Antalya Mountains Trail Turkey Turkey From Lake Beysehir to the Mediterranean coast. Crossing the Taurus mountains from north to south, the trail starts in Anatolia with incredible canters along Lake Beysehir and ends on the Mediterranean side by crossing a river. This trail is notable because of the diverse landscapes and scenery: sandy beach and an umbrella pine forest; chestnut and arbutus trees and pomegranate orchards; rocky valleys and high pasture, as well as the majestic canyon of Köprülü for which the Köprülü Canyon National Park is named. You will also discover Selge. Set on the historic Saint Paul trail, this ancient site has astonishing rock formations and Roman ruins - a little diamond between two mountains! Although referencing miles does not always make sense in the mountainous areas, be aware that the trail will be fast and rhythmic! Frequent canters - some unforgettable - along with trots, walks and some passages where you will lead your horse: solid rubber sole shoes are compulsory. In the anarchic limestone formations that characterize this region, we ride along tracks including roads, cute narrow paths, and a paved Roman-era road. There will also be some improvisation alongside the river. This is the perfect trail for a good rider who likes adventure and extraordinary landscapes. Camping Ride with vehicle support Progressive Ride (no camping) Family Vacation Meeting: Lake Beysehir (~ 90 min. from Konya airport) Airport: Konya Transfer: Konya Airport Riders: Min 4 riders Max 8 riders (per riding group) Max Capacity 14 Trip Brochure (PDF) Trip Rating

Packages and Options

Click here for updated current rates.

 

Rates Note:

It might be possible to arrange this trip for less than 4 pax with a small group supplement - please inquire

Transfer and Other Charges:

Pick-up from Konya Airport (KYA) around 6:55pm. Drop-off at Antalya International Airport (AYT).
The free transfers are included at a set time only - NO EXCEPTIONS! If you have no choice but to arrive at an alternative hour, we can book you a commerical airport shuttle (limited hours of operation) or in extreme cases you will need to take a taxi from the airport.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Arrival at Konya airport at 18:55 via the fight TK2038. You are driven to your hotel on the shore of Lake Beysehir, at the gate of the National Park. Dinner with the group and team at 9:00 pm.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel near Lake Beysehir

Day 2 (Monday): Ride to first camp
Very equestrian morning: nice and fast, with frequent sandy canters along the lake, on earth track lined with small oak trees. A colorful lunch amid fishing boats, the blue skies and yellow reeds; and in the afternoon, we ride up the south delta of the lake, where herds of cows graze on these fat grassy spaces. We reach the road and cross a typical village - a mix of modernity and tradition. We walk in the stony riverbed until the canyon diverts us to an oak forest. The camp awaits us in the middle of a clearing.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 3 (Tuesday): Ride to second camp
Via a wide path used in ancient times for transhumance (moving livestock from one grazing ground to another), we ride up until we reach a forest of beech trees. A quick change of scenery after a canter in the undergrowth, and we arrive at the bottom of the first pastures of the Taurus. On an earth and gravel track, we meet feral horses, and avoid them by accelerating our speed. Twenty minutes' walk in a narrow stony canyon, and we get back in the saddle to canter in an exceptional landscape: on both sides of a wide, dry riverbed, enormous pine trees grow on a carpet of greenery dotted between imposing rock blocks. Shepherds on donkeys gather their sheep and goats during our lunch.
We start the afternoon on a mineral pass before getting down a long track offering a panoramic view of the valley. From pine trees to an undergrowth, we find our camp on a green pasture locked between a cliff and a stream.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 4 (Wednesday): Ride to Erdinc's guesthouse
In a beautiful ravine created by a stream running through a large round rocky block, we walk on the pine needles. As the trail becomes rocky, we lead the horses for a bit. After crossing a village and terraced fields, we reach brush and then a forest.
After a long canter, we have lunch on the banks of a river with a view of Roman tombs carved in the cliff. This short afternoon will be fantastic for anyone who likes fun canters: 9 km along river, sand, gravel, and dust track and the border of a field. Alternating cadence, slalom between the bushes. With a big smile, we arrive at the only guest house in the area: Erdinc's place, operated by a nice family who welcome us with a traditional meal.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Erdinc's guesthouse

Day 5 (Thursday): Köprülü Canyon Ride
The village and the fog of the river are behind us when we take a narrow mule track overlooking the Köprülü Canyon. After passing the only bridge, we climb via a hard-surfaced road (very few to no vehicles). Lunch at a curious village built between rocks and chestnut trees. In this fairy-tale like landscape you could almost imagine trolls making an appearance!
Selge's rocks, a crater produced by a falling meteor, and the canyon will be viewed at a walk and canter from a high-altitude dirt road.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping near Selge

Day 6 (Friday): Mountain Ride
We leave Selge and the antique theatre via a track in the forest inviting a canter. Then we reach one of the most extraordinary passages on this trail: a large path carved into the edge of a vertical mountain - we will be a few hundred meters above the valley! After 40 minutes of joy and a few passages, we must lead the horses; we eat under huge plane trees shading a fountain.
We then start the most challenging afternoon for both horses and riders. Climbing first by fields (terraced), and then through the forest, we reach one of the most remote parts of the trail – a beautiful pasture reachable only by horse or foot. After some short canter, we dismount and lead our horses on a mule path. No danger of falling, but we need to be focused to get through three rocky 400 meter passes – this will take about an hour. We finish by entering a forest, where we find the camp in the middle of a wide clearing.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 7 (Saturday): Down to the Beach
We descend the mountain via a large track sneaking its way along rock formations, pine forest and arbutus trees before reaching a cultivated plain. The rhythm will be active: cantering from field to field; crossing a river; and, finally, reaching the camp on a sandy beach along the river.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight camping

Day 8 (Sunday): Last Ride
We ride along the river, from sandbank to roller beach, fording streams and brooks. Few canters bring us to a bushy hill. After half an hour of riding uphill, we arrive on a rocky ridge, offering us a magnificent view on the antique theater of Aspendos, on the river bellow and on the Mediterranean sea.
We meet the team at lunch under the shade of a big tree. The afternoon will run on long tracks along a canal, following fields and crops that will lead us to the pine forest of Saklikent. We cross it cantering through the rising afternoon light. Last and long canter on the dunes of the beach. After a last swim, you will be driven to your guest house in the center of the old city of Antalya where you will enjoy a seafood dinner. 
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at a Guesthouse in Antalya

Day 9 (Monday): Departure
After breakfast, you will be driven to Antalya airport.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                                Antalya area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	59	60	65	71	79	88	94	94	89	80	70	62
Average Low Temperature (°F)	41	42	45	51	58	66	72	72	66	58	50	44
Average High Temperature (°C)	15	16	18	22	26	31	35	34	31	27	21	16
Average Low Temperature (°C)	5	6	7	11	15	19	22	22	19	15	10	7
Average Precipitation (days of rain)	9	7	5	3	2	0	0	0	0	3	5	8

Source: NOAA


Seasons
Antalya has a typical Mediterranean climate with wet-humid winters and hot dry summers. Winters are mild and rainy, and summers are hot and dry. During the months of April, May, October and November you are most likely to experience good weather with pleasant average temperatures.

Dry Season: June, July, August and September.
Rainy Season: January, February, November and December.

Antalya has 300 days of sunshine in a year. The annual average sea water temperature is 22.5 degrees. On average, the warmest month is July and the coolest month is January. December and January are the wettest months.

*Send us a copy your travel insurance policy - with your reservation (or shortly after) All non-insured riders will not be allowed on the trail*
-- to make sure bring along a copy as well

Every rider should bring along:
• hard water bottles (preferably 2 x 1 litre). We want to avoid plastic waste so we provide mineral water in big tanks, not in individual bottles !
• warm and waterproof clothing in spring and autumn. Many people overlook the fact that Cappadocia is in altitude and may have some cold wind and rain.
• small water proof bags for crossing rivers.
• good walking shoes or ankle boots with good rubber soles are essential. Full riding boots and shoes with smooth soles are absolutely not recommended. It makes the walks difficult or impossible.

For nights spent at camps, you must bring a sleeping bag, towels, torch, powerbank (to charge your electronic devices), mosquito repellent and an extra pairs of shoes.

In summer, dress as if you were going for the desert; in spring and autumn, bring some warm clothing and a waterproof (low risk of rain).

Every evening, the logistic vehicle will forward your luggage to the camp site or pension.You will have to move your luggage around several times during the week so you should pack several, lighter bags rather than one large, heavy suitcase.

The guides do carry first aid packs with them, but you may also want to bring your own water purifying tablets, aspirin, large spectrum antibiotics and sunscreen.

This list is only a guideline for you

Travel documents and Voucher

Flight tickets

Passport

Visa (check with your consulate)

Travel Insurance

RIDING GEAR

Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)

Long sleeved shirts

Good walking shoes, rather than boots! However, make sure your shoes are not too big, or they may get stuck in the stirrups.

Riding helmet  (recommended for all trips) Riding without a hard hat is at your own risk.

Riding gloves

chaps or mini chaps

Hat with chin Strap

PERSONAL CLOTHING

Sweatshirt for evenings

Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts

Jeans

Underwear and socks

Pyjamas

Bag for dirty clothes

Walking shoes

For Camping trips:

Sleeping bag rated down to -10 F (-20 C) at least

Flashlight

Flask

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING

Personal Toiletries

Insect protection

Personal medications

Sore cream (for an emergency)

Sewing kit

Handkerchiefs

Camera and enough extra films

Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)

Sun glasses with strap

Sun tan lotion and lip balm

** No trip reports found with the tour ID you provided.

Accommodations
This is a progressive ride, so nights will be spent in different locations.

Description
The progressive trail in bivouac is for those who enjoy outdoor living, and sleeping in a tent or under the stars. Our camp spots are all situated in the heart of Lake Beysehir National Park or Köprülü Canyon National Park. Wi-Fi and electricity are almost never available on this trip (only during nights spent at hotels or guesthouses).
A logistic 4x4 vehicle will be transporting your luggage.

Accommodations Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel near Lake Beyşehir
Nights 2 & 3: Camping
Night 4: Erdinc's Guesthouse
Nights 5, 6 & 7: Camping
Night 8: Guesthouse in Antalya



Hotels and guesthouses
The hotels and guesthouses used on this trail all offer double rooms with en-suite bathrooms.


Camping
You will reach a different location on horseback at the end of each day, with the camp set up in the middle of nature, surrounded by beautiful views. The camps includes a large communal tent like those used by the last nomadic families in the country. You will be sleeping in double tipi-tents with floor mats and single camp mattresses (provided). The camp also includes a shower tent with a bucket and a gas stove for heating the water. For the washroom, you need to dig a hole in the ground.
You will set up and take down your own tent, and replace the equipment in the trailer each morning. You must bring a suitable sleeping bag, a torch, towels and toiletries.

Room Occupancy
Single room accommodations are possible depending on availability for just 3 nights out of 8. A single supplement fee applies for those nights.
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, a single supplement fee applies.



Meals
All meals are included for this trip. Full board includes a continental breakfast, a delicious picnic lunch featuring a local specialty each day and dinner.

At the camp, dinner is a traditional dish cooked on the wood fire, along with salad and fruits. Dinners are taken the Turkish way, on the floor, sitting on a carpet around a large round tray set in the communal tent or outside by the campfire.

Tea, coffee and mineral water are included; wine, beer and soft drinks are available as an option, for an extra cost.

Dietary Restrictions
Vegetarian options are available upon request.

This trip can accommodate special dietary requests.

Tack:		McClellan light trailing saddles with saddlebags. Standard bits and pelhams
Horses:		Arab and cross-Arab mares
Pace:		Mostly walk with some opportunities for trots and canters | Walk | Trot | Canter |
Level:		(4 to 5 out of 5)    Strong Intermediate
Age:		Min 12 - child or teen must be good rider
Weight:		Max 185 lbs - Strictly enforced, may be weighed on arrival
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 8 riders (per riding group)	Max Capacity 14

Physical Condition and Riding Ability
You must have a competent riding level to take part in our trails. Our horses are forward going and you must be able to stay in control during group canters. You must be able to stay in the saddle firmly during group canters, and be able to tack up your horse yourself. Before coming to Turkey, go for a few rides and get adequately fit in order to avoid muscular pain or irritations during the trail.
Riders must be in good physical condition. Circuit includes a few difficult portions where riders will be asked to dismount and lead their horse, sometimes up steep paths. 
You need to be fit enough to mount and dismount your horse, walk on long distance and be comfortable with water (river crossing).
A regular practice of a sport is highly recommended.

Pace
The pace is mostly at a walk, with opportunities for trots and canters each day. The program includes 6 riding days. On average, we will ride 25-38 km and spend 5 to 6 hours on horseback each day. We will take regular breaks throughout the day and stop for at least one hour for lunch. Each day begins and ends with a 5-10 minute walk (on foot), for the riders and the horses to warm up/relax.
This route features a lot of technical canters with some long stretch (about 10 minutes). Some canters are on light down hills and rough terrain.

Tack
The riding equipment includes standard bits and pelhams as well as McClellan light trailing saddles and saddles made by ourselves. These are fitted with two saddlebags for you to carry the picnic and personal belongings for the day.

Horses
Our stable is composed of forward-going Arab, and cross-Arab horses who will surprise you with their robustness and their agility. They are 1,50 m tall on average - the ideal size for trailing on tortuous paths! All our horses are responsive, well balanced and respectful of the rider and they are extremely sure-footed.
We have put a lot of time and investment into the quality of our horses. Since 2015, more than half of our cavalry has been renewed with pure Arabian endurance horses. Most of our horses have qualified in national endurance races.
We have invested in a horse walker and in an arena in order to continue to offer riders well trained horses.
Our horses live together as a herd and all spend their days outside grazing in our fields when not on the trail.
Horses are assigned according to riding levels and riders' preferences, but the size and the weight of the rider are also important criteria.
Our team will groom and prepare the horses, so no participation is required by the rider.
 
Weight Restriction
Riders cannot be over 85kg. We will weigh riders on arrival and those over will not be able to participate in the riding program.

Guide
We will provide 1 guide for every 4 riders.

Travel Insurance
You must have appropriate travel insurance to take part in our trails. Make sure your policy covers horse-riding activities abroad. Your insurance details will be requested on arrival.

Riders 12 years and older can participate, but anyone under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult!

Passports

Passport valid for at least three months from date of departure from Turkey required by all nationals referred to in the chart, except:

1. nationals of Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Liechtenstein, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Spain and Switzerland, who can enter with a national ID card (which must have a validity of one year).

Visas

Sticker-type entry visas: Tourists and business visitors from the following countries do require visas and can obtain a sticker-type entry visa at the point of entry for a fee (prices are dependent on nationality):

(a) 2. Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Malta, The Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, the UK* and USA for stays not exceeding three months;

(b) 3. Greek Cypriot Administrative Region, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovak Republic for stays not exceeding one month.

Except 4. Nationals of Bulgaria who do not require a visa for stays up to three months, but do require a visa for transit and for entry at certain points in Turkey; check with consulate.

Visa Note

(a) *British National Overseas passport holders should contact the visa section of the consulate general before travelling. (b) Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see Contact Addresses).

Types of Visa and Cost

British passport holders can obtain tourist visa either at the port of entry in Turkey for £10 or from the consulate general in the UK for £50. Single entry (six months): £74. Single entry (one year): £230. Single transit: £74. Study: £74 (six months) or £230 (one year). Work: £230. These prices are provided by The Consulate General for the Republic of Turkey in London; prices may vary according to nationality.

Validity

Single entry: up to six months or one year. Multiple entry: up to five years. Transit: six months. Work: one year. Study: six months or one year.

Applications to:

Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see Contact Addresses. Applicants must pre-book an appointment with the relevant consulate. An online appointment system is available for The Consulate General for the Republic of Turkey in London (website: www.turkishconsulate.org.uk/en/visa ). Travel agencies can also make visa applications.

Working Days Required

Usually three, but dependent on nationality of applicant and type of visa. Some applications may be referred to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara, which may take much longer (minimum six to eight weeks).

 

This information is not being updated on a regular basis. Hidden Trails does not take any responsibility for the accuracy of the above information. Please, consult the embassy or consulate for updated info.