Escape into a captivating winter experience that combines four days of thrilling horse-riding adventures amidst ever-changing landscapes, with two days immersed in the rich culture of South Albania. Prepare to be enchanted by valleys, hills, small forests, rivers, and exhilarating uphill and downhill rides, followed by a deep dive into the region’s history, hospitality, thermal baths, archaeological sites and the authentic lifestyle of shepherds. This unique program offers real moments on horseback, dynamic off-road explorations of unspoiled terrain, and the chance to discover hidden hiking paths.
The horses we ride on this journey are the local Albanian breed, a mix of Tarpan and Arab horses. Although small in size, they are perfectly adapted to the rocky terrain, surefooted, and accustomed to trekking long mountainous routes in all weather conditions. Riding these horses instils confidence, relaxation, and a sense of freedom, allowing you to fully embrace the breath-taking views along the way.
The carefully crafted itinerary pays homage to the winter season, offering adventure, fun, smaller group sizes, cultural immersion, historical monuments, local homes, music, art, and traditions. The riding route takes you along the eastern side of the Drino River, near the Antigonea archaeological park, delving deep into the valley’s ancient, medieval, and modern history. Food and cooking experiences, wine and Raki tastings, and interaction with the local community make this trail an exceptional journey, allowing you to become a part of Albanian local life.
Meeting people and connecting with their daily lives and activities is a social and integral part of this program. Many unique experiences offered in this itinerary are best enjoyed during the slower pace of winter, where you can truly embrace the spirit of slow life, dynamic rides, slow food, and slow adventure.
1285 Euro / All-inclusive
* All meals and accommodation apart from the extra drinks and ticket entrances in museums, cultural sites, art gallery etc.
Winter Trail Albania 10-17/01/2026
Winter Trail Albania 24-31/01/2026
Winter Trail Albania 07-14/02/2026
Winter Trail Albania 21-28/02/2026
Winter Trail Albania 05-12/12/2026
Winter Trail Albania 19-26/12/2026 (Christmas trail)
Group Minimum: 2 riders
Group Maximum: 12 riders
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.
This 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 158 Euros/person.
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.
Note: The first meal is dinner of the arriving day, and the last meal is breakfast of the last morning.
Flights.
Entrance tickets to monuments or parks.
Lunch on day 1.
Extra drinks.
Other services or expenses during free time.
14 (must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian)
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.
At least level 2 riding outdoors (out of 5 levels) Low intermediate rider
All itineraries provided are intended as a guide and may be subject to changes on-site, as determined by the organizing team, in order to accommodate prevailing conditions and ensure the best possible experience for participants.
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 take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.
Internet access will be difficult during the ride. Riders can buy an Albanian sim card/phone number for round €21 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.
Small saddlebag for food and water are provided but you are also welcome to bring your own, if they fit.
Attire:
Riding hat
Long-sleeved shirts (avoid expensive or favourite 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
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 14:00 pm
Recommended departure time for flights: Not earlier than 13:00 pm
Riders arriving in Tirana one day in advance should plan their arrival for the 12:30 pm or 14:30 pm transfer, agreed in advance with the organizers.
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 centre of Tirana (behind the opera palace).
Our driver will be waiting for you in front of Sixt Rent a Car – Tirana Airport, holding a sign with the words “Caravan Horse Riding Albania” for easy identification.
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.
Cost: €50 per person (round trip)
Distance: 60 km
Duration: 1 hour
Transfers can be organized based on the ferries’ timetable for 2026, typically with one morning and one afternoon option.
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 centre.
Plan your arrival at Tirana airport ideally in the morning, but no later than 14:00 pm to allow time for transfer and a visit to the town of Gjirokastra. The transfer from Tirana airport will take approximately 3-4 hours (250km). Your accommodation will be in a traditional hotel in the heart of the historical Gjirokastra. If there is daylight remaining, you can explore the new Bazaar, Enver Hoxha’s house, Gjirokastra castle, the church of the Old Bazaar, the Bazar mosque, and Skenduli house before dinner. During dinner, your guides will provide insights into the trail, address any requests or needs, offer advice, and share important information.
Transfer Day
After breakfast at the hotel and allocation of horses, we will set off on our ride through the picturesque countryside towards the village of Labova of the Cross. This charming village is known for its beautiful landscapes and historical significance. The route to Labova of the Cross will be moderately challenging, featuring hilly terrains, valleys, small water streams, and opportunities for enjoyable canters.
Upon reaching Labova of the Cross, we will check into a local guest house, where you can experience the warm hospitality of the villagers. The guest house will provide a comfortable and authentic stay, allowing you to immerse yourself in the local culture.
After settling in, we will visit the Church of Labova of the Cross, a significant religious site in the area. The church is known for its unique architecture and historical importance, offering a glimpse into the village’s rich heritage. You will have the opportunity to explore the church and learn about its fascinating history.
In the evening, you can participate in iso-poliphony, a polyphonic event, where you can join the choir and learn local dances. This will be a unique opportunity to experience traditional culture, as you immerse yourself in the sounds and rhythms passed down through generations. The event will be accompanied by a renowned iso-polyphonic group, a UNESCO-protected world heritage, offering performances, songs, and explanations about the complex role of its members.
Overnight accommodation will be at the same local guest house, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner consisting of traditional local cuisine. The guest house will offer a cosy and authentic atmosphere, ensuring a restful night’s sleep. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses.
Total Riding Hours: 4
This morning, we will embark on a ride through rolling hills, the enchanting Drino Valley, and several water streams, followed by a steep climb to reach the captivating Antigonea Archaeological Park, where we will make a stop for a visit. Antigonea was built by King Pyrrhus in 295 BC and named after his first wife, Antigona, daughter of King Ptolemais of Egypt. After the break, we will ride for another hour until we reach the stable, where you can enjoy the experience of letting your horses roam freely. Lunch will follow shortly after in a village near the stable. We will return to the same hotel in Gjirokastra for accommodation. After a brief respite, you can visit the Cold War tunnel in Gjirokastra—a relic of communist defence paranoia that holds intriguing stories to tell. Dinner will be held at a small local restaurant in the historical area, where you can enjoy traditional dishes prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Total Riding Hours: 4
Following breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the Drinos Valley, tracing the path of the Vjosa River until we reach the thermal baths of Benja in Permet. Along the river, you will discover splendid, warm-water, human-made pools—a hidden gem perfect for relaxation on a cool day. These baths have been believed to possess healing properties for centuries, and during the winter months, you can enjoy privacy and tranquillity. As you journey, you will encounter the Kadiu Bridge, a cultural monument built in 1760 during the Ottoman period, offering a stunning view of the Langarica River—an entrance to the canyons. Throughout the day, you will have the opportunity to explore the canyons through hiking and swimming activities. Lunch will be served in the “City of Roses,” Permet, where you will delight in the local raki and sweets. Later, we will drive to a remote area near Ballaban village to visit another unique farm that will serve as our accommodation for the evening and dinner. The owners will share their story of abandoning city life, pursuing their dreams, and living in harmony with nature. This will also be a special tea tasting experience.
Total Driving Hours: 3-4
After breakfast, we will drive back to Gjirokastra to reach the horse stables for another day of horse riding. Today’s itinerary will take us through a rural landscape, featuring beautiful steep hills, small valleys, pastoral scenery, traditional farming practices, bush areas, small lakes, small water streams, cliffs, and remnants of defence infrastructure from the communist era. Throughout the morning ride, the captivating view of the River Drino—the “Tree of Life” river—will accompany you. The Drino River holds great significance in ancient pagan beliefs. Along the way, you will encounter the ruins of the Santa Triada Castle, reconstructed during 1809-1810 by Ali Pasha as a strategic point for controlling medieval caravan routes. These castle ruins were later repurposed for military use during the socialist era. We will pause for a picnic lunch near the village of Erind. After approximately 4-5 hours of riding, we will arrive at Karjan village, where a traditional dinner and accommodation await you at a local farm. In the afternoon, you can explore the village, partake in family activities, and assist in feeding, cleaning, and watering the horses.
Total Riding Hours: 4-5
After enjoying breakfast with the family and packing a picnic, we will commence our ride at 9 o’clock. Our route will take us first to Nokova village, where we will visit medieval churches. Continuing through the Lunxheria area, we will stop for a picnic in Dhoksat village. This village is renowned for its unique architecture and the use of black stone in construction, as well as its beautiful doors. A local expert will join us to provide insights into life, tradition, folklore, costumes, and ethnography of the area. After lunch, our ride will continue through cultivated lands, gardens, livestock areas, and wide meadows, offering captivating panoramic views. We will have another brief stop by Qestorati Lake to savour the scenery before returning to the stables from a different direction. The final leg of the ride in the afternoon will be the most picturesque, with several opportunities for canters and breath-taking hill climbs. After the ride, we will drive back to Gjirokastra, where you can take a stroll around the historical area before the farewell dinner. In the evening, you can enjoy a drink at a popular bar.
Total Riding Hours: 5
This day will be dedicated to exploring the mountainous terrain on horseback. We’ll start our ride from the stable, following gravel paths and rugged trails towards the Spilea Monastery, with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
At the Monastery of Spilea (1634), you’ll visit the Church of St. Nicholas, a first-category cultural monument. Its cross-shaped naos features vibrant frescoes by artist Mihali, painted during the time of Bishop Kalist. The expressive, rebellious style of the murals makes the monastery a remarkable site. You’ll also explore a small cave church within a karst rock formation, once home to hermit monks until after WWII, before it was abandoned during the communist era.
After a short break at the monastery, where you can enjoy a light snack, we’ll begin our descent through a diverse landscape. The route passes through the village of Tranoshishtë and along the ancient path of the Epirot village, winding through rich meadows and pastures filled with pastoral life.
We’ll leave the horses at the stable and head to Asim Zeneli village for lunch. Afterward, you’ll return to Gjirokastra to relax before gathering for a farewell dinner at a cozy restaurant in the old Bazaar. Accommodation will be in the city.
Total Riding Hours: 4-5
Following breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred back to Tirana Airport for your departure.
