Horseback Riding in Turkey
CAPPADOCIA RIDE |
Cantering through the spires and brush
Hundreds of openings in the rock
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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'll 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.
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"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 Museum, Topkapi Palace, and the famed covered bazaar. Return to hotel for overnight. |
| Day 3: | After breakfast, transfer to the airport in time to meet the flight to Cappadocia where riders will be met in and transferred to Avanos, the handicraft center of Cappadocia. After settling in at the hotel, transfer to the stables for lunch and to become acquainted with the horses. Ride 3 hours into the hills and back along the Kizilirmak River (Red River). Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
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| Day 4: | 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 needed 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 and return to Avanos. It is possible to experience a Turkish Bath in Avanos on this night, or on any other night. The cost is about $8, plus a $1 tip.
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| Day 5: | This day's ride starts out through a peaceful riverine valley and continues on to a 13th century caravanserai, with a stop to admire the old building and enjoy a wonderful meal. Ride on to Pasabag Vadi (Valley of Fairy Chimneys) about 10 kms. Visit the Zelve open air museum and Byzantine cave churches. 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.
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| 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.
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| 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. If you have the energy, you can climb to the top of Ortahisar's craggy rock fortress for a beautiful view. 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.
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| 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. Lunch is a barbecue at the ranch. The late afternoon will be free for more sightseeing and shopping, including a visit to a pottery shop where the proprietors will give a fascinating demonstration of this traditional craft. Enjoy a farewell dinner and overnight in Avanos.
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| 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.
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| 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; a common sight on city streets
Sandstone spires
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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 |
| 2010 Dates | April 24-May 2, May 22-30, Sept 4-12, Oct 2-10 |
| 2010 Price | $2,280 2-5 riders
$1,895 6-12 riders
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| Single Supplement | $210 |
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