Classic Horseback Ride in Cappadocia, Turkey

8 Days, Multiple Departures

Show All photos
Classic Horseback Ride in Cappadocia, Turkey
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Things to keep in mind

Best Seller

Departing from the Avanos Ranch, the classic trail offers an immersive journey through the captivating landscapes of Cappadocia. As you ride, you’ll pass through a diverse array of terrain, from the pastoral charm of rural Cappadocia to some of the region’s most stunning valleys. The trail winds through a succession of dramatic rock formations, verdant canyons, and expansive plateaus, revealing the unique natural beauty of this extraordinary area. Along the way, you’ll encounter steppe-like landscapes dotted with lush vineyards and fruit orchards, adding to the region's surprising variety.

The route not only offers breathtaking views but also provides a window into the traditional Anatolian way of life. Picturesque villages along the trail reflect the simple, timeless nature of rural life in Turkey. Throughout the journey, you’ll discover remarkable historical and cultural sites, including ancient frescoed churches and troglodytic dwellings carved into the region’s soft volcanic rock, each telling a story of Cappadocia’s rich and layered past. This classic trail offers riders a truly unforgettable experience, blending natural beauty with historical significance.

It is possible to include during the week a hot-air balloon flight over Cappadocia's surreal landscape at sunrise, as well as a Turkish bath experience (steam bath and massage at Urgup's traditional hamam at the end of the week).

The riders won’t lead their horse on long walks uphill or downhill ; only on few rough passages where they need to dismount from the horse and a short walk in the morning before getting in the saddle.

About

6 riding days, 7 nights on double, twin or triple room.

The loan of a horse and riding equipment.

English and French speaking guides (1 per group of 8 or less).

Nights and food accommodation full board (except the arrival night).

Regular transfers between local airports and hotels.

The first diner of your arrival.

International flights.

Optional activities (Hot air balloon, hammam, Open Air Museum of Gorëme, swimming pool).

Extra drinks.

BY PLANE (Domestic flights to Kayseri or Nevsehir):

Airlines: Turkish Airlines, Pegasus and various companies (easyjet, KLM, Alitalia, Onur air, etc).

We recommend you to arrive in the airport between 11:00 AM and 6:00 PM. The chauffeur from Cappadocia Transfer will wait for you at the airport with your name written on a board and will drive you in 50 mnn to your hotel in Urgup (Surban hotel or Melis Cave).

Your guides will joint you on Sunday at 8:00 PM for a welcome dinner. On Monday morning, our chauffeur will pick you up for the 10-minute drive to the ranch.

BY BUS (to Nevsehir bus station) :
You can also travel to Cappadocia by bus from Istanbul or anywhere in Turkey. Buses are modern and comfortable (you can book your bus in advance on Obilet). From Istanbul, a one way ticket is about 25 Euros, and takes about 12 hours (with regular breaks). Buses arrive in the city of Nevsehir, where you could take a shuttle to the city of Urgup. You should plan your arrival for the Sunday morning before trail departure and contact us in advances for directions to the guesthouse we will have booked for you.

7 nights in double/twin room with ensuite toilets and shower.

All guesthouses offer internet access.

Lunch is taken in different restaurants and snacks or served in the nature by the team, you will taste local specialties.

Dinner and breakfast are taken at the hotels. Hotels serve Anatolian cuisine for dinner comprising a starter, one or two courses and a dessert. Vegetarian menu on request. Tea and mineral water are included.

Cappadocia wine, local alcoholic drinks, beer and soft drinks are available as an option.

Your luggage will be transferred by our logistics vehicle. You should pack several, lighter bags rather than one large, heavy suitcase.

Good walking shoes or ankle boots with good rubber soles are essential. Full riding boots and shoes with smooth soles are absolutely not recommended. It makes the walks difficult or impossible.

Chaps or half-chaps.

Hard hat. Riding without a hard hat is at the rider own risk.

One liter water flask. In June, July, August, and September, bring 2 x 1 liter.

Sun protection in summer : hat, sunglasses and sun lotion.

In summer, desert cloths; in spring and autumn, bring some warm clothing and a good waterproof jacket.

A swimming suit (for the hamam and the swimming pool).

Your own basic pharmacy.

A small camera with a case logic that you can fix on your belt or on the saddle.

For the camp trail: sleeping bag, towels, torch, power bank (to charge your electronic devices), mosquito repellent, an extra pairs of shoes and few small water proof bags for crossing rivers.

Your saddles are fitted with 2 saddle-bags for you to carry your personal belongings for the day.

For your comfort, pack several, lighter bags rather than one large, heavy suitcase.

Pocket Money For Coffee Stops (It is best to withdraw money in Turkish Lira at Istanbul Airport).

"I have just spent an incredible week with in the Ranch in Cappadocia. I took a group of 13 experienced riders, meaning that we split into two trail groups. One group was led by Nico, the other by Ibo and Kutzi. All riders had a fabulous ride through the most amazing scenery and everyone was perfectly matched to a horse that really was their dancing partner. The guides are excellent, and the horses are amazing - so surefooted, solid and sensible. You do need to be fit - there is a fair amount of dismounting and leading through slippery or steep areas, but the horses are so careful of you and their own feet, they make it easy. The trip was one of the best I have gone on, throughout the world, and I will be taking another group there."

- Ashleigh (As seen on TripAdvisor)

"Great horses, phenomenal terrain and views, and wonderful food. A full on and fun trip. You don’t find these kinds of riding experiences very often. Lots of experience, care and thought has gone into these rides etc."

- Mary W (As seen on TripAdvisor)

Gallery
About The Host

Our stable is composed of forward-going Arab horses who will surprise you with their robustness and their agility. They are small (1,50 m on average - the ideal size for trailing on tortuous paths !).

Responsive, well-balanced and respectful of the rider, they are trained with natural horsemanship method. Our horses live together in a herd, which contributes to their well-being. Don't look for boxes, when they are not on trail, our horses are grazing in the fields around the farm.

Itinerary

Day 1 Horse Center – Sarihidir – Bayramhadji – Mount Ziyaret – Avanos

You meet Cappadock's team at the ranch for breakfast and are driven to the ranch.

Meet the horses at the equestrian center and take a short warm-up ride along the banks of

the Red River to Lake Bayramhaci. We will pass through the village of Sarihidir and return through the vineyards of Mount Ziyaret to finish in Avanos. (5 hours). Overnight in Avanos. B,L,D.

The afternoon is spent riding through lush vegetation and along the stream of the Uzengi canyon. You are drived back to Urgup where you will spend a secound night. (Driving time : 5 min)

Day 2 Avanos – Chayaghil – Baglidere (Love Valley) – Uchisar

Departure towards Uchisar. After passing through the small canyon of Çayagil, we will continue to the Valley of Love, with its "fairy-tale" wonders. We will finish in Uchisar, a huge rocky outcrip for a panoramic view. Overnight in Uçhisar.

Day 3 Zemi – Kiliclar – Red Valley- Rose Valley – Uzumlu Church – Karankemer – Uchisar

We enter the most beautiful Cappadocian valleys with their multicolored lunar shapes: the Valley of Kiliçlar, the Red Valley, and many others, to admire the varied landscapes created by volcanoes and erosion. Lunch on the terrace next to the Uzumlu chapel will let us experience Turkish hospitality. Return to our accommodation through the KaranKemer Valley. Overnight in Uçhisar. (5.5 hours).

Day 4 Ibrahimpasha – Gomeda Valley – Uzengidere – Mustafapaşa Village

We venture into a less-known Cappadocia by classic travelers. The village of Ibrahimpacha (also called Babayan) still retains its agricultural aspect. We continue towards Gomeda and Uzengi, valleys with immense pigeon houses. We will end our day in Mustafapaşa, an old Greek village that has preserved an authentic character. Night in Mustafapaşa. (5 hours).

Day 5 Mount Avlak – Damsa Lake – Golgoli Ruins – Keshlik Monastery – Mustafapaşa

This day offers total change and diversity. This hike takes us to another image of Cappadocia. Through plateaus and valleys, we will pass by the fairy chimney formations of the Golgoli site. A trail will take us to the Keşlik Monastery, where we will have lunch and then visit the rock monastery. Return to Mustafapaşa via a trail that overlooks the entire valley. Night in Mustafapaşa.

Day 6 Pancarlik – Monastery Hospital – Bozdag – Devrent – Saruhan – Avanos

Every day and every moment has its uniqueness in Cappadocia. Through the Pancarlik Valley and a monastery that was once a hospital, we will take a path to admire an impressive view of the Rose Valley. Then, we will transition to the Devrent Valley, now called the Valley of Imagination, to arrive at the 13th-century Saruhan Caravanserai, built by the Seljuks. We will then follow along the Red River to return to the stable. Night in Avanos (5.5 hours).

Things to keep in mind

In case of cancelation, your payment will not be refund. For this reason, we advise you to subscribe a cancelation INSURANCE.
You must have appropriate travel and repatriation insurance to take part in our trails. Make sure your policy covers horse-riding activities abroad. Your insurance details will be requested on booking.
You must have an adequate riding level, level of fitness and body weight to take part in our trails. In doubt, please enquire.

The progressive trail in guesthouses (Sportive, Comfort & Discovery) are confirmed when we have received a minimum of 2 firm bookings.

The progressive trail in camp (The Great Cappadocian Ride, Dalyan and Antalya) are confirmed when we have received a minimum of 4 firm bookings. If it is not confirmed at the time of departure, the camp trail will be proposed with a supplement.

Direct bookings are confirmed on receipt of a non-refundable 30% deposit.

The outstanding amount have to be paid one month before departure.