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Turkey - Cappadocia Trail Ride

Cappadocia, or "land of the beautiful horses" as it is called in Old Persian, includes the Göreme Valley, Ürgüp and its surrounds. It is one of the most mysterious and stunning landscapes in the world, and has even been the backdrop to one of the Star Wars’ movies. Time, wind and weather have shaped the almost sensual curves of this once-volcanic region and the rounded peaks and pinnacles are known today as "fairy chimneys". Cappadocia is unique, and is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

The ranch is located in the heart of the National Park and is a perfect starting point to explore the famous Cappadocia Valley. French-born Nicolas discovered Cappadocia when he first went there as a film producer. After having travelled and ridden a lot in Asia, including Afghanistan and Turkey, he moved here nine years ago to realize his dream and since then has organized trekking in the area. He speaks English, French and Turkish. Nicolas is an open and soft-spoken person, but if you ask him a question, he can talk for hours about horses, Turkey, and the history of the area ... he or one of the experienced guides in the team will show you an amazing part of Turkey.

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Accommodation and Food

You will stay at family-run guesthouses which is typical for the area (stone houses, cave houses, Ottoman and Greek style). During the week, you will stay in 3-4 different guesthouses, in Cappadocia's most beautiful villages. Double rooms with ensuite shower / toilet. Most offer free Internet access and a laundry service.

Turkey is known for its kebabs, mezes (different kinds of side dishes) and also and the use of vegetables and fish. Central Anatolia is well known for its Manti and Gozleme, delicious pastries filled with spinach and cheese and other tasty fillings. Breakfast is typically continental. Most days you will ride to a local restaurant for lunch, and some days you will enjoy a picnic. Dinner usually consists of an appetizer, one or two main courses and a dessert. Vegetarians can be catered for but please notify us before departure. Water, tea and coffee are included. Local wine, beer and other beverages are available and you pay locally.

Program Cappadocia Trail Ride - sportive

You ride 6 days, about 5-6 hours / day. About 35 km  / day  on varied grounds. Pace is walk, with prevalent canters. Canters can be long (15 minutes) and technical (turn, slow down, downhill).
Riders must be in good physical condition to take part in the progressive trail. Circuit includes difficult ways where riders will be asked to dismount and lead their horses, sometimes up or down steep paths (twice 20 minutes downhill on rocky ground).
During the week, you have the chance to take a sunrise hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia's surreal landscape, as well as take side trips to the cave cities. You can also get a steam bath and massage in Ürgüp’s traditional hammam (bathhouses) at the end of the week.

Tentative Itinerary (subject to change)

Day 1: Arrival at Kayseri airport. You are met by your chauffeur and transferred in 50 mn to your guesthouse in Urgup, where you have dinner with your guide.

Day 2 - You are driven to the ranch in the morning to meet your horse, and get acquainted with the riding equipment. You will have time to try your horse on a 1 km training course going around the farm. The trail begins with a one-hour riding 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. After lunch, you will ride in the stream of Uzengi, very quickly, the frst long canter brings you to Avlak mountain, with a magnifcent encompassing view of Cappadocia. The rocky hills could provide the perfect background to a Western movie...
The afternoon is spent riding through a huge valley where the ghost village of Karain takes place. Arriving in Akkoy, the horses are tied, you can enjoy a drink looking at them in your hotel.

Day 3 - We start this day by cantering through felds of the high Anatolian plateau (1600 m high) : barley, wheat, oat and beans felds. We dismount for 20 minutes of a steep single trail down to Damsa lake. Arriving in Keslik Monasteri, villagers cook lunch for us on a woodfre. Passing by and overlooking a valley of fairy chimneys, the afternoon scenery is made of bare hills surrounding the lake. (In case of hot weather, you can swim in the lake with your horse). You canter along tracks of soft red clay leading you to the village of Ayvali through a hidden canyon, and stop at your hotel.

Day 4 - In the morning, a quick start with a canter brings you to visit the underground village of Golgoli. Your sure-footed horse takes you off the beaten tracks along a scenic path through rock formations, vineyard and orchards, surrounded by table-mountains. Arrival in the center of the old Greek village of Mustafapasa and visit on horseback. You climb a scenic plateau where you have the opportunity to gallop your horse again. ` After a short ride, you arrive to your hotel in Ayvali. (depending on the season and weather forecast, lunch in Mustafapasa or next to the swimming pool in Ayvali)

Day 5 - Leaving the hotel on horseback, you can enjoy a varied scenery of narrow tracks, small canyons, farmed land, and the wide- open spaces of Subasi, where shepherds lead their flock. You sneak your way along the lush, narrow canyon of a remote village, before galloping on large sandy tracks. Visit of a second and different type of underground village : “Kirkule”. Long canter leads us through vineyards and orchards and over rolling hills of white tuffa to reach the fairy chimneys of Gomeda valley, then more fun riding awaits you in the narrow corridors and arches of the canyon of Gumuslu. You ride uphill to reach one of our best restaurants for lunch: “Babayan evi”. Very good and healthy local food. 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 drink on the terrace.

Day 6 - Optional hot-air balloon flight in the early morning: travel with the wind over Cappadocia’s magical landscape at sunrise.
You ride 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 into the Sword Valley and Red Valley. With its citadels of red, pink and ocre rock, and its beautiful troglodytic churches, this is Cappadocia’s most spectacular ensemble of geological formations. A cave cafe 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 with a long canter to your guesthouse in Uchisar, in time to admire north Cappadocia in the sunset light. 

Day 7 - 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 Cavusin, you dismount for a short walk to reach the plateau of Boz daha, you canter on the crest overlooking Red valley on one side and Devrent valley on the other, with its strangely shaped fairy chimneys on the other side. You enjoy more long canters through the maze of woody, sandy paths of the valley of Urgüp before reaching the valley of Pancarlik and its multicoloured rock formations, gardens and orchards. You return to the ranch in the afternoon. After tea on our terrace, you have an option to be driven to the hamam in Urgüp for a relaxing steam bath and massage. Short transfer back to your guesthouse and farewell dinner. 

Day 8: After breakfast transfer to Kayseri Airport.

Program Cappadocia Trail Ride - comfort

You ride 5 days  / 5 h riding each day. 28 km per day on average, on varied terrain. Pace is primarily walk but with canters every day. Sometimes long canters (15 minutes). Physical condition:  Riders must be in good physical condition to take part in the trail. Circuit includes a few difficult ways where riders will be asked to dismount and lead their horse. 

The description below is an example of a trail we often do, but for reason like weather forecast or safety reasons the guide can choose to change the itinerary of the trail at the last moment.

Arrival Day : Arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir airport. You are met by your chauffeur and transferred in 50 mn to your guesthouse in Urgup, where you have dinner with your guide.

DAY 1 : MUSTAFAPASA
You are driven to the ranch in the morning to meet your horse, and get acquainted with the riding equipment. You will have time to try your horse on a training course going around the farm. Your first long canter is the ascension of the Avlak mountain (in case of rain, the Avlak mountain is unrideable and will be avoided), with a magnifcent encompassing view of Cappadocia. The rocky hills could provide the perfect background to a Western movie... Arrival in the center of the old Greek village of Mustafapasa. After lunch, you may stroll among Mustafapasa’s old stone houses, its Ottoman madrasa and its painted church or take a nap on the sofa. In the afternoon, you can enjoy varied scenery of narrow tracks, small canyons, farmed land and the wide-open spaces, where shepherds lead their focks, before arriving to your guesthouse in Ayvali.

DAY 2 : KESLIK MONASTERY
We start this day by cantering through fields of the high Anatolian plateau (1600 m high) : barley, wheat, oat and beans fields. We ride throught a steep single trail down to Damsa lake. Villagers cook lunch for us on a woodfrein. Opportunity to visit the monastery. Passing by and overlooking a valley of fairy chimneys, the afternoon scenery is made of bare hills surrounding the lake. Visit of the underground village of Golgoli. You canter along tracks of soft red clay leading you to the village of Ayvali through a hidden canyon, and stop at your hotel, for the second and last night in this village.

DAY 3 : 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, where you will have your lunch. 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. Night in Uchisar.

DAY 4 : RED VALLEY
Optional hot-air balloon fght in the early morning: travel with the wind over Cappadocia’s magical landscape at sunrise.

You enter another beautiful canyon called the White Valley. You sneak your way through arches, rocky labyrinths and lush vegetation, then into the Sword Valley and Red Valley. With its citadels of red, pink and ocre rock, and its beautiful troglodytic churches, this is Cappadocia’s most spectacular ensemble of geological formations. A cave cafe 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 felds, surrounded by the rocky hills of north Cappadocia. The winding paths of the Shepherd’s valley take you back with a long canter to your guesthouse in Uchisar, in time to admire north Cappadocia in the sunset light.

DAY 5 : BALKAN VALLEY 
Leaving the village on horseback, you ride 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 ride till the village of Ortahisar, where you will have lunch. You canter on a sandy track lined with trees. You cross the Valley of Pancarlik and it’s multicoloured fairy chimneys, and you arrive at the ranch in the afternoon. Short transfer to your hotel in Urgup.

Day 6 : departure day
After breakfast, departure to Kayseri (or Nevsehir) airport for your flight to Istanbul.

Program Cappadocia Trail Ride - classic

Leaving from Avanos ranch, the classic trail takes you  around Cappadocia. From the peasants' Cappadocia to the most beautiful valleys, a succession of fantastic rock formations, lush canyons, high plateaux, steppe-like landscape, along with vineyards and orchards, compose a surprinsingly varied route. On the way, the villages reflect the Anatolian way of life while frescoed churches and other troglodytic treasures testify of the rich past of the area. 

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).

6 days riding, 5-6 hours/day. 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.

Preliminary day-by-day program

Day 1/ Arrival at Kayseri/Nevsehir Airport and transfer to your Hotel in Avanos (dinner is not included this night).

Day 2/ Departure from the hotel after breakfast. 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. 

Day 3/ 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. (5 hours). 

Day 4/ 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 5/ 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 6/ 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. (6 hours).

Day 7/ 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).

Day 8/ Transfer To Airport

Horses and Riding

There are about 25 horses,  Arab and Arab crosses, 150 cm (59 in) and well suited to the task. They go out with the herd year round. They are ridden with McClellan trail riding saddles. There are saddlebags for picnic lunches and personal items that you may need during the day. Weight limit for riders is 85kg in riding cloth.

You will ride, about 5-6 hours / day. You ride at a high tempo, both uphill and downhill. You will need to be in good physical condition, as you will occasionally need to dismount and lead your horse up or down steep slopes.

Sportiv trail
Days in saddle: 6
- 5 to 6 hours on horseback each day
- 35 kilometres each day
Walking (on foot):  Max 25 minutes downhill and 15 minutes uphill
Canter per day: A lot of technical canters, even some long ones (15mn). Riders must be able to canter on light down hills and rough terrain.
Uphill during the week: 7700m (400m on foot)
Riders per group: Min. 2 max. 8
Service: Riders groom their horse. Need to mount and dismount unassisted.
Accommodation: Guest house

Comfort trail
Days in saddle: 5
- 5 hours on horseback each day, except day 4 (ride in the morning and afternoon at leisure in Uchisar)
- 28 kilometres (average) each day
Walking (on foot):  Few
Canter per day:  Everyday some canters that every riders can handle
Uphill during the week: 4500m
Riders per group: Min. 2 max. 7
Service: Riders groom their horse. Need to mount and dismount unassisted.
Accommodation: Guest house or upgrade to delux rooms (contact us for price). 

Classic trail
Days in saddle: 6
- 5 to 6 hours on horseback each day, except day 4 (ride in the morning and afternoon at leisure in Uchisar)
- 28 kilometres (average) each day
Walking (on foot):  Few
Canter per day:  Everyday some canters that every riders can handle
Uphill during the week: 4500m
Riders per group: Min. 2 max. 7
Service: Riders groom their horse. Need to mount and dismount unassisted.
Accommodation: Guest house or upgrade to delux rooms (contact us for price). 

Optional Activities

Below is an indicative list of visits, excursions and activities available in Cappadocia. Some can be done independently, while others can be arranged through us or by a local travel agent that we can recommend you.

- Hot air balloon at sunrise, a fantastic experience! (must be booked in advance)
- Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum - the region's largest concentration of frescoed churches.
- Excursion to the cave cities - these were used as shelters during the war, the bigger cities have 8 levels below ground level and there is a series of rooms, stairs and tunnels.
- Excursion to Ilhara Valley - at the foot of Hasan Dagi volcano, this long lush valley holds several shelters and several churches.
- Motor vehicle activities (jeep, scooter, ATV), mountain biking
- Discover Cappadocia’s wineries and enjoy wine tasting
- Visit local craft shops and workshops: carpets, ceramics, and jewelry.
- Massage at a bathhouse in Ürgüp or Göreme.

Climate

April: The sun is back and nature comes back to life. The nights can be cool.
May: Mostly sunny and it can be quite windy.
June: The meadows are full of flowers and horses are in top form.
July: Beautiful weather !
August: Sunny and warm about 35 C degrees (95 F). Siesta is a must after lunch. Bring a hat and sunglasses.
September: Very nice late summer, the trees are laden with fruit.
October: Beautiful light and nice colors. The days are cooler and the nights are cold. 
It rains on average about 29 days / year.
 

Travel Information

Ability description: On Sportive and Comfort Trail Trail ride Level 3 >> On Classic Trail Trail ride Level 2-3

Included in the price: 
Sportive: 7 nights, 6 days riding, full board incl. water, tea/coffee, transfer from/to Kayseri between 05.00 am and 10.00 pm.
Comfort: 6 nights, 5½ days riding, full board incl. water, tea/coffee, transfer from/to Kayseri between 05.00 am and 10.00 pm.
Classic: 7 nights, 6 days riding, full board incl. water, tea/coffee (except the arrival night), transfer from/to Kayseri between 05.00 am and 10.00 pm.

Not included: Flights, insurance, optional activities, drinks and extras not mentioned.

Travel: Book flight/rental car >> 
Fly to Kayseri airport (via Istanbul). 

Transfer: You can order a transfer through horseXplore.
From Kayseri to equestrian center, about 50 minutes with shuttle minibus
You will be met for flights arriving between 5:00 am and 10:00 pm, we recommend arrival to Kayseri before 06.30 pm to be in time for the dinner at 08.00 pm. Transfer back to Kayseri Airport after breakfast.

Group size: Min 2, max 8

Single room: Can be booked with a supplement. For price click on ”Book on request” under Dates & prices. If there is no one to share a room with, a single supplement will be added.

Visa: Visit this page to check if you need to apply for e-Visa evisa.gov.tr/en/

Dates and prices

"Book on request" means that we cannot confirm your booking immediately, but we will get back to you as soon as possible with a booking confirmation, normally within 24 hours on weekdays.

DateDaysName of tripPrice from
02/03/20257Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - comfortEUR 2,000Book on request
09/03/20258Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - sportiveEUR 2,400Book on request
23/03/20257Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - comfortEUR 2,000Book on request
30/03/20258Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - sportiveEUR 2,800Book on request
13/04/20257Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - comfortEUR 2,400Book on request
20/04/20258Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - sportiveEUR 3,000Book on request
04/05/20257Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - comfortEUR 2,400Book on request
11/05/20258Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - sportiveEUR 3,000Book on request
31/08/20257Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - comfortEUR 2,400Book on request
07/09/20258Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - sportiveEUR 3,000Book on request
21/09/20257Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - comfortEUR 2,400Book on request
28/09/20258Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - sportiveEUR 3,000Book on request
12/10/20257Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - comfortEUR 2,400Book on request
19/10/20258Turkey, Cappadocia Trail Ride - sportiveEUR 3,000Book on request

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