Vjosa River Trail Ride Central Albania Riding along Vjosa River – the last wild river of Europe. This trail combines a challenging riding experience in different landscapes with many possibilities! You will get the privilege of experiencing Albania's true natural landscape with swimming in rivers, river hiking, canyon exploring, and camping some nights. To pair this trip like a fine wine, you will be sharing time and accommodations with local people, visiting rare culture monuments, and meeting monuments of Albania’s communist dictatorship past. Local traditional food, famous Permeti Raki and wine tasting, livestock rituals, and city night life will make this trail very diverse in experiences. Being guided on horseback gives you the opportunity to visit tiny villages where the locals rarely see visitors. They are all welcoming and excited to show you about their way of life. Riding along river Vjosa, the last wild river in Europe, and camping in the river bed is the most beautiful experience of this trail. Vjosa “the blue heart” of Europe, along its entire course of over 270 kilometers, is untamed, free flowing, and characterized by beautiful canyons, braided river sections, islands, oxbows and meandering stretches. Vjosa River is one of the most complex habitats for spawning fish and migratory birds. Guaranteed to please any history-lovers, culture-explorers, and nature-seekers, this trip is unlike any you will ever find. Camping Ride with vehicle support Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Meeting: Gjirokaster Airport: Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) Transfer: Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA) or Saranda Port. Riders: Min 2 riders Max 12 riders Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

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Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up/ drop-off for this trip is from Tirana International Airport Nënë Tereza (TIA). Scheduled transfers every Saturday at 12:30 pm and 14:30 pm Recommended arrival time for flights: No later than 14:30 pm Recommended departure time for flights: Not earlier than 1:00 pm On the last day, we will drop you off at the airport between 9:00am and 12:00pm (noon), so please do not book your departure flights for before 1:00pm!

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Please note that this itinerary is given as guidance only and may be altered.

Day 1 (Wednesday): Arrival
Plan your flight to arrive at Tirana airport ideally in the morning, but no later than 2:30pm - this leaves time for the transfer and to be able to visit the town of Gjirokstra. From the airport, the transfer will be by mini-van or off-road car and will take around 3-4 hours (250km). Settle into your hotel, 10 minutes walking from the centre of historical Gjirokastra. You can have a walk around the historical town of the old Bazaar: visit Enver Hoxha’s house, Gjirokastra castle, the church of the Old Bazaar, the mosque of the Bazar, and Skenduli house representing an ideal sample of Gjirokastra traditional life. Dinner will be served at a traditional restaurant. During dinner your guides will be able to speak to you about the trail: possible requests or needs, advice and things which are good to know. We recommend that you buy a map of the area before dinner in order to gain a good understanding of the itinerary.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight in hotel in Gjirokastra

Day 2 (Thursday): Ride to Karjan
After breakfast at the hotel and horse allocation, embark on your ride through the countryside towards the medieval village of Karjan. This village holds a traditional charm and once served as a rural stop for passing caravans. Admire its small churches and the old Roman bridge. The route traverses a rural landscape, passing by small houses, gardens, and traditional farming activities. Expect a mix of hilly landscapes, valleys, small water streams, and cliffs. Along the way, catch glimpses of the "Tree of Life" river, the important water basin in the area associated with ancient pagan beliefs. Encounter the ruins of the castle of Santa Triada, reconstructed by Ali Pasha in 1809-1810 as a strategic point for controlling caravan routes. The castle ruins were later utilized for military purposes during the socialist era. Pause for lunch in Shen Toder village, and after another 1.5 hours of riding, reach Karjan village where you'll be hosted by a local family. Experience the local cuisine, prepared from their own garden produce, and indulge in raki and wine. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses.
Riding: ~4.5 hour
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in family house in Karjan village

Day 3 (Friday): Karjan to Cajupi Valley
This morning, we'll start our ride through the picturesque Drino's Valley. Our first stops will be Andon Poci village and later Hundkuq village, where the ride becomes more challenging as we enter a small forest. Emerging from the forest, we'll reach the historic village of Labova of Zhapa, renowned for its magnificent Church and grand merchant houses, although most of them now lie in ruins. Labova is also the birthplace of Vangjel Zhapa, a famous businessman and philanthropist who lived around 200 years ago. We'll enjoy a visit inside the unique medieval church, known for its distinctive style and pagan elements in the wall paintings. Afterward, we'll start riding up the mountain, marvelling at the rare vegetation and endemic plants along the way. The path will lead us to the valley of Cajupi, where we'll encounter a cattle of 1000 sheep. This scenic spot will be our camping place for the night, offering the chance to taste the famous Brati spring water, witness a small medieval protection tower called "karakoll," and experience sheep milking and cooking with the shepherds. Please note that depending on the day's temperatures, the guides may opt for a shorter path to Cajupi valley and plan an afternoon ride in the surrounding mountains. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses once again.
(This day the guides might decide to take a shorter path to Cajupi valley and go again for a ride in the afternoon in the mountains around Cajupi’s valley depending on the temperatures of the day)
Riding: ~5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping in Cajupi Valley

Day 4 (Saturday): Cajupi Valley to Nderan
After enjoying a delicious traditional breakfast, our trail will follow the medieval Caravan pathway, passing by the infamous bandit hideout known as 'Hija e Mallkuar' or 'The Cursed Shadow.' This pathway was once used by medieval thieves to ambush caravans traveling through Zagoria. Continuing our ride, we'll traverse the most important horse pathway of the 17th and 18th centuries, which connected the major commercial centers of Southern Albania. Along the way, we'll be treated to the breath-taking view of the natural monument, the Rock of Zhej.
Prepare for a challenging downhill route that will lead us to the ruins of a medieval stone bridge, where we'll enjoy a lunch break and a refreshing swim in the nearby river. In the afternoon, we'll make our way to the Church of the Monastery of Nivan, constructed in 1702, and cross a symbolic bridge over the Zagoria River to conclude the day's ride in Nderan, one of the region's significant villages. We'll spend the evening and night with a welcoming local family. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses.
Riding: ~3.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Family house in Nderan village

Day 5 (Sunday): Nderan to Grabova 
Today's ride will begin with a return to Hoshteva and a mountain climb to reach the Gjurmemushka mountain pass. Once we reach the summit, we'll mostly enjoy a downhill ride, passing through Maleshova village to visit its charming church and the ruins of the Limari antic castle. We'll pause for a picnic lunch near a tranquil water stream, where we can rest under the shade of the trees. During the afternoon ride, we'll be rewarded with stunning views of the Vjosa River from the mountaintop. Our overnight stay will be in a comfortable village guest house in Grabova village, a remote and isolated area known for its warm hospitality. Here, you can experience the traditional mountain cooking and savour the famous "petanik," a special local pie. Grabova is renowned for its Raki production and delectable "spoon" desserts. In the evening, we'll enjoy dinner on the guest house's terrace, overlooking the magnificent flow of the Vjosa River just 200 meters away. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses once again.
Riding: ~6-7 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in family house in Grabova 

Day 6 (Monday): Grabova to Permet 
The day starts with a downhill ride to reach the Vjosa River. The rest of the day's ride will take place along the riverbank, offering breath-taking and diverse landscapes. This leg of the journey will be particularly enjoyable, with ample opportunities for exhilarating gallops. We'll pause for a swimming break near Piskova village, taking advantage of the dry part of the river bed. For lunch, we'll relish in the delicious food prepared by a small restaurant in Permet, which will be conveniently transported to our riverside stop. If interested, you can also indulge in some fishing. Spend the entire afternoon swimming and relaxing before riding the final 1.5 hours to reach the small town of Permet. After settling the horses at the accommodation, we'll spend the night in a nearby hotel, just a short 10-minute walk from the town centre. Dinner will be served at a well-known traditional restaurant.
Riding: ~3 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in hotel in Permet 

Day 7 (Tuesday): Sightseeing (no riding)
This is a rest day for the horses.We suggest a visit to the Benja thermal waters in the Langarica canyons, a mere 30 minutes away from Permet. There, you can explore the canyons, swim, and for the more daring, engage in river hiking to discover the "Pigeons Cave" perched on a rock along the Langarica River. We have arranged lunch at a restaurant near the canyons, and we'll return to Permeti town in the late afternoon. Dinner will be served at a small restaurant close to the hotel. Alternatively, if you prefer to rest and relax, you're free to create your own plan for the day.
Meals included: Breakfast
Overnight in hotel in Permet

Day 8 (Wednesday): Permet to Hoshteva Zagoria
Prepare for one of the longest and most challenging days of our journey. Due to branches and foliage, it's advisable to wear long sleeves. We'll embark on a mostly uphill ride, climbing Dhembel Mountain. The panoramic view from the top will leave you awestruck. We'll carry a picnic lunch in our saddles since the car cannot reach us until the final destination later in the day. Our rendezvous point will be in Hoshteva Zagoria, where logistic arrangements await us. We'll camp beneath the trees near Hoshteva's church, and as a group, we'll collaborate to cook dinner and enjoy a memorable meal under the starlit sky. This camping experience will be truly enchanting. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses.
Riding: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping in Hoshteva Zagoria

Day 9 (Thursday): Hoshteva Zagoria to Polican
Get ready for an exhilarating equestrian adventure this morning. After a fresh country-style breakfast, we'll ride through a mountain valley that's perfect for gallops. Along the way, we'll pass small remote farms, awe-inspiring cliffs, and numerous historical paths off the beaten tourist trail. Our route through the Pogoni region will transport us through time, passing ancient ruins and mythical natural wonders. We'll enjoy a picnic lunch near the famous stone bridge of Hllomo or Kacarello's, an isolated construction from the merchant period accessible only by horse. In the afternoon, we'll reach the heart of the Pogon region, the mountain village of Polican, inhabited by a Greek minority. You'll spend the night with a Greek minority family, who will accompany you to explore 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. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses once again.
Riding: ~6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in family house in Polican village

Day 10 (Friday): Polican to Libohova
This riding day offers a blend of changing landscapes and varying riding paces. You'll traverse wide valleys, navigate steep downhills, pass through verdant forests, and admire the beauty of the Suha River. We can take a refreshing swimming break in Suha River, explore the bridge, waterfalls, and caves along the river. Later, we'll embark on a special equestrian climb up the Swallow Rock. Afterward, we'll head to Labova of the Cross for a late lunch at a traditional guest house and restaurant. Before our afternoon ride, we'll visit the Church of Labova of the Cross, one of the most significant churches in the country. Built by Justinian the Great in 554, this church served as the venue for his marriage to his wife, Teodora. The villagers have preserved her wedding dress for centuries. The monument was reconstructed in the 10th century and features an old wooden iconostasis adorned with floral and symbolic animal scenes. We'll conclude the day with a two-hour ride to reach Libohova, a charming town nestled at the foot of the Bureto Mountain. The town boasts an ancient settlement that flourished in the 17th century, becoming a vital commercial centre. During the afternoon, you'll have the option to take a leisurely stroll, visit Libohova's castle, explore a Bektashi cult object, or pay respects at the tomb of Ali Pasha's sister, Shanisha. We'll spend the night in a local family's house and savour delicious local cuisine. You are welcome to feed, clean, water, and brush the horses.
Riding: ~5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in family house in Libohova

Day 11 (Saturday): Libohova to Stables
On this day, we'll embark on a shorter riding adventure. In the morning, we'll ride through rolling hills and the picturesque Drino's valley, crossing a few water streams. Afterward, we'll conquer a steep hill to reach Antigonea National Park, where we'll stop for a visit. Antigonea, built by King Pyrrhus in 295 BC and named after his first wife Antigona, showcases ancient ruins steeped in history. After the break, we'll continue riding for another hour to reach the stables, where you'll experience the joy of releasing your horses and bidding them farewell. A picnic lunch prepared by our last hosting family awaits in the village of "Asim Zeneli," a short 5-minute drive from the stable. Later, we'll return to Gjirokastra and stay at the same hotel. For our farewell dinner, we'll gather at a small restaurant in the old Bazaar. If you'd like, we can conclude the evening with a drink at a popular bar.
Riding: ~3.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in hotel in Gjirokastra

Day 12 (Monday): Departure
After breakfast at the hotel you will be transferred back to the airport of Tirana.
Meals included: Breakfast,

                                            Gjirokaster area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	41	45	52	59	67	75	82	83	76	63	51	42
Average Low Temperature (°F)	24	27	31	36	43	48	54	53	48	39	31	24
Average High Temperature (°C)	5	7	11	15	19	24	28	28	24	17	11	6
Average Low Temperature (°C)	-4	-3	-1	2	6	9	12	11	9	4	0	-4

Source: NOAA


Seasons
The best months to visit Albania are from April to October. 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.

Your luggage is transported by vehicle to the accommodations each night.

What to Bring

• Normal riding clothes: riding hat, long sleeved shirts (please avoid packing your favourite or expensive clothing due to risk of damage)  riding trousers and chaps, gloves.
• Good mountain shoes - with a grip for walking but not too thick as you will need to ride in them too. Normal riding boots with a smooth sole are not recommended as they can be slippery when walking on foot.
• Waterproof raincoat
• Casual clothes for the evening
• Swimming suit, river shoes and towels
• Sleeping bag for camping
• Sun cream, sunglasses, hat, water bottles.
• Anti-allergy medicine for possible insects bites
• Camera - please bring small cameras as large professional ones are very difficult to transport on horseback.
• Copy of passport
• Personal saddlebags are welcome if riders would like to bring their own. Small saddlebags are provided by the ride but just for food and water.

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 require. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated.

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Accommodations
This is a progressive ride so nights will be spent in different accommodations.

Description
You will be staying in a variety of accommodations with some nights in hotels, other nights in families' homes, and 2 nights camping. Bathrooms are shared during the whole trip and while camping, we bathe in nearby rivers (bring your swimsuit). You will need to bring your towel and sleeping bag for the camping nights.
Access to electricity is possible every evening and the whole area has a good phone coverage. Laundry can be done at various locations for a small fee.

Wi-Fi access is only available in Gjirokaster and Permet. Internet access is difficult during this ride so we recommend guests to buy an Albanian sim card (around 13 euros) to get free internet access and about 30 minutes of free calls.



Accommodation Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night  1: Hotel in Gjirokaster
Night  2: Family house in Karjan
Night  3: Camping in Cajupi
Night  4: Family house in Nderan
Night  5: Family house in Grabova 
Nights 6 & 7: Hotel in Permet
Night  8: Camping in Hoshteva Zagoria
Night  9: Family house in Polican
Night 10: Family house in Libohovë
Night 11: Hotel in Gjirokaster

Room Occupancy
It may be possible to book a single room on the first and last night as well as in Permet, but riders must be prepared to share accommodations and tents on other nights.



Meals
All meals are included in this trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 12, except for meals on Day 7.

You will get to enjoy local Albanian food (local meats, fruits, and vegetables) traditionally cooked.

Breakfasts include eggs, butter, cheese, local pancakes, fruit jams, honey, milk and tea.
Lunch is a picnic packed by the riders from the family they stayed with the night before and usually consist of bread, cheese, tomatoes, eggs, olive, pie fruit and a drink.
For dinner, we serve meat (chicken, calf  or pork meat, fish by the sea), salads, cheese, local yogurt sauce, olives, pickles, vegetables from the garden and fruits.

Wine or beer is included with lunch and dinner every day.

Dietary Restrictions
We can cater to all dietary restrictions with prior notice.

This trip includes some wine with dinner and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		English Trekking
Horses:		Albanian Local Breeds
Pace:		4-6 hours riding per day (approx 270km total) | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(3 to 4 out of 5)    Intermediate
Age:		Min 14
Weight:		Max 200 lbs / 90 kg
Riders:		Min 2 riders	Max 12 riders

Riding Experience
This trip has been designed for intermediate riders who are reasonably fit and in a decent state of health. You should also be happy to share facilities with others and live in basic conditions.

Horses
The horses used for this ride are locally bred and ideal for the terrain. They are small but very robust and surefooted Albanian horses (between 13 and 14.2 hands). The Albanian horse, a unique mountain breed that is s local mixture of the archaic Tarpan and medieval Arab horse. They are great climber, have a clear mind and are surefooted. Our breeding program aims to help saving this declining breed of horses.
Our stable include 38 horses and is situated amidst scenic hills, green valleys, surrounded by high mountains. Our horses are trained with natural horsemanship techniques that we are pleased to share with the guests.

Pace
The rides are at a moderate pace overall. Most of the time we are traveling through mountains so that must be taken into account in regards to your expectations of speed, however there are indeed occasions where you can have a good canter. We ride for 9 days, for about 4-6 hours per day.
The total distance covered on this trip is about 270 km.

Guides
Kristina, Aurel and Ilir are all native from Albania and always happy to share their love for horses and their knowledge of Albania with guests. There are 2 guides accompanying you on this trip.

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.