
War Trail
Albania
The War Trail is a trek for experienced riders, ready and fit for a more demanding ride. We will follow in the footsteps of King Skerdilajd’s ancient army in times when he served Queen Teuta and fough Romans 2300 years ago. Let’s ride through old, forgotten fortresses in the wild, sometimes accompanied by 20th century military bunkers – the remains of Albania’s communist past. Let’s cross the mountains and ride down to the shores of the salty Ionian Sea on our brave, Albanian horses.
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Days overall8 daysDays in saddle6
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Group size10Available
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Standardhighlanders' hospitality (under roofs and in bed linen)Luggageno limit kgFoodlocal cuisine, vegetarian and vegan available
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Skillswalk, trot, gallop
The trail leads through rocky mountains inhabited by shepherds, as well as through fishing villages along the sea cost. We will follow the history, sometimes very stormy, of wars and unrests that rolled through Alabnia throughout ages. The conquest trail taken by the the Illyrian King Skerdilajd 2300 years ago will take us to ancient ruins and bridges, medieval castles and monasteries standing next to bunkers and military infrastructure. During the communism period leaders of Albania, obsessed with the „western enemy”, covered the country with 750 000 bunkers, nowadays left empty or adopted for different purposes.
The guides are trully passionate about horses and riding. Years ago they took on a challenge of recreating the Albanian horse breed (a mix of tarpan and Arab horse) that went on a brink of extinction. They run a breeding programme aimed at recreating the breed for trail riding purposes. As a result you will ride a rather small-framed, but strong, powerful and brave mountain horses.
The trail itself requires good physical condition, some trail riding experience is definitely a good thing. The group will gallop in every suitable spot, turns and small jumps also happen while galloping. We recommend using a helmet, especially on the first day, when riders are getting accustomed to the terrain and horses.
Due to relatively small size of the horses, the weight of the rider is limited to 90 kg / 200 lbs.
- Accomodation in a hotel in Gjirokastra and at local hosts’ houses during the trail
- Full alimentation (starting with dinner on arrival day to breakfast on departure day)
- Local guides for the entire trek
- A horse with full equipment
- Tourist insurance covering high-risk sports
- A flight ticket to and from Tirana / Flight tickets to and from Korfu and ferry to Saranda
- Transfer to and from Tirana (around 70 Euro) or Saranda (around 40 Euro)
- Minor expenses (souvenirs, additional snacs, admission tickets in free time, etc.)
- Optional: a tip for the guides
- Day 1 Arrival
- Day 2 Gods of Light
- Day 3 In the Footsteps of Ancient Soldiers
- Day 4 The Ionian Sea
- Day 5 The Dark Side of History
- Day 6 The Battlefield
- Day 7 The Viroi Lake
- Day 8 Farewell to Albania



Riders spend the first and the last night at a hotel in Gjirokastra. On the horse trail we stay with local families, at their homes. The standard differs, but we always have a roof over our heads and bed linen to sleep in. We taste local food and accompany local Albanians in their everyday, routine tasks.
The traditional Albanian quisine is based on different meat and various, delicious types of cheese. At the seaside fish and sea food will be served, too. Ecological fruits and vegetables, honey, jams, eggs, bread, desserts and sweets will appear during meals. We will drink local water, herbs brews, and – of course – local wine and raki.
Equipment
You will ride in good quality English-type saddles. Bridles are of regular construction, we use bits. The equipment in general is what most riders are used to.
Every horse is equipped with small saddlebags – for water and takeway food (sometimes we eat in the wild, sometimes are hosted for lunch). Additional straps (for attaching a raincoat) might come in handy.
Please note: we recommend using a helmet while riding.
What you should take with you
The trek in Albania are quite comfortable – as for a trail ride. A car transports all our belongings between particular spots. Every night the group is hosted at houses, no need for sleeping bags and mats. During the day you will need to only the basic personal belonging (documents, mobiles,), everything else will be waiting at the destination point in the evening.
- passport
- some cash, Euro is common in Albania
- electronics – mobile, camera
- flashlight, headlamps are handy
- a canteen or other water containers (it might be an empty plastic bottle)
- sunscreen
- swimsuit
- head cover (against heat and Sun)
- riding clothes (breeches, gloves, helmet, etc.,)
- trekking shoes/boots
- lightweight raincoat
- flip-flops