King Skerdilajd Army Route

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.

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

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)

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

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

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: At least 8 (including possible walking by leading the horses)

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

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.