Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori
From 1.721 €
Share
Customize it!
Book directly without changes
Want it!

Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori

holiday package
Created: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Ref ID: 27152753
Share
Tirana, Albania
Tirana, Albania Tirana, Albania
Gjirokaster, Albania
Gjirokaster, Albania Gjirokaster, Albania
Tirana, Albania
Tirana, Albania Tirana, Albania
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
1.721 €
Based on 2 adults
Created: Saturday, May 24, 2025
Themes
Albania
Itinerary
Tours
Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori
Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori
Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori
Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori
More pictures (8)
Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori
Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori Albany: On the trail of ancient Zagori

Day 1: Gjirokastra

Embark on a journey to discover Albania, rich in nature, myths, and legends. You will be transported back in time as we follow the ancient caravan routes of Zagoria, Pogon, Lunxheria, Libohova, and Antigonea, which merchants used with their caravans over 2000 years ago. Our journey will take us to explore the ancient ruins of the Illyrian civilization, medieval villages, and many remote churches and monasteries. The bridges, with their unique design, built during the era of Ali Pasha, are also of great interest. On the first and last night, you will stay in the beautiful city of Gjirokastra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and in the following days, you will be hosted by locals who will warmly welcome you into their homes and serve you the best traditional local food. The highlight of this extraordinary trek will be the climb to Swallow's Rock. As you venture deeper into this land full of mysticism, intricate myths, and legends, you will experience Albanian rural traditions. We will cover approximately 170 km on horseback, with an average of 6 hours per day. The horses used for this trek are a mix of the local Tarpan breed and Arabian horses: small but perfectly suited to the rocky terrain, balanced, and reliable, so you can relax and enjoy the breathtaking landscapes. Your luggage will be transported by car, while you can keep your essential items in comfortable saddle bags. We look forward to welcoming you to an adventure that celebrates the harmony between humanity, horses, nature, and culture.

TIRANA/GJIROKASTRA (-/-/D)
Plan a flight to Tirana International Airport (TIA) arriving by 3:00 PM or to Saranda Port (via flight to Corfu + ferry). Meet our representatives and transfer by minivan to Gjirokastra, approximately 250 km away. After about 3.5 hours, you will arrive in the city, check-in, and enjoy a welcome snack. In the afternoon, visit the historic center, the bazaar, and, if time permits, the castle, church, and mosque. Dinner at a traditional restaurant and trip briefing.


Day 2: Karjan

GJIROKASTRA / KARJAN (B/L/D)
After breakfast, set off on horseback through the countryside with diverse landscapes: hills, valleys, and rivers. Pass by numerous small villages, local farms, and the ruins of Santa Triada Castle, once a trading caravan checkpoint. Enjoy a picnic lunch before arriving in the medieval village of Karjan in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay with a local family.


Day 3: Nderan

KARJAN / NDERAN (B/L/D)
Follow the trail through stunning mountainous landscapes heading north. Stop at the village of Labova to visit the church, birthplace of Vangjel Zhapa, organizer of the first Olympic Games. Continue through endemic vegetation—mountain tea, wild roses, and oregano—until reaching the Cajupi Valley. Enjoy a picnic under the trees and drink from a famous spring, once a caravan crossroads. Proceed along medieval trails to Nderan, in the heart of the Zagoria region, known for its honey and traditional products. Dinner and overnight stay with local families.


Day 4: Nderan

NDERAN (B/L/D)
After a hearty mountain breakfast, ride along the region's most significant southern Albania trade route. Highlights include the rock formations of Zhej, the Hoshteva Church with its pagan elements, and the Liliar basin restored by Ali Pasha. Cross a medieval bridge connecting a monastery to Nderan. Enjoy another lovely evening with local families.


Day 5: Poliçan

NDERAN / POLICAN (B/L/D)
An exhilarating morning ride through wide valleys perfect for galloping. Travel through the Pogoni region, a true journey into the past with Byzantine monuments, old bridges, and ruins scattered throughout. Arrive in the late afternoon at the village of Polican, home to a unique Greek minority. Explore medieval landmarks before a delicious dinner.


Day 6: Libohovë

POLICAN / LIBOHOVA (B/L/D)
Ride through mountains, rivers, and lush forests, eventually reaching the summit of Swallow Rock with views of the Suha River. Stop for lunch near Albania's oldest church, the Labova Church, believed to have been built in 554 AD by Emperor Justinian. In the afternoon, arrive at Libohova, nestled at the foot of Mount Bureto. This ancient settlement is now home to a noble family. Dinner featuring local specialties and overnight with a family.


Day 7: Gjirokastra

LIBOHOVA / GJIROKASTRA (B/L/D)
Rise early to enjoy a sunrise over the valley. Take a morning walking tour of the village before riding to the Antigonea National Park, approximately a three-hour journey. Discover fascinating historical landmarks along the way. In the afternoon, return to Gjirokastra. Enjoy your final dinner at a traditional restaurant in the bazaar and stay overnight at Babameto as on the first night.


Day 8:

GJIROKASTRA / TIRANA (B/-/-)
After breakfast, transfer to Tirana Airport or Saranda Port between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM (do not book return flights or ferries before 1:00 PM).
Note: The above itinerary is indicative and subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.

Guaranteed departure dates shared, minimum 1 person with departure from Italy:

From 01/03 to 08/03
From 08/03 to 15/03
From 15/03 to 22/03
From 22/03 to 29/03
From 29/03 to 05/04
From 05/04 to 12/04
From 12/04 to 19/04
From 17/05 to 24/05
From 24/05 to 31/05
From 07/06 to 14/06
From 21/06 to 28/06
From 05/07 to 12/07
From 02/08 to 09/08
From 30/08 to 06/09
From 13/09 to 20/09
From 27/09 to 04/10
From 18/10 to 25/10
From 25/10 to 01/11
From 01/11 to 08/11
From 08/11 to 15/11
From 15/11 to 22/11
From 22/11 to 29/11

PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 MAX 12
Notes:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°

Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Difficulty: °°° (Intermediate)
Age: Minimum 14 years
Accommodation: Traditional lodgings
Equipment: ENGLISH SADDLE FOR TREKKING with saddlebags for lunch and water transport
Horses: ALBANIAN SADDLE HORSES
Pace: 6/7 hours per day in the saddle. We mainly proceed slowly due to the mountainous terrain, which the horses are well accustomed to. There will be opportunities for trot and gallop. A good level of control at all three gaits is required.
What to bring: Riding clothes, including waterproofs, trekking shoes, swimsuit, towel, sleeping bag, sunscreen, protective helmet, insect repellent, first-aid kit, casual evening clothes. Due to the scarcity of equipment, any unused items would be much appreciated.
Type: Itinerary with overnight stays in basic rooms. Support vehicles for luggage transport.

Accommodation:
The first and last night will be in Gjirokastra, also known as the "City of 1000 Steps," in accommodations with traditional architecture. Gjirokastra, located in southern Albania, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, with its Ottoman-style castle, churches, and monasteries. The 5 nights of trekking will be spent in typical houses in the Albanian countryside.
Night 1: Hotel in Gjirokastra
Night 2: Family House in Karjan
Nights 3 & 4: Family House in Nderan
Night 5: Family House in Hllomo
Night 6: Family House in Libohova
Night 7: Hotel in Gjirokastra

Extra info:
2 riders only supplement per person 210€
Private transfer supplement 1 person 200€
Single room supplement for night 1 and 7 - to be paid locally 60€
Round-trip transfer supplement per person from Saranda Port 160€

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
1.721 €
Based on 2 adults
Customize it!
Book directly without changes
Want it!
Trip summary
2 Adults
Nights 7
This idea includes
Destinations 2
Accommodations 5
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Included
Transfer to/from Gjirokastra from Tirana airport (based on 2 people)
All meals as per program
2 nights in Gjirokastra in traditional guesthouses
5 nights in basic traditional guesthouses along the route
6 days on horseback (6-7 hours per day)
Horses and equipment provided
Expert local guide (English-speaking)
Travel kit, luggage tags, and various informational materials
Insurance for basic medical assistance, medical repatriation, and baggage damage
Read more
Read less
Excluded
Flights to/from Tirana or ferries to Saranda
Meals not mentioned, airport taxes, drinks, tips, personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages
Anything not listed under "the price includes"
Additional insurance
Cancellation insurance
Read more
Read less
Accommodation
- Hotel a Gjirokaster
- Family House a Karjan
- Family House a Ndëran
- Family House a Hllomo
- Family House a Libohovë
Read more
Read less