Horse riding is an outdoor adventure activity that takes place in natural environments and involves certain inherent risks, such as falls, unpredictable animal behavior, variable weather conditions, and uneven terrain.
Caravan trains and cares for its horses with professional responsibility and attention to safety. However, horses are living animals and may react unpredictably despite proper training and supervision.
Participants accept that certain risks are inherent to the activity and cannot be completely eliminated.
Caravan remains responsible for providing its services with due care and professionalism in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Albania and the standards of trail horseback riding.
To participate, the following requirements apply:
During the first test day, the Tour Leader will assess the rider’s ability and physical condition. Based on this assessment, Caravan will assign a suitable horse. For safety reasons, riders cannot choose their horse, as compatibility and safety take priority over personal preference.
If, in the professional judgment of the Tour Leader, the rider is not fit to ride safely, Caravan reserves the right to limit participation or modify the rider’s individual program to ensure the safety of the rider, the horse, and the group.
All riders must accept the authority of the tour leader and respect his/her decisions. The tour leader will not be held responsible for incidents or accidents which may occur as a result of unwise personal initiative, incompetence or other unexpected circumstances. If the health or conduct of any rider before or during the tour appears likely, in the opinion of the tour leader, to endanger the group, the rider may be excluded from the tour. Each participant is obliged to inform the tour guide of any condition that might affect their ability to participate in the tour. If a group is divided during the ride the parents must stay in the same group as their children. Caravan Horse Riding Albania will not accept any responsibility for luggage and personal property of riders.
All riders must:
Follow the instructions and guidance of the Tour Leader at all times.
Ride in a way that respects the group, the horses, and the environment.
Inform Caravan of any medical, psychological, or physical conditions that may affect participation. Failure to disclose relevant conditions may limit liability coverage.
Parents must ride in the same group as their children.
The Tour Leader has the authority to:
Reassign horses and divide groups according to ability.
Modify the itinerary for safety, weather, or other unforeseen circumstances.
Exclude any rider whose behavior or condition poses a safety risk. No refund will be issued in such cases.
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for all riders. Helmets and other safety equipment are provided for beginners, including body protectors and chaps. Experienced riders may bring their own equipment if it meets safety standards.
Only suitable riding or hiking shoes are allowed; trainers or sandals are not permitted.
Backpacks, loose objects, large cameras, and jewelry/piercings should not be worn while riding.
Riders are responsible for clothing appropriate for the season and weather, as well as sun cream and personal medication.
Riders must bring water bottles (up to 1 liter each); 1–2 bottles are recommended depending on the season. Bottles can be stored securely in saddlebags, and single-use plastic bottles should be avoided.
Accommodation
Accommodation is generally based on shared double or twin rooms.
Single rooms are available on certain nights and tours, with a single supplement payable upon booking. Availability depends on the specific tour and rider’s request.
Room allocation requires gender declaration.
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).
Connectivity & Internet Access
Riders are fully responsible for their personal belongings and luggage during flights and any transport arranged independently before or after the tour. Caravan is not liable for any loss, delay, or damage that occurs during air travel or third-party transport.
During the tour, while luggage is under the direct supervision of Caravan staff, Caravan is responsible for any loss or damage, except in cases of force majeure (e.g., natural disasters, accidents beyond our control).
As travel insurance is mandatory, the rider’s policy must cover any loss, delay, or damage to personal belongings and baggage that occurs outside Caravan’s responsibility.
All riders must declare any dietary restrictions, allergies, or food preferences on the Booking Form. Meals are provided from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day (except on free days, e.g., Vjosa Tour), with water and drinks included during meals. The first meal provided is dinner on arrival day, and the last meal is breakfast on the final morning. Meals outside this schedule, extra drinks, or special requests not communicated in advance are not included.
Included:
Accommodation and meals from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on the last day.
English-speaking instructor.
Second instructor (if the group exceeds 3 participants).
Water and drinks during meals.
Transport to the stable, lunch locations, and back.
Note: The first meal included is dinner on the arrival day, and the last meal is breakfast on the final morning.
Not Included:
Flights.
Transfers to and from Gjirokastra (unless separately arranged).
Entrance tickets to monuments or parks.
Lunch on Day 1.
Extra drinks outside of meals.
Any additional transport, services, or expenses during free time.
Note: Transportation to other locations can be arranged at an additional cost to ensure comfort and convenience throughout the tour.
All riders are required to complete a Booking Form with the necessary information.
Deposit:
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.
Cancellation fees apply as per Caravan’s official policy:
| Days Before Departure | Cancellation Fee (of remaining balance) |
|---|---|
| 180+ days (6 months or more) | Deposit 20% refundable |
| 179–45 days | 20% (deposit non-refundable) |
| 44–30 days | 20% of the remaining balance |
| 29–20 days | 40% of the remaining balance |
| 19–10 days | 60% of the remaining balance |
| 9–7 days | 80% of the remaining balance |
| 6 days or less | 100% of the remaining balance |
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.
Payment Methods:
Payments can be made by bank transfer, cash, or card. Card and online payments are subject to a 2.5% surcharge to cover bank transaction processing costs.
Transfer Payments:
Transfer costs (Tirana Airport / Saranda Port ↔ Gjirokastër) must be paid upon arrival, either in cash (EUR) or by card. Card payments are subject to a 2.5% surcharge to cover bank transaction processing costs.
Travel insurance is mandatory. The rider is required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering horse riding activities, medical expenses, accidents, emergency evacuation, loss or damage of personal belongings and baggage, trip cancellation, date changes, and personal liability. The insurance must be valid for the full duration of the tour.
Proof of valid insurance coverage may be requested prior to departure. Caravan shall not be held liable for any costs, losses, or damages that would normally be covered by travel insurance.
During the tours and trails, photos and videos may be taken for promotional and marketing purposes (website, social media, etc.). By participating, riders agree that Caravan Horse Riding Albania may use images and videos in which they appear for promotional purposes unless they specifically opt out.
Riders who do not wish to appear in photos or videos should inform Caravan in advance.
Personal data provided by riders are confidential and protected in accordance with Albanian Law No. 9887/2008 on the Protection of Personal Data. For EU riders, data are also handled according to the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Caravan Horse Riding Albania uses personal data only for tour organization and legal compliance and will not share it with third parties without consent, except as required by law. This protection continues even after the tour ends.
Caravan shall not be held liable for any failure or delay in performing its obligations due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, extreme weather, political unrest, pandemics, strikes, or other unforeseeable circumstances (“force majeure”).
In the event of force majeure: