Itinerary - Extensions - Horses and required riding level
Guiding - Accommodation - Dates and rates - More infos / booking

LUNAR LANDSCAPES AND RUPESTRIAN CHURCHES

Day 1: Europe - Avanos
Flight to Kayseri via Istanbul. Kayseri is the ancient Caesarea, roman capital of Cappadocia under the Tiber. Transfer by bus to Avanos (app. 1h30 drive). Dinner and night in a traditional anatolian guesthouse fully modernized and refurbished.

Day 2: Avanos - Devrent Valley
This morning, for those who want, a flight in a balloon above the valleys of Cappadocia can be organized (optional and non included - see rates down this page).
First encounter with the horses and the guide. Departure in the early morning. We go accross Kizilirmak river and ride along it on its left bank. We discover a Roman site at Kizilyar. From a path among the vineyards and orchards, we arrive at a caravanserai Seldjoukid Sarihan dated from the 13th century. We take the ancient silk road to Devrent Valley, showing spectacular shapes. Night under tent near a fountain.
4h30 on horseback.

Day 3: Devrent Valley - Keslik
After the discovery of Cavusin cliffs, stuffed with troglodyte dwellings, we go accross the undulating areas of Gulludere and Kizilçukur. From a plateau, we arrive at Ortahisar, built around an impressive rocky peak. Through the most beautiful valleys of Cappadocia, we arrive at Keslik. Night under tent near a spring.
6h00 riding.

Day 4: Keslik - Karain
We ride through a valley dotted with fairy chimneys to the strange village of Taskinpasa (1150m of altitude) where we visit a mosque dated from the Mongolian era. We head towards Mount Hodul, riding along cereal fields, to arrive at Karain. Night under tent near the village.

Day 5: Karain - Bozca
Winding among the gardens of Boyali, we go up on Topuz plateau and get to Sofular. A path leads us to Bozca. Night under tent.
6h00 on horseback.

Day 6: Bozca - Bayramahacili
Taking another path along the banks of Kizilirmak river, we arrive at the hot water springs of Bayramhacili, for the big time of the week : an unforgettable bath in 40°C waters ! Night under tent near the springs.
5h00 riding.

Day 7: Bayramhacili - Avanos
Among cave houses, then along Göynük river, we arrive at Ozkonak (1300m of altitude). We visit the undergroung city and the monastery of Belha (6th century). Then we go up Mount Idis (1700m of altitude) from where we can admire the valleys of Cappadocia. Return to Avanos.
6h00 in the saddle.

Day 8 : Avanos - Kayseri - return flight
Depending on your flight schedule, free time and then transfer to Kayseri (1h30 drive) and return flight.

If you wish to extend your trip after the trail ride, we propose a three nights BB extension in a 3* hotel situated in the historical city centre and including transfers from/to the airport.

It is also possible to combine this ride with our equestrian holiday on the South Coast of Turkey, near Antalya. There, you can enjoy the beach and many other activities, including horse riding.

For more information, please contact us !

Horses 38 barb-arab horses. They are lively and tough, and used to trail riding. Tack Tack is made of turkish saddles imported from Khirghiztan, one of the last places in the world where you can still find that kind of saddles. They are covered with seat saver made of wool for the best comfort of the rider, these saddles being harder than English saddles. Some English saddles are also available for those who prefer a more "classical" contact with their horses (please ask at booking). Saddlebags are provided.

Required riding level
The rider should be able to ride at all paces, and stay 5 to 6 hours on horseback daily, for 30 to 40 km. The rhythm is calm, because the horses will mainly walk. The ground gives us the opportunity to have some gallops each day ! However, the ground is sometimes uneven and we have to walk beside the horses sometimes. We ask the riders to saddle, unsaddle and brush their horses.

Useful information
For this trail ride, you won't trot, because the horses are not used to this pace.
Maximum weight : 95kg.
Minimum age : 13 years old if accompanied by an adult, 17 years old if non-accompanied minor.
You don't have to wear an helmet on this trail ride but we recommend you to wear one. Helmets can be lent directly at the stables.

Guiding
Qualified local guide, who perfectly knows the region and the horses.
The itineraries are indicated as a rough guideline. Depending on weather conditions, riding level of the group or security constraints they can be modified by the guide at any moment.

Logistic
The logistic vehicle brings the luggage each night to the camps. You can take with you on horseback your small personal belongings, your flask and your packed lunch, in your saddlebags.

Catering
A turkish breakfast is served every morning (bread, honey, fruits, cheese, tomatoes, tea...).
Packed lunches are taken outdoor, so are dinners which are composed with a full menu.

2 - 12 riders (a small group supplement is applicable from 2 to 3 riders. When a fourth rider books, this supplement is refunded to the three riders).

Arrival airport is Kayseri in Cappadocia, Turkey.
For extensions to Istanbul, you land in Ataturk airport. If you land in Sabiha Gokcen airport, a 40€ supplement will be applicable for transfers.

Hot and dry in summer, the average temperatures are from 11 to 30°C, but nights are still fresher.
In Spring and Autumn, the average temperatures are from 7 to 22°C. It can rain sometimes, especially in April and October.

You should be equipped as if you were trail riding in a desert, keeping in mind that nights can be cold in the moutains, especially in Spring and Autumn. You should take a hot sleeping bag.

Formalities
Please check with your local ambassy.

Vaccination - health
No specific vaccinations. Don't forget your repatriation insurance. We recommand to be update of usual vaccination, and especially tetanus..