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

Arrive at Tirana airport, aiming for a morning arrival but no later than 14:30 to allow time for transfer and a visit to Gjirokastra. The drive to Gjirokastra will take approximately 3 hours. Once you reach your 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 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 Bazar, 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, your guides will be available to discuss the trail with you, addressing any questions or requests you may have and providing valuable advice and insights. We highly recommend purchasing a map of the area before dinner to familiarize yourself with the itinerary and enhance your understanding of the upcoming journey.

Day 2

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will proceed to the next part of our adventure—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 we traverse the rural landscape, we will encounter small houses, gardens, and witness traditional farming and cultivation practices. The journey unfolds amidst a backdrop of rolling hills, serene valleys, babbling water streams, and majestic cliffs. Along the way, we will be treated to breath-taking views of the River Drino, also known as the “Tree of Life” river, a significant water source deeply rooted in ancient pagan beliefs.

On route, we will encounter the remnants of the Santa Triada castle, which was reconstructed by Ali Pasha between 1809 and 1810. This strategically positioned castle once served as a control point for caravan routes and later found utility in military affairs during the socialist era. We will pause for a well-deserved lunch break in the scenic Shen Toder village. Afterward, we will continue our journey, riding for approximately 1.5 hours, until we finally arrive at the enchanting village of Karjan. Here, we will be warmly welcomed by a local family who will provide us with accommodation. For dinner, we will have the opportunity to savour delectable dishes made from locally grown ingredients sourced from their own garden, accompanied by raki and wine, offering a true taste of the region.

Riding Hours: 4-5

Day 3
After breakfast we will continue further north to the villages of Small Labova and the valley of Cajupi. We will follow the ancient merchant’s coble stone road of Zhapa with its mountain panorama, wide view of the hills and valleys. The first break will be in Small Labova, a village well known all over the south for its wonderful Church and the big houses belonging to the merchants which are now mostly ruined. Labova is 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 very unique mediaeval building you will start riding up the mountain. You will be impressed by the mountain’s rare vegetation such as mountain tea, oregano, wild rose and other endemic plants like digitalis or ‘Dig–Dag’ as it’s known locally. We follow the mountain path to the valley of Cajupi where we stop by a cattle of 1000 sheep to visit shepherds and spent lunch with them.  You will have the chance to taste the Brati famous spring water, a typical station of the old caravans with its small tower “karakoll”. After a nice gallop through Cajupi valley, the trail will follow the medieval Caravan pathway with its famous bandit hideout ‘Hija e Mallkuar’ or ‘The Cursed Shadow’. From here, medieval thieves could rob the caravans passing through Zagoria. The final destination of today will be the village of Nderan, placed in the heart of Zagoria region. This village will be our destination for two nights. Dinner will be a delicious mixture of local products, raki and wine. You can join the local life and accompany the family during the milking process, dinner preparation or have a look at the families, farming animals and garden.

Riding hours: 6

Day 4
Wake up to the refreshing mountain air and savour 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 centres 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 centre of medieval livestock fairs, where you’ll spend the night in the welcoming embrace of a local family.

Riding hours: 5-6

Day 5

Prepare for an exhilarating morning as we embark on an unforgettable equestrian adventure. Following a delightful country breakfast, we will journey through a picturesque mountain valley, perfect for invigorating gallops. Along the way, we’ll 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 our discovery.

Our 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, we 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.

This day promises an exciting blend of adventure, cultural exploration, and culinary delights, as we delve into the hidden treasures of the Pogoni region.

Riding hours 4-5

Day 6
Today, we bid farewell to the Greek minority as we set our sights on the town of Libohova. The journey ahead will take us through challenging yet breath-taking mountain landscapes, culminating in a grand finale at Swallow Rock, perched 500 meters above the glistening Suha River. Depending on the weather, our chosen picnic spot will either be alongside the Suha River, allowing for a refreshing swim, or at the historic Church of Labova of the Cross. In both instances, we 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 adorned with floral and symbolic animal scenes, the church exudes a timeless charm. We will pause for lunch at a delightful local restaurant known for its exceptional regional cuisine.

In the afternoon, our 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 savouring delicious local cuisine. Immerse yourself in the farm life by engaging in activities such as assisting with chores, cooking, feeding the horses, or even enjoying local music. It’s a chance to truly experience the local way of life and forge unforgettable memories.

Riding hours: 5

Day 7
Today’s ride will be relatively short but filled with captivating scenery. We’ll begin our morning by traversing rolling hills, passing through the picturesque Drino’s Valley, and crossing a few charming water streams. As we ascend a steep hill, we will enter the magnificent Antigonea National Park, where we will pause 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. Take your time to explore the rich historical significance of this remarkable place before we continue our journey.

After our visit, we will ride for an additional hour until we reach the stable, where you will have the unique opportunity to experience the joy of releasing your horses and witnessing their freedom. Following this exhilarating experience, a delightful picnic lunch, prepared by your previous host family, awaits us in the village of “Asim Zeneli,” just a short five-minute drive from the stable.

Once we have satisfied our appetites, we will return to the same hotel in Gjirokastra for accommodation. The entire afternoon will be at your leisure, providing time to make preparations for your departure, explore local museums, or indulge in some souvenir shopping. As the day draws to a close, we will gather for a memorable farewell dinner at a cosy restaurant in the old Bazaar, savouring the last tastes of the local cuisine. Later in the evening, you may choose to join us for a drink at a popular bar, reflecting on the incredible experiences shared throughout our journey.

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.

Important information:

All itineraries provided are for your guidance only and may be altered on-site and in accordance with prevailing conditions by the organizing team.

Climate Summary

This ride takes place from March to December. Albania offers optimal conditions for visiting between April and October, with reduced rainfall compared to other months. Despite generally higher precipitation levels in the country, the central highlands receive the majority of rainfall due to the influence of the continental air mass. Albania encompasses a diverse range of climatic regions considering its landmass. The coastal lowlands exhibit a typical Mediterranean climate, while the highlands feature a Mediterranean continental climate. The specific trail mentioned in this context is located in southern Albania, where temperatures tend to be approximately 5 degrees Celsius higher than in other parts of the country. As you traverse the trail, you can expect to encounter varying weather conditions, ranging from cooler mountainous air to a warmer climate along 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 round €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 signal.

Packing List Attire:

Riding hat

Long-sleeved shirts (avoid expensive or favourite clothing)

Riding trousers and chaps

Gloves

Footwear:

Good mountain shoes with a grip (not too thick)

Avoid smooth-soled riding boots

Outerwear:

Waterproof raincoat

Swimming Clothes:

Swimwear

Evening attire:

Casual clothes

Protection:

Sun cream

Sunglasses

Hat

Medical supplies:

Anti-allergy medicine for insect bites

Essentials:

Torch (flashlight) for walking to feed the horses in the evening

Photography:

Small camera (avoid large professional cameras)

Identification:

Copy of passport

Saddlebags:

Personal saddlebags welcome (provided by riders)

Small saddlebags provided by the ride for food and water.

In addition to the other items, including a torch (flashlight) is recommended for walking to the horses to feed them in the evening. This will provide better visibility and ensure your safety during this activity.

• 28 March 2026 – 04 April 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 04 April 2026 – 11 April 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 11 April 2026 – 18 April 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 09 May 2026 – 16 May 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 23 May 2026 – 30 May 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 06 June 2026 – 13 June 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 20 June 2026 – 27 June 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 04 July 2026 – 11 July 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 22 August 2026 – 29 August 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 05 September 2026 – 12 September 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 24 October 2026 – 31 October 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 31 October 2026 – 07 November 2026: SOLD OUT!
• 07 November 2026 – 14 November 2026: Last saddle!
• 14 November 2026 – 21 November 2026: Saddles available
• 21 November 2026 – 28 November 2026: Saddles available

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.

• 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.
• Single Supplement: It may be possible to pay for a single supplement on the first and last night of the trail, allowing riders to have a single room. However, on other nights, riders must be prepared to share accommodation. The single supplement for a single room is 30 Euros per night, payable here.
• Small Group Supplement: The small group supplement 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 per 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.