What could be better than traveling in a way that suits you best? For me, it is a combination of nature, history and encounters with locals. And if that can also be done on horseback, then the picture is complete.
A special holiday destination
What could be better than travelling in a way that suits you best? For me, it is a combination of nature, history and meeting local people. Moreover, if that can be done on horseback, the experience becomes even more special.
Albania turned out to be the perfect destination. It was completely new to me, which made it both exciting and surprising. In addition, Albania is still relatively undiscovered, which adds to its charm. Although tourism is growing, the country still feels authentic and untouched.
Gjirokaster, Unesco World Heritage
The south of Albania immediately felt like the right choice. My journey started in the historic mountain town of Gjirokaster. Here, nature, culture and horse riding come together perfectly. As a result, it became an ideal way to explore the country and its diversity.
When I arrived in Gjirokaster, I was truly impressed. The historic centre is beautiful and feels like time has stood still. At the same time, you can clearly see that the city is developing, while still preserving its authentic character.
De voorbereiding van de trektocht
In the evening before the trek, we met the rest of the group and our guides. We were warmly welcomed in a cosy restaurant with stunning mountain views. In addition, we enjoyed local dishes, including the traditional ‘qifqi’, made from spiced rice.
The atmosphere was relaxed and friendly. We even toasted with a glass of raki while listening to live music. Afterwards, the guides carefully matched each rider with a suitable horse. Because of my experience, I was paired with Dante, a strong and reliable horse. This was important, as we would spend seven days together as a team.
Horse riding in Albania through Zagoria
We verlaten Gjirokaster en laten de drukte achter ons. Onder leiding van onze gidsen startte onze trektocht vanaf de stal de verborgen valleien van Zagoria in, afgeschermd door bergketens. Al snel waan je je in een compleet andere wereld en is het uitzicht fenomenaal! De van oorsprong ezelpaden worden ook steeds smaller en steiler. En zo lopen we stapvoets door de bergen en op de vlakke stukken in een heerlijke galop.
We pauzeerden regelmatig op plekken waar de paarden konden eten, drinken en uitrusten. We passeerden de eeuwenoude Ali Pasha boogbrug en het voelde magisch om daar te paard overheen te lopen. Het geluid van de hoefijzers maakte het compleet. Het was genieten van de prachtige omgeving en we mochten ook diverse historische kerken van binnen bekijken.
Er hingen prachtige schilderijen en onze gids wist veel te vertellen over de uitgebeelde historie. We konden ook regelmatig afkoelen in de beken die we doorkruisten en ook zwemmen bij de spring of Lliar, een fantastische ervaring. En zo werd elke tussenstop een verrassing en was het enorm genieten.
Exploring the mountains on horseback
After climbing the mountains there is always a descent and we were surprised by beautiful valleys. It was overwhelming! Roads where the cobblestones have never made way for asphalt and where transport is always done by horse or donkey. It was fantastic to walk there, it gave a magical feeling.
We also came across shepherds with their sheep and their barking sheepdogs. All the sheep had a bell around their neck and that sounded very nice and relaxing. A magical moment when we suddenly entered the Cajupi valley out of nowhere where we had our picnic stop at a farm campsite. Which we could already see from a distance.
It was really in the middle of nowhere and we were served a lunch with among other things sheep cheese made from the milk of sheep that walk in the valley. I had never eaten such delicious sheep cheese, pure and strong in taste. We ate on the terrace where we had a beautiful view over the valley. It was really a moment to be silent.
Apart from the beautiful nature and rich history, we also met the very hospitable local population, where we were guests, and more than welcome. We were given delicious meals made from local products and drank tea that was picked in the mountains. The horses were also given a wonderful place to spend the night with hay and oats. And we were allowed to stay with the families at home and were provided with all the comforts. With google translate we were able to have nice conversations and the families told many stories about their country.
Every day there was something new to marvel at, and the caravan became an increasingly close group of man and animal. After six days the tour came to an end and we said goodbye to the horses and our wonderful guides with gratitude. We spent the last evening together to enjoy a fantastic week.
Albania has captured my heart and I will definitely return.
Failed Albania!
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