Half day Shpirag Mountain excursion in the company of a donkey

Shpirag Mountain excursion accompanied by donkeys

You will leave at 8:30 from the center of Berat in the direction of Shpirag and in about 30 minutes you will reach the first village, Sinje. Sinje is a small farmers' village, which you will visit before setting off, stopping at the XII-XIII century AD church of Santa Maria del Sinja, built directly on the side of the mountain. You will leave our vehicles in the village and meet with the donkeys and guides. They will take us around the mountain, which they know like the back of their hand.. The hike with the donkey lasts about 2-3 hours, interspersed with stops and a break for packed lunch.

The charm of donkey trekking Albania

The charm of donkey trekking (or rather, donkey hiking, given that you are only out for a few hours) is to be discovered and can hardly be explained in words. This is an excursion within the reach of all those who are in good health. No need to be in the best shape, just as long as you want to walk. It is also an ideal outing for the whole family. In fact, children have the opportunity to ride on the donkey, having fun like crazy. Parents have the opportunity to enjoy the landscape, take pictures, and learn about the flora and fauna of the mountain environment.

My Tour offers you an unusual and exciting experience. Walking in nature accompanied by donkeys is an activity that brings with it innumerable advantages. The donkey goes at its own pace, slow and constant, never too fast. Following his rhythm lets us relax, enjoying the landscape without haste. Secondly, the donkey is an equine that man has selected over the centuries for his great attitude as a cargo animal. Here is revealed the convenience of this excursion: backpacks and bags with clothes, water bottles and food, if the donkey carries them directly. Small children, who would tire easily on the paths, can ride on the donkey to have fun in contact with this animal, in complete safety. In short, those who have never tried to ride this nice four-legged friend should take advantage of the opportunity to try.

Shpirag, the mountain overwatching the city of Berat

Mount Shpirag, with its 1197 meters above sea level, dominates the city of Berat. The distance that separates the city from the mountain is similar to that between Trento and Monte Bondone. The mountain most dear to the inhabitants of Berat (Mali i Shpiragut) is just five kilometers as the crow flies from the historic center. On a morphological level, that of the Shpirag is a small massif, well recognizable even on geographical maps. With its elongated ridge, the mountain rapidly degrades on both sides, forming low hills that act as a perimeter.

The Shpirag is a mountain consisting of limestone, well recognizable from afar because it is marked by furrows. When we talk about this mountain, there is always an anecdote about the history of modern and contemporary Albania. At the end of the 60s of the last century, a peasant enthusiast for the communist regime created with stones an enormous writing that stood out on the east side of the mountain. There ENVER is/was written, an inscription in large letters (like the Hollywood sign) that was to celebrate the figure of President Enver Hoxha with letters about 100 meters high. In 1994, after the fall of the regime, attempts were made to remove the stones, which had now become one with the mountain. The Albanian army was called, who also tried it with napalm, without success. So, fifteen years later, the stroke of genius. Instead of removing all the stones, the word was changed to NEVE.

•Due the moderate amount of walking to reach the main attraction sites could be better to wear comfortable shoes and clothes

•We suggest this tour to customers who are able to climb and descend streets and stairs

•This tour is not suitable for customers in wheelchair

•In case of hot weather we suggest you to bring a cap with you

•Reach the meeting point 15 minutes before the departure time.