Balance in Motion - A Journey of Horses and Yoga in Albania

8 Days, Multiple Departures

Show All photos
Balance in Motion - A Journey of Horses and Yoga in Albania
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Things to keep in mind

Best Seller

This innovative program blends beginner horse-riding lessons with yoga practices to create a holistic and transformative experience. Designed to enhance both physical and mental well-being, the program helps participants improve their balance, flexibility, focus, and emotional resilience while fostering a deeper connection with horses and nature.

Led by experienced horse riding and yoga instructors, the program includes:

Morning Yoga: Energizing sessions that prepare the body for riding by building strength, flexibility, and mental clarity.

Morning & Afternoon Horse-Riding Lessons: Beginner-friendly training focused on balance, posture, and harmony with the horse.

Evening Yoga & Meditation: Relaxing stretches and mindfulness exercises that aid recovery and promote relaxation after a day of riding.

This intense combination encourages mindfulness, confidence, and trust between rider and horse, providing a memorable and enriching journey in the heart of nature.

About

Accommodation and meals from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8

English-speaking instructors

Second riding instructor (if more than 3 participants)

Water and drinks during meals

Transport to the stable, lunch places and back.

Flights, entrance tickets to monuments or parks, lunch on day 1, extra drinks, and other transports, services or expenses during free time are not included.

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


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 2:30 PM

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


Before travelling all riders are required to undertake by their own, travel insurance, covering horse riding trip accidents, possible trip cancellation, baggage etc.

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.

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.

"Amazing organization run by kind, lovely people who take great care of their horses. The horses are strong, healthy and very sure-footed. I did the King Skerdilajd trail last year and came back for the Zagoria trail this year. Both were absolutely beautiful. And the families we stayed at on the trail were so sweet and welcoming. They even made special vegan meals for me every day. It was a truly amazing way to experience Albania in all it’s beauty and authenticity."

- Jane Singer (As seen on TripAdvisor)

"Just returned from an excellent week with the team on the Following Zagoria Pathways trail. Thank you Aurel for being a fantastic guide and such good company making this a very memorable holiday for us. The horses had an incredible endurance throughout the day and throughout the week. Even after long steep climbs they were ready to go. I enjoyed the fast gallops and the relaxed atmosphere around the riding. The nature was impressive and all the families providing accommodations on the tour served the most delicious local food. I can highly recommend this trail."

- Jeppe B (As seen on TripAdvisor)

Gallery
About The Host

Since 2011, we have been welcoming enthusiasts of horses, nature, history, and culture. Founded and run by three childhood friends, we have created a thriving and eco-friendly environment for both our 42 horses and guests alike.

Our stable is located in a picturesque setting, nestled among rolling hills, green valleys, and towering mountains, just a few kilometers from the UNESCO World Heritage city of Gjirokastra in southern Albania. While much has evolved since our first year, our core motto has remained unchanged: to offer authentic, enjoyable, and professional riding experiences for our international guests. We aim to maintain a balanced relationship between humans, horses, and nature in every riding tour we offer.

Our signature experiences, “Following Zagoria Pathways” and “King Skerdilajd Army Route,” are available as week-long trails from March to November. Our 12-day Vjosa Expedition, designed for our loyal, returning riders, takes place twice a year. Additionally, we offer a winter trail each year centered around a different theme. This year's theme blends art, particularly ideological art, and its impact on people's lives. Our "Learn to Ride" program is an excellent opportunity for beginner riders to discover the basics of horsemanship, immersing themselves in the natural world, local life, and outdoor exploration.

We also specialize in creating tailor-made private tours based on the individual interests of our guests. For those short on time, we offer one-day trails year-round, typically on weekends.

We are committed to continuously enhancing the quality of our riding experience, ensuring the welfare of our horses, and maintaining the highest standards for our saddles, tack, and logistics. Our philosophy includes a focus on staff training and quality, as well as a deep appreciation for diversity. We view different cultures and experiences as valuable assets. Each year, our guest numbers grow, and our tours provide a unique, interactive experience for horse enthusiasts from all corners of the world. Our riding concept and philosophy are continually evolving, making this special experience increasingly accessible to more and more people.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrival and Introduction to the Program

Arrival and Accommodation:

Upon arrival, settle into your accommodation in the peaceful village of Asim Zeneli, a perfect setting to unwind and prepare for the immersive experience ahead.

Evening Session:

Introduction to the Program: Begin the evening with a warm welcome and an overview of the week’s schedule. Meet the instructors, who will provide an introduction to the theoretical aspects of the program, including the integration of yoga into riding, the technical details of daily schedules, and the expected intensity. This session will also cover the characteristics and roles of the horses in the program to help participants feel prepared and confident. Time will be dedicated to discussing individual expectations and ensuring alignment for a fulfilling experience.

Traditional Dinner: Conclude the evening with a traditional Albanian dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll enjoy authentic dishes and have the opportunity to connect with fellow participants in a relaxed atmosphere.

Day 2 Getting Acquainted with Horses

The day begins with a calming Morning Yoga Session. Set in a peaceful outdoor environment, this 90-minute session focuses on gentle stretches and breathwork to release any travel tension, allowing the body to relax and prepare for the activities ahead. It’s the perfect start to a day of connection with both horses and nature.

Following yoga, participants move on to the Morning Riding Session: Bonding with Horses. At the stables, you will meet your horse for the first time and begin learning essential ground handling and grooming skills. You’ll practice leading the horse, maintaining safe distances, cleaning hooves, and properly fitting saddles. This session also includes learning about horse feeding and diet, fostering a sense of trust and building a connection with your horse before the ride.

For lunch, you’ll enjoy a Taste of Local Traditions at a charming local restaurant in Gjirokastër or a nearby village. Here, you’ll savor traditional Albanian dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. For those interested, there’s an opportunity to learn more about the culinary traditions behind the meals, offering a deeper connection to the local culture.

In the afternoon, the Afternoon Riding Session: Improving Skills begins, where participants focus on basic riding positions and balance exercises in the arena. You’ll practice staying steady in the saddle while building a deeper connection with your horse. Instructors will provide personalized tips to help improve your riding technique and boost your confidence, making sure you feel more comfortable and secure.

As the evening approaches, enjoy a Family Dinner, where you’ll gather with a local family on their veranda. Here, you’ll indulge in authentic Albanian home-cooked meals in a cozy, intimate setting, offering the perfect opportunity for cultural exchange. The warmth of local hospitality makes this meal a memorable experience.

The day concludes with a Gentle Yoga Session, designed to help you relax and restore after a full day of activities. This 90-minute session will focus on restorative poses to release tension in the hips, back, shoulders, and legs, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and prepared for the next day’s adventures.


Day 3 Independent Horse Preparation and Nature Ride Testing

Start the day with a calming Morning Yoga Session, designed to enhance core strength and flexibility, key components for maintaining balance and good posture while riding. Through a series of poses focused on opening the hips and strengthening the core, you'll improve your flexibility, making your movements more controlled and fluid. This session is the perfect warm-up to get your body ready for the day's activities. (Duration: 1.5 hours)

After yoga, you’ll head straight into the Morning Riding Session, where you'll gain hands-on experience in preparing your horse independently. Learn how to properly care for and saddle your horse before embarking on a test ride through nature. This practical session will help you assess the skills you've acquired and give you confidence in managing your horse out in the open. (Duration: 2 hours)

Following the morning's activities, a delicious and nourishing lunch will be served, tailored to participant preferences and adjusted to suit the intensity of the morning's ride. Take this time to relax and refuel for the afternoon session.

In the Afternoon Riding Session, you’ll enjoy a guided ride through scenic natural landscapes. This session will focus on safety and control, helping you apply the techniques you’ve learned in a real-world setting. With expert guidance, you’ll practice the management of reins and control in outdoor environments, building both confidence and skill on the trail. (Duration: 2 hours)

Finally, after a rewarding day of riding, unwind with a soothing Evening Yoga Session. This session will help you release any tension or tightness from the day's ride, focusing on deep stretches for the back, hamstrings, and shoulders. With mindful breathing and gentle movement, you’ll close the day feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. (Duration: 1.5 hours)


Day 4 Trotting Preparation and Riding in Nature

The day begins with a Morning Yoga Session focused on building flexibility and strength to support trotting techniques. This session will emphasize leg strength, hip flexibility, and alignment to improve your trotting posture and ensure comfort while riding. A perfect warm-up for the day's riding activities, it will help you prepare your body for the demands of trotting. (Duration: 1.5 hours)

Following yoga, the Morning Riding Session will dive into practicing trotting techniques in the arena. You’ll work on mastering your posture, balance, and rhythm while trotting. Afterward, you’ll take your skills outdoors for brief trotting sessions to apply what you've learned in a more natural environment. This session is designed to refine your technique and boost your confidence. (Duration: 2 hours)

After the morning's efforts, enjoy a delicious lunch, customized to participant preferences and tailored to the intensity of the morning's riding session. It’s the perfect time to relax, recharge, and enjoy some downtime before the afternoon session.

In the Afternoon Riding Session, you’ll focus on refining your trotting techniques with more practice on the track. You’ll also work on proper riding positions for uphill and downhill terrain, essential for mastering varied landscapes. This session will help you fine-tune your posture, strengthen your position, and prepare for different riding environments. (Duration: 2 hours)

Finally, end the day with a restorative Evening Yoga Session, designed to release the tension built up during the trotting practice. Special focus will be placed on stretching the core, legs, and hips to ease tightness and improve flexibility. With deep stretches and mindful breathing, you’ll leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. (Duration: 1.5 hours)


Day 5 Mastery Trek to Cini Lake

Today, you’ll put your skills to the test in the rugged beauty of Albania’s countryside.

The day begins with a Morning Yoga Session, focusing on full-body stretching with an emphasis on leg flexibility, shoulders, and hips to support endurance and proper riding posture for the trek ahead. (Duration: 1.5 hours)

Next, the Morning Riding Session takes you on a trek to Cini Lake. You’ll review your skills and practice advanced trotting techniques along the way. As you ride through hills, valleys, and scenic landscapes, instructors will guide you in refining your technique and enhancing your connection with the horse. (Duration: 3-4 hours)

After the trek, you’ll return to the stables to care for the horses and enjoy a well-deserved lunch break to recharge.

The Afternoon Session is free for rest or local exploration, giving you the opportunity to relax and take in the surroundings.

In the evening, an Evening Yoga Session will focus on recovery, with gentle stretches for the back, hips, and legs to release any muscle tension from the trek. (Duration: 1.5 hours)

The day concludes with a Traditional Family Dinner, where you can enjoy home-cooked Albanian meals and share cultural moments with your host family.


Day 6 Intensive Trotting and Horse Games

The day begins with a Morning Yoga Session, designed to prepare your body for an energetic day ahead. Focus will be on strengthening the legs, enhancing balance, and improving flexibility, with poses that target the legs, back, and shoulders to support the intensive trotting and horse games. (Duration: 1.5 hours)

Next, the Morning Riding Session will focus on intensive trotting and engaging in horse games. You’ll refine your trotting techniques and participate in various team-building activities on horseback, learning to ride in pairs, maintain safe distances, and apply trail discipline. (Duration: 3-4 hours)

After the morning session, you’ll enjoy a lunch break, with a meal based on your preferences.

In the Afternoon Riding Session, you’ll continue practicing trotting and take part in more horse games. You’ll also test your balance with short canter fragments. The ride will take you through the scenic Gjinofshat hills, where you can apply everything you’ve learned so far while exploring the diverse landscape. (Duration: 3-4 hours)

During break times, you may have the option to relax, engage in stable work, or explore the nearby village.

The day concludes with an Evening Yoga Session, focused on deep stretching and mindfulness to unwind after the physically demanding day. Special attention will be given to the lower back, legs, and shoulders. (Duration: 1.5 hours)

End the day with a well-deserved Traditional Family Dinner, where you can share a meal and enjoy the company of your host family.


Day 7 Final Test and Lake Adventure

The final day of your equestrian journey begins with a Morning Yoga Session, focused on centering and strengthening the body. This session emphasizes flexibility in the legs, hips, and core to prepare for the final ride. It will help you find balance and mental clarity before the long trek ahead. (Duration: 1.5 hours)

Following yoga, it's time for the Final Riding Session—a comprehensive skills test and scenic trek to Qestorati Lake. During this long ride, you'll apply everything you've learned throughout the week, navigating through the countryside and passing historical landmarks like the Santa Triada Castle and the village of Dhoksat. This adventure is both a test of your riding abilities and a celebration of your journey, offering breathtaking views of the Albanian landscape. (Duration: 4-5 hours)

After returning from the ride, enjoy a brief Afternoon Yoga Session, focusing on relaxation and recovery. This gentle session targets any tension in the legs, back, and shoulders, helping your body unwind after the long day in the saddle. (Duration: 1 hour)

The afternoon is free for you to explore Gjirokastër, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cobbled streets, Ottoman-era architecture, and spectacular views over the surrounding hills. Take this time to visit the castle, explore the charming town, or relax at a local café.

The day concludes with a group dinner at a local restaurant in the historic city center, offering the perfect opportunity to reflect on the week's experiences and celebrate your achievements.


Day 8 Departure

Breakfast and Departure: Enjoy a rural breakfast before departing for the airport.

Things to keep in mind

Cancelling 40 days prior to starting your tour, the complete amount will be refundable.

Cancelling within 39 - 30 days prior to starting your tour, the deposit of 20% is not refundable.

Cancelling within 29 - 20 days prior to starting your tour will be charged 40% of the total amount.

Cancelling within 20 - 10 days prior to starting your tour will be charged 60% of the total amount.

Cancelling within 9 - 7 days prior to starting your tour will be charged 80% of the total amount.

Cancelling within 6 days prior to starting your tour will be charged 100% of the tour price.

If you want to postpone or change the dates, you can do it free of charge 30 days prior to starting your tour. In case you do it less than 30 days prior to starting your tour, your deposit of 20% isn’t refundable.

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.

Booking Policy

All riders should complete a Booking Form with necessary information. - To set a reservation on hold you have a limit of 120 days prior to starting your tour. If the booking is made 120 days or less prior to departure, a 20% deposit is payable at the time of booking and the balance up to 30 days before the trail. - In case of booking, 30 days or less prior to starting your tour you should pay 100% of the amount.

For the retreat to proceed, the group must have a minimum of 2 riders and no more than 6 riders.

Weight limit: 90 kg