Heart of the Mountains – A True Albanian Adventure

Arrival in Tirana and airport transfer to the Farm at 4:00 PM. The drive follows part of the scenic SH75 road along Lake Ohrid before climbing into the mountains, with winding roads and increasingly dramatic views. Along the way, you may see goats, sheep, cows and even wild horses.

At the Farm, a welcome dinner awaits with locally produced wine and homemade raki. The first night is spent in a wooden cabin.

We begin at the Farm and ride for approximately 5–6 hours through picturesque mountain landscapes, stopping for lunch along the route.

In the afternoon, we arrive in Delvinë, care for the horses and stay at Ylli's family home. A homemade dinner, cakes and genuine Albanian warmth make this one of the most memorable nights of the journey. The house is small, so several guests share a room, creating the relaxed atmosphere of a classic youth camp. Remaining nights are in twin or triple rooms.

After breakfast, we ride towards the Benja Hot Springs for a relaxing bath in natural thermal water and lunch. Nearby, the Ottoman-era Kadiu Bridge crosses the spectacular Langarica Canyon. This is a slower day focused on nature, with approximately three hours in the saddle.

We continue on horseback to Petran, then travel by minibus to Përmet, the City of a Thousand Roses. There is time to explore the town and climb the impressive rock above the Vjosa River before returning to Petran for dinner and the night.

We follow the Vjosa, the last wild river in Europe, as it changes from a narrow ribbon into broad, lake-like stretches. The mostly flat trail offers beautiful views and opportunities for long canters.

After a lunch stop, there may be time to swim in the river, whose riverbed contains natural healing clay. In Çarshovë, we care for the horses and transfer back to the Farm for dinner and accommodation in the cabins.

Today's mostly flat route is ideal for long canters. After lunch, we reach Sarandaporo on the Albanian–Greek border, where the river forms a natural frontier.

This remote place is home to the world's largest underground thermal lake. Its waters are believed to have healing properties, and very few tourists reach this hidden gem. After time to explore and swim, we ride to the horses' overnight stop and transfer for dinner and accommodation either to a hotel in Leskovik or back to the Farm, depending on availability and group size.

We ride towards Leskovik through Cerckë, a village known for vineyards, local wine and its historic church. After a short stop, the route continues to Leskovik.

In town, we discover a place shaped by the peaceful coexistence of religions, where the church and mosque stand only a short distance apart. Dinner and overnight stay are at a hotel or on the Farm.

Leaving Leskovik, we cross open landscapes overlooking the Sarandaporo Valley before entering the pine and fir forests of Shelegur, a protected natural area in the Kolonjë region.

The trail passes old military outposts from the communist era and untouched wilderness. If weather allows, we stop at a mountain lake where riders and horses can swim. In the afternoon, we return to the Farm for a farewell dinner.

After breakfast, the transfer leaves at 8:30 AM for Tirana International Airport. Expected arrival is approximately 1:00 PM, after which everyone continues their journey home.