Guesthouse Trail * See a fantastic overview of Turkey and Cappadocia on the BBC Explore Istanbul and Anatolia *
This horse riding holiday in Cappadocia, Turkey is a trail, with nights spent in guesthouses, is an invitation to discover the natural, historical and cultural wealth of Cappadocia's unique landscape, a listed UNESCO World Heritage site. In groups of no more than 8 people, you will spend 5-6 hours per day riding through fascinating and challenging terrain discovering cave villages and ancient frescoed churches en route. You will discover a rural way of life where old traditions are still alive, and experience the legendary Turkish hospitality in typical Anatolian guesthouses. Accompanying non-riders are welcome to join riders on the based stay option. With their own guide and driver, they will explore Cappadocia's volcanic wonderland on foot, and join the riders in the evening at the guesthouse.
See Notes for camping and based guesthouse options.
Why not combine your horse riding holiday in Turkey with a stay in Istanbul? Please see the Notes section below for an "Add On" package.
2010: €20 per night payable on site, when available.
SAMPLE ITINERARY - CAPPADOCIA TRAIL
The itinerary below is valid for the Camping Trail and Guesthouse Trail. See the notes section for the itinerary of the Hotel Based Week (which can also be upgraded to a lovely boutique option).
Day 1 Arrival, transfer from airport. Meet the group and your guides, dinner and overnight; a relaxing start to your horse riding holiday.
Day 2 You will be driven to the ranch in the early morning to meet and choose your horse, and get acquainted with the riding equipment. The trail begins with the ascension of a narrow path along the crests overlooking the Valley of Uzengui, where abrupt rock walls shelter stone citadels. You'll pass the ancient Greek village of Mustafapasa/Sinasos, after whşch we reach teh St Nicholas Church where we stop for a picnic lunch. After lunch we ascend in the direction of the Avlak Plateau eventually reaching the camp above the village and valley of Karlik.
Day 3 Today we ride in the valley of Karlik and ascend towards Aciviran by an old mule track. The going is very steep at times and we walk next to our horses to help them over the harder parts. From the high plateau of Hodul Daga we have views over the Erciyes volcano and Taurus Mountains. We descend by another small path to the Damsa valley endıng at the remote village of Cemil. The day ends next to an ancient troglodyte monastery, at the foot of a natural spring-fed pool. You are transported to your guesthouse.
Day 4
Today there is a 4 hour ride in the morning, the afternoon is at leisure in Uchisar and Goreme for shopping or visiting the museums. Following a track left by the muleteers on the flank of the moutain, you reach a vast rocky plateau overlooking the south of Cappadocia. From the top of the cliff, the view is breathtaking. We descend through a lush valley planted with woods woods where we take a short break. Later we ride through the green countryside, crossing narrow streams, winding our way through fragrant vegetation, high grass and small woods. Later, the land turns into wide open, bare spaces where shepherds lead their flock, aided by the impressive native Turkish Kangal dogs.
After a last gallop on the steppe, we arrive at the camp around 2 o'clock and have lunch by the woodfire. You are transported to your guesthouse in Uchisar.
Day 5
You begin the 5h 30 journey from the Valley of Sorkumlu; there are areas so narrow that they form a deep canyon with many out-of-the way treasures. You'll gallop on a long sandy path lined with orchards and gardens, still cultivated by the locals using horses or mules. In green field we stop, surrounded by walls of soft colourful rock, where the horses can rest and graze. After a picnic on the woodfire and a siesta at the foot of a pear tree, we continue over rolling hills of white tufa leading us up to a rock pinnacle embracing Cappadocia's most beautiful valleys. You sneak your way through the rocky labyrinths, tunnels and arches of the splendid Green Valley in order to reach the campsite above it. You admire the valley's strangely shaped pink rock formations while sipping tea. Then you are driven to your B&B in Goreme, for a comfortable and relaxing evening. Tonight we enjoy dinner as guests in a private Turkish home.
Day 6 You walk through the paved streets of the charming village of Goreme and enter the Pigeon Valley - one of Cappadocia's most well-known - towards Uchisar. The small, agile horses are able to move into the White Valley through a narrow path carved in the rock. We take a short break at the foot of the fancy fairy chimneys of the aptly named Love Valley... You'll reach the plateau again for a canter and break for lunch in the shady woods of the Sheep Valley. We head on towards Çavuşin nad visit the old village. We follow tracks carved in the rocks along Boztepe towards Paşabağ and fınısh with a canter to our stop at Yeni Zelve. Here we enjoy our dınner high up in a cave, cooked over an open camp fire, watching the stars appear before returning to our guest house for a comfortable night.
Day 7
We proceed through the forest of fairy chimneys in Devrent Valley. We dismount to climb the Ak Tepe moutain in order to reach the mausoleum of local saint Alil Dede. From his resting place, you have a 360° view over Cappadocia. You descend through the maze of tracks and paths up the crests and down the canyons of the Red Valley. With its cidatels of red, pink and ocre rock, this is Cappadocia's most spectacular valley. A secret passage leads to a vast nave carved in the rock: here is the Church of the Cross, where we stop for lunch. In the afternoon, you leave the tortuous paths behind you to take advantage of larger tracks for a long gallop. You cross the Valley of Pancarlik and complete the 5h 30 in the saddle by mid-afternoon. After a farewell tea on the terrace, we are driven back to the B&B we started at a long week ago. There is an opportunity to go shopping and/or visit a hammam before our farewell dinner at the B&B.
Day 8 After breakfast, bid farewell to Turkey and depart to the airport and your onward journey.
Please note: This itinerary is given for your guidance only and it may be altered in accordance with the prevailing conditions by the organising team.
NOTES - CAPPADOCIA TRAIL
Camping Trail Similar to the Guesthouse Trail but more basic. This would suit those who enjoy outdoor living and do not mind a level of basic comfort and service - this option offers good value and a relaxed atmosphere. Camp next to the horses in a different well chosen and beautiful spot every night.
Hotel Based Week This new option includes 7 nights accommodation (Sunday to Sunday) and 4 riding days with an optional 5th riding day or take part in various activities. This is perfect for riders looking for more comfort and a flexible programme without compromising on riding and scenery. This is a great idea for families of confident riders.
For group bookings accommodation can be upgraded to a boutique hotel offering a higher level of comfort and service as well as access to a private park with swimming pool.
Apart from riding, the various activites on offer for Day 4 are, to name but a few, a hot air balloon ride (please enquire for the cost), cross golf, visiting the Goreme Open Air Museum, excursion to the underground cities and a steam bath and massage at the Hamman. Please enquire for a full list.
Group size and capacity
When 8 or more riders are taking part in a trail, the group splits in two. Groups use the same routes, with different timings. Groups meet in the evening. The maximum number of riders in one group is 8. On request, we can organise tailor-made trails that can accommodate up to 28 participants.
Weight limit
There is a strict 90kg weight limit for this ride and riders are weighed on arrival. Those exceeding this limit will not be allowed to ride.
Istanbul Add On Package Two nights accommodation can be arranged at the start or end of your trip in the city where East meets West. Staying right in the heart of the Old Town, within walking distance of the top attractions such as the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.
The hotel is an intimate, typically Turkish, family ran establishment renovated from a typical Ottoman wooden house and built into the cities ancient walls.
Also included in the package is a half day "Two Continents Tour" and full day "Byzantine and Ottoman Relics Tour" organised and escorted by your hosts.
Transfers can be arranged from Istanbul Ataturk airport to the hotel in Istanbul for 20 euros one way - payable locally.
We can arrange these on your behalf to fit in with your flight details or you can arrange departure flight transfer with your hosts during your stay.
The weight limit for this ride is 14 st/198 lb/90 kg, please enquire if you are an experienced rider exceeding this weight.
FURTHER DETAILS
As we are specialists in our field we have extensive knowledge of all our products from details of accommodation and meals to number/size/type of horses to pace of riding ... and much more.
Should you wish to receive further details of this ride please click here.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
All riding, accommodation, meals, non alcoholic drinks, guiding and luggage transfer as per itinerary.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
Alcoholic Drinks, non standard transfers, items of a personal nature.
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