Medieval Albanian Trails

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You should aim to arrive in Albania during the morning (no later than 2.30 pm). A transfer will meet all riders at Tirana airport and take you the 220km to Gjirokaster town, a journey of c. 3 hours. There may be time to settle into your room at the traditional hotel in the historical centre of Gjirokaster before meeting for lunch (to own account; provided you arrive early enough). In the afternoon you will be able to explore the town, perhaps visiting the bazaar, Gjirokaster castle, the church, mosque or Enver Hoxha's house. We would recommend buying a local map as during dinner your hosts will discuss the route with you and you may like to mark where you will be riding.. Dinner will be taken at a traditional restaurant and the guides will be on hand to fully brief you for the week ahead.

Day 2

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

After breakfast, you will meet your hosts and take a 15-minute drive outside of Gjirokaster to where the horses are stabled. Once your horses have been allocated you will set out riding through valleys and woodland and past small streams, crossing the Drino river, whilst climbing up and down hills until stopping for a picnic lunch at the monastery of Cepo. This monastery is an important orthodox cult site which is located on a rocky slope on the northern side of Wide Mountain and has fantastic views of the Drinos valley. Of the former historical complex, only the basilica type church, with domed roof, and a few former houses remain - these houses were once places where travellers could rest.

After lunch, ride down to the valley of the Kardhiq river where there are natural pillar rock monuments - these pillars are unique to the area and stand 3-4m high. The locals call them "Gods of the Light" but scientifically they were formed by erosion. Continue riding until reaching the village of Fushbardha which is an important centre in Laberian Law Codic. The codic was re-written by Idriz Suli in the 18th century and there is a statue of him in the centre of the village. Spend the night in a traditional village house with homemade food and drinks.

Day 3

Riding: 8 - 9 hours

After a traditional family breakfast, you will set off riding following the route that King Skerdilajd's army took around 2,300 years ago. King Skerdilajd was the youngest brother of King Agron who died in 230BC. He was the commander of 5,000 troops sent by Queen Teuta against Epirus in 229BC to create an Adriatic Front against Rome. The path passes through woodland, over mountains and rocky landscapes and past many ruins from ancient civilisations - Basha stones, Dhespina cave, the Rock of Kaze, Valley of Cheries and Shameti Brook. After a long morning (c. 5hrs) you stop for lunch in a mountain valley. The afternoon ride continues through the mountains to reach the village of Borsh after c. 8-9 hours. You will again be staying with a family and enjoying a meal in their company. You can enjoy local wine, raki (a traditional Albanian spirit) and mountain tea.

This is a challenging day and you will have to walk on foot, leading your horse, for c. 1-2 hours. You need to be fit and wear good walking boots.

Day 4

Riding: 4 hours

After breakfast, with the shepherd's family, you will set out to visit the castle of Borsh (also known as Castle of Sopot) which is situated on a hill 500m above sea level and dates back to c. 4000BC. This rocky castle has held an important role throughout history and many remnants and artefacts have been found here - it has been held by the French, Germans and Italians in its time . In the Middle Ages it was adapted as a military garrison by Ali Pasha and one of his supporters, Haxhi Bendo, built the mosque at the castle.

Today is a shorter day of riding after yesterday's long day. Starting from the shore at Borsh, follow the old road along the seashore, passing olive trees and many citrus fruit trees. Many defence bunkers remain along the water's edge at Piqeras, an old fishing village. Leave the horses in the village and enjoy lunch on the beach where you can rest for a few hours and swim. The evening is again in a family home where you can sample fresh seafood and a special cheese from the area.

Day 5

Riding: 5 hours

Breakfast will be taken on a terrace with lovely views over the Ionian sea - where you can sample traditional byrek (cheese pie) and cookies, butter, fresh milk and honey. Your riding day starts by riding down through the olive terraces and onto the beach at Bunec, a pristine stretch of sand and pebbles.

In the afternoon you will arrive in the village of Shen Vasil, a medieval centre, which you visited the previous day. Along the way you will encounter herds of sheep and goats accompanies by local shepherds. This region has a strong rural tradition and you may get a glimpse of the daily lives of the people who live here.

In the late afternoon you will arrive at a typical coastal house where you will stay the night. The house provides a cosy and comfortable setting, allowing you to rest and recharge for the next day's adventures.

NB. Although this day includes some beach riding, the sand is rocky and only suitable for walking on. These are mountain horses and are not keen on paddling in the water either. Any faster riding on beach day takes place on an old path about 100m from the beach.

Day 6

Riding: 6 - 7 hours

After breakfast, you will set out riding back to King Skerdilajd's army route. South of the valley of the river Kalasa you can see Foinike hill where Skerdilajd's army stopped to face the Epirot army in 229BC. There are plenty of opportunities for long canters today!

You will ascend gentle hills and make your way towards Varfaj village. Here you will 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, although there are some sections where you will need to dismount and walk slowly with your horse.

You will arrive at Lazarat village, known for its interesting past and recent transformations, you will find yourself immersed in its rich culture. Once infamous for marijuana cultivation, Lazarat now proudly showcases its history and traditions. Your accommodation is in a local home and here you can participate in a cooking class of traditional food led by your hosts. In this serene atmosphere, your dinner will become an unforgettable feast and leave you tranquil and content.

Day 7

Riding: 3 hours

Your final day of riding sees you returning to Gjirokaster. You will embark on a shorter riding day, making your way through Lazarat village en route to Drinos Valley. Your path will lead you to a suitable crossing over the Drino river where you will enjoy numerous exhilarating canters. As you approach the southern outskirts of Asim Zeneli village you will ascend the hills, eventually arriving at the stables. Here you will take care of your horse and leave them to roam freely and enjoy the rest.

After bidding farewell to your companion, you will stop for lunch. Lunch is a picnic prepared by a local family in Lazarat and you will enjoy a refreshing drink at the village cafe. This is the perfect ending to a wonderful week.

Farewell dinner and overnight in your traditional hotel in the historic area.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you are transferred back to the airport for your flight home.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You should aim to arrive in Albania during the morning (no later than 2.30 pm). A transfer will meet all riders at Tirana airport and take you the 220km to Gjirokaster town, a journey of c. 3 hours. to a traditional hotel in the historical centre of Gjirokaster Lunch today is to your own account. In the afternoon you are free to explore the town, perhaps visiting the bazaar, Gjirokaster castle, the church, mosque or Enver Hoxha's house. We would recommend buying a local map as during dinner your hosts will discuss the route with you and may like to mark where you are riding. Dinner will be taken at a traditional restaurant and the guides will be on hand to fully brief you for the week ahead.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be driven to meet the horses just outside Gjirokaster. You are allocated your partner for the week and set off on your first day of riding towards the village of Karjan which has been populated since the early medieval period. Along the journey, you will pass through a rural environment of traditional farming, small houses and gardens and cultivated land. You will cross hilly landscapes, valleys, small streams and some cliffs. The path passes the Drino river or "Tree of Life" river which is the most important water basin in the area with many ancient pagan stories. You will also pass the ruins of the Santa Triada castle which was reconstructed during 1809-1810 by Ali Pasha as an important strategic point along caravan routes. The castle ruins were later used as a military base during socialist times. A picnic lunch is taken near the village of Shen Toder.

You will reach the village of Karjan in the afternoon, after a ride of 1.5 hours, this was once a rural stop for the caravans. You may wish to visit the church and old bridge before dinner at a local family house - perhaps assist your hosts in picking fresh produce from their garden. Dinner will be accompanied by raki and wine offering a true taste of the region. You will spend the night in their family home.

Day 3

Riding: 6 hours

After breakfast, you will continue riding northwards to the village of Small Labova and the beautiful valley of Cajupi. The trail follows the old cobblestone merchant road of Zhapa, with wide-open views of the mountains and valleys - you may even find ancient market artefacts alongside the trail. You will stop in Small Laboya with its wonderful church and large houses which once belonged to merchants. Laboya was the birthplace of Vangjel Zhapa, a well-known businessman and philanthropist who was the organiser of the first modern Olympic Games c. 200 years ago.

After visiting the church, you will continue riding up into the mountains passing rare vegetation such as mountain tea, oregano, wild rose or Dig-Dag (digitalis). We follow the mountain path to the village of Cajupi were you visit some shepherds and have lunch with them. You will have the chance to taste the famous Brati spring water at a typical watering station for the caravans and see a small tower that protected them from bandits known as Karakoll.

The afternoon trail through the valley is across terrain which is ideal for canters and gallops and the horses are happy to oblige. Follow the medieval caravan trails past a famous bandit station called Hija e Mallkuar or the Cursed Shadow - this area saw many battles as thieves tried to rob the passing caravans. Your destination is the village of Nderan where you will stay with a local farming family for the next two nights. You can help the family with the milking process and preparing dinner. Dinner will be a mixture of local produce with raki and wine.

Day 4

Riding: 5 - 6 hours

This morning's breakfast is a traditional mixture of mountain foods - freshly made bread, cookies, butter, jam, eggs, cheese, honey and milk. Today you will be riding some of the most important horse pathways of the 17th and 18th centuries which connected the biggest commercial centres in southern Albania. You will ride past the natural monument "Rock of Zhej" and stop for a break at the water spring of Lliar which was reconstructed by Ali Pasha in the early 19th century. Continue downhill along a difficult route to an ancient stone bridge where you stop for lunch. During the summer months, it may be possible to cool off in the Hoshteva river. After lunch you can visit Hoshteva's unique church which was built in 999AD and has many pagan elements visible in its wall paintings. The ride continues past the Byzantine church of Lliar and the monastery of Nivan Saint Mehilli, built in 1702. You will cross the bridge which connects the monastery with Nderan village and spend a second night with the same local family.

Day 5

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

This morning's ride starts in an exhilarating way, with many canters along the mountain valley floor. You will pass small, remote farms, wild cliffs and many isolated monuments. This ride follows in the footsteps of ancient commercial caravans travelling towards important fairs and today's route through Pogoni is a true step back in time. Many Byzantine monuments, artistic ruins and mountain springs can be found alongside the path. The picnic lunch is taken near one of the most famous architectural monuments - the stone bridge of Hilomo or Kacarello's - only reachable by horse, this is one of the most isolated and remarkable constructions.

After c. 5 hours of riding you reach the mountain village of Polican which is populated by a Greek minority - here you have the chance to explore some of the cult monuments before sampling some regional gastronomic delights. This village is one of the most important producers of honey in Albania with nearly ten different flavours depending on season and flower type.

Day 6

Riding: 5 hours

Today you leave the Greeks behind for the most challenging day of riding through the mountains as we set our sights on the town of Libohova. Follow the trail uphill to Swallow Rock, 500m above the Suha river and stop for lunch by the Church of Labova of the Cross at a delightful local restaurant. This rare monument represents the oldest church in Albania which was believed to have been built by Justinian the Great in 554AD. The church was saving relics of its original cross until they were stolen in 1989. Justinian married his wife, Teodora in the small chapel and the villagers inherited her wedding dress and preserved it for centuries.

In the afternoon, you will ride on to the small town of Libohova which is nestled at the foot of Bureto mountain. This ancient settlement is home to a well-known Albanian noble family who share their name with the town. You can visit the castle which was the dowry presented by Ali Pasha when his sister married one of the most important members of the Libohova family. You will spend the night in a local family house and join them in another delicious meal. You may wish to immerse yourself in farm life by helping with chores, cooking, feeding the horses, and enjoying the local music.

Day 7

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

Today's ride takes you through hilly terrain to the Antigonea National Park. Here lies the city that King Pyrrhus built in 295 BC and named after his wife Antigona, daughter of King Ptolemeus of Egypt. Plutarch wrote that the city was built by love but destroyed by hate.

After a break to view the monuments, you continue for another hour of riding to reach Gjirokaster town and the stables where you leave the horses. Transfer takes five minutes to the village of Asim Zeneli for a picnic lunch prepared by your last host family. The afternoon is free for you to visit museums or buy souvenirs.

You stay in the same hotel as the first night and have a final dinner in a small restaurant in the old bazaar. Later in the evening, you can enjoy a celebratory drink in a popular bar.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport at Tirana or the port of Saranda for your journey home.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You should aim to arrive in the morning (no later than 2.30 pm), to allow time for the transfer and to be able to visit the town of Gjirokaster. The transfer takes around 3 hours (250km). Settle into your hotel which is just a 10-minute walk from the centre of historical Gjirokaster, and take a walk around the historical town before dinner. You may also wish to visit Enver Hoxha’s house, Gjirokaster castle, the church of the Old Bazaar, the mosque of the Bazar or Skenduli house which represents Gjirokaster traditional life. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant and during dinner your guides will discuss the trail with you - this is your chance to bring up any requests. We recommend that you buy a map of the area before dinner in order to gain a good understanding of the itinerary.

Day 2

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

After breakfast at the hotel, you will go to the stables and be allocated your horses. Set off riding through the countryside towards the medieval village of Karjan. This traditional village is a rural stop for passing travellers with its small churches and old Roman bridge. Your route takes you past small houses and gardens, through traditional farming and cultivated land - a combination of hilly landscapes, valleys, small streams and cliffs. You are also blessed with a view of River Drino, the “Tree of Life” river - one of the most important water basins in the area. Along your route, you also pass the ruins of the castle of Santa Triada which was reconstructed during 1809-1810 by Ali Pasha, as a strategic point to control all the travelling caravans. The castle ruins were later used during the time of socialism for military issues. Stop for a picnic lunch near the village of Shen Toder.

After around 4-5 hours of riding you reach Karjan village where you spend the night with a local family who treat you to a traditional dinner.

Day 3

Riding: 5 hours

After breakfast you ride down Drino’s valley to the village of Andon Poci, and then Hundkuq village. The ride becomes more challenging as you enter a small forest before reaching Labova of Zhapa. This village is well known all over the south for its wonderful Church and the old merchant houses which are now mostly ruined. Labova is also the birthplace of Vangjel Zhapa, the organiser of the first modern Olympic Games. Zhapa was a well-known businessman and philanthropist who lived around 200 years ago. 

Stop for a picnic lunch and visit the church before starting your ride up the mountain. The vegetation here is rare and unusual featuring species such as mountain tea, oregano, wild rose and other endemic plants like digitalis or 'Dig-Dag' as it's known locally. Follow the mountain path to the valley of Cajupi where you camp for the night. You will have the chance to taste the famous Brati spring water at this typical stopping point for the old caravans and visit a small medieval tower of protection called “karakoll”. You may also be able to experience milking sheep with the shepherds.

(NB. If it's very hot, your guides may choose to take a shorter route to Cajupi valley and then ride again in the afternoon when it's cooler)

Day 4

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

After breakfast, you follow the medieval trade route with its famous bandit hideout 'Hija e Mallkuar' or 'The Cursed Shadow'. From here, thieves would rob the caravans passing through Zagoria! Continue riding to the most important horse pathways of the XVII and XVIII centuries which used to connect the biggest commercial centres in Southern Albania. You'll pass a beautiful natural monument called the Rock of Zhej and stop for a short break at the water spring of Lliar, reconstructed by Ali Pasha in the early XIX century. Then it's a challenging downhill route to the ruins of a medieval stone bridge (the bridge collapsed in February 2018) where you stop for lunch and a refreshing swim in the river. 

The ride continues past the Byzantine church of Lliar and the monastery of Nivan Saint Mehilli, built in 1702. Cross the bridge which connects the monastery with Nderan village and spend the night with a local family.

Day 5

Riding: 6 hours

Your riding day starts with a climb to Hoshteva village and then to the Gjurmemushka mountain pass. Once you reach the summit, from here you will ride mostly downhill, passing Maleshova village to visit the church and Limari's castle ruins. and stop for a picnic lunch next to a stream under the trees.

During the afternoon you will be rewarded with stunning views of the River Vjosa opening up to you from the top of the mountain. You eventually reach the village of Grabova, which is a poor and forgotten area due to its isolation, lack of roads and immigration but still very welcoming. Here you stay in a local home and experience the traditional way of cooking outside and the famous “petanik” - a special pie made in the mountains. This is a Raki area and is very well known for its “spoon” desserts. Enjoy a tasty dinner on the terrace, overlooking the Vjosa River just 200 meters away.

Day 6

Riding: 3 hours

After another satisfying breakfast, you will continue riding downhill to reach the river Vjosa. For the rest of today's ride, you will follow the river bank, enjoying breathtaking views and a landscape that is very different to previous days. Those who like a little speed will be glad to hear that there are many opportunities for long canters this day. 

You will stop for a break near Piskova village, taking advantage of the dry part of the river bed to relax and perhaps take a swim. For lunch, you will enjoy a meal cooked by a small restaurant in Permet which will conveniently be brought to you at the river side by car. You can enjoy an afternoon of resting and swimming in the river before preparing your horses once more for a 1.5-hour ride to the village of Permet. After settling your horses for the night you will head to the hotel where you will be sleeping tonight - just a 10-minute walk from the traditional restaurant where you will enjoy dinner this evening.

Day 7

Riding: No riding.

Today is a rest day for the horses and you have a choice of other adventures to go on instead. We suggest you take a trip to the thermal waters of Benja in the Langarica canyons, which is half an hour away by car. There you can explore the canyons, swim, or if you're feeling brave, go river hiking to explore the “Pigeons Cave” on a rock along Langarica river. Have lunch in a restaurant close to the canyons and return back to Permet in the late afternoon. Dinner will be served in a small restaurant close to the hotel. 

If you don't want to visit Benja then you can just relax in the town of Permet.

NB. Meals, drinks and activities today are not included since it is a free day.

Day 8

Riding: 6 hours

This is one of the longest and most difficult days of riding and you will need to wear long sleeves to protect your arms from branches. Most of the ride is climbing Dhembel mountain, from where the views are amazing. A picnic lunch will be carried in your saddlebags as the car cannot reach you here. You may have to get off and lead your horse, both uphill and downhill. 

Your destination will be in Hoshteva Zagoria, where the logistic car will be awaiting you. Tonight you will set up camp beneath the trees near Hoshteva's church, and as a group, you will help to prepare and cook dinner - finishing with a memorable meal together under the starlit sky. The whole camping experience is sure to be truly enchanting.

Day 9

Riding: 6 hours

Get ready for an exhilarating ride this morning! After a tasty country-style breakfast, you will head out riding through a mountain valley that's perfect for open gallops. Along the way, you will pass small remote farms, awe-inspiring cliffs, and numerous historical paths that are far off the usually beaten tourist trail. The route will send you through the Pogoni region which transports you through time, passing ancient ruins and mythical natural wonders. Enjoy a tasty picnic lunch near the famous stone bridge of Hllomo or Kacarello's, an isolated construction from the merchant period which is now only accessible by horse.

In the afternoon, you will reach the heart of the Pogon region, the mountain village of Polican, which is inhabited by a small Greek minority population. You will spend the night in the village with a Greek minority family, who will take you to explore the remarkable cult monuments from the medieval period. In the evening, you'll indulge in local gastronomic delights, including a variety of honey flavours, as this village is renowned for its mountain honey production, offering up to 10 different seasonal tastes.

Day 10

Riding: 5 hours

Today's riding combines changing landscape and riding pace. There are wide valleys, steep downhills, green forests and the beauty of Suha River. Take a rest here and some time to swim in the river, and explore the waterfalls and caves dotted along the river. Now well rested you will begin to climb up Swallow Rock on horseback. Upon reaching the summit you will head to the village of Labova of the Cross where you will have lunch in a local restaurant. The church of Labova of the Cross is one of the most important in the country. It is a rare monument representing the oldest church in Albania, built by Justinian the Great in 554. Justinian married Teodora his wife at the small chapel of this village and the villagers inherited her wedding dress for centuries. The church is decorated with an old wooden icon full of floral and symbolic animal scenes.

Later in the afternoon, you ride to Libohova, a small town nestled at the foot of the Bureto Mountain. Archaeological evidence indicates a very ancient settlement here which peaked during the 17th-century when it became an important commercial centre. It is possible to take a long walk to visit Libohova’s castle, a Bektashi cult object and the tomb of Ali Pasha’s sister, Shanisha. You overnight in a local family house with more delicious local food.

Day 11

Riding: 3 - 4 hours

A shorter riding day for you today. In the morning you will set off through rolling hills and the picturesque Drino’s valley. Cross a few streams before climbing a steep hill to reach Antigonea National Park. Antigonea was built by King Pyrrhus in 295 BC and named after his first wife Antigona, daughter of King Ptolemeus of Egypt. After a break, you will continue riding for around one hour to the stables where you can enjoy the experience of letting your horses run free and enjoy a well-deserved roll.

A picnic lunch is taken in the village of Asim Zenelli close to the stables. After this, you are transferred back to the same hotel in Gjirokaster as you spent your first night. Your farewell dinner will take place in a small restaurant in the old Bazaar and later in the evening, you can have a celebratory drink in a popular bar.

Day 12

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred back to the airport.

Day 1

Riding: No riding.

You should arrive into Tirana no later than 13:00 (1pm). Your transfer will take c. 3-4 hours to your hotel in the heart of Gjirokastra. If there is any daylight left this day, you are encouraged to explore the town, perhaps visiting the castle, church or mosque. It is recommended that you purchase a map of the area so you can follow your itinerary. Dinner this evening will be served in a traditional restaurant with your guide on hand to answer any questions you might have about the week ahead.

Day 2

Riding: 4 hours

After breakfast at the hotel this morning, you will head to the stables to meet the horses. Once you have been allocated your equine partner, you will set off on your 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, with hilly terrains, valleys, and small water streams to cross. There will also be opportunities for enjoyable canters.

Upon reaching Labova of the Cross, you will check in to 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, you 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. In the evening, you can participate in various activities at the guest house, such as helping with farm chores or engaging in traditional cooking alongside the family. This will provide a hands-on experience of the village lifestyle and a memorable encounter with the local people. You can enjoy a delicious dinner consisting of traditional local cuisine that you helped to prepare, before a restful night's sleep.

Day 3

Riding: 4 hours

This morning you will set off riding through the rolling hills of Drino's valley, crossing several streams before ascending a steep hill to reach Antigonea National Park. Antigonea is an ancient city built by King Pyrrhus in 295AD and named after his wife Antigona who was the daughter of King Ptolemeus of Egypt. Now all that can be seen of this once important fortified stronghold are the archeological remains. After a short break to take a look around the site, you will re-mount and ride for c. 1 hour to the stables where you can turn your horses out. Lunch will be taken in a nearby village before you have a tour of the cold war tunnels in Gjirokastra. Before dinner you can visit an artists studio to hear about his work and the traditional elements involved. During dinner in a local restaurant, a well known iso-polyphonic group will be invited to talk, sing and explain the complex role of South Albanian iso-polyphony which is now a UNESCO protected world heritage. Overnight in the same hotel as on day one.

Day 4 - Non-Riding Day

Riding: No riding.

This morning after a fresh cooked breakfast we will transfer back to Gjirokastra and then towards Butrint, a UNESCO protected archaeological park, through a challenging off road path. The driving experience will be exceptional with some beautiful views. You will stop to visit the ruins of the church of Leshnica and have coffee stop near to Cerkovica village. A local person will give a short presentation on how how they live in this area, now and in the past, as well as how they imagine things will change in the future. Later you continue to Butrint to visit the archaeological park. Dating back to the 7th century BC, classic mythology tells that the exiles moved to Butrint to escape following the fall of Troy. Originally part of an area called Epirus, Butrint has been occupied by the Greeks, the Romans, the Byzantines and the Venetians. As a result, Butrint offers a wealth of incredible archaeological structures, including a well preserved theatre, Roman public baths inside which lies a paleo-Christian baptistery and a 9th century basilica. The sanctuary of Asclepius, god of medicine sits on its hill or “acropolis” and dates back to the fourth century. Continue your journey, stopping to have lunch in Saranda at a restaurant next to the sea with plenty of locally cooked sea food.

Before returning back to Gjirokastra for dinner you will visit the local art gallery for a presentation by the manager, who is also a very good painter. Dinner will take place in a restaurant in the old bazaar.

Day 5 - Non-riding Day

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast whilst marvelling at the glorious views you drive back into the Drinos valley and follow the Vjosa river to the thermal baths of Benja in Pwrmet. Along the river are splendid warm water pools to soak in - during the winter months you will have plenty of privacy as no other tourists will visit! Local people believe that the pools have healing properties. You can also visit Kadiu bridge which is a cultural monument from the ottoman period with great views of the Langarica river. Lunch will be taken in Pwrmet - the city of roses - with local Raki and sweets to try.

In the afternoon you are driven to a remote area close to Ballaban village to visit a unique farm where you will stay tonight. The owners will be able to tell you the charming story of how they abandoned city life to take up in the country. Before dinner, you will be able to sample their homemade wine.

Day 6

Riding: 4 - 5 hours

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be ready for another day of riding. Today's route takes you through rural landscapes of steep hills, small valleys and traditional farmed and cultivated land. The river Drino - the tree of life - is forever on your left throughout the morning - this is the most important water basin in the area. Along the route, you will see the ruins of the castle of Santa Triada which was reconstructed during 1809-10 by Ali Pasha and later used for military reasons during the time of socialism. Stop for a picnic lunch near the village of Erind and continue riding to reach Karjan. Here you have a traditional dinner and overnight at a local farm. In the afternoon you can visit the village and help the family with feeding, watering and cleaning the horses.

Day 7

Riding: 5 hours

After breakfast with the family you start your ride back to Gjirokastra. Ride through Nokova village to visit both medieval churches, and then through Lunxheria before stopping for lunch in Dhoksat. This village has unique architecture and a local expert will talk to you about the characteristics of life here. After lunch you continue riding through cultivated farmland. Take a short stop beside Qestorati lake to enjoy the view before finally heading back to the stables. The last section of the ride is the most beautiful and offers plenty of canters. After settling the horses you transfer to Gjirokastri to the same hotel and can have a look around the town before your farewell dinner. Those who wish can continue the celebrations with drinks in a local bar.

Day 8

Riding: No riding.

After breakfast, you are transferred back to the airport.