Small-group rides beat big tours in every way. This one sends you into Vjosa National Park territory with a route built around the Lengarica Canyon, plus village sights like stone churches and old paths that connect places locals still call home. I especially like how the guides (Avenir, often called Avi, and Lilly) make riding feel doable, even if you are brand-new to saddles.

You’ll also get real care for the horses, and that shows right away in how calm, well-looked-after animals stay during trotting and even faster gaits. One thing to keep in mind: it is a half-day on hilly trails, so if you’re expecting mostly flat sightseeing or an ultra-soft pace, you might find the ride more physical than you planned.

Quick highlights you can plan around

• Small group size keeps the pace friendly, with a maximum of 7 riders
• Lengarica Canyon trail is the star route, with classic old-path views
• Beginner-to-experienced guidance comes from Avenir (Avi) and Lilly
• Refuel stops include snacks, fruit, cookies, water, and local wine or soft drinks
• Finish near thermal baths so you can soak after the ride

Horseback Trek in Përmet: Why This Ride Feels Different

Përmet is a place where getting outside is the point. And this horse trek turns that into a moving day: you travel by horse through rural lanes, hills, and canyon trails instead of watching everything from a bus window.

What makes it stand out is the combination of three things that travel days often separate. First, you get an intimate group size (the activity listing sets a max of 7). Second, the guides actively coach you, not just hand you reins and hope. Third, the terrain itself is the attraction, especially when you follow the trail alongside the Lengarica Canyon, an old route that used to connect villages across the area.

At about 4 hours, this fits well into a sensible sightseeing plan: you get half a day in nature, then you still have time afterward to enjoy the town rhythm and food. If you add accommodation through a package option, you’ll have more flexibility to slow down and see more of Përmet without rushing.

Where You Ride: Vjosa National Park and the Wild-River Setting

The trek operates on both sides of the Vjosa River, and the broader area is tied to Vjosa National Park. This is one of the reasons the day feels alive. Even when you’re far from the village centers, the river country has that wild, not-too-scripted feel. You notice it in the way the trail moves between viewpoints, stone structures, and quiet stretches where sheep and goats can appear on the hills.

The experience also points you toward Fir of Hotova National Park territory. That matters because it changes the kind of scenery you’re looking at. Instead of a single flat ride, you get variety: hills and valleys, springs, stone bridges, and ruins that break up the horizon. It’s not just pretty for photos. The terrain helps shape the ride, and the guides select the trail based on your riders’ experience level.

The Lengarica Canyon Trail: The Part You’ll Remember

The favorite route here is riding along the Lengarica Canyon. It’s an old trail system that connected villages in ancient times, which gives your ride a stronger story than just scenery.

On this route, you can expect:

• High viewpoints over the canyon
• Old stone and ruin fragments along the way
• Breaks that punctuate the ride with snacks and local wine
• Chances to see herds of sheep or goats

This is also the part where you’ll likely feel the ride most. One review mentions galloping toward the end, and several emphasize confidence-building instructions. So if your goal is a relaxed walk-only day, you may want to ask the operator about the expected gaits for your group level before you commit. If you want the “wow” factor, this canyon section is the reason.

Meeting at Funky Guest House & Adventures: The Day Starts Smooth

The meeting point is Funky Guest House & Adventures, on Sheshi Abdyl Frasheri in Përmet (meeting point address: Përmet 6401, Albania). The tour ends back at the same place, so you don’t have to think about transportation home after your ride.

You also get an air-conditioned vehicle included, which helps on travel days in southern Albania when the temperature can swing. And since it’s offered in English with mobile tickets, you can keep things simple and show up without extra paperwork stress.

One more detail I like: safety gear is included. You get a safety rider cap, and the guidance from the team (Avenir/Avi and Lilly) is part of why people feel comfortable, whether they ride often or not.

Stop 1: Saint Maria Church of Leuse and Why Church Stops Matter

The itinerary includes a stop at the Saint Maria Church of Leuse. Even if you only spend a short time there, this kind of stop changes the feel of the ride from pure adventure into something more grounded.

In Albania’s south, churches like this often sit in places that make sense historically: near old paths, village routes, and viewpoints. On horseback, that connection feels immediate. You’re not just learning about the area—you’re passing through it the way people once did.

If you like mixing practical sightseeing with active travel, this stop is a good balance. It gives you a pause to look around, take a few photos, and reset your body before the ride continues.

Snacks, Wine, and Local Breaks: Small Stops That Keep the Day Fun

Half-day rides can be either charming or exhausting. This one avoids the exhaustion problem by building in regular breaks and food.

Included refreshments typically cover:

• Snacks, fruit, and cookies
• Water
• Wine or soft drinks

These pauses matter because they let you enjoy what you’re seeing without feeling like you have to power through on an empty tank. And for many riders, the food and wine breaks are part of what makes the day feel social rather than just athletic.

Practical tip: since lunch is optional (15 euro per person, including drinks), plan for either an early dinner afterward or bring an appetite for local meals. If you skip lunch, the included snacks should be enough to keep you comfortable for the ride duration.

How the Guides Handle Beginners (and the Confident Riders)

The big theme in the experience is instruction. People describe feeling nervous at first, then gaining confidence quickly. That’s not luck; it’s coaching plus pacing.

Avenir/Avi and Lilly are repeatedly mentioned for clear guidance. They help you:

• Learn how to sit and stay steady
• Understand what the horse is doing under you
• Get comfortable with changing gaits as your confidence grows

One review vibe is basically: it starts gentle, then ramps up when you’re ready. Another highlights how this works for families where some riders have never ridden before. That’s a helpful clue for you: if you’re unsure, you’re not the first person in that boat.

If you’re an experienced rider, you may still enjoy the ride because the route itself is varied. You’re not just repeating one track in circles.

What You’ll See Along the Ride: Bridges, Ruins, Springs, and Hills

Even though the trail selection changes depending on your group’s experience, the day’s ingredients are consistent. You travel through countryside with:

• Stone bridges
• Ruins
• Hills and valleys
• Springs
• Old villages and old churches

This matters because it keeps your brain engaged. You’re not stuck staring at one repeating view for hours. Instead, you move through different micro-scenes—sometimes quiet and rural, sometimes dramatic with canyon angles.

You may also encounter sheep herds and goats. It sounds simple, but it adds a real local texture that a more controlled riding arena never gives you.

The Physical Side: What Might Feel Hard

Horse riding in canyon country is not just a photo opportunity. Even with supportive guidance, you’re working with your body to stay balanced as your horse moves over uneven ground and uphill or downhill stretches.

One review includes the word painful, which is a reminder that saddle time can be uncomfortable for some people, especially if you don’t ride often or if you’re sensitive to long sitting. I’d plan for that possibility.

The good news is that the experience seems built around matching trails to rider ability, and instruction helps you settle in faster. Still, come with the mindset that you’ll be moving for much of the 4 hours, not just strolling.

After the Ride: Thermal Baths About 20 Minutes Away

When your ride ends back at Funky Guest House & Adventures, the day doesn’t have to stop. A big bonus is that the thermal baths are about 20 minutes from town, and you can relax in the pools afterward.

There’s a practical logic here. A horse trek can tighten your legs and core. Soaking afterward gives you a payoff that feels like part of the plan, not an accidental add-on. If you also want to explore the canyon area on foot later, the area around the baths can add a second perspective.

If you’re choosing this as your main activity day, it’s a strong pairing: action in the morning or early afternoon, then recovery and calm later.

Price and Value: What $96.79 Buys You

The price is $96.79 per person for about 4 hours. On paper, it’s “only” half a day. In practice, the value comes from what’s included and what you’re actually doing.

You get:

• The horse trekking experience in the national park area
• An air-conditioned vehicle
• Safety rider cap
• Snacks and fruit, plus cookies
• Water
• Wine or soft drinks
• A route that includes scenic canyon country and at least one cultural stop (Saint Maria Church of Leuse)

Lunch is optional (15 euro pp with drinks), which gives you flexibility if you want a lighter day.

For people who care about comfort and safety basics—transport, included rider gear, and real refreshments—this price feels more justified than a bare-bones ride. And because the group is small, you’re more likely to get hands-on help instead of being one more body in a long line.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This is a great fit if you want:

• A small-group outdoor day in southern Albania
• Proper instruction for riders at different comfort levels
• A mix of active travel and cultural stops
• A canyon-focused route rather than a repetitive track

It may be less ideal if you want an ultra-casual activity with no physical effort. It’s still a trail ride with hills and a canyon segment, so the day asks for decent willingness to sit, balance, and enjoy the movement.

Tips to Make Your Ride Smoother

• Wear shoes with grip. You’ll appreciate them if you need to manage mounting and uneven ground.
• Bring a layer. The ride is outdoors and weather shifts can happen, especially in canyon regions.
• If you have any concerns about gaits, ask how your group’s experience level will shape the route. The guides choose trails based on riders’ experience.
• Expect the day to run best in good weather. This activity requires good weather, and if it’s canceled, you’ll get another date or a refund.

Should You Book This Horse Trek in Përmet?

I’d book it if you want something more real than a quick sightseeing loop. The small group size, the coaching from Avenir/Avi and Lilly, and the focus on the Lengarica Canyon trail make it feel like a proper adventure with a human touch.

I’d think twice only if you are sensitive to long sitting or you strongly prefer very flat riding with zero chance of faster gaits. For everyone else, it’s the kind of half-day that gives you memories you can talk about later: the ride, the views, the church stop, and the chance to cool down in thermal baths afterward.

If you’re building a plan for Përmet, this is a strong anchor activity. Then you can structure the rest of your day around soaking, good food, and slow wandering.

FAQ

How long is the horseback riding experience?

It runs about 4 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Funky Guest House & Adventures on Sheshi Abdyl Frasheri, Përmet, and ends back at the same meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes snacks, fruit, cookies, water, and wine or soft drinks, plus a safety rider cap and an air-conditioned vehicle.

What is not included?

Insurance is not included. Lunch is optional for 15 euro per person and includes drinks.

Is this tour good for beginners?

Yes. The guides provide helpful instruction, and the experience is described as suitable for beginners as well as more experienced riders.

How many people are in the group?

The activity has a maximum of 7 travelers.

Is this available in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

What should I bring or plan for?

Plan for a horseback day in national park terrain. Wear appropriate footwear and be ready for an outdoor experience that depends on good weather.

What happens if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.