Pair off-road exploration with horseback riding on a full-day loop from Gjirokaster through southern Albania's mountain fringe. Ride in Asim Zeneli, visit the ancient Labova of the Cross church, share a village lunch, swim at Selcka Waterfall and taste a local dessert in Polican before returning along scenic tracks with your guide. It is one of the most varied single days you can book from the stone city, mixing saddle time, Byzantine history, forest water and village cooking without juggling separate operators.
Your day begins at Cerciz Topulli Square with boarding a 4x4 for the journey into countryside south of the UNESCO city, where valleys and forest replace cobbled lanes within minutes of departure. The first major activity is a guided horseback ride near Asim Zeneli, where instructors match horses to experience levels, brief you on safety and clothing, and lead a calm session on rural trails through farmland and open slopes.
After riding, the route continues by vehicle to Labova of the Cross, one of Albania's oldest Byzantine churches, where your guide introduces its history and architecture in a peaceful rural setting. A homemade lunch in a scenic mountain village refuels the group with dishes prepared from local ingredients before the afternoon focus shifts towards Selcka Waterfall.
Hike down to the secluded cascade for photos and a swim in the clear pool when weather allows, then taste a local dessert specialty in Polican on the off-road return leg to Gjirokaster. The full day typically lasts around eleven hours from morning departure to evening square drop-off, packing riding, culture, food and forest water into one well-paced southern Albania adventure.
Gjirokaster's stone lanes give way within minutes to valleys, forest and high pastures where horses still work the land and village hospitality remains central to daily life. Labova church and Selcka Waterfall sit in settings that feel remote yet remain within reach of the southern coast for travellers based in Saranda or the UNESCO city itself.
Polican adds a culinary note to the day, showing how small towns preserve recipes and hospitality traditions that complement the outdoor highlights on the loop. Together these stops reveal a mountain fringe that coach tours rarely include on standard Riviera itineraries.
No prior riding or off-road experience is required because instructors brief riders before mounting and you travel as a passenger in the 4x4 between stops. You must follow horse-riding dress codes including long trousers, sturdy closed footwear without sandals, and no jewellery, backpacks or loose scarves while mounted for rider and horse safety.
Minimum age is twelve years and bring hiking shoes, swimwear for the waterfall and enough fitness for a full day of mixed activities across village lanes, church grounds and forest paths. A small secured waist bag is better than a backpack when riding, and large mounted cameras are not permitted on horses.
Three distinct experiences in one booking save planning separate trips for riding, culture and waterfall swimming on different days with different operators. A single guide coordinates timing so you see each stop without losing hours to logistics, parking or route finding on remote mountain tracks.
It suits visitors who want a varied southern Albania day beyond castle walls and coastal beaches without sacrificing depth at any single highlight. The included village lunch and dessert stop in Polican turn the journey into a social as well as active experience, which helps the long day feel rewarding rather than exhausting.
Board the 4x4 at Cerciz Topulli Square and head towards Asim Zeneli for the morning horseback session. Instructors provide safety guidance and help you mount for a countryside ride on quiet trails.
Continue by vehicle to Labova of the Cross, one of Albania's oldest Byzantine churches. Learn about its history and architecture in a peaceful rural setting before moving on towards lunch.
Enjoy a homemade Albanian lunch in a scenic mountain village with dishes prepared from local ingredients. The break refuels the group for the afternoon waterfall visit.
Hike to Selcka Waterfall and cool off with a swim in the pool when conditions allow. The secluded cascade is a highlight for photographers and anyone who enjoys forest water.
Taste a local dessert specialty in Polican, then follow off-road tracks back to Gjirokaster with mountain views along the return leg. The day typically lasts around eleven hours in total.
The experience runs for roughly eleven hours from morning departure at Cerciz Topulli Square to evening return in Gjirokaster. It combines 4x4 driving, horseback riding, church visits, lunch, a waterfall swim and a dessert stop in Polican.
Pacing allows time at each highlight without rushing through the mountain roads.
Yes, a guided horseback session in the Asim Zeneli countryside is a core part of the itinerary after leaving Gjirokaster. Instructors brief riders on safety and clothing before the ride on village trails.
Long trousers, closed shoes with a heel and no jewellery or backpacks are required while mounted for horse welfare and rider safety.
Guests must be at least twelve years old. The day includes riding, hiking to Selcka Waterfall and time in mountain villages, so it suits active families with older children and adults.
Riding rules prohibit shorts, sandals and loose scarves while on horseback.
Wear long trousers for riding, hiking shoes for rough paths, layers for changing mountain temperatures, hat, sunscreen and sunglasses. Bring a swimsuit, towel and extra water for the waterfall stop.
A small waist bag is better than a backpack when riding. Large mounted cameras are not permitted on horses.
A homemade Albanian lunch in a scenic mountain village is included during the day. A local dessert specialty in Polican is also part of the planned route before returning to Gjirokaster.
Extra drinks or additional food purchases beyond the arranged stops are not covered.
Labova of the Cross is one of Albania's oldest Byzantine churches, reached during the off-road loop. Your guide introduces its history and architecture in a peaceful rural setting.
Respectful behaviour and modest clothing are appreciated when visiting the church grounds.
After lunch the convoy continues to Selcka Waterfall where you can hike down and swim in clear pool water when weather allows. The site feels secluded compared with busier coastal attractions.
Non-swimmers can still enjoy the setting from nearby rocks with guidance from the team.
4x4 transport with driver-guide, the horseback riding session, visits to Labova church, village lunch, Selcka Waterfall stop and the dessert tasting in Polican are included in the standard tour.
Transport to the square meet-up, travel insurance and personal shopping are not included.
Heavy rain can make off-road tracks or waterfall paths unsafe. Tours may be postponed or adjusted if conditions threaten rider, passenger or horse safety.
Your guide makes the final decision on the day with guest welfare as the priority.
Arrive at Cerciz Topulli Square a few minutes before the scheduled morning departure. We'll confirm the meet-up time and reminders about riding clothing such as long trousers and closed shoes.
If you are running late, get in touch through Adventuro Chat as soon as possible.
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About the centre
Gjirokaster
Operated by Kalemi Travel, a partner of adventuro.
