Turkish Mediterranean Ride

Introduction
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.

Accomodation

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 includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding

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.

Itinerary


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

Rates and Dates for Turkish Mediterranean Ride

Dates Note: Additional tour dates possible, please inquire about availability

Other Info
Meeting: Koycegiz
Airport: Dalaman Airport
Transfer: Dalaman Airport

Climate:
                                        Dalaman area