Albania - Winter Trail

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 SA of Derby on 07/02/2025

Day 1
Plan to arrive at Tirana airport ideally no later than 13:00 - this leaves time for the transfer and a chance to visit the town of Gjirokstra. The transfer from the airport of Tirana will take around 3-4 hours (250km). Check into a local a hotel in the heart of the historical Gjirokastra. Time permitting, visit the bazaar with its church and mosque, Gjirokastra castle and Skenduli house before meeting up with the guides to discuss the itinerary and any requirements of preferences that the riders may have. It is advisable to buy a map of the region to gain a better understanding of the itinerary. After the briefing, settle down to a welcome dinner with your fellow riders.

Day 2
Riding day: After breakfast at the hotel and allocation of horses, set off on a ride through the 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 is moderately challenging, featuring hilly terrains, valleys, small water streams, and opportunities for enjoyable canters. On reaching Labova of the Cross, check into a comfortable local guest house before a visit to the church. 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, and immerse yourself in the sounds and rhythms passed down through generations. Overnight accommodation and dinner will be at the local guest house. 4 hours riding

Day 3
Riding day: After breakfast, the ride heads to the river Drino’s valley before climbing a steep hill to reach Antigonea National Park where the group stops for a rest and to explore the area. Antigonea was built by King Pyrrhus in 295 BC and named after his first wife Antigona After the break the route continues for another hour until reaching the stables where the horses will spend the rest of the day. Accommodation for the night is in the same hotel as the first night and there is a chance to visit the cold war tunnel in Gjirokastra. A visit to a local artist's studio gives a fascinating insight into local art, and special traditional techniques that can be seen in the paintings and installations, especially the Ideological art created during the communist regime. Dinner is at a small local restaurant in the historical area. Over dinner the riders will meet a well-known iso-polyphonic group who will give a fascinating presentation and explanation of this music, South Albanian Iso-polyphony is protected by UNESCO as an important world heritage. 4 hours riding

Day 4
non riding day: Following breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for the Drinos Valley, tracing the path of the Vjosa River until reaching the thermal baths of Benja in Permet. Along the river, discover splendid, warm water, man-made pools, a hidden gem and 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 on 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, explore the canyons through hiking and swimming activities. Lunch will be served in the "City of Roses," Permet, delight in the local raki and sweets. Later, drive to a remote area near Ballaban village to visit another unique farm that will serve as our accommodation for the evening and dinner there will also be a special tea tasting experience.  Driving hours: Total 3-4 hours

Day 5
Riding day: After breakfast, head back to Gjirokastra to meet the horses for another day of riding. Set out through the 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 be ever present. 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. Pause for a picnic lunch near the village of Erind. After approximately 4-5 hours of riding, arrive at Karjan village, where a traditional dinner and accommodation await at a local farm. In the afternoon, explore the village, partake in family activities, and assist in feeding, cleaning, and watering the horses.  4-5 hours riding.

Day 6
After enjoying breakfast with the family and packing a picnic, set off on todays riding adventure.  First head to Nokova village, and visit medieval churches, before continuing through the Lunxheria area before a picnic stop 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 provide insights into life, tradition, folklore, costumes, and ethnography of the area. After lunch, continue riding through cultivated lands, gardens, livestock areas, and wide meadows, offering captivating panoramic views. Enjoy 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 is the most picturesque, with several opportunities for canters and breath-taking hill climbs. After the ride, drive back to Gjirokastra, where you can take a stroll around the historical area before dinner. In the evening, you can enjoy a drink at a popular bar.   5 hours riding

Day 7
Riding day: Today explore the mountainous terrain on horseback. After breakfast head out from the stables, following gravel paths and rugged trails towards the Spilea Monastery, enjoy stunning views of the surrounding landscape. At the Monastery of Spilea (1634), 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. Explore the small cave church within a karst rock formation, once home to hermit monks until after WWII then after a short break at the monastery, and a light snack, begin the descent through a diverse landscape passing through the village of Tranoshishtë and along the ancient path of the Epirot village, winding through rich meadows and pastures filled with pastoral life. Leave the horses at the stables and head to Asim Zeneli village for a late lunch. Afterward, return to Gjirokastra to relax before gathering for a farewell dinner at a cozy restaurant in the old Bazaar. Accommodation overnight will be in the city.

Day 8
After breakfast at the hotel riders are transferred back to the airport of Tirana.

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.

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

In a typical riding day there will be a minimum of 2 stops, one of them for lunch. The ride combines all paces of riding from walking, climbing steep hills and riding downhill to trotting over old stone routes and cantering and galloping in wide valleys. This trail is considered to be fairly fast and riders must be prepared for changing landscape and pace.

Every riding trail with more than 3 riders has two guides, 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. Guides are knowledgeable in horsemanship, First Aid, history, archaeology and biology. They also speak English, Italian and Greek.

This ride is not suitable for non-riders. Riders must be able to walk, trot and canter and be competent riding over steep and hilly terrain. Help to mount or dismount can be provided by the guide if necessary. There is no age limit but there is a strict weight limit of 90 kg. This is because the weight distribution directly impacts the safety and comfort of participants horses and equipment. Therefore, the host reserves the right to refuse participation to individuals whose weight-to-height proportions significantly deviate, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved. Minimum rider age 16 years old.
On difficult paths every rider should be able to walk beside their horse but for no longer than 20 minutes on riding days. Riders will be encouraged to help with feeding and care of the horses on riding days. 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 with shared bathrooms in different family houses in the villages you pass through. This is a unique chance to meet the local families and experience their culture. This trail also includes one night in a traditional shepherds hut. Please note that on some nights you might be asked to share a room with 3 beds.

Meals: You can expect a home-cooked breakfast with pies, cookies, butter, jam, eggs, milk, mountain tea and coffee. Lunch is usually a picnic lunch which can be packed by riders themselves in the family houses (bread, cheese, vegetables, eggs, pies, water). Dinner: Traditional dishes of different meats (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.

Picnic lunches are prepared by the hosting families and packed by the riders themselves most mornings. 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 €21 (2025/6) 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. If using a GoPro ensure you have permission from the group to be filmed.

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
- Riding boots designed for riding and walking (with good grip for walking)
- Riding gloves
- Chaps
- At least 2 pairs of riding trousers – jodhpur’s/breeches are best
- Long sleeved shirts, jumpers (bring layers)
- Warm waterproof coat
- Water bottle
- Swimwear (for use in the warm water pools)
- Mobile phone
- Torch (flashlight) for walking to feed the horses in the evening.

Provided by the hosts:
-small saddlebags for food and water (you are welcome to bring your own)

Assisting the Riding Centre:
Since Albania lacks equestrian shops, procuring necessary horse equipment from the local market becomes a significant challenge for the centre. 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 the centre.

8d / 7n programme with 4 riding days available on set dates.

2025: 11, 25 Jan; 8, 22 (Full) Feb; 6, Dec, 20 Dec Christmas Trail
2026: 10, 24 Jan; 7, 21 Feb; 5 Dec, 19 Dec Christmas Trail

A single supplement of €25 per night is only available on, and is charged for the first, third, sixth, and last night of the trail. The single supplement fee can be paid on-site.

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Chronicle in Stone - Iamael Kadare

I Humburi - Fatos Kongoli

Biograhi: A Traveler's Tale - Lloyd Jones

Women who Become Men - Antonia Young

Palace of Dreams - Ismael Kadare

For the equestrian traveller who would like to see what is possible on horseback visit www.thelongridersguild.com 

Also a fantastic place to acquire your equestrian travel books is www.horsetravelbooks.com

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.
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.