Zagoria Trail

Arrival to Tirana - transfer to Gjirokastra

Arrive at Tirana airport, aiming for a morning arrival but no later than 2:30pm to allow time for transfer and a visit to Gjirokastra. The drive will take approximately 3 hours. Once you reach your hotel, conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from the historical center of town, settle in and get ready to explore. Before dinner, take a leisurely stroll through the captivating historical town and the old Bazaar. Along the way, you can visit various attractions such as Enver Hoxha’s house, Gjirokastra castle, the church of the Old Bazaar, the mosque of the Bazar, and the Skenduli house, which offers a glimpse into traditional life in Gjirokastra.

For dinner, enjoy a delicious meal at a traditional restaurant. During this time, your guides will be available to discuss the trail with you, addressing any questions or requests you may have and providing valuable advice and insights. We highly recommend purchasing a map of the area before dinner to familiarize yourself with the itinerary and enhance your understanding of the upcoming journey.

Karjan

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel,  proceed to the next part of the adventure—a horseback ride through the picturesque countryside towards the charming medieval village of Karjan. This village embodies tradition and serves as a rural haven for passing caravans, boasting quaint churches and an ancient Roman bridge. As you traverse the rural landscape, you will encounter small houses, gardens, and witness traditional farming and cultivation practices. The journey unfolds amidst a backdrop of rolling hills, serene valleys, babbling water streams, and majestic cliffs. Along the way, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the River Drino, also known as the “Tree of Life” river, a significant water source deeply rooted in ancient pagan beliefs.

En route, you will encounter the remnants of the Santa Triada castle, which was reconstructed by Ali Pasha between 1809 and 1810. This strategically positioned castle once served as a control point for caravan routes and later found utility in military affairs during the socialist era. Pause for a well-deserved lunch break in the scenic Shen Toder village. Afterward, continue the journey, riding for approximately 1.5 hours, until you finally arrive at the enchanting village of Karjan. Here, you will be warmly welcomed by a local family who will provide accommodation. For dinner, you will have the opportunity to savor delectable dishes made from locally grown ingredients sourced from their own garden, accompanied by raki and wine, offering a true taste of the region.

4-5 hours total saddle time

Valley of Cajupi - village of Nderan

After breakfast continue further north to the villages of Small Labova and the valley of Cajupi. Follow the ancient merchant’s coble stone road of Zhapa with its mountain panorama, wide view of the hills and valleys. The first break will be in Small Labova, a village well known all over the south for its wonderful Church and the big houses belonging to the merchants which are now mostly ruined. Labova is the birthplace of Vangjel Zhapa, the organizer of the first Modern Olympic Games. Zhapa was a well-known businessman and philanthropist who lived around 200 years ago. After visiting the church a very unique mediaeval building you will start riding up the mountain. You will be impressed by the mountain’s rare vegetation 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 can stop by a herd of 1000 sheep to visit shepherds and spend lunch with them. You will have the chance to taste the Brati famous spring water, a typical station of the old caravans with its small tower “karakoll”. After a nice gallop through Cajupi valley, the trail will follow the medieval Caravan pathway with its famous bandit hideout ‘Hija e Mallkuar’ or ‘The Cursed Shadow’. From here, medieval thieves could rob the caravans passing through Zagoria. The final destination of today will be the village of Nderan, placed in the heart of Zagoria region. This village will be your base for two nights. Dinner will be a delicious mixture of local products, raki and wine. You can join the local life and accompany the family during the milking process, dinner preparation or have a look at the families, farming animals and garden.

6 hours total riding time

Ancient villages back to Nderan

Wake up to the refreshing mountain air and savor a traditional breakfast of homemade bread, cookies, butter, jam, eggs, cheese, honey, and milk. Don’t forget to enjoy a cup of mountain tea, a local specialty. Embark on a captivating horseback ride through Lliar, Hoshteva, Koncka, and Nivan villages, encountering diverse landscapes of cliffs, rivers, woods, and hills. Take in the scents of wildflowers, the presence of shepherds, and the charm of roaming animals. Follow an ancient horse pathway that connected major commercial centers in Southern Albania, passing by the impressive Rock of Zhej. Pause at the reconstructed Lliar water spring, commissioned by Ali Pasha. Experience a thrilling downhill ride to the ruins of a medieval stone bridge (now collapsed) and perhaps take a summer swim. Explore the unique church of Hoshteva, adorned with pagan-inspired wall paintings, and pass by the Byzantine church of Lliar and the 1702-built Nivan Saint Mehilli monastery. Cross the medieval bridge to return to Nderan village, a historical center of medieval livestock fairs, where you’ll spend the night in the welcoming embrace of a local family.

5- 6 hours total riding time

Pogoni region - village of Polican

Prepare for an exhilarating morning as you embark on an unforgettable equestrian adventure. Following a delightful country breakfast, journey through a picturesque mountain valley, perfect for invigorating gallops. Along the way, pass by secluded farms, majestic cliffs, and hidden historical trails, veering away from the typical tourist paths. This route through the captivating Pogoni region offers a true journey through time, where ancient ruins and mythical natural wonders await our discovery.

The midday picnic will be enjoyed near the renowned stone bridge of Hllomo or Kacarello’s, a remarkable architectural gem from the merchant era. This isolated marvel can only be reached by horse, adding to its mystique and allure.

After a thrilling five-hour ride, arrive at the heart of the Pogoni region, the charming mountain village of Polican, predominantly inhabited by a Greek minority. You will have the opportunity to spend the night with a Greek minority family, immersing yourself in their rich cultural heritage. In their company, you can explore fascinating medieval cult monuments that hold a special place in the village’s history.

As evening descends, prepare to indulge in the gastronomic delights of the region. Polican is renowned for being one of the foremost producers of mountain honey in South Albania. Here, you will have the pleasure of savoring an array of honey flavors, with nearly ten different varieties available throughout the seasons, each capturing the essence of the local bee pastures.

This day promises an exciting blend of adventure, cultural exploration, and culinary delights, as you delve into the hidden treasures of the Pogoni region.

4-5 hours total riding time

Libohova

Today, bid farewell to the Greek minority as you set our sights on the town of Libohova. The journey ahead will take you through challenging yet breath-taking mountain landscapes, culminating in a grand finale at Swallow’s Rock, perched 500 meters above the glistening Suha River. Depending on the weather, the chosen picnic spot will either be alongside the Suha River, allowing for a refreshing swim, or at the historic Church of Labova of the Cross. In both instances, you will have the opportunity to explore this extraordinary monument, the oldest church in Albania, constructed by Justinian the Great in 554 AD. It holds great significance as the site where Justinian married his wife, Teodora, with the villagers preserving her wedding dress for generations. Adorned with a captivating wooden iconostasis adorned with floral and symbolic animal scenes, the church exudes a timeless charm. Ppause for lunch at a delightful local restaurant known for its exceptional regional cuisine.

In the afternoon, the journey continues to Libohova, a charming town nestled at the base of the majestic Bureto Mountain. Archaeological evidence indicates its ancient roots, but it flourished in the 17th century, evolving into a bustling commercial hub. During the afternoon, you may opt to take a leisurely stroll, approximately one hour in duration, to visit the historic Libohova Castle, an esteemed Bektashi spiritual site, and the tomb of Shanisha, sister of Ali Pasha.

For the night, you will be warmly welcomed into a local family’s home in Libohova, where you will have the pleasure of savoring delicious local cuisine. Immerse yourself in the farm life by engaging in activities such as assisting with chores, cooking, feeding the horses, or even enjoying local music. It’s a chance to truly experience the local way of life and forge unforgettable memories.

5 hours total riding time

Antigonea National Park - Gjirokastra

Today’s ride will be relatively short but filled with captivating scenery. Begin by traversing rolling hills, passing through the picturesque Drino’s Valley, and crossing a few charming water streams. As you ascend a steep hill, you will enter the magnificent Antigonea National Park, where you will pause for a visit. This ancient site, constructed by King Pyrrhus in 295 BC, holds the name of his first wife, Antigona, who was the daughter of King Ptolemeus of Egypt. Take your time to explore the rich historical significance of this remarkable place before you continue the journey.

After the visit, you will ride for an additional hour until you reach the stable, where you will have the unique opportunity to experience the joy of releasing your horses and witnessing their freedom. Following this exhilarating experience, a delightful picnic lunch, prepared by your previous host family, awaits you in the village of “Asim Zeneli,” just a short five-minute drive from the stable.

4-5 hours total riding time

Once you have satisfied your appetite, return to the same hotel in Gjirokastra for accommodation. The entire afternoon will be at your leisure, providing time to make preparations for your departure, explore local museums, or indulge in some souvenir shopping. As the day draws to a close, you will gather for a memorable farewell dinner at a cozy restaurant in the old Bazaar, savoring the last tastes of the local cuisine. Later in the evening, you may choose to join us for a drink at a popular bar, reflecting on the incredible experiences shared throughout our journey.

Depart Gjirokastra - transfer to Tirana

After breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred back to the airport of Tirana or the port of Saranda.