Cappadocia Classic Trail

Introduction
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.

Accomodation


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 includes and can accommodate special dietary requests.

Riding


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!

Itinerary


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.

Rates and Dates for Cappadocia Classic Trail

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

Other Info
Meeting: Ortahisar
Airport: Kayseri
Transfer: Kayseri Airport

Climate:
                                        Mustafapaşa area