Overview

“Riding Rhythms: A Journey to Equine Expertise in Albania”

Welcome to the exciting and immersive equestrian adventure of a lifetime! Get ready to embark on a week-long journey filled with thrilling horseback riding experiences, cultural explorations, and delicious culinary delights.

Pricing

1159 Euro / Full board * All  meals and accommodation apart from the transport along the stay, extra drinks and ticket entrances in museums, cultural sites, art gallery or activities (optional) that are mentioned with extra cost etc.

*Please note that transportation to each location can be arranged at an additional cost, ensuring your comfort and convenience throughout the adventure.

Note also that if riders want to choose be accommodated in the town historical area instead of the village farm it is possible withan additional cost of 212 Euros. Meals also will take place in town.

Group minimum: 2 riders
Group maximum: 8 riders

Weight limit: 90 kg 

We have a weight limit of 90 kg for participants in our activities, with considerations for height-to-weight proportions. This is because the weight distribution directly impacts the safety and comfort of participants horses and equipment. Therefore, we reserve the right to refuse participation to individuals whose weight-to-height proportions significantly deviate, ensuring the safety and enjoyment of everyone involved.

Riding level required: No experience/beginners. This program doesn’t fit to advanced riding levels.

Departure Dates

2024: 07.01-14.01  /  03.02-10.02  /  02.03 – 09.03  /  01.04-08.04  /  04.05-11.05  /  01.06-08.06  /  29.06-06.07  /  03.08-10.08  /  31.08-07.09  /  05.10-12.10  /  02.11-09.11  /  30.11-07.12

2025: 18.01 -25.01 / 15.02 -22.02 / 08.03 – 15.03 / 05.04 – 12.04 / 17.05 – 24.05 / 07.06 – 14.06 / 05.07 – 12.07 / 02.08 – 09.08 / 13.09 – 20.09 / 04.10 – 11.10 / 01.11 – 08.11 / 13.12 -20.12 /                                                

Supplement

Single Supplement:

The single supplement for a single room is 20 Euros per night, payable here.

Small Group Supplement:

The small group supplement is applicable if only 1 participant did book onto the program. 

If, at the time of departure, more than 1 client is booked, the small group supplement will be refunded.

The small group supplement is 132 Euros per person.

Health

We still strongly advise consulting with your General Practitioner before traveling in 2024. It is important to seek their medical advice regarding any necessary immunizations or health precautions based on your individual medical history. Recommendations for travel health and safety can vary depending on various factors, such as destination, current health conditions, and other potential risks.

While the information regarding COVID-19 may be different in 2024, it is still prudent to consult with your doctor before your trip to ensure you are in good health and ready for travel. Keep in mind that travel policies and guidelines, including those related to COVID-19, can change over time. Staying informed about the current situation and any specific requirements for traveling to your chosen destination is important. It is recommended to consult official sources, such as government health agencies or reputable travel advisories, for the most up-to-date information.

Please remember to prioritize your health and well-being during your travels, even if the COVID-19 pandemic is no longer ongoing. Your General Practitioner will be able to provide personalized advice based on your specific circumstances, ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip.

Health (ride specific)

Please take along sun cream and anti-allergy medicine for possible insect bites.

Film and Camera Equipment

Internet access will be difficult during the ride. Riders can buy an Albanian sim card/phone number for round €13 and have free internet access and around 30 minutes of free calls with most European countries. 

Access to electricity is possible every evening and the whole area is covered very well with signal. 

Packing List

Attire:

Riding hat

Long-sleeved shirts (avoid expensive or favorite clothing)

Warm jacket

Riding trousers and chaps

Gloves

Footwear:

Good mountain shoes with a grip (not too thick)

Avoid smooth-soled riding boots

Outerwear:

Waterproof raincoat

Swimming Clothes:

Swimwear

Evening attire:

Casual clothes

Protection:

Sun cream

Sunglasses

Hat

Medical supplies:

Anti-allergy medicine for insect bites

Essentials:

Torch (flashlight) for walking to feed the horses in the evening

Photography:

Small camera (avoid large professional cameras)

Identification:

Copy of passport

Saddlebags:

Personal saddlebags welcome (provided by riders)

Small saddlebags provided by the ride for food and water.

In addition to the other items, including a torch (flashlight) is recommended for walking to the horses to feed them in the evening. This will provide better visibility and ensure your safety during this activity.

Travel Summary:

Meeting Points:

Arrival: Tirana Airport (TIA) or Saranda Port

Departure: Saranda (CFU) – Take a flight to Corfu and then a boat to Saranda

Transfer Options:

Tirana Airport to Gjirokastra (Round trip):

Cost: €90 per person (€45 one way)

Distance: 225 km

Duration: 3 hours

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 12:00 pm (midday)

Riders arriving in Tirana one day in advance should plan their arrival for the 12:00 pm or 14:30 pm transfer

Transfers from Tirana can’t be organized, but it’s easy and affordable to reach Tirana Airport by bus. Buses run every hour from the center of Tirana (behind the opera palace).

Private transfer to/from Tirana:

1 person: €140 (one way)

2 persons: €70 each (one way)

3 persons or more: €55 each (one way)

Note: Private transfers can be booked if it’s not possible to schedule flights that align with the normal transfer schedule.

Saranda Port to Gjirokastra (Round trip):

Cost: €50 per person (round trip)

Distance: 60 km

Duration: 1 hour

Transfers can be organized based on the ferries’ timetable for 2024, typically with one morning and one afternoon option.

Assisting the Riding Center:

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 use. Your contribution would be greatly appreciated by our center.