Albania - Kings Army Route

Please Note: The opinions expressed in these reviews are the author's and do not necessarily reflect the views of Unicorn Trails Ltd. These reviews are "directly from the horses mouth" and unedited. Unicorn Trails may make additional comments for clarification clearly identified in red.

Review received from SD of COLNE on 01/06/2024

Day 1
Arrive at Tirana airport ideally in the morning, but no later than 14.30, to allow time for the transfer and a visit to Gjirokstra. The drive to Gjirokastra takes approximately 3 hours. Settle into the hotel, which is a 10 minute walk from the centre of Gjirokastra. Riders can explore this historical town and its old bazaar before dinner. Experience Gjirokastra's traditional life by visiting Enver Hoxha’s house, Gjirokastra castle, the church and mosque of the Old Bazaar, and Skenduli house. Dinner will be served at a traditional local restaurant, where your guides will discuss the trail and address any requests or needs. It is recommend to buy a map of the area before dinner in order to gain a good understanding of the itinerary.

Day 2
The ride starts from the stables at 360m above sea level, or from Viroi’s lake of Gjirokastra, at 220m above sea level, depending on the weather and river Drino's conditions. Be aware that this mountainous ecosystem changes very suddenly. The ride traverses hilly terrain, small rivers, pine woods and steep inclines (not suitable for those with a fear of heights). Lunch will be a home-prepared picnic at the monastery grounds of Cepo, an important Orthodox site with strategic views of the Drinos Valley. After lunch, the ride continues down to the river of Kardhiq, featuring fascinating sights such as the “Gods of the Light” rock pillars, which are 3-4 m high and appear to change as approached. The day's ride conclude at the village of Fushbardha, a significant centre in the Laberia area. Tonight's accommodation is with a village family who will prepare a delicious home-cooked meal. Riding hours 5-6.

Day 3
After breakfast, the group prepares for a long day of riding, up to 8 hours. The trail follows the tracks of King Skerdilajd's Army, which passed through the "Neck of the Rock" around 2,300 years ago. The path features beautiful woods, climbing mountain tracks through rocky landscapes, and ruins of ancient civilizations. Basha Stones, the Dhespina cave, the Rock of Kaze, the Valley of Cherries, the Crooked Brook, Shameti Brook, Trullas Neck and Derrasa Hole are some of the intriguingly named local sights en route today. Todays lunch break is in a mountain valley forest. The whole day´s landscape offers images of wild unspoiled nature. Flowers, old trees, streams of water shepherds, hundreds of goats, sheep and cows will be part of this riding experience. Be prepared to walk the horses for approximately 1.5hrs during the day on difficult paths and steep downhills. Good mountain hiking shoes are recommended for today. Arrive at a local home late in the afternoon to rest and enjoy traditional meal with wine, raki and mountain tea to comfort the riders after the long day. Riding hours: 8 (including walking by leading the horses)

Day 4
After breakfast the group set off on a shorter, but very pleasant riding day. The first stop is the castle of Borsh located on a hill in Borsh´s village (500m above sea level) and dates back to about the 4th century B.C.& After visiting the Castle ruins, the ride continues for a 3 hour trek from Borsh along the old seaside road. Olive and citrus trees are planted everywhere on the upper part of the road, and the remnants of defense bunkers remain along the seaside of Piqeras, an old fishing village where the horses rest while riders are driven to the sea for lunch on the beach and an afternoon to relax. Accommodation is with a local family and a hearty meal. Homemade raki and wine will be offered with the meal. Riding hours: 4

Day 5
After breakfast on the terrace, the ride starts by heading down to the sea, through olive tree terraces, to the beach of Bunec. Explore the challenging landscape on the way to Shen Valli, encountering herds of sheep and goats along the way. Reach the coastal house for the overnight stop by late afternoon. Riding hours: 5

Day 6
Today's ride embarks on a journey through the landscapes surrounding the Kalasa river, tracing the footsteps of King Skerdilajd's ancient army. Travel alongside the remnants of the majestic hill of Foinike on a ride that offers thrilling gallops, invigorating both riders and horses. Ascending the hills towards Varfaj village to be greeted by breathtaking vistas before reaching the summit of Mount Sopoti for a picnic lunch. The descent provides a panoramic view of the Drinos valley. Some sections requiring dismounting and leading the horses on foot.
Arriving at Lazarat village, once infamous for marijuana cultivation. The accommodation is in a local home and offers an authentic experience, complete with a cooking class led by the hosts. Riding hours: 6-7 (including possible walking by leading the horses)

Day 7
This is the final leg of the journey, and a shorter riding day. Pass through through Lazarat village en route to Drinos Valley. The trail will lead to a suitable crossing over the Drino River, and the chance for numerous exhilarating canters. Approach the southern outskirts of “Asim Zeneli” village, and climb the hills to eventually arrive at the stables. Tend to the horses and say a fond farewell while letting them roam to pasture. Finish with a picnic lunch and drink at a local cafe. Riding hours: 3

Day 8
After breakfast at the hotel transfer to Tirana airport or Saranda port.

Single Supplement
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 is payable on-site.

Small Group Supplement
Please see 'Detailed Prices' for the small group supplement price. 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.

There is 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.

Please note: All itineraries are given for your guidance only and it may be altered on the ground and in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.

The horses are a mix of Arab and Tarpan cross horses. These breeds are mentioned in the ancient chronicles from the time of the King Skerdilajd. The horses are up to 14hh tall (145cm) and can be easily ridden by both English and Western riders. Although small, the horses are very strong and surefooted - they know their way round mountainous paths as this rocky landscape is their natural environment.

A typical riding day of 6 hours will have a minimum of 2 stops, one of them will be for the picnic lunch delivered by car or in the saddlebags, depending on the riding day. The usual distance covered in 6 hours is around 35-40 km. The ride combines all paces of riding from walking, climbing steep hills and riding downhill to trotting over old stone routes and cantering in wide valleys. The trails are considered to be fast. The riders must be prepared for changing landscape and pace - trusting the horse and letting him decide is very important about riding in this area.

Every riding trail has two guides if there are more than 4 riders, one in front and the other at the back. The guide at the back is responsible for everything technical; saddle fixing, noticing riding problems, looking after the weakest riders etc. The front guide is responsible to lead, explain, translate and choose the pace. Our guides are knowledgeable in terms of horsemanship, First Aid, history, archaeology and biology. They also speak English, Italian and Greek.

Beach Riding: Please note that although beach riding is included, the sand is rocky and only suited to walking the horses. The mountain horses are not keen on water and don't enjoy paddling or wading.

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.
Riders must be able to walk, trot and canter and be ready to spend 6-8 hours in the saddle everyday over varied terrain and landscape. Help to mount or dismount can be provided by the guide.
On difficult paths every rider should be able to walk beside their horse but for no longer than 20 minutes everyday. The exception to this is on Day 2 where riders will walk and lead their horse downhill for around 1.5 hours. Riders participation with grooming and tacking up is not obligatory as help is provided all the time by the guides.
This trail is not suitable for people suffering from vertigo.

The weight limit for this ride is 198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.

Accommodation is in twin bedded rooms in family guesthouses with a shared bathroom. Sometimes guests and the guide eat together, but may stay in separate accommodations.

Night 1: Babameto Guest House (or similar) in Gjirokastra. This is a traditional hotel. Twin rooms with private en-suite toilet and communal showers, free Wi-Fi.

Night 2: Family house in the village of Zhulat. 2 beds per room, shared toilet, hot shower, TV.

Night 3: Family house in the village of Old Borsh 2 beds per room, 2 shared toilets, hot shower, TV.

Night 4: Family house in the village of Piqeras. 2 beds per room, shared toilet, hot shower, TV in every room. Night 5: Family house in the village of Nivica. 2 beds per room, shared toilet, hot shower, TV.

Night 6: Family house in the village of Fushe-Verria. 2 beds per room, shared toilet, hot shower, TV.

Night 7: Babameto Guest House (or similar) in Gjirokastra.

Please note that on some nights riders might be asked to share a room with 3 beds.

Typical meals include:

Breakfast: Home cooked breakfast with pies, cookies, butter, jam, eggs, milk, mountain tea and coffee. Lunch: picnic lunches can be packed by riders themselves in the family houses (bread, cheese, vegetables, eggs, pies, water) except the first riding day where a cooked traditional meal will be provided.

Dinner: Rich traditional dinner with different meat (calf, pig, chicken, goat and fish ), vegetables, pies, cheese, salads, wine and raki.

Wine or raki (a traditional alcoholic drink) is included during dinners with the food. Tea, coffee or milk are also available with breakfast and dinner. Lunches represent picnic food prepared by the hosting families and packed by the riders themselves each morning. Most of the dishes are homemade while fruits, vegetables and meat come from local gardens and farms. There is an opportunity to try traditional mountain food and fresh seafood. You can taste the local homemade and unique olive oil extracted in a traditional way.

Vegetarian or other dietary requirements within reason can be accommodated with advance notice. Please contact Unicorn Trails with requests before booking.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct documentation in place for your trip. NB: Be sure to check the COVID status of the country you plan to visit including entry procedures and requirements while travelling. Visa requirements can change from year to year depending on diplomatic relations. Please request information from the appropriate Consulate in your home country. Unicorn Trails will assist with any questions you have or supply any necessary supporting documents as required by the consulate should you need a visa. All travellers will need a passport valid for at least 90 days following your departure date from Albania. In the UK the British Foreign Office gives advice: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/albania In the US: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Albania.html In Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/albania

Another useful resource is Sherpa - this summarises any travel and vaccination requirements based on when you are travelling simply by entering your home country followed by your destination country: https://apply.joinsherpa.com/travel-restrictions

The best months to visit Albania are from April to September. Although precipitation is quite high in Albania there is less rain during these months and because of the continental air mass, most precipitation is over the central highlands. Albania has a high number of climatic regions relative to its landmass - the coastal lowlands have a typically Mediterranean climate; the highlands have a Mediterranean continental climate. This ride takes place in southern Albania which is around 5 degrees warmer than the rest of the country. You will experience different types of weather on the trail; from cooler mountainous air to a warmer climate down on the coast.

We still strongly advise consulting with your General Practitioner 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.

It is recommended that you drink only bottled water as the tap water is not always potable. If you drink milk, make sure it is UHT (pasteurised). Please refer to your country’s latest health guideline for travel in Albania and contact your own GP for up to date advice on vaccinations and prophylaxis prior to travel.

Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.

In Albania the standard voltage is 230 V and the frequency is 50 Hz. You can use your electric appliances if the standard voltage in your country is in between 220 - 240 V.

Internet access will be difficult during the ride. Riders can buy an Albanian sim card/phone number for around €13 and have free internet access and around 30 minutes of free calls with most European countries, including England.
Access to electricity is possible every evening and the whole area is covered very well with signal.

Pack as you usually would for a holiday, for e.g. sunglasses, toiletries, casual clothes, and then these are your Horse Riding holiday essentials. If you are unsure, please speak with your Travel Consultant:

ESSENTIALS FOR ALL RIDING HOLIDAYS
- Riding helmet – complying with current EU & British standards (some locations can provide them but if possible bring your own for comfort and correct fit)
- Riding boots designed for riding and walking
- Riding gloves
- Chaps
- At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches
- Long sleeved shirts
-Lightweight waterproof
- Torch (flashlight) for walking to feed the horses in the evening.
- Water bottle
- Mobile phone

Provided by the hosts:
Small saddlebags provided for food and water

8d /7n programme with 6 riding days available on set dates.

2025: 3 (Full), 10 (Full), 31 May; 14, 28 Jun; 12, 26 Jul; 9, 23 Aug; 6, 20 Sep

If available, €20 per night on Night 1 and 7, payable on-site.

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Books: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/708124.Chronicle_in_Stone http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6588364-i-humburi http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1036877.Biografi http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1866273.Women_Who_Become_Men http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/797635.The_Palace_of_Dreams Films: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slogans_(film) http://www.ranker.com/review/the-albanian/62789813

The riding area of this trail is also the natural habitat of wild goat, wild pig, deer and mountain bears (it is very rare to see a bear on the trail). You might also spot foxes, rabbits, eagles, turtles, lizards, snakes and a variety of birds.

Flora and Fauna: If we refer to the Albanian species, of which are 3250, 13% belong to Gjirokastra´s territory. There are lots of medicinal and curative plants. The number reaches up to 50 kinds of such plants. The most widely spread animals are hares, deer, wild boars, martens, bears, wild cats etc. Different kinds of fish like trout, eels and many more lurk in the rivers.

The trail is not suitable for non-riding companions.

Gjirokastra is the first and the final destination on this trail. It is a wonderful town in the south of Albania and is recognised for its history, heritage, culture and cultural monuments. Known as “the city of one thousand steps”, Gjirokastra has been under the protection of UNESCO since 2005 and is nominated as a World Heritage Site. The castle, the traditional ottoman style buildings, Enver Hoxha’s house and the New Bazaar are the main places to visit. The town itself is surrounded by charming villages, old Byzantine churches, Sufi monasteries, ruins of ancient towns, historical mountain paths, nature monuments, rivers and springs, woods, hospitable families and organic traditional foods.