliffs, and hidden historical trails, veering away from the typical tourist paths. This route through the captivating Pogoni region offers a true journey through time, where ancient ruins and mythical natural wonders await your discovery.
The midday picnic will be enjoyed near the renowned stone bridge of Hllomo or Kacarello's, a remarkable architectural gem from the merchant era. This isolated marvel can only be reached by horse, adding to its mystique and allure. After a thrilling five-hour ride, you will arrive at the heart of the Pogoni region, the charming mountain village of Polican, predominantly inhabited by a Greek minority. You will have the opportunity to spend the night with a Greek minority family, immersing yourself in their rich cultural heritage. In their company, you can explore fascinating medieval cult monuments that hold a special place in the village's history.
As evening descends, prepare to indulge in the gastronomic delights of the region. Polican is renowned for being one of the foremost producers of mountain honey in South Albania. Here, you will have the pleasure of savouring an array of honey flavours, with nearly ten different varieties available throughout the seasons, each capturing the essence of the local bee pastures. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses once again. This day promises an exciting blend of adventure, cultural exploration, and culinary delights, as you delve into the hidden treasures of the Pogoni region.
Total Riding Hours: 4-5
Day 6
Today, you will bid farewell to the Greek minority as you set your sights on the town of Libohova. The journey ahead will take you through challenging yet breathtaking mountain landscapes, culminating in a grand finale at Swallow Rock, perched 500 meters above the glistening Suha River. Depending on the weather, the chosen picnic spot will either be alongside the Suha River, allowing for a refreshing swim (depending on the season and weather conditions), or at the historic Church of Labova of the Cross. In both instances, you will have the opportunity to explore this extraordinary monument, the oldest church in Albania, constructed by Justinian the Great in 554. It holds great significance as the site where Justinian married his wife, Teodora, with the villagers preserving her wedding dress for generations. Adorned with a captivating wooden iconostasis decorated with floral and symbolic animal scenes, the church exudes a timeless charm. Lunch will be enjoyed at a delightful local restaurant known for its exceptional regional cuisine.
In the afternoon, the journey continues to Libohova, a charming town nestled at the base of the majestic Bureto Mountain. Archaeological evidence indicates its ancient roots, but it flourished in the 17th century, evolving into a bustling commercial hub. During the afternoon, you may opt to take a leisurely stroll, approximately one hour in duration, to visit the historic Libohova Castle, an esteemed Bektashi spiritual site, and the tomb of Shanisha, sister of Ali Pasha.
For the night, you will be warmly welcomed into a local family's home in Libohova, where you will have the pleasure of savoring delicious local cuisine. Immerse yourself in farm life by engaging in activities such as assisting with chores, cooking, feeding the horses, or even enjoying local music. It is a chance to truly experience the local way of life and forge unforgettable memories.
Total Riding Hours: 5
Day 7
Today's ride will be relatively short but filled with captivating scenery. The morning will begin with a journey through rolling hills, passing through the picturesque Drino's Valley and crossing a few charming water streams. As the ascent up a steep hill continues, the magnificent Antigonea National Park will come into view, where a pause will be made for a visit. This ancient site, constructed by King Pyrrhus in 295 BC, holds the name of his first wife, Antigona, who was the daughter of King Ptolemais of Egypt. There will be time to explore the rich historical significance of this remarkable place before continuing the journey.
After the visit, the ride will continue for an additional hour until reaching the stable, where there will be a unique opportunity to experience the joy of releasing the horses and witnessing their freedom. Following this exhilarating experience, a delightful picnic lunch, prepared by a family, will be enjoyed in the village of Asim Zeneli, just a short five-minute drive from the stable.
Once appetites are satisfied, the return to the same hotel in Gjirokastra will take place for accommodation. The entire afternoon will be at leisure, providing time to make preparations for departure, explore local museums, or indulge in some souvenir shopping. As the day draws to a close, a memorable farewell dinner will be held at a cozy restaurant in the old Bazaar, savoring the last tastes of the local cuisine. Later in the evening, there will be an option to have a drink at a popular bar.
Total Riding Hours: 3-4
Day 8
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred back to the airport of Tirana or the port of Saranda.
Please note:
The first meal provided is dinner on the day of arrival, and the last meal is breakfast
on the final morning.
Flights, entrance tickets to monuments or parks, lunch on day 1, extra drinks, and
other services or expenses during free time are not included.
Weight limit: 90 kg
There's a weight limit of 90 kg for participants in the activities, with considerations for height-to-weight proportions. This is because the weight distribution directly impacts the safety and comfort of participants' horses and equipment. Therefore, they reserve the right to refuse participation to individuals whose weight-to-height proportions significantly deviate, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved.
Trail difficulty: Level 3 riding outdoors (out of 5 levels) Intermediate rider
Location
The stable is situated amidst scenic hills, green valleys, and surrounded by high mountains and rural life, a few kilometers away from Gjirokastra’s UNESCO protected city in South of Albania. While much has changed since Caravan Horse Riding Albania's first year of operation, the motto remains the same: offering real moments in the saddle, which means enjoyable and professional riding holidays for international guests. The riding tours aim to keep harmony among humans, horses, and nature.
Distances
- Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) - 3 to 4 hours, 225 kilometers
Food
All meals from dinner of day 1 till breakfast of day 8, as well as water and drinks during the meals, are included in the package.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
What's included
- 7 nights accommodations
- Meals from dinner of day 1 until breakfast on day 8
- English speaking guide, second guide (if more than 4 riders)
- Water and drinks during the meals
- Luggage transport by car from destination to destination
What's not included
- Airfare
- Entrance tickets in monuments or parks
- Airport transfers
- Lunch on day 1
- Extra drinks
- Other services or expenses during free time
How to get there
Recommended Airports
Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza
153 km
Transfer available for additional US$ 105 per person
Corfu International Airport (Ioannis Kapodistrias Int'l Airport)
58 km
Transfer not provided
Arrival by airplane
Please arrange your flight to arrive at Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA). Roundtrip transfers from Tirana are not included in the price but are available at an additional cost of 90 EUR per person (45 EUR each way. The journey will be three to four hours long (225 kilometers).
Caravan Horse Riding Albania organizes two transfers from the Tirana Airport every Saturday, the first one at 12:30 p.m. and the second at 14:30 p.m. Flights that fit Caravan Horse Riding Albania normal transfer’s schedule should be planned to arrive no later than 14.00 p.m. and departures not earlier than 13:00 p.m.
Riders that arrive in Tirana one day in advance can plan to arrive at the airport for the transfer at 12:30 p.m. or 14:30 p.m. Caravan Horse Riding Albania can’t organize transfers from Tirana. It is very easy and cheap to reach Tirana Airport by bus. There is a bus every hour starting from the center of Tirana (behind the opera palace).
Private transfer from or to Tirana:
- 1 person: 140 EUR (one way)
- 2 persons: 70 EUR each (one way for both)
- 3 persons or more: 55 EUR per person one way
A driver will be waiting for you in front of Sixt Rent a Car – Tirana Airport, holding a sign with the words “Caravan Horse Riding Albania” for easy identification.
Note: Riders can book a private transfer if it is impossible to book flights that fit Caravan Horse Riding Albania's normal transfers schedule.
The meeting point is also available at Saranda Port. From Corfu International Airport (CFU), you may take a boat to Saranda Port. Transfers are not included in the package. The cost from Saranda Port to Gjirokastra is 40 EUR (return) per person, the distance is 64 kilometers or one hour.
Caravan Horse Riding Albania can organize transfers based on the ferries’ timetable for 2025. Normally one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.
For this organizer you can guarantee your booking through BookHorseRidingHolidays.com. All major credit cards supported.