NORTH AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST > Turkey

Classic Trail In Cappadocia

Embark on a horseback ride in the heart of Cappadocia and discover a place where nature and history come together. This trail ride in Turkey is ideal for intermediate and experienced riders alike, taking you through magical valleys, amazing rock formations and preserved villages at a relaxed pace. Each day reveals different landscapes: fairy chimneys, vineyards, cave monasteries and plateaus offering breathtaking views. Enjoy fun canters, taste delicious local cuisine and experience real Turkish hospitality on an memorable equestrian journey.
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Trail Riding
8 days (6 riding)
From £1,438
Open to non-riders

Itinerary

Highlights

- Explore varied landscapes in the heart of Cappadocia at a relaxed pace, ideal for intermediate and experienced riders who want to soak up the landscape
- Discover the culture and history of the region
- Enjoy fun trots and canters on calm and sure-footed horses
- Charming and comfortable accommodation
- Option to ride in a hot air balloon
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  • Day 1 1: EUROPE - KAYSERI – AVANOS - No riding

    Flight to Kayseri, via Istanbul. (Flights are not included but can be arranged upon request).

    You’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to Avanos in the heart of Cappadocia (about an hour’s drive). We strongly recommend that you book a flight arriving by 6:00 pm at the latest, so you can enjoy dinner with the guides and the group on the first night. This is important, as this is when your guides will make the final horse allocations. If necessary, you can fly in a day early and we can book an extra night at the hotel you will stay in on the first night (see dates and prices).

    Dinner is to your own account. Overnight at the guest house.

  • Day 2 2: AVANOS – BAYRAMHACI LAKE - AVANOS - 5 hours riding

    After breakfast, you will meet your guide and be given a short safety briefing and then head to the stables to meet your horse. Please note: Each day begins and ends with a 5–10-minute walk, to warm up both horse and rider.

    You’ll begin your ride along the winding banks of the Red River (1,200 km long), passing through peaceful farmland and orchards. You’ll ride to Bayramhaci Lake, a serene oasis where you may be able to spot aquatic birds. You’ll pass through the charming village of Sarihidir with its traditional houses and alleys. The return journey winds through the vineyards of Mount Ziyaret, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills. You’ll then return to Avanos, known for its craftsmanship and pottery.

    Overnight at the guest house.

  • Day 3 3: AVANOS – LOVE VALLEY - UCHISAR - 5 hours riding

    Today you’ll ride toward Uçhisar, with a landscape that quickly transforms as you enter the small canyon of Çayagil. The erosion-sculpted cliffs display unique shapes, contrasting with sparse vegetation. You’ll continue to the famous Love Valley, one of Cappadocia’s treasures, with its incredible fairy chimneys and dramatic rock formations shaped by centuries of wind and rain. Finally, you’ll arrive in Uçhisar, dominated by an impressive rocky massif that served as a natural fortress and spiritual site.

    Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 4 4: UCHISAR – RED AND ROSE VALLEYS – KARANKEMER - UCHISAR - 5-6 hours riding

    You’ll explore the iconic landscapes of Cappadocia today, starting with the Kılıçlar Valley, where fairy chimneys display shades of white, pink, and ochre. Continue to the Red Valley, famous for its striking cliffs that glow under the sunlight. Along the way, cross other enchanting valleys before stopping for lunch on a picturesque terrace near the Uzumlu Chapel. In the afternoon, traverse the less-traveled KaranKemer Valley before returning to the hotel in Uçhisar for the night.

    Later, you will have the option to visit a Hammam at the hotel, subject to availability. Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 5 5: UCHISAR – GOMEDA VALLEY - MUSTAFAPASA - 5 hours riding

    Today you’ll discover more secluded areas of Cappadocia. You’ll begin by passing through Ibrahimpaşa, a preserved village with agricultural roots. You’ll see locals engaging in traditional activities that have been passed down for generations. You’ll continue through the wild Gomeda and Uzengi Valleys, known for their spectacular pigeon houses carved into the cliffs. These ingenious structures, once vital for agriculture, highlight local resourcefulness. You’ll end the day in Mustafapaşa, a historic Greek village that has preserved its authentic character, with cobblestone streets, traditional houses and Byzantine motifs.

    Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 6 6: MUSTAFAPASA – DAMSA LAKE - GOLGOLI - MUSTAFAPASA - 6 hours riding

    You’ll ride across open plateaus and rolling valleys today, enjoying wonderful views. You’ll stop at Damsa Lake before continuing to the Golgoli site, which features whimsical rock formations sculpted by nature. You’ll also visit the Keşlik Monastery, a rock-hewn sanctuary where monks once lived in harmony with nature. After lunch under the cliffs, you’ll explore chapels and ancient frescoes before returning to Mustafapaşa.

    Overnight at the hotel.

  • Day 7 7: MUSTAFAPASA – IMAGINATION VALLEY - AVANOS - 5-6 hours riding

    Begin your final day of riding in Pancarlık Valley, home to eroded hills, the remains of chapels and cave dwellings. You’ll stop at an old monastery that was once a hospital and then enjoy views over Rose Valley. Next you’ll enter the Imagination Valley (Devrent Valley), where rock formations resemble animals, objects and human figures. You’ll also visit the Saruhan Caravanserai, a 13th-century Seljuk structure. Then it’s time to return to the stables via the Red River.

    Dinner and overnight in Avanos.

  • Day 8 8: AVANOS – KAYSERI - EUROPE

    After breakfast, you’ll head to the airport for your flight home. The first shuttle service for return departures runs between 6:00am and 6:30am, but tere are regular shuttles throughout the day.

Dates & prices

Price details

- Flights to your destination (international/domestic) are not included but can be booked on request - please contact us for rates.

- Rates are per person, based on two riders sharing a twin or double room during the ride.

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 2 riders and a maximum of 8 international riders, plus guides.

- If you sign up to the ride as a solo rider and there are no other riders likely to share your room, you will be charged a single room supplement of approx. €400 / $420 / £340. You will then be reimbursed if a sharer is found for you at a later date.

- Airport transfers are provided via shuttle and included in the price if riders arrive in Kayseri by 10:30pm at the latest. However, we highly recommend arriving by 6pm to enjoy dinner and meet the guide and other group members. For arrivals after 10:30pm, or in case of flight delays, shuttle transfers are not guaranteed and riders will need to arrange and cover the cost of a taxi to the first night’s accommodation.

- The first shuttle service for return departures runs between 6:00am and 6:30am. There are regular shuttles throughout the day.

- Accompanying non-riders are welcome, with various activities on offer. You can explore Cappadocia on foot or by mountain bike with a GPS and road book or guided assistance, or choose to hike for about 4 hours daily and join riders for lunch and in the evenings. Alternatively, a more relaxed stay with short walks, guided tours, and visits can be arranged. Please contact us for rates.

- The weight limit for this ride is 85 kilos / 187 lbs / 13.3 st. Heavier riders please contact us.

- Hot air balloon flight reservations can be made upon booking the trip (please let us know as soon as possible). A fee is payable on-site but prices are subject to change -- please allow approximately €250 per person. Also note that this activity is weather-dependent and can be cancelled at the last minute. Balloon flights require a 3:30 AM wake-up, with breakfast served after the flight but before the day’s ride.

- Guests may enquire about a hammam visit on days 3 and 4 at their hotel. This is subject to availability and costs €100, payable locally.

-Alternative Dates: Depending on availability, we may be able to accommodate riders on dates that aren’t listed. Please contact your travel advisor for more information.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 vehicle and driver

Inland transport

Airport transfers during the day (late arrivals will have to pay a taxi)

Accommodation

Double, twin or triple room at guest houses or hotels

Meals

Full board from days 2 - 8

Additional equipment

Saddle bags
First aid kit

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras, dinner on day 1

Transport

International flights

Extras

Tips to the local team
Park, museum and other site entry fees

Insurance

Visas and personal purchase
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement
Upgrade to luxury accommodation

Extras

Hot air balloon flight
Hammam visit
  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    16/03/2025 23/03/2025 £1,504 €1,820 $1,865
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    30/03/2025 06/04/2025 £1,587 €1,920 $1,968
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    06/04/2025 13/04/2025 £1,653 €2,000 $2,050
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    13/04/2025 20/04/2025 £1,653 €2,000 $2,050
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    20/04/2025 27/04/2025 £1,653 €2,000 $2,050
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    27/04/2025 04/05/2025 £1,653 €2,000 $2,050
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    11/05/2025 18/05/2025 £1,653 €2,000 $2,050
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    08/06/2025 15/06/2025 £1,653 €2,000 $2,050
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    31/08/2025 07/09/2025 £1,653 €2,000 $2,050
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    07/09/2025 14/09/2025 £1,653 €2,000 $2,050
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    14/09/2025 21/09/2025 £1,653 €2,000 $2,050
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    28/09/2025 05/10/2025 £1,653 €2,000 $2,050
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    05/10/2025 12/10/2025 £1,653 €2,000 $2,050
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    19/10/2025 26/10/2025 £1,653 €2,000 $2,050
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    26/10/2025 02/11/2025 £1,653 €2,000 $2,050
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  • Departure Return Price without flights Status
    09/11/2025 16/11/2025 £1,587 €1,920 $1,968
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    23/11/2025 30/11/2025 £1,504 €1,820 $1,865
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    07/12/2025 14/12/2025 £1,438 €1,740 $1,783
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Equestrian info

Horses

The herd comprises forward-going Anatolian, Arab and cross-Arab mares. They are robust and sure-footed, responsive and respectful of their riders. There are no big horses (on average 1,50-55 m, 15hh) so there is a strict 85 kg / 13.3 stone / 190 lbs rider weight limit on this trail (including riding gear). If you weigh more than that, an additional horse can be arranged at a supplement, please contact us before booking.

Guide & local team

Your guide, Ibrahim (nicknamed Ibo), is an experienced local rider. He speaks French and English and has extensive knowledge of the region.

Ali, a native of Cappadocia, is also a passionate guide. He ensures the trip runs smoothly and manages the well-being of the team. A coach and trainer, he is always eager to share his knowledge.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

This ride is suitable for both intermediate and experienced riders. You should be comfortable at all three paces and able to control your horse during group canters. You should also be able to mount and dismount unaided. Horses with more spirited temperaments are available for more advanced riders who can confidently manage all gaits. Calmer horses are available for less experienced riders. The weight limit is 90 kilos / 14,1 st / 198 lbs.

Pace

Much of this ride is in walk, with occasional trots and group canters where the terrain allows. For those looking for a more active ride, please see 'Cappadocia Explorer' (a little faster paced) or 'Wonders of Cappadocia' (our sportive trail for advanced riders).

Tacking ability and participation

Riders are responsible for their horse. You will be asked to help tack, untack, water and feed your horse.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

Riders must be comfortable mounting and dismounting unaided and leading their horse on foot over short, challenging sections, as some steep climbs require you to dismount and walk. The ride is not recommended for those with vertigo. Your luggage will be transferred by a logistics vehicle.

Equestrian equipment

The riding equipment includes comfortable McClellan saddles with saddle bags. We recommend that our riders wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit. Helmets are not provided on this ride.

Travel info

Comfort

You will stay in guesthouses or hotels, selected for their atmosphere and quality of service. All rooms are either double/twin/triple rooms with private bathrooms. Wi-Fi is available.

Meals

Breakfast will be Turkish and continental. Lunch will be served at village restaurants or by the team. Dinner will typically include a starter, 1-2 traditional dishes and dessert. Vegetarian options are available upon request. Mineral water, tea and coffee are included. Cappadocian wine, local beer, juice and sodas are charged as extras.

Climate

Cappadocia has a continental climate. Summers are hot and dry (over 30°C), while spring and autumn (March-May and September-November) are ideal with temperatures between 15°C and 25°C during the day. Winters are cooler with frequent snow. Nights remain cool year-round. There is little rain, and it's primarily in winter and spring.

Tips

Tips and gratuities are not mandatory in Turkey, although it is customary to leave a tip at restaurants (some already include a 10% in the bill). Tips to the local team and appreciated but are left to your discretion.

Packing list

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

Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. Helmets are not provided on this ride.
- Sunhat for when not riding
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding
- Buff or bandana

Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and dust
- T-shirts
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cold
- Waterproof jacket - the rains can be difficult to foresee in spring and it's better to be prepared. Layering is key to cope with the fluctuations in temperature between day and night
- Warm, casual clothes for the evening

Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub
- Shorts for lazy lunchtimes
- Casual clothes for the evening
- A swim suit may be useful

Hands and Feet
- Please bring hiking shoes with half chaps as some of the passages you may take on foot can be steep. Riding boots are not suitable as they don’t have enough grip.
- Casual shoes or trainers for the evening
- Sandals or flip flops may be useful
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding

Nightwear
- Pyjamas

Other useful items
- Mandatory: Water bottle (1.5 litre or two x 1 litre)
- Hand sanitiser
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items
- Headlamp or small torch
- Ear plugs and eye mask

Medical kit
Please make sure any allergies (to medication or otherwise) and clearly stated in your medical kit.
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Rehydration sachets (dioralyte or similar)
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses

Our Recommendations
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- You should also bring a copy of your passport/insurance in case you lose your documents. You can also save a copy into your mobile phone.

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.

Did you know?

Did you know?

A massive underground city lies around 85m beneath the famous fairy chimneys of Cappadocia . The ancient city of Elengubu, today known as Derinkuyu, could house 20,000 people and was in use for thousands of years.

On the blog

You can all read about riding in Turkey on the Equus Journeys blog: Cantering in Cappadocia: 'The Land of the Beautiful Horses' (Please note: this blog post relates to one of our faster rides in the area).