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Turkey

7 nights exploring Cappadocia, staying in small hotels and guesthouses, available March to November. Suitable for confident intermediate riders and above (fit, experienced riders only on some rides).
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Where is it?

Exploring Cappadocia, a striking UNESCO world heritage region in central Antalya, about 700 kms from Istanbul and just north of the Taurus mountains.

What is it like?

Cappadocia’s landscape is breathtaking, a network of canyons and fantastically shaped rocks that have been eroded and carved by the wind and water, with churches, houses and dovecots carved into the soft rock by man. From prehistoric times, civilizations have flourished here and the Hittites, Persians, early and Byzantine Christians, Mongols, Greeks and Ottomans have all left evidence of their passage. Cappadocia translates as ‘the land of beautiful horses’, a name given by the Persians when they saw the wild mountain ponies of the region, and it is breathtakingly unique. Wild ponies still live on the slopes of the Erciyes Volcano and the whole region is listed World Heritage by UNESCO.

Who does it suit?

Strong intermediate riders who are fit, active and adventurous – although rides can be tailor-made for private groups. The horses are agile and keen, cantering over steppe, along narrow winding paths and through twisting canyons, with ease. You’ll be expected to groom and tack up (sometimes help is possible for an extra cost) and to cope with plenty of long, fast canters as well as stretches of walking, getting on and off to lead up and down steep hills. These rides are for the fit and active and those who enjoy small authentic guesthouses and simple hotels (boutique upgrades possible) offering traditional Turkish hospitality.

Why we love it

Not too far from the UK but culturally so different, visiting Turkey is exciting for any travel lover and Cappadocia’s landscape is quite simply spectacular – like something you’ve never seen before. On a horse there’s scope to properly explore the incredible ancient canyons, cliffs and gorges and where else can you enjoy exhilarating, energetic riding in such dramatic awe-inspiring surroundings?

Travel with trust

When you travel with Ride World Wide, you can travel with trust. We’re a member of ABTOT (the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust) which provides financial protection for your booking through our ABTOT bond and under the ABTOT ATOL franchise. If you have any questions please ask.

In a Nutshell

Riding
4-6 hours a day (varies with itinerary)
Horses
Arab and Arab cross
Pace
Moderate to fast but varies with itinerary; some slow sections due to rough, hilly terrain but good chances to canter most days
Riding Ability
Fit, confident intermediate riders and above
Weight Limit
85kg (13st 5lbs)
Group Size
Maximum 8
Accommodation
Comfortable guesthouses / 3* hotels
2026 Dates
March to November from set dates; see “Key Information” below
2026 Prices
Seasonal and varies with itinerary. 7 nights from 1,950 Euros (approx £1,750) per person; see “Key Information” below
What you'll be doing

Itinerary in Brief

Below is an example itinerary. Please ask us for other itineraries.

Day 1

We recommend a night in Istanbul before the ride and can arrange this / book hotels etc. Airport shuttle service from Kayseri to Ortahisar. Dinner and night at a small hotel in Urgup.

Day 2

After breakfast, you will be driven about 20 minutes to meet the horses. A brief introduction, saddle up and trial ride around the farm, then set off riding along the stream of the Uzengi Canyon. Lunch and then a long canter to Avlak mountain with a wonderful view. Afternoon riding to the ghost village of Karain then on to Akkoy for dinner and the night.

Day 3

Breakfast, prepare the horses and the day starts with a canter on the high Anatolian plateau. 20 minute decent on foot to Damsa lake. Lunch cooked on a woodfire, a swim in the lake if it is hot (with your horse), then canter on soft clay to the village of Ayvali. Dinner and night Ayvali.

Day 4

Ride to the underground village of Golgoli, off the beaten track winding through rock formations, vineyards and orchards, Arrive in the old Greek village of Mustafapasa, climbing to a high plateau where there is chance for an exhilarating canter before riding back to the guesthouse in Ayvali. Lunch in Mustafapasa or by the pool in Ayvali depending on the weather.

Day 5

Riding away from the guesthouse, you can enjoy the variety of tracks, farmland and open spaces of Subasi before visiting a second, different underground village, Kirkule. Á long canter to the fairy chimneys of the Gomeda Valley and then lunch at a good local restaurant. After lunch climb the twin hills of Cappadocia and ride towards the village of Uchisar though canyons of multicoloured rocks and fairy chimneys. Dinner and night Uchisar.

Day 6

Optional hot air balloon flight (approx 230 euros, always weather dependant) then ride through the 4kms long canyon, Green Valley. Detour through the famous Love Valley with its gigantic phallic rock formations and then into Sword Valley and Red Valley. With its citadels of red, pink and ochre rock and beautiful troglodytic churches, this is Cappadocia's most spectacular ensemble. Lunch in an ancient monastery, exploring again in the afternoon and ending with a long canter back to the hotel in Uchisar at sun set. Dinner and night at guesthouse.

Day 7

Breakfast and a final day's ride through White Valley, named after the colour of its rock. Stone labyrinths, towering fairy chimneys, another Love Valley,, then a short walk to the plateau of Boz and finally ride along sandy tracks, past orchards and gardens of Urgup to get back to the farm for tea. An optional Haman, steam bath and massage in Urgup before dinner and night at the guesthouse .

Day 8

Breakfast and shuttle transfer back to Kayseri airport for onward flight. Contact us at info@rideworldwide.com or on tel (+44) (0)1837-82544 / 825440 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and answers to questions.
Our Rider Feedback

What People Say

"Wanted to let you know we just got back from the most fabulous week in Cappadocia with Nico and Helen. Unbelievable horses, riding, scenery, hospitality, could not have asked for more. Thank you so much for organising on such a tight time scale....."
R & E (London)
“the countryside was absolutely stunning, the weather gloriously hot, but with a breeze most of the time. My horse was fantastic, the baklavas were un-missable, the rest of the team so nice and probably the highlight was having survived!!”
GJD (Northumberland)
“We did have a fantastic time the riding was great - all quite stretching and adventurous, but nice horses and, as always, a most delightful mix of punters! Many thanks for another brilliant holiday.”
BC (Leicestershire)
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Key information

You’ll find all the information you need at the ‘Download Full Details’ link above. If there’s anything else you would like to know, please contact us to ask.

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Booking Request

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