Discover the silent beauty of Cappadocia's extraordinary landscape of fairy chimneys and volcanic formations. Whether negotiating the narrow paths, galloping through the steppe or along the lush canyons, you will enjoy exhilarating riding along deserted nature trails. Visit cave villages, troglodytic monasteries and ancient frescoed churches where you will discover the historical and cultural wealth of this region - a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This ride falls within our adventure rides category. In groups of no more than 8 people, you will spend 5-6 hours per day in the saddle, exploring a rural way of life where old traditions are still alive, and experience the legendary Turkish hospitality. Accompanying non-riders are welcome to join riders on the Comfort Trail 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 guesthouses.
See Notes for camping, guesthouse and comfort 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.
2012: €25 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 Comfort Trail.
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 are driven to the ranch in the early morning to meet and choose your horse, and get acquainted with the riding equipment. The trails begins with the ascension of the Avlak mountain, with a magnificent encompassing view of Cappadocia. The rocky hills could provide the perfect background to a Western movie… You stop for a picnic in a shady canyon cut deep in the mountain, then spend the afternoon riding through expanses of bare hills surrounding Lake Damsa. You trot and canter along tracks of soft red clay leading you to Mustafapasa. You ride into the village from the hills, to reach your guesthouse located in an ancient Greek mansion. Your horses will spend the night in the nearby garden. In the evening, you may stroll among Mustafapasa’s old stone houses, its Ottoman madrasa and its painted church.
Day 3 Leaving the guesthouse on horseback, you ride up the valley of St Nicholas towards the far south of Cappadocia. Your sure-footed horses take you off the beaten tracks along a scenic path through rock formations, vineyard and orchards, surrounded by table-mountains. You enter the village of Ayvali through a hidden canyon, and stop for lunch at a restaurant nested in the rock. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a varied scenery of narrow tracks, small canyons, farmed land, and the wide-open spaces of Bahceli, where shepherds lead their flock. You sneak your way along the lush, narrow canyon of Sorkumlu, before galloping on large sandy tracks. In the evening, you arrive to your guesthouse in Mustafapasa with the horses, for your last night in the village.
Day 4
This day comprises 3:30 hours riding in the morning. Your afternoon is at leisure in Cappadocia's most picturesque villages: Uchisar and Göreme, where you can visit the Open Air Museum, among other sites.
You trot and canter through vineyards and orchards and over rolling hills of white tuffa to reach Ibrahimpasa. From this picturesque village, you start ascending the ‘twin hills' of Cappadocia to reach a panoramic viewpoint encompassing northern Cappadocia and the towering rock fortress of Uchisar. As you ride towards the village, you can admire the multicoloured rock formations of the famous Pigeon Valley, and Uchisar’s picturesque fairy chimneys. Your reach your panoramic guesthouse on horseback and enjoy a late lunch on the terrace. You may spend the rest of the day exploring Uchisar or hiking to the churches of Göreme’s Open Air Museum through the Pigeon Valley. An excursion to the underground cities can also be organised on request.
Day 5
Optional hot-air balloon flight in the early morning: travel with the wind over Cappadocia's magical landscape at sunrise. This is payable locally at 150 Euro per person (2012).
You sneak your way through the rock tunnels, arches and small woods of the spectacular, 4 km-long canyon called the Green Valley. You make a detour through the famous Love Valley and its gigantic phallic rock formations, then onto the Sword Valley and Red Valley. With its cidatels of red, pink and ocre rock, and its beautiful troglodytic churches, this is Cappadocia's most spectacular ensemble of geological formations. A cave café located in an ancient monastery welcomes you for lunch. In the afternoon, you keep exploring the Red and Rose Valleys, then ride out into the fields, surrounded by the rocky hills of north Cappadocia. The winding paths of the Shepherd’s valley take you back to your guesthouse in Uchisar, in time to admire central Cappadocia in the sunset light.
Day 6 Optional hot-air balloon flight in the early morning: travel with the wind over Cappadocia's magical landscape at sunrise. This is payable locally at 150 Euro per person (2012).
You enter another beautiful canyon called the White Valley, after the colour of its rock. You ride through stone labyrinths and lush vegetation, and pass the impressive fairy chimneys of yet another Love Valley. Crossing the picturesque village of Çavuşin, you follow a scenic path carved in the red rock to reach the famous formations of Paşabaği, and then onto Zelve, an ancient troglodytic settlement which you can visit during your lunch break at a family restaurant. In the afternoon, you canter across the plain of Avanos towards the crests overlooking Devrent valley and its strangely shaped fairy chimneys. You enjoy more long trots and canters through the maze of woody, sandy paths of the valley of Urgup before reaching Ortahisar. Your terraced guesthouse in the village’s ancient quarters is located above a canyon where the horses will spend the night.
Day 7
You ride through the valley of Pancarlik and its multicoloured rock formations, gardens and orchards, then through lush vegetation and along the stream of the Uzengi canyon. Villagers cook lunch for you on the woodfire, at the foot of troglodytic citadels of dovecotes carved out the abrupt rock walls. In the afternoon, you sneak your way among the fairy chimneys of Gümüslü valley, then canter on the large tracks leading you to the natural rock circus of Taslik. More fun riding awaits you in the narrow corridors and arches of the canyon of Tahtali. You ride uphill to reach the crests again, then follow a spectacular, narrow path along a cliff overlooking the canyons. You return to the ranch in the late afternoon. After tea on the terrace, you have an option to be driven to the hamam in Ürgüp for a relaxing steam bath and massage (free minibus transfer). Short transfer back to your guesthouse in Ortahisar and farewell dinner.
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
Comfort Trail This new option includes 7 nights accommodation (Sunday to Sunday) in 2 different guesthouses and 5 riding days (5th day optional) or option to take part in various activities. This semi-progressive itinerary is perfect for riders looking for more comfort and a flexible programme without compromising on riding and scenery. This is a great trail for families of confident riders and riders who lack a bit of confidence but is not suitable for beginners or novices. July and August dates also include the use of a swimming pool during lunch breaks.
We also have the option of a Luxury Comfort Trail. Please enquire for prices.
Sunday
Arrival at Kayseri airport with the 19:40 Turkish Airlines TK2018 flight. You are met by the chauffeur and transferred in 50 min to your accommodation in Urgüp, central Cappadocia, where you have dinner with your guide. The transfer for those on this Turkish Airlines flight is included in the price however as of 2011 it is possible to arrive on other flights into Kayseri and a shuttle service is available for 10 Euro per person each way, payable locally. Please do not arrive too late as this service may not be available and you may also miss the introductory dinner.
Monday: "Ortahisar": After getting acquainted with your horse and riding equipment, you leave in the morning to explore the scenic green valleys of Yatak and Pancarlik. Your sure-footed horse takes you safely along the rocky paths carved by generations of muleteers. You pass ancient troglodytic churches off the beaten track, then follow the stream towards the village of Ortahisar. You stop for lunch at a traditional guesthouse overlooking the canyons or, in summer, at a hotel with a swimming pool. In the afternoon, you launch into a long canter on a sandy track leading you to the churches of Gomeda. You ride along a spectacular cliff on your way back to the ranch, stopping en-route to admire the panorama over south Cappadocia. Short transfer back to your guesthouse in Urgüp.
Tuesday : " Mustafapasa " The day begins through the lush canyon of Uzengi, where abrupt rock walls shelter troglodytic citadels of dovecotes. You ride through the fairy chimneys of Gümüslü valley and then canter towards the valley of Tartali. You pass through the valley’s natural rock arches and narrow rock corridors to reach the village of Mustafapasa for lunch. You may stroll among the village’s old Greek mansions, or relax by the restaurant’s swimming pool. In the afternoon, the landscape changes radically as you ride across Avlak mountain. Here, large expanses of bare lands resemble the Mongolian steppes; there, rocky hills could provide the perfect background to a Western movie. You return to the ranch in the evening light, through small woods and green gardens. Short transfer back to your guesthouse in Urgüp.
Wednesday: "Uchisar" Today’s itinerary takes you to the beautiful valleys of north Cappadocia, and to the village of Uchisar. You trot and canter through vineyards and orchards and over rolling hills of white tuffa to reach Ibrahimpasa. From this picturesque village, you start ascending the ‘twin hills' of Cappadocia. A nice canter at the top takes you to a panoramic viewpoint encompassing northern Cappadocia and the towering rock fortress of Uchisar. As you ride towards the village, you can admire the multicoloured rock formations of the famous Pigeon Valley, and Uchisar’s picturesque fairy chimneys. Your reach your villa accommodation on horseback and enjoy a late lunch on the terrace. You may spend the rest of the day exploring the village, resting by the swimming pool of a nearby hotel, or hiking to the churches of Göreme’s Open Air Museum through the Pigeon Valley.
Thursday: “ The Green Valley”
You ride out from the villa, sneaking your way through the rock tunnels, arches and small woods of the spectacular, 4 km-long canyon called the Green Valley. Later, the landscape opens up on a magnificent panorama over the Bozdaga mountain. You make a detour through the famous Love Valley and its gigantic phallic rock formations, before entering the village of Göreme, where you stop for lunch by the swimming pool. In the afternoon, you ride on top of panoramic crests, then trot and canter on tracks of white tuffa, surrounded by the rocky hills of north Cappadocia. The winding paths of the green Shepherd’s valley take you back to your villa in Uchisar, in time to admire central Cappadocia at sunset.
Friday: “The Red Valley” Leaving the villa on horseback, you enter another beautiful canyon called the White Valley. You sneak your way through arches, rocky labyrinths and lush vegetation, then ride onto the majestic Red Valley, also called the Valley of the Roses. With its cidatels of red, pink and ocre rock, this is Cappadocia's most spectacular ensemble of mineral formations. You stop to visit the cave churches nested into the rock walls, then stop for lunch at an ancient troglodytic monastery. After a siesta on the restaurant's comfortable terrace, you leave the tortuous paths behind to enjoy a long gallop on a sandy track lined with tree. You cross the Valley of Pancarlik and its multicoloured fairy chimneys, and you arrive at the ranch in the late afternoon. Short transfer to your guesthouse in Ürgüp.
Saturday : optional 6th riding day : "Bahceli": Today’s itinerary takes you to the remote villages of Ayvali and Bahceli, in the far south of Capppadocia. Here, ancient traditions are still alive and people still tend their gardens with horses and donkeys. You ride through the wide-open, steppe-like landscape surrounding lake Damsa, enjoying canters on tracks of soft red clay, surrounded by the table-mountains of south Cappadocia. You enter the village of Ayvali through a hidden canyon, and stop for lunch at a restaurant nested in the rock. In the afternoon, the canyon takes you further down to the ancient troglodytic quarters of Bahceli. You ride through a maze of paths lined with orchards and vineyards, then launch into a long canter on the large dust tracks taking you back to the ranch. Short transfer back to your guesthouse in Urgüp.
OR: optional activities
- Hot-air balloon flight - at sunrise, travel with the wind over Cappadocia's spectacular landscape. The experience of a lifetime !
- Visit of Göreme Open Air Museum - the region's greatest concentration of frescoed churches, with some dating back to the 4th century
- Excursion to the underground cities - used as shelters during wartime, the larger cities descend to 8 levels below ground level and feature series of rooms, stairs and tunnels.
- Visit of the ancient troglodytic village of Zelve and of Sarihan caravanserai, a carefully renovated 12th century Seljoukide fortress on the ancient Silk Road.
- Ceremony of the Whirling-Derviches - night representation at the Sarihan caravanserai
- Excursion to the valley of Ilhara - at the foot of Hasan Dagi volcano, this long, lush canyon shelters several churches
- Excursion to the valley of Soganli - off the beaten tracks, churches and dovecotes unique in Cappadocia
- Mountain bike; motor rides (jeep, scooter, ATV)
- Cross golf - forget the green, Cappadocia's landscape provides the perfect playground for this new approach to golf
- Visit to local craftshops and workshops: carpets, kilims, pottery, jewels.
Sunday
After breakfast, departure to Kayseri airport at 07:30 for your 09:40 TK2011 flight to Istanbul.
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.
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 (water, tea and coffee), guiding and luggage transfer as per itinerary.
For price details click here
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
International flights, alcoholic and all other drinks, non standard transfers, items of a personal nature. Comfort Trail - as above plus drinks throughout the holiday and lunch on the 6th day if no optional activity is booked
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What you see on our web site is exactly how much your invoice will come to and this will not change once booked. Unlike some other companies the prices on our web site are fully inclusive of often hidden extras such as: VAT, Sales Tax, state taxes, city taxes, service charges, non-optional tips, fuel surcharges which can add 20% or more to the advertised cost. Prices are available in £ sterling, Euros and US$. Once invoiced, prices are guaranteed against adverse currency fluctuations. Contact us for package prices which include flights from the UK and see each ride for exact details of all items in individual itineraries.
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