7 Day Land of Beautiful Horses: Guided Horse Riding Holiday in Cappadocia, Turkey

Itinerary

Please note: This is a suggested itinerary only and subject to change due to weather and other influencing factors.

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 the 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, you will have your first night dinner together with your tour guide.

• Meals: Dinner

Day 2: Ride from Avanos to Ozkonak

Good morning! You'll start your day around 8:30 with a delicious traditional Turkish breakfast. After breakfast, you’ll head to the 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 you’ll be galloping through the landscape! Are you ready for the adventure?

The first day’s route takes you to the historic town of Özkonak. On the way, the first stop is the Ziyaret Mountain, a place where every hoofbeat feels like a step back in time. You’ll ride past ancient flour mills as you ascend to an altitude of 1,450 meters (4,757 ft). Along the way, you’ll catch a distant view of the Belha Church, standing silently as a witness to centuries of history.

You’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.

On the return ride, you’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, you’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. They adjust it according to the group and decide by majority.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3: Ride from Avanos to Sarihidir

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

The 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, your guide will capture these special memories on camera, so you can relive the moments and share them with loved ones.

Upon reaching Sarıhıdır, you’ll let your 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 you make your way back, you’ll pass by a 13th-century caravanserai, a stunning reminder of Anatolia’s rich Silk Road heritage. You’ll arrive back at the ranch in the late afternoon, full of stories, memories, and smiles.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4 : Ride from Avanos to Mustafapasa

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

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

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

After this unforgettable picnic, you continue your ride toward Mustafapaşa, where the day ends at the second ranch. Youe’ll settle your horses into the stables and then head back to the hotel to rest and recharge before dinner.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Ride from Mustafapasa to Damsa

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

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

Next, you’ll pass by the 6th-century Keşlik Monastery, where you’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! You’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.

After a relaxing lunch, you’ll gallop your 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.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6: Ride from Mustafapasa to Avanos

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

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

At the panoramic viewpoint in Ortahisar, you’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, you’ll climb to an altitude of 1,500 meters (4,921 ft), riding toward the legendary White Valley (Akvadi). Get ready to stir up some dust—you’ll be galloping through parts of the valley, surrounded by breathtaking rock formations and silence broken only by hoofbeats.

After crossing Akvadi, you’ll ride on to the ranch in Avanos, where you’ll end this unforgettable journey.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Departure day

You’ll get to enjoy an authentic Turkish breakfast for the last time, and Horseback Riding Turkey 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 the lobby. Horseback Riding Turkey wishes 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!

• Meals: Breakfast

Rider information

Riders must be fit, able to trot, canter and gallop and have experience with trail riding.

Daily riding time: 5-6 hours