Horseback Riding in Turkey
CAPPADOCIA HIGHLIGHTS RIDE |
Sandstone Spires
Woman Weaving Rug
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Take a video riding tour of Cappadocia
Cappadocia has been a meeting ground for European and Asian civilizations since long before the time of Alexander the Great. Rich reminders of history and geological drama are everywhere to be seen in soul-stirring arrays.
Hidden beneath the landscape are enormous underground cities where early Christians took refuge from pagan invaders. Also hidden are secret caves containing exquisitely painted churches.
Comfortable accommodations are conveniently located. You will find the food and wine excellent. Istanbul sets the tone for an exotic trip. This important, ancient city is still one of the most beautiful and romantic in the world.
View Turkey Horseback Vacation Video
"This trip (Cappadocia) when it comes to the variety and magic of the trails, the historical connotations, the quality of the horse(s), the tack and the professionalism and experience of Ercihan, is in a class of its own. The accommodations with its terrace overlooking the valley and the balloons rising up each morning was quite outstanding.
At the horse centre the personnel was attentive and helpful, but the greatest surprise was the quality of the food served. Prepared by the chef, it was consistently the best that I had during my whole stay in Turkey."
- Therese Tardif, April 2009
"This trip - the ancient culture, the exciting horses, the majestic city and countryside - was perfect."
- Patty Pittman
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| Itinerary |
| Day 1: | Arrive in Istanbul and take a taxi to the hotel. Then relax, explore, acclimate. |
| Day 2: | A full day of sightseeing and shopping in this city that was once the capital of the civilized world. Visit the Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the famed covered bazaar. Return to hotel for overnight. |
| Day 3: | After breakfast transfer to the airport (at your expense) in time to meet the 10:00 am flight. Riders will be met upon arrival and transferred to Cavusin. After checking at the hotel where you will spend the week, transfer to the stables for lunch and to become acquainted with the horses. Dinner at the centre, returning to the hotel for overnight. |
| Day 4: | Transfer from you hotel to the riding centre at 9:00 am. Today’s ride proceeds into the hilly country behind Avanos toward Ozkonak, where an underground city is hollowed out of rock. This huge complex of connecting caves was used by early Christians as a secret refuge. There are rooms for stabling livestock, granaries, wine cellars, and cisterns--all things thousands of people need to live underground for weeks and sometimes months on end. Stone doors weighing half a ton were used to seal the entrances, and went undetected by invaders. Lunch at Ozkonak. Return to Avanos where you can visit a local pottery factory. Avanos has been well known for this art form since the time of the Hittites. Dinner at the centre, followed by overnight at the hotel. |
| Day 5: | Ride from Avanos to Sarihidir, a tiny fishing village on the Red River where you have a tea break at a local café. Continue on to Sarihan, a beautifully restored 13th century caravanserai for lunch. The afternoon ride is amongst Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys of Zelve. Ride to Cavusin, where the horses will spend the night. Meet the minibus and visit the Goreme open air museum. This area was one of the most important centers for early Christians who flourished here between the 6th and 12th centuries. The last Christians departed in 1992, but many of the churches and frescoes have been preserved and sometimes restored. Return to Avanos for dinner and overnight at the hotel. |
| Day 6: | Today's ride will wind its way through the Akvadi (White) Valley to Uchisar, about 12 km. Lunch in Uchisar, a village built around a striking pinnacle of rock called the Citadel, from which there is a spectacular view of the surrounding landscape. After lunch ride past Pigeon Valley where thousands of natural dovecotes are carved into the cliffs, then into the bustling ancient village of Goreme. Continue to Cavusin to leave the horses before heading back to the hotel for dinner and overnight. |
| Day 7: | Ride over the hills through groves of apricot trees to the village of Ortahisar for lunch and shopping at the village's unique antique shops. Ride on past Pancarlik Valley, about 12 kms. Visit the Kepez Churches dating back to the 6th century. Continue to Mustafapasa, a village that was populated by orthodox Anatolian Greeks until the turn of the century. The old Greek houses exhibit an exuberant use of stone masonry. Enjoy a wonderful dinner and overnight at the ‘Greek House’. |
| Day 8: | Ride 16 kms through Red and Rose Valleys. Stop for a snack in Cavusin, then continue on through farmland to Avanos, and the horses’ home base. Late lunch with afternoon free for more sightseeing and shopping, and a much deserved Turkish bath, if you like. Following a farewell dinner in Avanos, return to your hotel for final overnight. |
| Day 9: | After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time to meet departing flight to Istanbul, to arrive back in Istanbul about 1.30 pm. |
| THIS ITINERARY IS FLEXIBLE. CHANGES MAY OCCUR DUE TO WEATHER OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES. |
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Hand-painted, gilded cathedral interior
Dramatic rock formations overlooking the region
Rock dwellings hewed by human hands
An outdoor bazaar
Turkish rug in the making
Many of the fields are still cultivated with horses.
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| Pricing and Dates |
| Meeting Point | Istanbul |
| Length of Ride | 9 days, 8 nights and 5 1/2 days riding. |
| Riding Ability | Advanced Strong Intermediate |
| Group Size | Minimum-2 Maximum-12 |
| Riding Per Day | 5-6 hours |
| Pace | moderate/fast |
| Tack | English |
| Horses | Turkish |
| Weight Limit | 190 lbs |
| 2012 Dates | April 5-13, April 12-20, April 19-27, May 10-18, Oct 25-Nov 2 |
| 2012 Price | $2,285 2-3 riders
$1,940 4-6 riders
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| Single Supplement | $200 |
| Transfers | At riders expense |
| Additional Information | Ride price is set, guaranteed and final at the time deposit is paid. |
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