Jour 1: Urgup
ITALY / KAYSERI / URGUP (-/-/D)
Having the opportunity to explore Cappadocia on horseback will be an unforgettable experience. “There’s no land like this in the world”… is the most common remark from travelers who visit this unique region. Located in the geographic heart of modern-day Turkey, Cappadocia boasts fairytale landscapes and uniquely original human settlements. A magical land full of surprises.
Between natural wonders and a thousand-year-old history, we will ride on trails far from the usual tourist routes to discover what makes the land of King Midas such a uniquely attractive destination. A land of a thousand geological marvels, it is the result of a series of ancient volcanic eruptions, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Over six days, we will ride 120 km from the South to the incredible valleys in the North—a fantastic journey through rock formations, canyons, plateaus, and valleys. We will also discover the warm hospitality of the Turkish people and the traditional Anatolian lifestyle.
Highlights of our horseback trek through Cappadocia include:
Mustafapasa, formerly Sinasos, a stunning village still relatively unknown to tourists. Until the early 20th century, it was inhabited by Greek Orthodox families, and the architecture of its houses is distinctly Greek rather than Cappadocian.
Uchisar, one of the most fascinating towns, entirely carved into soft volcanic tuff.
Goreme, the most famous town, nestled among the iconic "fairy chimneys".
The main rock formations of Green Valley, Love Valley, Sword Valley, and Red Valley.
Pancarlik, a multicolored valley.
Arrival at Kayseri Airport (ASR), pick-up between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM (transfers outside of these hours available on request for an additional fee) and transfer to the ranch, about 50 minutes from the airport and centrally located in the Cappadocia region. Dinner with your guide and overnight stay.
Jour 2:
URGUP (B/L/D)
After breakfast, transfer to the ranch where horses will be assigned. Our adventure begins through lush vegetation and the Uzengi river canyon. Lunch will be cooked over a fire by locals at the foot of a troglodyte citadel. In the afternoon, we’ll ride up Mount Avlak for stunning views of Cappadocia. We'll reach the ghost village of Karain, where we’ll leave the horses and return to Urgup by vehicle for dinner and overnight stay.
Jour 3:
URGUP / AYVALI (B/L/D)
A morning of cantering across the Anatolian highlands (1600 m above sea level). We’ll lead the horses on foot for about 20 minutes down a narrow trail to Lake Damsa. Lunch by the fire near the Keslik Monastery. In the afternoon, we'll pass enchanted fairy chimneys and hills overlooking the lake. We’ll reach Ayvali through a hidden canyon. Dinner and overnight at a local hotel.
Jour 4:
AYVALI (B/L/D)
Morning exploration of the underground village of Golgoli and breathtaking rock formations. We'll continue to the Greek village of Mustafapasa for lunch, then ride up to a high plateau. Return to Ayvali for dinner and overnight stay.
Jour 5:
AYVALI / UCHISAR (B/L/D)
A variety of landscapes: small canyons, cultivated land, and wide plains at Subasi. Several gallops on smooth sandy trails to the underground village of Kirkule. We'll ride through Gomeda Valley with its characteristic chimneys, then the Gumuslu Canyon, and on to the Babayan Evi restaurant for lunch. From this picturesque village, we climb the “twin hills” to reach the Uchisar rock fortress. We'll admire the multicolored rock formations of Pigeon Valley along the way. Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse in Uchisar.
Jour 6:
UCHISAR (B/L/D)
Optional early morning hot air balloon flight. Then back on horseback through rock tunnels and the 4 km Green Valley canyon. We’ll pass through the iconic Love Valley, Sword Valley, and Red Valley with their stunning colors and troglodyte churches—the most spectacular formations in Cappadocia. Lunch in an ancient monastery. In the afternoon, we’ll continue through the Rose Valley and return via Shepherd's Valley. Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse in Uchisar.
Jour 7:
UCHISAR / URGUP (B/L/D)
Final day on horseback through the stunning White Valley. We’ll ride through the charming village of Cavusin, then walk a short stretch to the Boz Daha plateau. From there, we’ll enjoy views over Red Valley and Devrent Valley. Long canters take us to Pancarlik Valley. Return to the ranch in the afternoon, with an optional visit to a traditional hammam in Urgup. Transfer to hotel and farewell dinner.
Jour 8:
URGUP / KAYSERI / ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to the airport around 7:30 AM, in time for your flight.
Note: The itinerary may be subject to change due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
LEGEND:
(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Difficulty Level: From ° to °°°°°
ACCOMMODATION:
Nights 1 & 2: Hotel in Urgup
Nights 3 & 4: Cave hotel in Ayvali
Nights 5 & 6: Guesthouse in Uchisar
Night 7: Hotel in Urgup
OPTION with SUPERIOR CATEGORY HOTELS:
Nights 1 & 2: Cave hotel in Urgup
Nights 3 & 4: Cave hotel in Ayvali
Nights 5 & 6: Guesthouse in Uchisar
Night 7: Cave hotel in Urgup
Accommodations are selected to offer a unique experience immersed in the local culture. They are picturesque and comfortable, often carved into ancient cave homes (so many rooms may not have windows).
Traditional local dishes, continental breakfast, and picnic lunches. Special dietary requirements and allergies can be accommodated upon request. Tea, coffee, and water included. Wine, beer, and soft drinks available at extra cost.
TRIP DETAILS:
Duration: 8 days / 7 nights
Difficulty: °°°° (Intermediate/Advanced)
Accommodation: Guesthouses
Equipment: McLellan trekking saddles, light and comfortable, with saddle bags for day use
Horses: Arabians (mostly mares), well-trained, lively but obedient; accustomed to the terrain. Horses are assigned according to riding level and rider weight.
Pace: 5–6 hours riding per day (25 to 40 km/day), at all three gaits. Riders must be able to control their horse in open spaces and have good physical condition. Riders should be able to mount/dismount unassisted multiple times per day and occasionally lead horses by hand over difficult terrain. Riders are responsible for grooming and saddling their horses.
What to Bring: Seasonal riding clothes, wind/rain jacket, riding helmet, water bottle, sunscreen, basic first aid kit, waist pack.
Maximum Weight: 85 kg
Minimum Age: 12 years
Type: Point-to-point trek with overnight stays in guesthouses
GUARANTEED DEPARTURES (shared groups with min. 1 participant from Italy):
March 9 – March 16
March 30 – April 6
April 20 – April 27
May 11 – May 18
September 7 – September 14
September 28 – October 5
October 19 – October 26
Other dates available on request with minimum 2 participants.
SUPPLEMENTS & DISCOUNTS:
Supplement for Deluxe double room: €165.00 per person
Supplement for Deluxe single room: On request
