The hotel, conveniently located a short walk from the historic center of Gjirokstra for the 1st and the last day. It may be possible to pay for a single supplement on the first and last night of the trail, but riders must be prepared to share accommodation on the other nights. The single supplement, if we provide a single room, is 30 Euros per night paid here. The rest days are hosted in the local village houses.

Day 1:

Upon your arrival at Tirana airport, ideally in the morning but no later than 14:30, our team will greet you and transport you to Gjirokstra, a journey of approximately three hours. Settle into your hotel, conveniently located a short walk from the historic center of Gjirokstra. Before dinner, take a stroll through the town, exploring the old Bazaar, Gjirokstra Castle, the Church of the Old Bazaar, the Mosque of the Bazaar, and Skenduli House, offering a glimpse into traditional life in Gjirokstra. Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, where our guides will discuss the trail, answer any questions, provide advice, and offer valuable insights. We recommend purchasing a map of the area before dinner to familiarize yourself with the itinerary.

Day 2:

Begin your riding adventure from our stable, a 15-minute drive from Gjirokstra, 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. Enjoy a homemade picnic lunch at the Cepo Monastery, an essential Orthodox site boasting breathtaking views of the Drinos Valley. Afterward, ride down to the Kardhiq River, where you’ll encounter intriguing natural formations like the “Gods of the Light” pillar rocks. Conclude the day’s ride after approximately 5-6 hours in the village of Fushbardha, a significant hub in the Laberia region. Experience the evening and night in a village house, relishing homemade traditional food and beverages. 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 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 lunch break in a mountain valley surrounded by a small oak wood. 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.

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.

Riding hours: 8 (including walking by leading the horses)

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 start a 3-hour 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 in a village where you will have lunch on the terrace of a hosting house.

Following lunch, you will have the opportunity to relax and enjoy the afternoon by the sea. You can swim, sunbathe, and take 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 visit 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.

For accommodation, you will stay in a typical house of the coast, immersing yourself in the local atmosphere.

Riding hours: 4

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.

As you explore the challenging landscapes of the region, you will continue your journey towards the village of Shen Vasil, which you visited the previous day. 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.

In the late afternoon, you will arrive at a typical coastal house where you will be accommodated for the night. The house provides a cozy and comfortable setting, allowing you to rest and recharge for the next day’s adventures.

Riding hours: 5

Day 6:

Today’s ride embarks on a journey through the picturesque landscapes surrounding the Kalasa river, tracing the footsteps of ancient army led by King Skerdilajd. As you traverse alongside the remnants of the majestic hill of Foinike, you’ll feel the echoes of history whispering through the valleys. The ride offers thrilling gallops, invigorating both you and your horses.

Ascending gentle hills towards Varfaj village, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking vistas before reaching the summit of Mount Sopoti, where a delightful picnic lunch awaits. The descent provides a panoramic view of the Drinos valley, albeit with some sections requiring dismounting and gentle foot travel.

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.

Riding hours: 6-7 (including possible walking by 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 Lazarat, awaits us, and we’ll savor it alongside a refreshing beverage at the village café. This moment offers a fitting conclusion and reflection to our week equestrian escapade.

Riding hours: 3

Day 8:

After breakfast, from Gjirokstra, we can arrange transportation back to Tirana or other destinations, reflecting on the remarkable journey you have experienced and the memories you have created along the way.

“Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organizing team.

Beach Riding: Please note that although this trail includes some beach riding, any fast riding takes place along an old path 100m 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 they will not tend to want to paddle.

Climate Summary: This ride takes place from May to the end of September. The best months to visit Albania are from April to October. Although precipitation is quite high in Albania, there is less rain during these months. Because of the continental air mass, most precipitation is over the central highlands. Albania has a high number of climatic regions relative to its landmass – the coastal lowlands have a typically Mediterranean climate, while the highlands have a Mediterranean continental climate. This ride takes place in southern Albania, which is around 5 degrees warmer than the rest of the country. You will experience different types of weather on the trail, from cooler mountainous air to a warmer climate down on the coast.

Health (ride-specific): Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.

Film and Camera Equipment: Internet access will be difficult during the ride. Riders can buy an Albanian SIM card/phone number for around €13 and have free internet access and around 30 minutes of free calls with most European countries. Access to electricity is possible every evening, and the whole area is covered very well with a signal.

Packing List:

• Normal riding clothes: riding hat, long-sleeved shirts (please avoid packing your favorite or expensive clothing due to the risk of damage), riding trousers and chaps, gloves.
• Good mountain shoes – with a grip for walking but not too thick, as you will need to ride in them too. Normal riding boots with a smooth sole are not recommended as they can be slippery when walking on foot.
• Waterproof raincoat.
• Casual clothes for the evening.
• Sun cream, sunglasses, hat, swimming clothes, shoes to walk on a rocky beach, towels for the beach.
• Anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.
• Camera – please bring small cameras as large professional ones are very difficult to transport on horseback.
• Copy of passport.
• Personal saddlebags are welcome if riders would like to bring their own. Small saddlebags are provided by the ride but just for food and water.

• 02 May 2026 – 09 May 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 16 May 2026 – 23 May 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 30 May 2026 – 06 June 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 13 June 2026 – 20 June 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 27 June 2026 – 04 July 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 25 July 2026 – 01 August 2026: Last saddle!
• 15 August 2026 – 22 August 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 29 August 2026 – 05 September 2026: Last 2 saddles!
• 12 September 2026 – 19 September 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 26 September 2026 – 03 October 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 03 October 2026 – 10 October 2026: SOLD OUT!

The ride is accompanied by the local English speaking guide. Second guide joins if more than 4 riders in the group.

The ranch has been welcoming horse, nature, history and culture lovers since 2011.  As founders, owners and guides (three childhood friends) we succeeded in creating a great life environment for our 42 horses and a harmonious and eco-friendly environment for our guests, as well.

Our stable is situated amidst scenic hills, green valleys, surrounded by high mountains and rural life, few kilometers away from Gjirokastra’s UNESCO protected city in South of Albania. While much has changed since our first year of operation, the motto remains the same: offering real moments in the saddle, which means enjoyable and professional riding holidays for our international guests. Our riding tours aim to keep the harmony among humans, horses and nature.

We dream to save the Albanian horse, a unique mountain breed that is suffering nowadays due to the very bad conditions. The local mixture of the archaic Tarpan and medieval Arab for centuries now represents a very great climber, a clear mind and very surefooted horse. In the last 70 years the breed lost more than 70% of all exemplars. Our breeding program aims to also make evident the very peculiar characteristics of these horses and the wide variety of their use.

Your host families will treat you to delicious homemade meals, fostering engaging conversations over dinner. Expect the freshest ingredients sourced from local gardens and farms, providing a true taste of the region.

• All accommodations and meals from dinner of day 1 till breakfast of 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.
• Note: The first meal is dinner of the arriving day, and the last meal is breakfast of the last morning.

• Flights & transfers.
• Entrance tickets to monuments or parks.
• Lunch on day 1.
• Extra drinks.
• Other services or expenses during free time.
• Single Supplement: It may be possible to pay for a single supplement on the first and last night of the trail, but riders must be prepared to share accommodation on the other nights. The single supplement, if we provide a single room, is 30 Euros per night paid here.
• Small Group Supplement: This is applicable if only 2 riders are booked onto the ride. If, at the time of departure, more than 2 riders are booked, the small group supplement will be refunded. The small group supplement is 178 Euros/person.

Transfers

Tirana Airport ↔ Gjirokastër

• Round trip: €90 per person (€45 one way)

• Scheduled group transfers: Saturdays at 12:30 & 14:30

• Meeting point: Sixt Rent a Car, Tirana Airport (driver holding “Caravan Horse Riding Albania” sign)

Private Transfers (if flights do not match the schedule):

• 1 person: €140 one way

• 2 persons: €70 each one way

• 3+ persons: €55 each one way

Saranda Port ↔ Gjirokastër

• 1 person: €40 one way

• 2 persons: €30 each one way

• 3+ persons: €25 each one way

• Riders arriving a day early may join scheduled transfers if coordinated in advance.

• Transfers are arranged according to the ferry timetable, usually one morning and one afternoon option.

• Riders using other transport are responsible for their own arrangements.

• Transfers, entrance tickets, and park fees are not included unless explicitly stated.

Additional Notes

• Flights should arrive before 14:30 and depart after 13:00 to fit scheduled transfers.

• Private transfers can be shared to reduce costs.

• Entrance tickets for parks or monuments are approximately 300–400 ALL (≈ €2.5–3.5).

A 20% deposit is required to confirm the booking and must be paid by bank transfer.

The deposit is refundable only if the rider cancels at least 180 days (6 months) before the Tour start date. Otherwise, it is non-refundable.

Balance Payment:

The remaining 80% balance must be paid no later than 44 days before the Tour start date. If the booking is made less than 44 days before departure, full payment is required at the time of booking.

Note: Cancellation fees are calculated based on the total tour price, excluding the 20% deposit required to confirm the booking. This deposit is refundable only if the rider cancels at least 180 days (6 months) prior to the tour start date.

Date Changes
The rider may request to reschedule the tour without losing the deposit if the request is made at least 90 days before departure, subject to availability for the same year.

Requests made less than 90 days before departure are subject to cancellation fees and require a new booking at the full tour price.