Horse riding holidays in Turkey offer an exhilarating way to experience the unique landscapes and rich history of this truly diverse destination. With easy access from Europe, Turkey offers adventure close to home. Whether you're exploring the spectacular landscapes of Cappadocia, with its fairy chimneys, volcanic formations and cave villages, or embarking on our exciting Valley of the Wild Horses route, which takes you through mountains, valleys, and past encounters with wild horses, there's no shortage of adventure to be had in Turkey. In between rides, indulge in the flavourful cuisine and immerse yourself in the thousands of years of history that make Turkey such a fascinating and rewarding destination.
At Unicorn Trails, we will work with you to plan your perfect horseback riding vacation in Turkey. With our expert guides, well-trained horses, and carefully curated trails, we guarantee a safe and unforgettable experience every step of the way.
More About Turkey: Turkey is an amazing country with a history to rival any other country in the world. This is the homeland of the Byzantine and Ottaman Empire and it's here that Florence Nightingale nursed the soldiers in the Crimean War. Turkey is one of those rare countries that span two continents and its capital Istanbul (or as it was once known, Constantinople) is the only city in the world that has this honour. Istanbul is a wonderful vibrant city and makes an excellent add-on to Unicorn riding holidays. The section of the city on the western shore of the Bospherous lies in Europe while the section on the eastern shore falls into Asia. Its illustrious history has left a legacy of fantastic museums, mosques and palaces. The streets are bustling and the Grand Bazaar is THE place to shop. You'll need to barter for a bargain!
Turkey also has very diverse scenery. Firstly, there are the coastlines; a Mediterranean Coast, an Aegean Coast and a Black Sea Coast. The sparsely populated area now called Anatolia, previously Asia Minor, is huge and 97% of Turkey falls into this area. Two mountain ranges, the Taurus and the Black Sea Mountains run west to east finally meeting to create one enormous mountainous area where two ancient rivers - the Euphrates and the Tigres spring. The most incredible scenery is in the area called Cappadocia and it truly defies description.
Our Horseback Riding Trails in Turkey
Cappadocia Adventure Trail: Discover the silent beauty of Cappadocia's extraordinary landscape of fairy chimneys and volcanic formations on our Cappadocia Adventure Trail. 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 explore the historical and cultural wealth of this region - a UNESCO World Heritage site. This holiday spans 8 days, but we also offer a shortened 5-day version, ensuring you still experience all the essential highlights of Cappadocia's beauty.
Riders can choose from a selection of hotels, from small simple guest houses to more comfortable boutique hotels. The riding allows for long and faster canters over the open plains but slows down amongst the rock formations. Optional hot air balloon flights can also be arranged. Groups, limited to a maximum of 8 people, spend 3-6 hours per day in the saddle, discovering a rural lifestyle where old traditions thrive and experiencing the legendary Turkish hospitality. This trail suits strong novices, intermediate, and advanced riders, and is ideal for families who enjoy riding together.
Valley of the Wild Horses: We also have another Turkey trail which takes riders to the Valley of the Wild Horses, suitable for intermediate riders and above. Stretching over 8 days, this ride offers guests an exciting opportunity to explore the diverse terrain of Southern Turkey. Old caravan trails wind their way through the mountains and valleys, offering a thrilling journey through the heart of this incredible landscape. Along the way, you'll experience the local culture and traditions, stopping for tea with a goatherd and staying in a classic Ottoman styled boutique hotel. From slower mountain trails to cantering through grasslands, the riding will be adjusted according to your ability to ensure an unforgettable experience.
The Best Time of Year to Book
The ideal time to book an equestrian vacation in Turkey largely depends on your climate preference. Turkey experiences a continental climate, marked by significant temperature variations. In summer, daytime temperatures range from 25º to 35º, while evenings and nights are cooler, between 10º and 15º. Spring tends to be cooler and wetter, whereas autumn is typically warm, dry, and sunny. Winters bring snow to the mountains and colder temperatures, ranging from 5º to 10º.
The summer months are always popular, but it can be hot for horse riding. If you do travel then, we would advise riding in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the hottest part of the day. For most visitors, the best time of year to book a horse riding holiday in Turkey is mid-April to early June or September to early November. These periods offer the best combination of comfortable riding weather, beautiful scenery and manageable tourist crowds.
Getting to Turkey
There are several ways to get to Turkey, with the most common and convenient method for most international travellers being by air. Turkey is well-served by numerous airlines, making it easily accessible from various parts of the world. For our Cappadocia Adventure, the nearest airports are Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport and Kayseri Erkilet Airport. You can fly indirectly from the UK via Istanbul, which is a major hub offering connections to many destinations within Turkey. For our Valley of the Wild Horses trip, Antalya Airport is the closest option, and there are plenty of flights from various UK airports direct to Antalya.
Book your Horseback Riding Vacation in Turkey with Unicorn Trails
Discover Turkey like never before with Unicorn Trails. Our team of friendly and knowledgeable experts will work with you to plan the perfect horse riding adventure for you in this spectacular destination. We will provide you with valuable insider knowledge and give you independent advice on the best routes and local experiences. With comfortable and well-trained horses, you can relax and enjoy the journey while taking in all the beauty that Turkey has to offer. And with delicious local cuisine and warm hospitality at every stop, you'll get a taste of Turkish culture along the way. So why wait? Contact us today and let's create your perfect horseback riding vacation in Turkey.
read less
