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Horseback riding tours
Rides in
Turkey
Intro to Turkey
![]() Cappadocia![]() Turkey
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![]() Greece
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Cappadocia Classic Ride
Cappadocia
Turkey
Discover Cappadocia, its culture and its magical landscape...
This classic trail takes you around Cappadocia. From the peasants' Cappadocia to the most beautiful valleys, a succession of fantastic rock formations, lush canyons, high plateaux, steppe-like landscape, along with vineyards and orchards, compose a surprinsingly varied route. On the way, the villages reflect the Anatolian way of life while frescoed churches and other troglodytic treasures testify of the rich past of the area.
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Progressive Ride (no camping)
Family Vacation
Ride with Western Tack
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Meeting:
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Ortahisar
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Airport:
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Kayseri
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Transfer:
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Kayseri Airport
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
Max
6 riders
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Trip Brochure (PDF) 
Trip Rating
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Rates and Dates for 2025
Rates include*:
Accommodations, All meals except dinner on Day 1, drinks including water, tea and coffee, activities as described in itinerary & Transfers at set times
| A | 2025 | 8 day trip - high | 8d / 7n | €2000 | $2200 |
| B | 2025 | 8 day trip - mid | 8d / 7n | €1920 | $2115 |
| C | 2025 | 8 day trip - low | 8d / 7n | €1820 | $2005 |
| D | 2025 | 8 day trip - winter | 8d / 7n | €1740 | $1915 |
* prices are per person based on double/twin occupancy
Transfer and Other Charges:
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2025
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Transfers included from Kayseri/ Nevsehir airport between 8:00am and 6:00pm.
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2025
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Single supplement -- please inquire
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Pick-up/ drop-offs are available from Erkilet International Airport/ Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). Pick-up is between 8:00am and 6:00pm on Day 1.
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.
Tour Dates for 2025
Check here for details and availability
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| C |
2025
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03/16
- 03/23
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - low
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| B |
2025
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03/30
- 04/06
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - mid
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| A |
2025
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04/06
- 04/13
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - high
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| A |
2025
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04/13
- 04/20
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - high
|
2
/6
|
Reserve
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| A |
2025
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04/20
- 04/27
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - high
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| A |
2025
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04/27
- 05/04
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - high
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2
/6
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Reserve
|
| A |
2025
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05/11
- 05/18
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - high
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2
/6
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Reserve
|
| A |
2025
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06/08
- 06/15
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - high
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| A |
2025
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08/31
- 09/07
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - high
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| A |
2025
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09/07
- 09/14
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - high
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| A |
2025
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09/14
- 09/21
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - high
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| A |
2025
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09/28
- 10/05
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - high
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| A |
2025
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10/05
- 10/12
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - high
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| A |
2025
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10/19
- 10/26
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - high
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| A |
2025
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10/26
- 11/02
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - high
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| B |
2025
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11/09
- 11/16
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - mid
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| C |
2025
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11/23
- 11/30
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - low
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2
/6
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Reserve
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| D |
2025
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12/07
- 12/14
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8d / 7n
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8 day trip - winter
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2
/6
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Reserve
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Additional tour dates possible, please inquire about availability
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Rates do not include:
Beverages other than water, tea and coffee at meal times, Travel and medical insurance (mandatory), Gratuities, Airport transfers outside of set times, hammam, Open Air Museum of Gorëme, Hot Air balloon ride
Sample Itinerary - subject to changes
The program below is for information only; it can be modified upon request, depending on the participants’ ages, interests and horse-riding level.
Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Kayseri airport. Transfer by minibus to your guest house in Avanos.
Meals included: none
Overnight at Guesthouse in Avanos
Day 2: First Ride
You meet the team at the ranch for breakfast and are driven to the ranch.
Meet the horses at the equestrian center and take a short warm-up ride along the banks of the Red River to Lake Bayramhaci. We will pass through the village of Sarihidir and return through the vineyards of Mount Ziyaret to finish in Avanos.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Avanos
Day 3: Love Valley
Departure towards Uchisar. After passing through the small canyon of Çayagil, we will continue to the Valley of Love, with its "fairy-tale" wonders. We will finish in Uchisar, a huge rocky outcrip for a panoramic view.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Uchisar
Day 4: Valley of Roses
We enter the most beautiful Cappadocian valleys with their multicolored lunar shapes: the Valley of Kiliçlar, the Red Valley, and many others, to admire the varied landscapes created by volcanoes and erosion. Lunch on the terrace next to the Uzumlu chapel will let us experience Turkish hospitality. Return to our accommodation through the KaranKemer Valley.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Uchisar
Day 5: Valley of Gomeda
We venture into a less-known Cappadocia by classic travelers. The village of Ibrahimpacha (also called Babayan) still retains its agricultural aspect. We continue towards Gomeda and Uzengi, valleys with immense pigeon houses. We will end our day in Mustafapaşa, an old Greek village that has preserved an authentic character.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Mustafapaşa
Day 6: Keshlik Monastery
This day offers total change and diversity. This hike takes us to another image of Cappadocia. Through plateaus and valleys, we will pass by the fairy chimney formations of the Golgoli site. A trail will take us to the Keşlik Monastery, where we will have lunch and then visit the rock monastery. Return to Mustafapaşa via a trail that overlooks the entire valley.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Mustafapaşa
Day 7: Devrent Valley
Every day and every moment has its uniqueness in Cappadocia. Through the Pancarlik Valley and a monastery that was once a hospital, we will take a path to admire an impressive view of the Rose Valley. Then, we will transition to the Devrent Valley, now called the Valley of Imagination, to arrive at the 13th-century Saruhan Caravanserai, built by the Seljuks. We will then follow along the Red River to return to the stable.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight in Avanos
Day 8: Departure Day
Breakfast and transfer to airport
Meals included: Breakfast
Non Riders
Non-riding companions are welcome to join this trip. It is best to have a car in order to do some sightseeing while the rest of the group explores on horseback.
For those interested in experiencing the hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia's surreal landscape at sunrise it can be arranged. The cost varies depending on season and type of ride, from 150 to 220 Euro plus 10% tax -- paid locally in cash or credit card. The price includes:
- pick-up from hotel around 04:00h
- deluxe flight (1 hour, up to 16 passengers)
- return to hotel before breakfast
Note that if the weather does not permit for the balloon flight the operator will advise at the last minute, often after the pick-up.
Meeting:
Ortahisar
Airport:
Kayseri
Train station:
Kayseri Railway Station
Transfer:
Kayseri Airport
Distance:
35 miles
Pick-up/ drop-offs are available from Erkilet International Airport/ Kayseri Erkilet Airport (ASR). Pick-up is between 8:00am and 6:00pm on Day 1.
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.
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Tack:
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McClellan light trailing saddles with saddlebags. Standard bits and pelhams
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Horses:
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Arab and cross-Arab mares
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Pace:
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Mostly at a walk, with opportunities for trots and canters each day. 5 to 6 hours on horseback with average of 28 kilometers each day
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Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
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Level:
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(3
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate and above
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Age:
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Min
12 - child or teen must be good rider
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Weight:
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Max
185 lbs - Strictly enforced, may be weighed on arrival
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Riders:
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Min
2 riders
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Max
6 riders
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Physical Condition and Riding Ability
Riders must be able to tack up and mount their horse unassisted. You must be able to stay in control on spirited horses and 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.
This program may be suitable for riders who lack a bit of confidence, but it is NOT suitable for beginners or novices. The trail includes 4 riding days with about 2 to 3 hours in the saddle each day. We cover 20 km a day on average, on varied 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 qualifed 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 yrs and older can participate, but anyone under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult!
Passport and Visa Requirements:
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, Liechtens. more
Mustafapaşa area
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Month
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Jan
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Feb
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Mar
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Apr
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May
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Jun
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Jul
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Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec
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Average High Temperature (°F)
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38
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44
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53
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63
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71
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80
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87
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88
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78
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66
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53
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41
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Average Low Temperature (°F)
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22
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25
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33
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39
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48
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54
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59
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60
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50
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42
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32
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25
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Average High Temperature (°C)
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4
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7
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12
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17
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22
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27
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30
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31
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26
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19
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12
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5
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Average Low Temperature (°C)
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-6
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-4
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0
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4
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9
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12
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15
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15
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10
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5
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0
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-4
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Source: NOAA
Seasons
Cappadocia has a semi-arid, continental climate, with 29 days of rain per year on average.
March: Cold weather, last frost after winter.
April: The sun is back, nature has woken up. Nights remain cold.
May: Sunny weather but may turn stormy at short notice.
June: Vegetation is lush, fields are covered with flowers, the horses are at the top of their form, the kids are still at school ...
July: Beautiful weather. Highly recommended.
August: Very sunny weather, and hot (35°). Siesta is a must after lunch. Bring your hat and sunglasses.
September: Very nice, Indian-summery weather. The trees bear fruits.
October: Beautiful light, great colors. Days are cooler and nights are cold again.
November: Rain is back. May be frosty at night. For the most adventurous riders only.
*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.
Your luggage will be transferred by our logistics vehicle. You should pack several, lighter bags rather than one large, heavy suitcase.
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 guesthouse.
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
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Travel documents and Voucher
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Flight tickets
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Passport
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Visa (check with your consulate)
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| Travel Insurance |
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RIDING GEAR
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Riding pants or Jodhpurs (used if possible!)
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Long sleeved shirts
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Good walking shoes, rather than boots! However, make sure your shoes are not too big, or they may get stuck in the stirrups.
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Riding helmet (recommended for all trips) Riding without a hard hat is at your own risk.
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Riding gloves
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chaps or mini chaps
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Hat with chin Strap
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PERSONAL CLOTHING
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Sweatshirt for evenings
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Comfortable T-Shirts/Shirts
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Jeans
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Underwear and socks
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Pyjamas
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Bag for dirty clothes
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Walking shoes
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For Camping trips:
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Sleeping bag rated down to -10 F (-20 C) at least
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Flashlight
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| Flask |
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ADDITIONAL THINGS TO BRING
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Personal Toiletries
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Insect protection
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Personal medications
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Sore cream (for an emergency)
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Sewing kit
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Handkerchiefs
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Camera and enough extra films
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Address book and pen (for pictures postcards!)
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Sun glasses with strap
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Sun tan lotion and lip balm
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Sorry, no video is currently available for this tour.
*Important Notice: The following ratings have been submitted by guests and do not necessarily represent the views of Hidden Trails, its partners or employees.
Every care is taken to ensure accuracy but Hidden Trails is not liable for any errors or omissions.
** No trip reports found
with the tour ID you provided.
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..view other reports for different trips
Accommodations
These trails are all progressive rides where nights are spent at various locations. Depending on availability, hotels are located in Avanos, Ayvali, Mustafapasa and Uchisar.
Description
The traditional habitat of Cappadocia is mainly troglodyte: rooms are carved in the rock. Most of the hotels are beautifully restored old houses and offer caves rooms. You will stay in picturesque, comfortable hotels located in ancient stone houses or in renovated cave houses, typical of the local architecture.
Most people enjoy this amazing experience. But some guests have complained about the lack of windows and the rough (unfinished) walls in their bedrooms. Please let us know if you would have an issue with this type of accommodation. All guesthouses offer internet access.
You will have the time to visit Cappadocia's nicest villages and experience the legendary Turkish hospitality and the Anatolian way of life.
Room Occupancy
Single room accommodations are possible depending on availability. A single supplement fee applies for those nights if you are not willing to share room with other riders.
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, a single supplement fee applies.
Meals
All breakfasts and dinners are included for this trip, except dinner on arrival day. Lunch is taken in different restaurants and snacks or served in the nature by our team, you will taste local specialties.
Dinner and breakfast are taken at the hotels. Hotels serve Anatolian cuisine for dinner comprising a starter, one or two courses and a dessert. Vegetarian menu on request. Tea and mineral water are included.
Cappadocia wine, local alcoholic drinks, beer and soft drinks are available as an option.
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 at a walk, with opportunities for trots and canters each day. 5 to 6 hours on horseback with average of 28 kilometers each day
|
Walk |
Trot |
Canter |
|
|
Level:
|
|
(3
to
5
out of 5) Intermediate and above
|
|
Age:
|
|
Min
12 - child or teen must be good rider
|
|
|
Weight:
|
|
Max
185 lbs - Strictly enforced, may be weighed on arrival
|
|
Riders:
|
|
Min
2 riders
|
Max
6 riders
|
|
Physical Condition and Riding Ability
Riders must be able to tack up and mount their horse unassisted. You must be able to stay in control on spirited horses and 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.
This program may be suitable for riders who lack a bit of confidence, but it is NOT suitable for beginners or novices. The trail includes 4 riding days with about 2 to 3 hours in the saddle each day. We cover 20 km a day on average, on varied 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 qualifed 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 yrs 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).
| Passport Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
1 |
| Visa Required? |
| British |
2 |
| Australian |
2 |
| Canadian |
2 |
| USA |
2 |
| Other EU |
2/3/4 |
| Return Ticket Required? |
| British |
Yes |
| Australian |
Yes |
| Canadian |
Yes |
| USA |
Yes |
| Other EU |
Yes |
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.
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Cappadocia Classic Ride
Tour Code:
IT-TKIR07
8 days /
7 nights
Dates :
Year round
Difficulty :
Riding Level Explained | A | Beginner
 | Beginner A rider who has limited experience, is unable to post the trot and does not canter. | | B | Novice
 | Novice A rider who is capable of mounting and dismounting unassisted, capable of
applying basic aids, comfortable and in control at the walk, moderate length posting
trots, and short canters. | | C | Intermediate
 | Intermediate A rider who has a firm seat, is confident and in control at all paces
(including posting trots, two point canters and gallops), but does not ride regularly. |
| D | Strong Intermediate
 | Strong Intermediate An intermediate rider who is currently riding regularly and is comfortable in the saddle for at least 6 hours per day. | | E | Advanced
 | All of the above, plus an independent seat, soft hands, and capable of handlinga spirited horse in open country. |
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