Turkish Mediterranean Coast Ride Turkey Turkey Discover the Mediterranean coast of Turkey on horseback. This itinerant ride along the southern coast of Turkey, in the province of Mugla, offers a wide panel of landscapes: forests, hilly paths, canals, lakes, beaches, the historical site of Kaunos and streams of the famous Dalyan lagoon. Emjoy many gallops in the forests, walk on thousand years-old paths, cross flowered villages, and go on mountainous walks leading your horse on narrow paths. This is a fast paced trip that offers the opportunity to swim every day with or without your horse, on deserted beaches and in the hot water sources of Sultaniye. Important note: because there are many beehives in the area, we cannot accept riders who are allergic to bees. Progressive Ride (no camping) Ride with Western Tack Meeting: Koycegiz Airport: Dalaman Airport Transfer: Dalaman Airport Riders: Min 4 riders Max 8 riders 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:

Transfers are available from Dalaman Airport (DLM) between 8am and 6:00 pm.

Sample Itinerary - subject to changes

Important: because there are many beehives in the area, we cannot accept riders who are allergic to bees.

Note that this itinerary can be done in one direction or the other, depending on the week.

The description below is an example of a trail we often do, but due to the weather forecast or safety reasons, the guide can chose to change the itinerary at the last minute.

Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival
Arrival at Dalaman airport and transfer to your hotel. Dinner with your guide and the group of riders.
Meals included: Dinner
Overnight at Hotel in Koycegiz

Day 2 (Monday): Ride to Koyceyiz Lake
After breakfast you’re taken to the start of the trail. You’ll be able to get familiar with your horse, your equipment and the ride’s gaits (fast walk, endurance canter and trot). When the horses get warmed up, you’ll begin to cross a liquidambar forest, then canter along the orange orchards and follow wooden trails among the olive trees.
We will ford the Dogusbelen river with its pebbles and gravel, before we reach our lunch stop.
A different scenery awaits us this afternoon. We will cross a coniferous forest with garrigue bushes and enjoy long canter on mountain trails overlooking Koyceyiz Lake (pronunciation : Koïdjehiz).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near Koyceyiz Lake

Day 3 (Tuesday): Koyceyiz Lake to Seaside Camp
This morning you will saddle your horse and begin to ride down the mountains, through a beautiful forest. From time to time, we get a lovely panorama over the lake and the surrounding villages. We reach the hot springs of Sultaniye for our picnic lunch. You can bathe in the springs and the lake if you want (swimming with horses is not possible here).
In the afternoon we have incredible views over the Dalyan laguna, probably one of the most remarkable view of the Turkish coast. We make our way down through the olive tree orchards and quiet trails, until we reach our picture-perfect camp by the sea: fine sand beach and superb view on Iztuzu beach.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping near the Sea

Day 4 (Wednesday): Seaside Camp to Dalyan
We start the day with a ride along the lagoon, where we will have the opportunity to canter on trails covered by pine needles. Later, we arrive at the ancient site of Kaunos (paying entry: 6 €).
We should reach the charming town of Dalyan for a seafood lunch. The afternoon will be dedicated to a cruise through the beautiful reed chanels of the lagoon (the horses will rest).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Guesthouse in Dalyan

Day 5 (Thursday): Gokbel & Iztuzu Beach
Today, we reach the horses by boat and load them on a barge in order to cross the Dalyan river. Then, we quickly ride out of town, through the orange and grenade orchards. You will ride at the bottom of a deep sandstone canyon, on an old mule path leading to a wooden plateau. Long canter trails await. After crossing the beautiful postcard village of Gokbel, the road will lead you to the famous Iztuzu beach, where we stop for lunch. You can go for a swim if you want. After the break, we visit of the center for protection and rehabilitation of Caretta turtles.
This afternoon, we ride through a labyrinth of oleanders, on trails surrounded by beehives. Tonight's camp is located in a big clearing.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping

Day 6 (Friday): Sarigerme & Dalaman River
We ride down to the touristic village of Sarigerme through a forest with many different trees (carob trees, lentisc trees…) to a 5 km-long beach. Then, we ford the Dalaman river (in case of floods the horses will have to cross a bridge upstream, taking an extra 2 hours). Today, we enjoy our picnic on the beach, with a possibility to bathe in the sea.
In the afternoon you’ll walk, leading your horse by foot, along a steep path through sweet smelling bay-trees, mint and thyme. A breathtaking panorama awaits you at the top. Later, we delight in a few canters through olive orchards and abandoned fields. You will pass near an astonishing roman cistern and eventually reach the camp in a clearing, with views of the Gocek islands (pronunciation : Geudjek).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping

Day 7 (Saturday): Bay of Gocek
A long morning awaits with a fast ride on forest tracks overlooking the bay of Gocek. A steep path will have us walk our horses for a few minutes. Then, splendid panoramas and long canters will lead you to Gocek port, famous for its numerous yachts.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight Camping

Day 8 (Sunday): Departure
After breakfast, departure for the airport in time for your return flight.
Meals included: Breakfast

                                        Dalaman area

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Average High Temperature (°F)	60	60	65	70	77	86	90	91	85	78	69	62
Average Low Temperature (°F)	43	44	46	50	57	65	70	71	64	57	49	45
Average High Temperature (°C)	15	16	18	21	25	30	32	33	30	25	21	17
Average Low Temperature (°C)	6	7	8	10	14	18	21	21	18	14	10	7

Source: NOAA


Seasons
This region benefits from a mild Mediterranean climate with average temperatures of 9 degree C in winter and 29 degree C in summer.
Spring and Fall are the best seasons to travel. The sun is warm and skies are generally clear. You can expect mild to warm temperatures and some rain during this time.

*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

What to bring:
- Riding boots / walking shoes with rubber sole (not too large for good support)
- Chaps or half-chaps
- Riding hat (not mandatory but strongly recommended)
- 1-litre water bottle (in summer bring 2-litre) - mineral water provided
- Sunglasses
- Rain jacket (low risk of storms even in summer)
- Personal medication
- Pocket money for tips and stops at cafes en route

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.

Every evening, the logistic vehicle will forward your luggage to the camp site or hotel. 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 first, fourth and last nights are spent in a hotel and the remaining nights are spent camping. 

Accommodations Itinerary - subject to changes based on availability
Night 1: Hotel in Koycegiz
Night 2: Camping near Koyceyiz Lake
Night 3: Camping near the Sea
Night 4: Guesthouse in Dalyan
Night 5: Camping
Night 6: Camping
Night 7: Hotel in Gocek

Hotels
The hotels used on this trail all offer double rooms with en-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi connection and a laundry service.



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.

Tent/Room Occupancy
Single room/tent accommodations are possible depending on availability. A single supplement fee applies for those nights if you are not willing to share.
If we are unable to find another rider to share the room with you, a single supplement fee applies.



Meals
All meals are included in the trip from dinner on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 8.
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
We can cater to vegetarians given prior notice.

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
Weight:		Max 185 lbs / 84 kg
Riders:		Min 4 riders	Max 8 riders

Physical Condition and Riding Ability
You must have a competent riding level to take part in our trails. This trip is designed for strong intermediate and experienced outdoor riders, looking for a fun and fast ride in beautiful nature.
Our horses are forward-going and you must be able to stay in control during group canters. Before coming to Turkey, go for a few rides outdoor and exercise yourself in order to avoid muscular pain or irritations during the trail.
Riders must be in good physical condition. The circuit includes a few difficult ways where riders will be asked to dismount and lead their horse.

Pace
This trail includes 6 riding days with 5.5 to 6 hours on horseback per day, covering approximately 20-35km per day on varied terrain. The day basically start with pace at walk in order to warm up the horses, then you will trot, canter, walk, trot.

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.

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.