8 jours de randonnée équestre hivernale et culture en Albanie

The horses used on this ride (Albanian horses) are a local breed mix of Tarpan and Arab horses. They are small but perfectly suited to the rocky terrain being surefooted and accustomed to trekking long mountainous routes, in all kinds of weathers, allowing riders to feel confident, relaxed, and free to enjoy the stunning views.

The whole itinerary is designed as a dedication to a different season that has a lot to offer, in terms of adventure, fun, smaller groups, culture, history, monuments, local houses, music, art, and tradition. The riding itinerary is placed on the East side of river Drino close to Antigonea archaeological park and goes deep into the history of the valley, the antic, medieval, and modern one.

Food and cooking experiences, wine, and Raki tasting will be something really exceptional about this trail. Guests will have the possibility to interact, participate and live part of the Albanian local life.

Meeting people and introducing our guests to their life and activity is a very social part of this program. Many things experienced with this offer can’t be enjoyed with the fast rhythm of the high season that’s why this is a suggestion for slow life, dynamic ride, slow food, and slow adventure.

Itinerary

Day 1

Plan your flight to Tirana Airport ideally in the morning, but no later than 13:00 - this leaves time for the transfer and be able to visit the town of Gjirokstra. The transfer from the airport of Tirana will take around three to four hours (250 kilometers).

You will be accommodated in a traditional hotel, in the heart of the historical Gjirokastra. The new Bazaar, and if there is daylight left, Enver Hoxha’s house, Gjirokastra castle, the church of the Old Bazaar, the mosque of the Bazar, and Skenduli house can all be visited before dinner.

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 that are good to know. Caravan Horse Riding Albania recommends that you buy a map of the area before dinner in order to gain a good understanding of the itinerary.

Day 2 (horse riding day)

After breakfast at the hotel and allocation of horses, you will set off on your ride through the picturesque countryside towards the village of Labova of the Cross. This charming village is known for its beautiful landscapes and historical significance. The route to Labova of the Cross will be moderately challenging, featuring hilly terrains, valleys, small water streams, and opportunities for enjoyable canters.

Upon reaching Labova of the Cross, you will check into a local guest house, where you can experience the warm hospitality of the villagers. The guest house will provide a comfortable and authentic stay, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture.

After settling in, you will visit the Church of Labova of the Cross, a significant religious site in the area. The church is known for its unique architecture and historical importance, offering a glimpse into the village’s rich heritage. You will have the opportunity to explore the church and learn about its fascinating history.

In the evening, you can participate in iso-poliphony, a polyphonic event, where you can join the choir and learn local dances. This will be a unique opportunity to experience traditional culture, as you immerse yourself in the sounds and rhythms passed down through generations. The event will be accompanied by a renowned iso-polyphonic group, a UNESCO-protected world heritage, offering performances, songs, and explanations about the complex role of its members.

Overnight accommodation will be at the same local guest house, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner consisting of traditional local cuisine. The guest house will offer a cosy and authentic atmosphere, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses.

• Riding hours: 4 hours.

Day 3 (horse riding day)

This morning, you will embark on a ride through rolling hills, the enchanting Drino Valley, and several water streams, followed by a steep climb to reach the captivating Antigonea Archaeological Park, where we will make a stop for a visit. Antigonea was built by King Pyrrhus in 295 BC and named after his first wife, Antigona, daughter of King Ptolemais of Egypt. After the break, you will ride for another hour until you reach the stable, where you can enjoy the experience of letting your horses roam freely. Lunch will follow shortly after in a village near the stable. You will return to the same hotel in Gjirokastra for accommodation. After a brief respite, you can visit the Cold War tunnel in Gjirokastra, a relic of communist defence paranoia that holds intriguing stories to tell. Dinner will be held at a small local restaurant in the historical area, where you can enjoy traditional dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.

• Riding hours: 4 hours.

Day 4

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will depart for the Drinos Valley, tracing the path of the Vjosa River until you reach the thermal baths of Benja in Permet. Along the river, you will discover splendid, warm-water, human-made pools, a hidden gem perfect for relaxation on a cool day. These baths have been believed to possess healing properties for centuries, and during the winter months, you can enjoy privacy and tranquillity. As you journey, you will encounter the Kadiu Bridge, a cultural monument built in 1760 during the Ottoman period, offering a stunning view of the Langarica River,an entrance to the canyons.

Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to explore the canyons through hiking and swimming activities. Lunch will be served in the “City of Roses,” Permet, where you will delight in the local raki and sweets. Later, you will drive to a remote area near Ballaban village to visit another unique farm that will serve as our accommodation for the evening and dinner. The owners will share their story of abandoning city life, pursuing their dreams, and living in harmony with nature. This will also be a special tea tasting experience.

• Driving hours: 3 - 4 hours

Day 5

After breakfast, you will drive back to Gjirokastra to reach the horse stables for another day of horse riding. Today’s itinerary will take you through a rural landscape, featuring beautiful steep hills, small valleys, pastoral scenery, traditional farming practices, bush areas, small lakes, small water streams, cliffs, and remnants of defence infrastructure from the communist era. Throughout the morning ride, the captivating view of the River Drino—the “Tree of Life” river, will accompany you. The Drino River holds great significance in ancient pagan beliefs. Along the way, you will encounter the ruins of the Santa Triada Castle, reconstructed during 1809-1810 by Ali Pasha as a strategic point for controlling medieval caravan routes. These castle ruins were later repurposed for military use during the socialist era. We will pause for a picnic lunch near the village of Erind. After approximately 4-5 hours of riding, you will arrive at Karjan village, where a traditional dinner and accommodation await you at a local farm. In the afternoon, you can explore the village, partake in family activities, and assist in feeding, cleaning, and watering the horses.

• Driving hours: Total of 4 - 5 hours.

Day 6 (Horse riding day)

After enjoying breakfast with the family and packing a picnic, you will commence your ride at 9 o’clock. The route will take you first to Nokova village, where you will visit medieval churches. Continuing through the Lunxheria area, you will stop for a picnic in Dhoksat village. This village is renowned for its unique architecture and the use of black stone in construction, as well as its beautiful doors. A local expert will join us to provide insights into life, tradition, folklore, costumes, and ethnography of the area. After lunch, the ride will continue through cultivated lands, gardens, livestock areas, and wide meadows, offering captivating panoramic views. You will have another brief stop by Qestorati Lake to savour the scenery before returning to the stables from a different direction. The final leg of the ride in the afternoon will be the most picturesque, with several opportunities for canters and breath-taking hill climbs. After the ride, you will drive back to Gjirokastra, where you can take a stroll around the historical area before the farewell dinner. In the evening, you can enjoy a drink at a popular bar.

• Riding hours: 5 hours.

Day 7 (horse riding day)

This day will be dedicated to exploring the mountainous terrain on horseback. We’ll start our ride from the stable, following gravel paths and rugged trails towards the Spilea Monastery, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

At the Monastery of Spilea (1634), you’ll visit the Church of St. Nicholas, a first-category cultural monument. Its cross-shaped naos features vibrant frescoes by artist Mihali, painted during the time of Bishop Kalist. The expressive, rebellious style of the murals makes the monastery a remarkable site. You’ll also explore a small cave church within a karst rock formation, once home to hermit monks until after WWII, before it was abandoned during the communist era.

After a short break at the monastery, where you can enjoy a light snack, you’ll begin your descent through a diverse landscape. The route passes through the village of Tranoshishtë and along the ancient path of the Epirot village, winding through rich meadows and pastures filled with pastoral life.

You’ll leave the horses at the stable and head to Asim Zeneli village for lunch. Afterward, you’ll return to Gjirokastra to relax before gathering for a farewell dinner at a cozy restaurant in the old Bazaar. Accommodation will be in the city.

• Riding hours: 4 - 5 hours.

Day 8

Following breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred back to Tirana Airport for your departure.