Day 1: Avanos
ITALY / KAYSERI / AVANOS (-/-/-)
Discover Cappadocia, its culture, and its magical landscapes...
This classic itinerary takes you through the wonders of Cappadocia. From rural regions to its most enchanting valleys, a succession of fantastic rock formations, lush canyons, high plateaus, steppe-like sceneries, vineyards, and orchards make for a surprisingly varied journey.
Along the way, villages reflect Anatolian life, while frescoed churches and other troglodyte treasures bear witness to the region's rich past.
Arrival at Kayseri Airport (ASR), pick-up between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM (transfers at other times available upon request at extra cost), and transfer to the guesthouse in Avanos. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Avanos
AVANOS (B/L/D)
Meet the team at the ranch for breakfast and transfer to the riding center.
Meet the horses at the equestrian center and enjoy a short warm-up ride along the banks of the Red River to Lake Bayramhaci. We’ll pass through the village of Sarihidir and return via the vineyards of Mount Ziyaret, ending the day in Avanos.
Day 3: Uchisar
AVANOS / UCHISAR (B/L/D)
Departure towards Uchisar. After crossing the small Çayagil canyon, we’ll head into Love Valley, with its magical, fairytale-like formations. The day ends in Uchisar, a massive rocky outcrop offering panoramic views.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 4: Uchisar
UCHISAR (B/L/D)
We’ll ride into the most beautiful valleys of Cappadocia with their multicolored lunar shapes: Kiliçlar Valley, Red Valley, and many others shaped by volcanic activity and erosion. Lunch will be served on the terrace next to the Uzumlu chapel, giving you a taste of Turkish hospitality. Return to our accommodation via KaranKemer Valley.
Day 5:
UCHISAR / MUSTAFAPASA (B/L/D)
Today we explore a lesser-known side of Cappadocia. The village of Ibrahimpacha (also called Babayan) still retains its agricultural charm. We’ll continue through Gomeda and Uzengi valleys, famous for their vast pigeon houses. The day ends in Mustafapasa, an old Greek village that has preserved its authentic character.
Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 6:
MUSTAFAPASA (B/L/D)
This day offers a total change of scenery and variety. The excursion brings you into a different image of Cappadocia. Crossing plateaus and valleys, we’ll pass by the fairy chimney formations of Golgoli. A trail leads us to the rock-carved Monastery of Keşlik, where we’ll have lunch and a visit. Return to Mustafapasa along a panoramic path overlooking the valley.
Day 7: Avanos
MUSTAFAPASA / AVANOS (B/L/D)
Every day and every moment in Cappadocia offers something unique. We’ll ride through Pancarlik Valley and pass a monastery that once served as a hospital. A trail will bring us to an impressive viewpoint over Rose Valley. We’ll then move on to Devrent Valley, now known as Imagination Valley, before reaching the 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai of Saruhan. From here, we’ll follow the Red River back to the ranch.
Day 8:
AVANOS / KAYSERI / ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to the airport around 7:30 AM, in time for your flight.
Note: The above itinerary is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
Notes:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°
ACCOMMODATION:
Itinerant trek with overnight stays in different locations. Depending on availability, hotels are located in Avanos, Ayvali, Mustafapasa, and Uchisar. The selected accommodations offer a unique cultural immersion. Lodging is picturesque and comfortable, often set within ancient cave houses (frequently windowless).
Meals include traditional regional cuisine, continental breakfasts, and picnic lunches. Special diets and allergies can be accommodated upon request. Tea, coffee, and water are included. Wine, beer, and soft drinks available at extra cost.
ACCOMMODATION:
Night 1 & 2: Hotel in Ürgüp
Night 3 & 4: Cave Hotel in Ayvalı
Night 5 & 6: Guesthouse in Uçhisar
Night 7: Hotel in Ürgüp
OPTION with UPGRADED HOTEL CATEGORY:
Night 1 & 2: Cave Hotel in Ürgüp
Night 3 & 4: Cave Hotel in Ayvalı
Night 5 & 6: Guesthouse in Uçhisar
Night 7: Cave Hotel in Ürgüp
DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: Guesthouse
EQUIPMENT: MC LELLAN trekking saddles – light and comfortable, with pockets for carrying daily essentials while riding
HORSES: ARABIAN – mostly mares. Well-trained, lively yet obedient; accustomed to the terrain and routes. Horses are assigned based on riding level and rider weight.
PACE: 5 to 6 hours per day in the saddle (covering between 25 and 40 km per day). The ride includes all three gaits. Riders must be able to control the horse in open spaces and be in good physical condition. Participants should be capable of mounting and dismounting independently several times a day. At times, you may need to lead the horse by hand over challenging terrain. Riders are expected to care for their horse, including saddling and unsaddling.
WHAT TO BRING: Riding clothes suitable for the season, windproof and waterproof gear, protective riding helmet, water bottle, sunscreen, basic first aid kit, waist pouch.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 85 kg
MINIMUM AGE: 12 years
TYPE: Itinerant tour with overnight stays in guesthouses
GGuaranteed departure dates with at least 1 person departing from Italy:
From 29/03 to 05/04
From 19/04 to 26/04
From 10/05 to 17/05
From 13/09 to 20/09
From 04/10 to 11/10
From 25/10 to 01/11
Additional departure dates available on request with a minimum of 2 participants.
SUPPLEMENTS & DISCOUNTS:
Private taxi transfer (for different arrival/departure times, per ride, up to 3 people) ON REQUEST
