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
After trying out a suitable horse, you ride from the top of Gjirokastra and down the mountain slopes. You will be astonished by how this mountainous ecosystem changes so suddenly. You will ride through hilly terrain, small rivers, pine woods, steep down and up hills. Lunch will be a home prepared picnic at the monastery of Cepo. We can visit the monastery which is an important orthodox cult object and has one of the most strategic views of the Drinos Valley. After lunch we ride down to the river of Kardhiq. There are some really interesting thing to see in this area such as pillar rocks “Gods of the Light” and other nature monuments. Today finishes after around 5 -6 hours total riding at the village of Fushbardha, one of the most important centres of Laberia´s area. You will spend the evening and night in a village house enjoying homemade traditional food and drinks.
Day 3
You will ride the same road as King Skerdilajd’s army rode 2300 years ago. Basha Stones, Dhespina cave, the Rock of Kaze, The Valley of Cheries, the Crooked Brook, Shameti Brook, Trullas Neck and Derrasa Hole are some of the local sights en route today. This route combines beautiful wood, mountain climbing, rocky landscape and ruins of ancient civilizations. Our lunchbreak will be at a mountain valley surrounded by a small oak wood. We continue through the mountain of Borsh towards the next village. The whole day´s landscape offers images of wild unspoiled nature. Flowers, old trees, streams of water shepherds, hundreds of goats, sheep and cows will be part of this riding experience. Be prepared to walk round 1 hour 30 minutes during the day in difficult paths and steep downhills. Good mountain hiking shoes are recommended for today. We will arrive at a family house late in the afternoon and enjoy traditional food, rich in olive oil. Wine, raki and mountain tea will comfort you to sleep after the long day.
Day 4
After a traditional breakfast at the house of a typical family of shepherds, you will start another riding exerince. You will first visit the castle of Borsh. After visiting the Castle ruins we will start a 3 hour ride from Borsh and take the old road along the seaside. Olive trees, oranges, lemons, citrus and grapefruits are planted everywhere on the upper part of the road. Many defence bunkers remained along the seaside of Piqeras, an old fishing village. We will stop the ride in the village and drive to the sea for a lunch break on the beach. After lunch we can enjoy a fairly long break to enjoy the sea and to rest. You will spend the night in a family house tasting seafood, the special local cheese and salad. Homemade raki and wine will be offered with the meal.
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. The ride for this day will last around 5 hours.
Day 6Today'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 7On 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 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!
