King Skerdilajd Route

5.0 (6)
8 days 7 nights
Albania
Photo Kristina F.
5.0
Kristina F.
Tour Provider
View Kristina’s tours
Difficulty
Moderate
Comfort
Basic+
Weight limit

Experience the fascinating journey of King Skerdilajd's conquest of Kaonia 2,300 years ago. This unique tour lets you explore nature's beauty, cultural richness, and warm hospitality while riding sturdy horses, spending 5-6 hours on horseback each day. Traverse various landscapes like mountains, hillsides, river crossings, forests, and the seaside. Discover ancient ruins, castles, churches, and bunkers from the communist era.

Feel the authentic Albanian lifestyle, savoring local cuisine, exploring history, and enjoying warm hospitality in family guesthouses each night. Fresh ingredients from local gardens and farms provide a genuine taste of the region.

From May to September, you can also enjoy two days of sea swimming (without horses) during the trail.

from
$1,480
$1,554
per tourist for 8 days
Departing from
Tirana
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
Only in the Horse Tours Club
  • Local prices – no extra fees
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  • Reviews from travelers
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Photo Kristina F.
Kristina F. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English
I was born in Albania and now am a journalist with a unique background in history and archaeology. My deep affinity for horses goes beyond a mere interest, it is a lifelong passion that has become a driving force in my endeavors. Recognizing the potential of Albania`s cultural and natural treasures, I have committed myself to building some of the finest horse holidays in the country. My vision extends beyond tourism, emphasizing the importance of partnerships with horses, the preservation of nature, and support for local communities. I believe a horse represents more than a companion on the trails it symbolizes a partnership rooted in mutual respect and understanding. I stand at the intersection of passion, profession, and purpose, weaving together a narrative that celebrates the rich tapestry of Albania`s history, culture, and natural beauty while championing the symbiotic relationship between humans and horses. My story is one of dedication to sustainable practices, community empowerment, and the enduring connection between people, horses, and the environment.

Tour highlights

Enjoy the Breathtaking Views
Prepare to be amazed as the mountainous ecosystem rapidly transforms before your eyes
Live Like a Local
Experience the evening and night in a village houses, relishing homemade traditional food and beverages
Travel in Time
Visit the sites that offer glimpses into the rich history and ancient civilizations of the region

Route details

Day 1
Arrival

Upon your arrival at Tirana airport, ideally in the morning but no later than 14:30, our team will greet you and transport you to Gjirokstra, a journey of approximately three hours. 

Settle into your hotel, conveniently located a short walk from the historic center of Gjirokstra. Before dinner, take a stroll through the town, exploring the old Bazaar, Gjirokstra Castle, the Church of the Old Bazaar, the Mosque of the Bazaar, and Skenduli House, offering a glimpse into traditional life in Gjirokstra. Enjoy a traditional dinner at a local restaurant, where our guides will discuss the trail, answer any questions, provide advice, and offer valuable insights. We recommend purchasing a map of the area before dinner to familiarize yourself with the itinerary.

Day 2
Ride towards the village of Fushbardha
Day 3
Following the tracks of King Skerdilajd’s army
Day 4
Ride through the time
Day 5
Towards the coast
Day 6
Through the valleys of Kalasa river and Prapanica
Day 7
Back to Gjirokstra
Day 8
Departure
Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity
Tour provider's comments

Horse riding is a risk sport and activity and it can be dangerous. We train our horses to be friendly, confident and with a good understanding about their environment, but they are given to the rider with the understanding to ride at own risk.

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Basic+
Guest House
1 night
1 night
Village House

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, if we provide a single room, is 25 Euros per night paid here.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Tirana
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips
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Tour conditions

Included

  • all accommodations and meals from dinner of day 1 till breakfast of day 8;
  • English speaking guide (second guide if there are more than 4 riders);
  • water and drinks during the meals;
  • luggage transport by car from destination to destination.

Extras

  • flights;
  • entrance tickets to monuments or parks;
  • lunch on day 1;
  • extra drinks;
  • other services or expenses during free time;
  • transfer from/to the airport;
  • the small group supplement (158 Euros/person). 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. 

Group size

up to 10 tourists

Duration

8 days
7 nights

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour
  • Normal riding clothes: riding hat, long-sleeved shirts (please avoid packing your favorite or expensive clothing due to the 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.
  • Sun cream, sunglasses, hat, swimming clothes, shoes to walk on a rocky beach, towels for the beach.
  • Anti-allergy medicine for possible insect 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.
Cancellation of booking

Reviews

5.0
Based on 6 reviews
  • M
    Malaren
    24 Mar, 2024
    about provider
    Awesome provide
    24 Mar, 2024
  • B
    Bernadette
    17 Nov, 2023
    about provider
    My 14-year-old daughter and I embarked on the one-week Zagoria trail in November. It was a week filled with joy as we cherished every minute, thanks to the breathtaking views, reliable and sturdy horses, delightful cuisine, and hospitable families we stayed with. Most importantly, I truly valued the friendly approach towards the youngest rider in our group, my daughter. Thanks to the Caravan Horse Riding Albania team's kindness and professionalism, it became an unforgettable experience.
    17 Nov, 2023
  • A
    Astriflette
    27 Jun, 2023
    about provider
    There are no words sufficient to express how truly amazing this trail was! It held great significance for me to embark on this journey solo. Filled with warmth, sharing (and raki), it provided the perfect avenue to explore Albania and its people. Thank you, Kristina, for being such an inspiring woman. Your attention to detail and care resonates deeply with me and will stay with me always. Your team's exceptional work extends beyond just horses; it encompasses the rich culture of your country and its people. Many thanks for sharing that with us. (They even surprised me with a birthday cake 🤩🤩) I returned home with countless memories and newfound friends. FALEMINDERIT!
    27 Jun, 2023

Dates and Prices

  • from
    $1,480
    $1,554
    3 – 10 May, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $1,480
    $1,554
    10 – 17 May, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $1,480
    $1,554
    31 May – 7 Jun, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $1,480
    $1,554
    14 – 21 Jun, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book
  • from
    $1,480
    $1,554
    28 Jun – 5 Jul, 2025 8 days 7 nights
    Request to book

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