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 so previous trail riding experience is important. Experiencing this fascinating landscape, meeting the local people, and visiting some of the ancient and unusual structures will surely be a grand adventure.
Arrive at either Kayseri Erkilet Airport or Nevşehir Airport Cappadocia depending on your flight. Then you will be picked by a shuttle from the airport and transferred to the hotel in Avanos.
You can either take a stroll around the town or relax in your room until dinner. Depending on your arrival time, have your first night dinner together with your tour guide.
Start the day around 8:30am with a delicious traditional Turkish breakfast. After breakfast, head to the ranch, located just five minutes away from the hotel. There, you’ll meet the gentle and well-trained Arabian horses who will be your companions throughout the journey.
The first day’s route takes us to the historic town of Özkonak. The first stop is the Ziyaret Mountain, a place where every hoofbeat feels like a step back in time. Ride past ancient flour mills as you ascend to an altitude of 4757 feet. Along the way, you’ll catch a distant view of the Belha Church, standing silently as a witness to centuries of history.
Enjoy a flavorful lunch near Özkonak, just a stone’s throw away from its famous underground city. Guests who wish may take time to explore this fascinating archaeological site, carved deep into the earth. Although its exact date is not known, it is thought that the Özkonak Underground City was built in the 400s BCE. In terms of location, the tufa structure of the region, which is quite suitable for carving and shaping, allowed people to settle here and easily shelter in ancient times.On the return ride, pass by a scenic reservoir and follow the tranquil curves of the Red River (Kızılırmak). If the weather allows, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the majestic Mount Erciyes on the horizon. After returning to the ranch, you will head back to the hotel for some well-deserved rest before gathering again for a delightful dinner.
After a delightful breakfast starting at 8:30am your guide will pick you up from your hotel around 9:30am and take you to back to the ranch. With saddle bags packed with fresh water, set off toward Sarıhıdır, a charming riverside village known for its fishermen and peaceful scenery.
The ride along the banks of the Red River (Kızılırmak) will include moments of thrilling gallops, offering an unforgettable blend of adrenaline and tranquility. Along the way, your guide will capture these special memories on camera, so you can relive the moments and share them with loved ones. Upon reaching Sarıhıdır, let the horses cool off by gently washing their legs in the river. Then, it’s time to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch by the water.
On the way back, pass by a 13th-century caravanserai, a stunning reminder of Anatolia’s rich Silk Road heritage. Arrive back at the ranch in the late afternoon, full of stories, memories, and smiles.
Today set off toward a lesser-known but truly magical side of Cappadocia. The destination is the charming village of Mustafapaşa — get ready for an experience you’ll never forget.
Begin the journey through some of Cappadocia’s most enchanting valleys: White Valley (Ak Vadi), Paşabağ Valley, and the breathtaking Red Valley (Kızılçukur). Ride alongside the surreal fairy chimneys, with stretches of thrilling gallops adding excitement to the scenic journey. Around midday, Take a break in the heart of Red Valley to enjoy an authentic lunch surrounded by nature’s beauty.
After this unforgettable picnic, continue our ride toward Mustafapaşa, where the day ends at the second ranch. Settle the horses into the stables and then head back to the hotel to rest and recharge before dinner.
Mustafapaşa, formerly known as Sinasos (Greek: Σινασός), is a town (belde) in the Ürgüp District of Nevşehir Province, Turkey. Its population is 1,295 (as of 2022). It lies to the west of Gomeda valley and is 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) away from Ürgüp and 27 kilometres (17 mi) away from Nevşehir town. There are two main explanations of the origin of its name. One is being named after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the military leader and first president of Turkey. And other being named after a local hero called Mustafa Pasha, who got a well drilled to the village to solve its fresh water problem. Like most of Cappadocia, Mustafapaşa used to depend on agriculture, especially grape-growing. However, it lies within the region of Cappadocia, and increasingly depends on tourism for its living with new hotels opening all the time.
Between 8:30 and 9:30am, enjoy a delicious and authentic Turkish breakfast to start your day right. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the ranch located in the historic village of Mustafapaşa. Today’s ride starts with Golgoli, one of the oldest and most mysterious parts of Mustafapaşa. As you explore the ancient ruins overlooking Damsa Dam, every step will feel like a ride through history. Next, pass by the 6th-century Keşlik Monastery, with a short break for photos. Surrounded by centuries of sacred silence, it’s a moment you’ll want to remember. Soon after, it’s time for lunch — and what a lunch it will be! Dine at a stunning trout farm, where freshly caught fish are served in a lush, green setting surrounded by nature. For those who do not eat fish or prefer vegan options, the restaurant offers a variety of delicious alternatives. Please don’t forget to mention your dietary preferences when filling out your rider form.
After the relaxing lunch, gallop your way back to the ranch, with opportunities along the way to capture beautiful photos and videos of the magical landscape.
You’ll then return to the hotel for some well-deserved rest, before ending the day with a satisfying dinner.
Expect to be in the saddle for about 5 to 6 hours today — a full day of exploration, beauty, and adventure.
In Cappadocia, every day and every moment holds something truly special. On the final day of riding, spend a bit more time in the saddle to make the most of it.
Departing from the ranch in Mustafapaşa, then head straight into adventure without slowing down. The route will go through the stunning Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik) and Üzengi Valley, before arriving at Ortahisar. At the panoramic viewpoint in Ortahisar, take a well-deserved break to soak in the incredible landscape — and of course, snap plenty of photos to remember the moment. From there, climb to an altitude of 4900 ft, riding toward the legendary White Valley (Akvadi). Get ready to stir up some dust — galloping through parts of the valley, surrounded by breathtaking rock formations and silence broken only by hoofbeats.
After crossing Akvadi, ride on to our ranch in Avanos, to end this unforgettable journey.
You’ll get to enjoy the authentic Turkish breakfast for the last time! Checkout time is at 12noon. Your transfer will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport. If your flight is later in the evening, you are welcome to wait in the hotel lobby.
This itinerary is flexible and may be adjusted at the guide's discretion due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
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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
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