“Ritmi i kalërimit: Një udhëtim drejt ekspertize kuajsh në Shqipëri”
Mirësevini në aventurën më emocionuese dhe gjithëpërfshirëse me kuaj në jetën tuaj! Përgatituni të niseni në një udhëtim një javor të mbushur me një shumllojshmëri aktivitetesh si kalërimi, eksplorime kulturale, dhe kulinari të shijshme.
* All meals and accommodation apart from the transport along the stay, extra drinks and ticket entrances in museums, cultural sites, art gallery or activities (optional) that are mentioned with extra cost etc.
*Please note that transportation to each location can be arranged at an additional cost, ensuring your comfort and convenience throughout the adventure.
Note also that if riders want to choose be accommodated in the town historical area instead of the village farm it is possible withan additional cost of 212 Euros. Meals also will take place in town.
Group minimum: 2 riders
Group maximum: 8 riders
Weight limit :90 kg
We have a weight limit of 90 kg for participants in our 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, we reserve the right to refuse participation to individuals whose weight-to-height proportions significantly deviate, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved.
Riding level required: No experience or beginners. This program doesn’t fit more advanced riding levels.
2025: 18.01 -25.01 / 15.02 -22.02 / 08.03 – 15.03 / 05.04 – 12.04 / 05.07 – 12.07 / 02.08 – 09.08 / 04.10 – 11.10 / 01.11 – 08.11 / 13.12 -20.12 /
Single Supplement:
The single supplement for a single room is 20 Euros per night, payable here.
Small Group Supplement:
The small group supplement is applicable if only 1 participant did book onto the program.
If, at the time of departure, more than 1 client is booked, the small group supplement will be refunded.
The small group supplement is 132 Euros per person.
Health
We still strongly advise consulting with your General Practitioner before traveling in 2024. It is important to seek their medical advice regarding any necessary immunizations or health precautions based on your individual medical history. Recommendations for travel health and safety can vary depending on various factors, such as destination, current health conditions, and other potential risks.
While the information regarding COVID-19 may be different in 2024, it is still prudent to consult with your doctor before your trip to ensure you are in good health and ready for travel. Keep in mind that travel policies and guidelines, including those related to COVID-19, can change over time. Staying informed about the current situation and any specific requirements for traveling to your chosen destination is important. It is recommended to consult official sources, such as government health agencies or reputable travel advisories, for the most up-to-date information.
Please remember to prioritize your health and well-being during your travels, even if the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer ongoing. Your General Practitioner will be able to provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip.
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 favorite clothing)
Warm jacket
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.
Travel Summary:
Meeting Points:
Arrival: Tirana Airport (TIA) or Saranda Port
Departure: Saranda (CFU) – Take a flight to Corfu and then a boat to Saranda
Transfer Options:
Tirana Airport to Gjirokastra (Round trip):
Cost: €90 per person (€45 one way)
Distance: 225 km
Duration: 3 hours
Scheduled transfers every Saturday at 12:30 pm and 14:30 pm
Recommended arrival time for flights: No later than 14:30 pm
Recommended departure time for flights: Not earlier than 12:00 pm (midday)
Riders arriving in Tirana one day in advance should plan their arrival for the 12:00 pm or 14:30 pm transfer
Transfers from Tirana can’t be organized, but it’s easy and affordable to reach Tirana Airport by bus. Buses run every hour from the center of Tirana (behind the opera palace).
Private transfer to/from Tirana:
1 person: €140 (one way)
2 persons: €70 each (one way)
3 persons or more: €55 each (one way)
Note: Private transfers can be booked if it’s not possible to schedule flights that align with the normal transfer schedule.
Saranda Port to Gjirokastra (Round trip):
Cost: €50 per person (round trip)
Distance: 60 km
Duration: 1 hour
Transfers can be organized based on the ferries’ timetable for 2024, typically with one morning and one afternoon option.
Assisting the Riding Center: Since Albania lacks equestrian shops, procuring necessary horse equipment from the local market becomes a significant challenge for us. If it’s feasible for you, we kindly request your assistance in bringing along any spare or unused items such as old pads, halters, ropes, girths, bridles, or any other equipment that you no longer use. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated by our center.
Upon your arrival, be greeted with warm hospitality as you settle into your accommodation. Take a moment to relax and soak in the serene atmosphere of the picturesque village of Asim Zeneli.
Introduction to Horse Riding Evening: Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant in the city of Gjirokastër, soaking in the rich flavors of Albanian cuisine and immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.
Participants will familiarize themselves with horses and receive lessons in ground handling, including exercises on maintaining safe distances, grooming, harnessing, feeding, and understanding equine behavior.
Lunch will be served in a city or village restaurant, depending on the chosen midday experience. Afternoon Session: The afternoon session will focus on basic riding positions, balance exercises in the arena, and overall skill reinforcement.
Evening: Participants can opt for a rural village experience or spend time with family on the veranda. Friends are welcome to join cooking sessions and assist with other tasks. An optional visit to the horse stables is available if willing to walk 15 minutes one way to the stables.
Begin with independent horse preparation followed by a nature ride test to assess skills acquired during the morning session.
Lunch will be decided based on participant preferences and the intensity of riding lessons.
Afternoon: The afternoon session will include basic knowledge tests on the track and guided horseback riding in nature, focusing on safety measures, risk management, and using reins in outdoor settings.
Revisit all lessons learned so far and prepare for trotting on the track. Morning concentration will be paramount as participants practice trotting techniques in the arena and apply them briefly in outdoor settings. Lunch options will be chosen based on participants’ preferences and the selected experience.
Afternoon: After lunch, there will be further trotting practice on the track, horse leading downhill followed by a session on uphill riding positions.
It’s a day you’ve been eagerly awaiting, a chance to put your skills to the test in the rugged beauty of Albania’s countryside.
The day kicks off with the familiar routine of preparing the horses.
Now, it’s time for the real challenge—a trek to Cini Lake .
With the horses saddled and ready, riders take a moment to mentally review the lessons of the past days. Mounting your steeds, you set off for the morning session—a series of advanced trotting exercises designed to push your limits.
Throughout the ride in nature through hills, valleys and pastoral life the instructors provide guidance and feedback, fine-tuning techniques and addressing any lingering questions. Riding in pairs fosters camaraderie and teamwork, reinforcing the bond between rider and horse.
It’s a journey that will test your mettle, but also a chance to forge memories that will last for long.
After accommodating the horses back in stable lunch will continue and also free afternoon and evening for different activities. Dinner again with the host family. Round 4-5 hours
The morning will focus on intensive trotting sessions on the track, as well as engaging in various horse games. Participants will practice riding in pairs, maintaining safe distances, and applying technical elements of trail discipline.
Afternoon: Participants will continue with trotting and horse games in the afternoon, with additional testing of trotting and short canter fragments for balance assessment. The afternoon the session will be out in nature going through the very diverse landscape of Gjinofshat hills possible to test all the lessons so far.
Optional activities during break times may include relaxation, stable work, or village exploration.
This last day is the culmination of a week-long journey, a day awaited with equal parts excitement and trepidation.
The morning unfolds with purpose as riders gather in the arena, their steeds poised and ready for the ultimate challenge. You embark on a comprehensive skills test—a culmination of all you’ve learned throughout your equestrian odyssey.
Under the guidance of experienced instructors, participants navigate through a series of exercises, each one designed to assess their proficiency in the saddle. From precision maneuvers to fluid transitions, every aspect of your riding ability is put to the test.
You will mount your trusty companions once more, ready to embark on the final leg of the journey—a scenic trek to Qestorati Lake. Along the way, you’ll pass by the imposing castle of Santa Triada, its ancient walls standing as a silent testament to the region’s storied past.
The journey will also take you through the charming village of Dhoksat, where time seems to stand still amidst cobblestone streets and rustic buildings.
And so, as you set off into the unknown, guided by the gentle rhythm of hoofbeats and the whisper of the wind, you carry with you the memories of a week filled with laughter, learning, and the timeless bond between horse and rider the foundation of a new passion. Round 4-5 hours
Afternoon: After lunch, participants can enjoy free time or engage in optional activities. The day will conclude with a group dinner at a local restaurant in the historic city center.
After a rural breakfast at the guest house, being also the last moments of this equestrian experience, you will be transferred to the airport.
Optional Activities with extra costs paid in site:
Wood crafting workshop – 36 Euro per person
Cooking class – 46 Euro per person
Buggy tour – 35 Euro per person
Cold War city tour – 55 Euro per person (including entrance tickets in three monuments)
Guided hiking tour – from 48 – 64 Euro per person depending on the itinerary
Embroidery class – from 25 Euro per person
Dress as a local – from 15 Euro per person
Ice cream making activity – from 13 Euro per person
Farming activity – From 34 Euro per person
Included:
Accommodation and meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8
English-speaking instructor
Second instructor (if more than 3 participants)
Water and drinks during meals
Transport to the stable, lunch places and back.
Please note:
The first meal provided is dinner on the day of arrival, and the last meal is breakfast on the final morning.
Not included:
Flights, entrance tickets to monuments or parks, lunch on day 1, extra drinks, and other transports, services or expenses during free time are not included.
*Please note that transportation to other locations can be arranged at an additional cost, ensuring your comfort and convenience throughout the adventure.
