Horseback Riding in Turkey

Cappadocia Highlights

Overview

Horseback riding in Cappadocia, a region in central Turkey, allows you to experience the history and beauty of the area.  It has been a meeting ground for European and Asian civilizations since long before the time of Alexander the Great.

More than two thousand years ago the ancient Greeks wrote about the fine horses raised in Cappadocia.  Those horses are the ancestors of the animals used now for the ride through this fascinating region.

Not only is the region rich in history, the natural wonders are unlike anything else in the world.  The heartland of Turkey is Anatolia, an ochre-hued high plateau rising progressively towards the east. It is broken by river valleys and ravines, dominated by volcanic peaks, and features dramatic rock formations in colors ranging from warm red and gold, to green and grey.  The most striking of these are what the Turkish call “fairy chimneys.”

The plateau was one of the cradles of human civilization, with settlements dating back as far as the eighth millennium B.C.  In this historic battleground of East and West, numerous civilizations have fought for sovereignty and established their rule.  During its turbulent history, Central Anatolia has endured invasions by great conquerors such as Alexander the Great and Tamerlane, and has hosted an amazing number of civilizations including the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans.

Much of this horseback riding tour proceeds along narrow trails in steep, rocky terrain, and riders should be prepared to dismount and lead horses occasionally.  Previous experience trail riding is important for riding in Cappadocia.  Experiencing this fascinating landscape, meeting the local people, and visiting some of the ancient and unusual structures will surely be a grand adventure.

The accommodations in Cappadocia are in a lovely historic cave hotel.

Meals will be provided in cafes and restaurants in the villages along the route. The food is typical of Central Turkey, featuring grilled meats, homemade soups, meyze and locally produced fruits and vegetables. Vegetarian meals can easily be provided with prior notice. (Most special dietary considerations may be accommodated, but it is best to check first with the specifics.)

  • Overview:
    The horses are Arab cross. These small horses (14-15 hh) are strong, forward, sure-footed and well adapted to the region.
  • Horse Breeds:
    Arabian cross
  • Trip Pace:
    All paces with some fast canters depending on terrain
  • Tack:
    English and McClellan
  • Weight limit:
    190 lbs

Kayseri airport in the Cappadocia region

Trip Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival

You will arrive at either Kayseri Erkilet Airport Airport or Nevşehir Kapadokya depending on your flight you will be picked by a shuttle from the airport and transferred to the horse themed Saddle Cave Hotel, located in the historic town of Mustafapaşa. If you would like, you can take a stroll around the town and until dinner time or relax in your room. Depending on your arrival time, you will have the first night dinner together with your tour guide.

Day 2

Mustafapasa to Golgoli

You get to enjoy your authentic Turkish breakfast between 8:30-9:30am. After breakfast you’ll be driven to the ranch which is 4 minutes away. Visit the ranch and mount up. Your horse will also carry 2 water bottles and a saddle bag for your belongings. First you will ride through Golgoli, which is one of the oldest sites of Mustafapaşa. Have a tour including the Damsa Dam view. Then you will pass by the Keşlik Monastery from 6th century with the opportunity to stop for pictures. After a picnic lunch you can canter back to the ranch. You will have a rest at the hotel and end the day with dinner.

Day 3

Ride from Mustafapasa to Golgoli Mountain

Once you are done with your breakfast ride through the village in Mustafapaşa towards Ayvali. There you will ride up the highest point of Ayvali, the Golgoli Mountain, where you can enjoy the mesmerizing view, its truly a hidden gem! After a short break ride down into the village and enjoy a great authentic homemade Turkish lunch, followed by a cup of tea or coffee. Then continue the journey through the very fascinating valley where you can see many pigeons nests in caves. Ride by beautiful scenes with rivers.  Then ride back to the ranch in Mustafapasa and before transferring to the hotel. You will have a rest at the hotel and end the day with dinner.

Day 4

Ride from Mustafapasa to Göreme

After breakfast ride through the village in Mustafapaşa, heading first to Tavşanlı Valley which has a mesmerizing view and from there towards Kızılçukur, with a  delicious lunch in Ortahisar. Here you get to enjoy the panoramic view of Güllüdere Valley. Ride ride towards Göreme, where you will leave the horses and be picked up by car to go back to the hotel. You will have a rest at the hotel and end the day with dinner.

Day 5

Ride from Göreme to Avanos

After breakfast, you will start riding from Göreme, passing through Paşabağı and Zelve with lunch near the monasteries from 13th century. It will be a refreshing break both for you and the horses. Once you’ve enjoyed the view, canter through the fishermen village called Sarıhıdır and finally through the Kızılırmak River, where you’ll stop there to let the horse drink. From Kızılırmak you will finish the day at second ranch in Avanos. You will then be picked up and transferred back to the hotel for the evening. You will have a rest at the hotel and end the day with dinner.

Day 6

Ride from Avanos to Mustafapaşa

Ride from Avanos to the summit of Aktepe. Here you will enjoy watching the view of Cappadocia from the above. Towards Aktepe, you will see Ürgüp stream on the way back to the ranch in Mustafapaşa.

Day 7

Departure

You’ll get to enjoy the authentic Turkish breakfast for the last time! Checkout time is at 12pm. Your transfer will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport. If you flight is later in the evening, you are welcome to stay in the lobby.

Itinerary Addendum

This itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted at the guide's discretion due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

Trip Map

Trip Dates & Pricing

Departure Dates

Trip Starts
Trip Ends
Apr 20, 2024
Apr 26, 2024
May 11, 2024
May 17, 2024
May 25, 2024
May 31, 2024
Jun 8, 2024
Jun 14, 2024
Jun 22, 2024
Jun 28, 2024
Jul 6, 2024
Jul 12, 2024
Jul 20, 2024
Jul 26, 2024
Aug 3, 2024
Aug 9, 2024
Aug 24, 2024
Aug 30, 2024
Sep 7, 2024
Sep 13, 2024
Sep 14, 2024
Sep 20, 2024
Sep 21, 2024
Sep 27, 2024
Oct 5, 2024
Oct 11, 2024
Oct 19, 2024
Oct 25, 2024

Pricing & Options

  • Base Price
  • $2,380

  • Other Options
  • $1,170For riders over 190 lb / 85 kg, this supplement applies for use of a second horse
  • Single Supplement
  • $645

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Contact Megan Barrett

Absolutely fantastic ride! The people we met were amazing and the horses were great. It was a pleasure to ride with the guides. They are both true horsemen who love their horses. One does absolutely need a level of fitness for the riding!

Smith, 2022