Rider cantering along a beach in Turkey
NORTH AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST > Turkey

Dalyan ride

From Koyceyiz to Gocek in southern Turkey, this trail riding holiday in Dalyan is a great adventure for experienced riders looking to ride off the beaten track. You spend your days riding forward Arabian horses, and your nights camping in picturesque locations far from the madding crowd. This horseback vacation in Turkey offers active riding, comfortable camps, and gorgeous scenery all rolled into one.
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Beach Ride
8 days (6 days riding)
From £2,174
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    There are many opportunities to swim on this adventurous ride!
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    An active trail riding holiday in Turkey
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    Ride along blue water beaches
  • Rider cantering along a beach in Turkey
    Plenty of opportunities for long canters on this trail ride
  • Three riders on a trail in Turkey
    The horses on this ride are Anatolians, Arabs, and Arab crosses
  • Riders cantering along a off the beaten track in Turkey
    You must be a competent rider to go on this adventure
  • Riders leading their horses in Turkey
    Ride with an experienced guiding team!
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    The main pace is the walk, with prevalent canters - some of them quite long.
  • Landscape of Southern Turkey
    Enjoy the varied scenery of southern Turkey
  • Ancient ruins in Turkey
    Ancient amphitheatre, Southern Turkey

Itinerary

Highlights

- Enjoy a riding holiday off the beaten track in the beautiful scenery of South Turkey, where the scenery varies every day!
- Ride with an experienced guiding team and excellent endurance horses.
- Experience an active trail ride with many opportunities for long canters.
- Depending on the weather, there are many opportunities to swim (with or without the horses, depending) in the sea, lake, or hot springs.
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  • Day 1 1 : ARRIVE IN DALAMAN

    Arrival at Dalaman airport. Please aim to arrive between 8:00 am and 6:30 pm. Flights are not included but can be booked upon request.
    You will be transferred to the hotel (shuttle transfer, +/- 30 min) to meet your guide and group of riders for a pre-ride safety briefing at dinner.

  • Day 2 2 : DALAMAN - KÖYCEGIZ LAKE - 5 hours riding

    After breakfast, you will be driven to the start of the ride where you will meet the horses. Once the horses are warmed up, you will ride through a sweet gum tree forest before you start your first endurance canter across orange groves and olive trees. You cross the Dogusbelen river with its pebbles and gravel bed before you reach your picnic spot for lunch. The afternoon ride offers a different type of scenery: a coniferous forest with heath bushes, and long mountain canter trails overlooking Köycegiz lake. Arrive at camp later that afternoon, ready for your first night of camping after a long day in the saddle.

  • Day 3 3 : SULTANIYE - 5 hours riding

    After breakfast, saddle up for today’s ride starting with a ride down through a forest, with beautiful views over the lake and surrounding villages. Your destination this morning is the hot water springs of Sultaniye, where you will stop for a traditional lunch. There is time to bathe in the springs and the lake (however please note that swimming with horses is not possible here). In the afternoon , a shorter ride will offer incredible views over the Dalyan laguna, probably one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Turkish coast. Wind your way down through olive tree groves to set up camp by the sea on Iztuzu beach.

  • Day 4 4 : KAUNOS - 3 hours riding

    The morning starts with a ride along the lagoon before you can pick up the pace, enjoying canters on trails that are lined with pine needles. Arrival at the ancient site of Kaunos (entry is payable locally €6 at the time of writing). The afternoon is non-riding so that the horses can enjoy a break – and it's also a chance for riders to stretch their legs. You’ll reach the charming town of Dalyan for a fish lunch, followed by a cruise through the beautiful reed channels of the lagoon. Overnight in a guesthouse in Dalyan.

  • Day 5 5 : IZTUZU BEACH - 5 hours riding

    Today start with a short boat ride to reach the horses. They will be loaded onto a barge in order to cross the Dalyan river. Then riders will hop in the saddle for a quick ride out of town, through orange and grenade orchards. You ride at the bottom of a deep sandstone canyon, following an old mule path leading to a plateau with good trails for cantering. After crossing the picturesque village of Gokbel, the road will lead you to the famous Iztuzu beach where you can stop for lunch and a swim. After that, you will have the opportunity to visit a centre for the protection and rehabilitation of Caretta turtles. From here you’ll ride through a labyrinth of oleanders, on trails surrounded by beehives, to the campsite located in a large meadow.

  • Day 6 6 : SARIGERME - 5 hours riding

    This morning’s trail ride starts by making your way down to the touristic village of Sarigerme through a lovely forest before reaching a 5 km-long beach. You will then have to cross Dalaman river (in case of floods the horses will have to cross a bridge upstream, adding two hours to your day). Picnic on the beach, with the chance for a swim.

    In the afternoon you’ll walk, leading your horse, along a steep path through sweet smelling bay-trees, mint and thyme. Spectacular views await at the top. More canters through olive groves and abandoned fields. You ride near an astonishing roman cistern and finally reach your camp later that afternoon, in front of Gocek islands.

  • Day 7 7 : GOCEK - 5 hours riding

    A long morning starting with an active ride on forest tracks overlooking the bay of Gocek. You reach a steep path, where you will need to dismount and lead your horse on foot. Enjoy splendid panoramas and long canters before you arrive at Gocek port, famous for its numerous yachts.
    Night in Köycegiz

  • Day 8 8 : DALAMAN - DEPARTURE

    Departure after breakfast for your flight from Dalaman airport.

Dates & prices

Price details

No departure for this destination. Please contact our travel advisers for more information.
- Flights or transportation 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 tent/room during the ride

- Groups are composed of a minimum of 4 riders and a maximum of 8 international riders, plus guides. 

- Transfers are included (shuttle bus from the airport to your hotel). We strongly recommend your flight to arrive at 6:30 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 their final decision to match horses and riders. Late arrivals will need to take a taxi to the first hotel. On the way back, transfers are possible between 8:00 a.m and 6:30 pm.

- There is no single supplement if you are willing to share a tent with another guest of the same sex (policy valid for females only). To guarantee your own room/tent there is a single supplement of €275/£240/$295. Please contact us in advance as this isn't always available.

- Additional entries (boat trip, hot springs, museum tickets) are not included and payable locally.

- 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.

- IMPORTANT: because there are many bee hives in this area, we are unfortunately not able to accept riders who are allergic to bee stings.
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
1 cook

Inland transport

Private minibus
Airport transfers within scheduled time slots (late arrivals will have to pay a taxi)

Accommodation

Twin (or triple) room in hotels/guesthouses, and tents.

Meals

Full board from dinner on day 1 to breakfast on day 8, including water, tea and coffee

Additional equipment

Saddle bags
First aid kit

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras

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
We are currently updating our dates and prices they will be online soon. If you want details of this holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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 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 will be French-born Nicolas Guillo. He decided to make Cappadocia his home over 11 years ago and has been organising trail rides every since, first in Cappadocia and then in the Taurus mountains and Dalyan. He speaks English and also Turkish.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

You must be a competent rider with an experience of riding outdoors. You must be able to mount your horse unassisted, and be confident over rough terrain and during group canters. Riders must be riding fit and have good levels of fitness.

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.

Pace

This ride will see you riding for approx. 5h each day (except on day 3 which is a shorter day in the saddle). Main pace is the walk, with prevalent canters - some of them quite long. The terrain can be a little technical at times, and you will on occasions have to lead your horse from the ground, sometimes up or down steep paths.

Tacking ability and participation

Riders are expected to tack and untack their horse, and help with watering/feeding in the evenings and general camp chores.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

IMPORTANT: because there are many bee hives in this area, we are unfortunately not able to accept riders who are allergic to bee stings.

You must be in good physical condition. On some occasions you will have to dismount and walk with your horse, sometimes on steep paths (good hiking shoes are compulsory). The days in the saddle are long and you should not underestimate the physical demands of this trail. The weather can be hot, in which case you will take a longer lunch break to get some rest in the shade (bring a book!).

An experience of a multi-day trail ride is necessary.

Equestrian equipment

The riding equipment includes McClellan light trail riding saddles. These are fitted with two saddlebags.
We recommend our riders to 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

3 nights in hotels or guesthouses :
Your arrival and departure nights, as well as Wednesday night, will be spent in comfortable guesthouses or hotels, in double or triple rooms with en suite bathrooms. Wi-Fi is available.

4 nights at camp : The tents are double teepee tents with two single mattresses (bring your own sleeping bag). The camp also includes a mess tent for meals with chairs and tables, a toilet tent and a shower tent (bucket and a gas stove for heating the water). No electricity at camp.

Meals

Continental breakfast at camp or in guesthouses.
Picnic lunches featuring local specialties.
Dinners are taken inside the mess tent or outside by the fire, or in guesthouses when not camping. Traditional dishes, fruit and salads.

Tea, coffee and mineral water are included; wine, beer and soft drinks are available as an option. Vegetarian meals are available on request.

Climate

South Turkey has a Mediterranean climate. This ride takes place in March/April, and November/December, when the daytime temperatures are cooler - expect 15-20°C during the day, but the water remains warm all year round (20-23°C on average). Rain is not very likely but can happen during those months.

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

Please note: your luggage will be transferred by our back-up vehicle. You should pack several, lighter bags rather than one large, heavy suitcase.
Important packing items: sleeping bag, towel, torch, power bank (to charge your electronic devices), mosquito repellent, hiking shoes, a few small waterproof bags to protect your phone/camera when crossing rivers.

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
- 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

Hands and Feet
- Comfortable riding boots. We recommend short boots with half chaps as long chaps/long boots can get very hot. Walking boots are preferable as you may have to walk over some stony slopes.
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for moving around the camp
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding

Nightwear
- Sleeping bag - we recommend a comfort factor of 0°C. We also recommend taking a silk or fleece liner for an extra layer
- Towel
- Pyjamas

Other useful items
- Mandatory: Water bottle (1.5 litre or two x 1 litre)
- Waterproof bags (you will ride across rivers)
- Swimsuit
- Hand sanitiser
- Camera and high capacity memory card. Spare battery
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Headtorch or small torch (mandatory)
- Toilet paper and small plastic bags for taking rubbish away
- Power bank - there is no electricity at camp to charge your devices.

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor
- Insect repellent (mandatory)
- 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
- Ear plugs, particularly if you are a light sleeper

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?

On this riding holiday, you will experience unique scenarios in Turkey, including the Iztuzu beach. This location is also known as the “Turtle beach”, and it’s one of the most important breeding grounds for Caretta turtles. Despite conservation efforts and strict laws aiming to protect these animals, they are still endangered due to habitat disturbance and hunt. To help bring more awareness to this issue, on this holiday, you will have the opportunity to visit a centre for the protection and rehabilitation of these wonderful creatures.