Boutique hotel with breakfast, lunch and dinner included on the first 2 days and the last day of the program, local hotel on the route, Harran guest-houses for 1 night.

Day 1. Arrival

We meet the guests in Sanliurfa airport and transfer to our Sarmaşık Otel boutique hotel (or similar) in Sanliurfa. When everyone arrives, we will have dinner together and brief instructions about the trail.

Day 2. Urfa Castle, Balikligol, Gobekli Tepe

After early breakfast we will head to the stable for our first ride. We will cover around 20-25 km through cotton and spice pepper fields and villages. The horses will carry us from the stable in Sanliurfa countryside to the oldest temple found in the world. Gobekli tepe constructed around 12000 years ago in was discovered by German archeologist Klaus Shmidt in 1960^th. The sight is twice older than Egyptian Pyramids and still scientists cannot understand its writings. Meanwhile latest research show that there are about 18 enclosures around and only 4 are excavated. The size and accuracy of the construction makes impression. We’ll have a chance to enter inside.

After we come back from riding and have shower in the hotel we go for lunch and sightseeing. We’ll visit the Urfa castle where prophet Abraham was executed and Balikligol – the lake full of carps. According to the Bible legend this lake appeared in the place where Abraham’s burning body fell down from the castle wall. Abraham’s grave is also believed to be here.

Rest of the day guests can spend walking in the old Bazaar till we gather together for dinner. Overnight stay in the hotel in Sanliurfa.

Riding summary: up to 4 hours or 25 km walk, trot and canter.

Day 3. Urfa – Karaali thermal waters

After early breakfast we check out and head to the horses. Today they will carry us away from the city to quite villages and long sandy roads. We will see people working in the fields and sheep grazing. The way is long enough to forget there are sky scrapers and block apartments somewhere. The road is flat and perfect to try gallops. We will have lunch enroute and reach our hotel for the next few days in the evening. It is local thermal resort. Not 5* but comfortable after dust and sun on the way. You will have your bed, hot shower and delicious kebap for dinner.

Riding summary: up to 8 hours or 35 km walk, trot and canter.

Day 4. Karaali – Karahan Tepe – Senem Caves – Sogmatar. Ride unexcavated pre-historic city

After breakfast in the hotel, we’ll start out journey to the next history changing spot. Karahan Tepe is known as oldest permanent settlement on Earth (older than 12000 years). It is assumed to be the time of human transition from nomad to agricultural lifestyle. It’s really impressive as the city is carved from stone plateau directly out of bedrock which is really long-term work. But human lifespan that time was about 35 years. The place is still not open for visitors and the culture doesn’t have name. There are about 40 similar sights around there and only 5% is excavated. From what archeologists have found we know that climate was totally different. Now it’s deserted steppe but it used to be green forest with crocodiles, wolves, bears, giraffes and leopards. The people used obsidian tools and unknown writing.

The terrain reminds of Mongolian steppe with green grass and stones here and there. So, we can ride across not following the road.

We will also visit Senem caves where locals authentically rebuilt antic city to local houses. We’ll enter Sogmatar antic city as well. It used to be Mesopotamian necropolis city transformed by Romans in the town of temples: 75 Mesopotamian tombs and Roman style chambers preserved in the fields. In Bible times the place was known for the well built by Moses himself. It still gives water to livestock as centuries ago and keeps Moses’ name.

We will talk to locals, its living village, have lunch enroute and come back for overnight stay in Karaali hotel.

Riding summary: up to 10 hours or 45 km walk, trot and canter.

Day 5. Sogmatar – Suayb Antic city – Han el Barur Kervansaray – Bazda Caves

Through one more antic city of Suayb to 700 years old Han el Barur Kervansaray, ancient hotel for caravan travelers. Now its fully restored so you can see how it functions. There also underground cities and churches in the area. So, if you have been to Cappadocia, you will feel yourself at home.

After lunch on the way we will end up in Bazda Caves – historical stone quarries used for building up all the constructions in the area. Based on Arabic inscriptions on the walls it was last used in 13^th century. Horses will stay in the village nd riders will come back to the hotel in Karaali by transfer.

Riding summary: up to 8 hours or 35 km walk, trot and canter.

Day 6. Bazda Caves – Harran

Ancient city that witnessed Mesopotamian and Assyrian Empires, Babylonians, Persians, Romans and Ottomans, Harran is famous for many things. First, for unique beehive houses architecture you cannot find anywhere else in the world. Second, as the 1^st world University. Within all empires it was an educational center. In 9^th-13^th centuries it was home for about 9000 students learning math, astronomy, philosophy and medicine. Third, for being the 1^st place declared holly in the Bible. Not only Abraham passed here but also Jacob got the 1^st message from God to human in a dream. So, after Jacob’s Letter the place was called holly. Forth, the tower of Harran Mosque is depicted on Taro cards symbolizing “Destruction and rebirth”. Fifth, this is home of Bedouin tribes who changed their nomadic life for farming and motherland of our host Isa. Still people here speak more Arabic than Turkish. Any of these facts makes the place worth to stay.

We will ride half day today to give people and horses some rest before the last fast and long day. We will have lunch and dinner in the village, watch locals and overnight stay in beehive houses.

Riding summary: up to 4 hours or 20 km walk, trot and canter.

Day 7. Harran – Sanliurfa

Let’s run back to the modern civilization, have good shower and enjoy dinner in a fancy restaurant in Urfa. We will ride through fields of different crops.

Riding summary: up to 8 hours or 40 km walk, trot and canter.

Day 8. Farewell

Time to say goodbye. We will drop you to the airport after breakfast in the hotel.

‌NOTE:

1. Program can be adjusted to seasonal weather conditions or land owners’ farming activities. Anyway, we’ll visit sights listed and keep the ride dynamics.
2. Please mind weight restrictions. This is expedition trip. Once we are off the ranch, we basically can’t change the horse. So, weight control will be applied to all riders upon arrival. Riders exceeding weight limit will not be allowed to ride with no refund. You should be not more than 80 kg with your gear. If you feel you are close to the limit please discuss overweight option before booking. We might arrange the laon of the second horse with extra charge. This will be individual decision.

• 01 November 2026 – 08 November 2026: 8 days 6 saddles left
• 14 November 2027 – 21 November 2027: 8 days 6 saddles left

Local English spaeking guide or guide from Free Riding Tours, one for the group of up to 6 riders.

Sanliurfa, Turkey.

All-inclusive breakfast, lunch (sandwiches or picnic), dinner with water/tea/coffee (alcohol extra) on the trail route. Starting from the Dinner in the hotel on the 1^st day and finishing with breakfast at the last day. Vegitarian is possible.

Transfer from & to SanliUrfa airport, accomodation, guided riding program and sightseeing tour, food, trail equipment and horse rental, safety car on the rout included.

Travelling and cancelation insurance, airflight, visa, tips, alcohol drinks and personal expenses not included.

Book a flight to Sanliurfa airport.

Reservation upon 20% non-refundable deposit, 60 days in advance balance payment. Cancellation earlier than 60 days — deposit can be used for another trip, cancellation in between 60 and 30 days — 50% refundable, cancellation 30 days and later — non-refundable.