Turkey: Cappadocia the Land of Beautiful Horses

Airport transfer included: Kayderi or Nevsehir Airport
The place is known as Land of beautiful horses. So we just had to travel here horseback. Fast pace cave hotel based ride with sightseeing from the saddle.
Turkey
Strong Intermediate, Advanced
min 4 max 12 riders
7 Days

Styles

• Trail Riding
• Guided tour
• Package program
• Star Hotel Based riding
• Solo-riders, couples, families and teens

Key information

  • Rider Weight Limit: 85 kilograms / 187 pounds (over limit possible with extra horse)
  • Horse Height Range: 15 hands
  • Tack Type: English tack
  • Horse Breed: Arabian, Anatolian Local crosses
  • 7 days / 6 nights / 5 days of horse riding
  • Approximate daily riding time: 4 to 7 hours, varied terrain, fast paced
  • English-speaking guide and local guide assistance
  • Boutique hotel for the whole trip, transfers and all meals
  • Most famous valleys horseback

Highlights

  • Cappadocia — a land shaped by time, wind, and volcanic forces
  • Rock towers known as “fairy chimneys,” colorful valleys, and the iconic hot air balloons drifting over the horizon at sunrise
  • Pass by Öz Konak Underground City built in the 400s BC
  • Enjoy a breathtaking view of the majestic Mount Erciyes and red River
  • Reside in Avanos, local pottery capital
  • Recall Anatolia’s rich Silk Road heritage
  • Pass Instagram-famous White Valley (Ak Vadi), Paşabağ Valley, Red and Rose Valley, Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik), Üzengi Valley, Love Valley, Ortahisar
  • Escape to isolated Keşlik Monastery and Damsa Dam
Price per person in a DBL/TWIN room. Single suplement for hotel room 80€ to 120€ per night.
2150 €

CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PLAN YOUR DREAM TRIP!​

The organizer has discretion over price and availability for each inquiry

The place is known as Land of beautiful horses. So we just had to travel here horseback. If you hear about the place for the 1st time know it started in 18 century BC. The lands belonged to Hittites, Medes, Persians, Alexander the Great, Armenians, Byzantium, Seljuks, Ottoman Empire and Turkey nowadays.
‌And one can find here the monuments of all these nations architecture. There are more then 200 cave and underground cities, churches and castles here. We shall visit main places horseback. So the trip is not overloaded with facts and stories. This option is perfect for those who likes to ride and see and not listen.

 

Boutique cave hotel with authentic furniture and terrace for the whole tour, NO hostels/guest-houses/camping/ every night check-ins. Our accommodations are arranged at Hikmet’s House in Avanos. However, if there is no availability for your requested dates, we may choose an alternative hotel of the same standard located near our ranch. https://www.hikmetshouse.com/en

DAY 1: Arrival

You will arrive at either Kayseri Erkilet Airport or Nevşehir Airport Cappadocia depending on your flight. Then you will be picked by a shuttle from the airport and transferred to our Hotel, located in Avanos.

You can either take a stroll around the town or relax in your room until dinner. Depending on your arrival time, we will have our first night dinner together with your tour guide. (Dinner)

DAY 2: Ride from Avanos to Ozkonak

Good morning!  We’ll start our day around 8:30 AM with a delicious traditional Turkish breakfast. After breakfast, we’ll head to our horse ranch, located just five minutes away from the hotel. There, you’ll meet the gentle and well-trained Arabian horses who will be your companions throughout the journey.

Each rider will have two bottles of water provided daily in their saddlebag — because staying hydrated is just as important as the ride itself. And yes, at times we’ll be galloping through the landscape! Are you ready for the adventure?

Our first day’s route takes us to the historic town of Özkonak. On the way, our first stop is the Ziyaret Mountain, a place where every hoofbeat feels like a step back in time. We’ll ride past ancient flour mills as we ascend to an altitude of 1,450 meters. Along the way, you’ll catch a distant view of the Belha Church, standing silently as a witness to centuries of history.

We’ll enjoy a flavorful lunch near Özkonak, just a stone’s throw away from its famous underground city. Guests who wish may take time to explore this fascinating archaeological site, carved deep into the earth.Öz Konak Underground City

Although its exact date is not known, it is thought that the Özkonak Underground City was built in the 400s BC. In terms of location, the tufa structure of the region, which is quite suitable for carving and shaping, allowed people to settle here and easily shelter in ancient times.

You can visit the link for more information:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%96zkonak_underground_city

On the return ride, we’ll pass by a scenic reservoir and follow the tranquil curves of the Red River (Kızılırmak). And if the weather allows, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of the majestic Mount Erciyes on the horizon.

After returning to the ranch, we’ll head back to the hotel for some well-deserved rest before gathering again for a delightful dinner.

Note – The speed of the tours depends on the group, we adjust it according to the group and decide by majority.(Breakfast, Lunch,  Dinner)

DAY 3: Ride From Avanos to Sarihidir

After a delightful breakfast starting at 8:30 AM, our guide will pick you up from your hotel around 9:30 AM and take you to our ranch in Avanos. Once we arrive, we’ll prepare our horses and complete the final checks. With our saddle bags packed with fresh water, we’ll set off toward Sarıhıdır, a charming riverside village known for its fishermen and peaceful scenery.

Our ride along the banks of the Red River (Kızılırmak) will include moments of thrilling gallops, offering an unforgettable blend of adrenaline and tranquility. Along the way, our guide will capture these special memories on camera, so you can relive the moments and share them with loved ones.

Upon reaching Sarıhıdır, we’ll let our horses cool off by gently washing their legs in the river. Then, it’s time to relax and enjoy a picnic lunch by the water — don’t forget to post your story and tag the adventure!

As we make our way back, we’ll pass by a 13th-century caravanserai, a stunning reminder of Anatolia’s rich Silk Road heritage. We’ll arrive back at the ranch in the late afternoon, full of stories, memories, and smiles. (Breakfast, Lunch,  Dinner)

DAY 4 : Ride From Avanos to Mustafapasa

Today, we set off toward a lesser-known but truly magical side of Cappadocia. Our destination is the charming village of Mustafapaşa — get ready for an experience you’ll never forget.

After a hearty breakfast, we’ll head to our ranch, where our well-trained horses will be prepared for the day’s ride. Once everything is set, we’ll begin our journey through some of Cappadocia’s most enchanting valleys: White Valley (Ak Vadi), Paşabağ Valley, and the breathtaking Red Valley (Kızılçukur).

We’ll ride alongside the surreal fairy chimneys, with stretches of thrilling gallops adding excitement to the scenic journey. Around midday, we’ll take a break in the heart of Red Valley to enjoy an authentic lunch surrounded by nature’s beauty.

After this unforgettable picnic, we continue our ride toward Mustafapaşa, where our day ends at our second ranch. We’ll settle our horses into the stables and then head back to the hotel to rest and recharge before dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch,  Dinner)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustafapa%c5%9fa,_%c3%9crg%c3%bcp

Mustafapaşa, formerly known as Sinasos (Greek: Σινασός), is a town(belde) in the Ürgüp District of Nevşehir Province, Turkey. Its population is 1,295 (2022). Its status as a town had been downgraded to village with 2013 Reorganisation up until the court order in 2024. It lies to the west of Gomeda valley and is 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) away from Ürgüp and 27 kilometres (17 mi) away from Nevşehir town.

There are two main explanations of the origin of its name. One is being named after Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the military leader and first president of Turkey. And other being named after a local hero called Mustafa Pasha, who got a well drilled to the village to solve its fresh water problem.

 

Like most of Cappadocia, Mustafapaşa used to depend for a living on agriculture., especially grape-growing. However, it lies within the region of Cappadocia, and increasingly depends on tourism for its living with new hotels opening all the time.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustafapa%c5%9fa,_%c3%9crg%c3%bcp

DAY 5: Ride From Mustafapasa to Damsa

Between 8:30 and 9:30 AM, enjoy a delicious and authentic Turkish breakfast to start your day right. After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to our ranch, located in the historic village of Mustafapaşa.

Once at the ranch, we’ll finalize the last preparations before the ride. After placing your personal items into the saddlebag, we’ll begin our journey — and it starts with Golgoli, one of the oldest and most mysterious parts of Mustafapaşa. As we explore the ancient ruins overlooking Damsa Dam, every step will feel like a ride through history.

Next, we’ll pass by the 6th-century Keşlik Monastery, where we’ll take a short break for photos. Surrounded by centuries of sacred silence, it’s a moment you’ll want to remember.

Soon after, it’s time for lunch — and what a lunch it will be! We’ll dine at a stunning trout farm, where freshly caught fish are served in a lush, green setting surrounded by nature. For those who do not eat fish or prefer vegan options, the restaurant offers a variety of delicious alternatives. Please don’t forget to mention your dietary preferences when filling out your rider form.

After our relaxing lunch, we’ll gallop our way back to the ranch, with opportunities along the way to capture beautiful photos and videos of the magical landscape.

You’ll then return to the hotel for some well-deserved rest, before ending the day with a satisfying dinner.

Expect to be in the saddle for about 5 to 6 hours — a full day of exploration, beauty, and adventure. (Breakfast, Lunch,  Dinner)

DAY 6: Ride From Mustafapasa to Avanos

In Cappadocia, every day and every moment holds something truly special. On our final day of riding, we’ll spend a bit more time in the saddle to make the most of it.

We begin by departing from our ranch in Mustafapaşa, then head straight into our adventure without slowing down. Our route will take us through the stunning Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik) and Üzengi Valley, before arriving at Ortahisar.

At the panoramic viewpoint in Ortahisar, we’ll take a well-deserved break to soak in the incredible landscape — and of course, snap plenty of photos to remember the moment.

From there, we’ll climb to an altitude of 1,500 meters, riding toward the legendary White Valley (Akvadi). Get ready to stir up some dust — we’ll be galloping through parts of the valley, surrounded by breathtaking rock formations and silence broken only by hoofbeats.

After crossing Akvadi, we’ll ride on to our ranch in Avanos, where we’ll end this unforgettable journey. (Breakfast, Lunch,  Dinner)

DAY 7: Departure Day

You’ll get to enjoy our authentic Turkish breakfast for the last time, and we will be sad to see you go! Checkout time is at 12noon. Your transfer will pick you up from the hotel and take you to the airport. If your flight is later in the evening, you are welcome to wait in our lobby. We wish you a safe flight home and would love to see you back again. And to your delight, you will have additional luggage to take back home with you – which is: priceless memories! (Breakfast)

Notes:

    • Riders are required to have travel insurance.
    • Accommodation will be provided at the hotel specified up to the tour unit.
    • The daily routes of the tour may be subject to change.
    • Meals will be served in a traditional style with a fixed menu. Lunches may be served as picnics.
    • Hot air balloon reservations must be made together with the purchase of the tour package. (Balloon prices are finalized approximately one month before the tour date.)
    • If a guest deviates from the standard tour program (e.g., joining the tour late or leaving mid-tour), any additional costs incurred will be charged to the guest.
    • Dinners will be served either at the hotel or at a local restaurant.
    • For late arrivals on the first day, a sandwich will be provided in the room.
    • Optional activities such as the Dervish ceremony, hot air balloon flight, ATV tour, Turkish night show, traditional Turkish bath (hamam), and underground city visit are not included in the tour price and are available at an additional cost.
    • 12+ years old (younger riders with parents only TBC)

 

  • 18 April 2026 – 24 April 2026: SOLD OUT!
  • 25 April 2026 – 01 May 2026: SOLD OUT!
  • 02 May 2026 – 08 May 2026: SOLD OUT!
  • 09 May 2026 – 15 May 2026: Saddles available
  • 16 May 2026 – 22 May 2026: Saddles available
  • 23 May 2026 – 29 May 2026: Saddles available
  • 30 May 2026 – 05 June 2026: Saddles available
  • 06 June 2026 – 12 June 2026: Saddles available
  • 13 June 2026 – 19 June 2026: Saddles available
  • 20 June 2026 – 26 June 2026: Saddles available
  • 27 June 2026 – 03 July 2026: Saddles available
  • 04 July 2026 – 10 July 2026: Saddles available
  • 11 July 2026 – 17 July 2026: Saddles available
  • 18 July 2026 – 24 July 2026: Saddles available
  • 25 July 2026 – 31 July 2026: Saddles available
  • 01 August 2026 – 07 August 2026: Saddles available
  • 08 August 2026 – 14 August 2026: Saddles available
  • 15 August 2026 – 21 August 2026: Saddles available
  • 22 August 2026 – 28 August 2026: Saddles available
  • 29 August 2026 – 04 September 2026: Saddles available
  • 05 September 2026 – 11 September 2026: Saddles available
  • 12 September 2026 – 18 September 2026: Saddles available
  • 19 September 2026 – 25 September 2026: Saddles available
  • 26 September 2026 – 02 October 2026: Saddles available
  • 03 October 2026 – 09 October 2026: Saddles available
  • 10 October 2026 – 16 October 2026: Saddles available
  • 17 October 2026 – 23 October 2026: Saddles available
  • 24 October 2026 – 30 October 2026: Saddles available

Local guide and English spaeking guide from Free Riding Tours

Cappadocia, Turkey

All-inclusive breakfast, lunch, dinner with water / soda / tea / coffee. Local hommade meals with one drink included in the meal. Alcohol and other soft drinks extra.

Transfer from anf to the airport, hotel stay, riding with the guide, saddle bags with water,  all meals starting from welcome dinner on the 1st day till breakfast on the last day

Travel and cancellation insurance, visa, flight, tips, alcohol & coctails, personal expenses, balloon flight, professional shooting, hamam, spa

Book a flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir. Airport transfers will be provided by shuttle service. Shuttle operating hours are between 8:30 AM and 6:30 PM. Transfers outside of these hours will be arranged as private transfers. For private transfer fees, please contact us.

  • A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking.
  • The remaining 50% must be paid no later than 30 days before the tour start date.
  • If cancellation notice is given 90 days or more prior to the arrival date, a full refund will be provided.
  • If cancellation notice is given 60 to 89 days prior to the arrival date, 50% of the total payment will be refunded.
  • If cancellation notice is given less than 30 days before the arrival date, no refund will be issued.