Experience one of the most iconic multi day horse riding holidays in Turkey on this Lycian Way horseback riding expedition in Antalya. Designed for intermediate and experienced riders, this 8-day Antalya horse riding tour follows ancient mule paths across Mount Tahtalı, remote mountain villages, hidden Mediterranean bays and 2,000-year-old ruins. If you are looking for authentic horseback riding in Antalya beyond short beach rides, this Lycian Way horse riding adventure delivers real distance, elevation, history and freedom.
TOUR OVERVIEW
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Riding Days
6 Days of Horse Riding
Accommodation
Boutique hotels & guesthouses
Ride the Legendary Eastern Lycian Way on Horseback
Ever dreamed of riding in the hoofprints of a legend?
According to ancient Greek mythology, Pegasus — the winged horse born from the blood of Medusa — soared above these mountains after helping Bellerophon defeat the Chimera. Today, you won’t fly through the sky… but you will ride through one of the most myth-filled landscapes in the Mediterranean.
This Lycian Way horseback riding tour follows approximately 150 km of the Eastern Lycian Way, one of the most spectacular long-distance trails in Turkey. Designed for intermediate and experienced riders, this multi-day horse riding holiday in Turkey combines mountain climbs, wild canters, forest tracks and remote coastal paths few travelers ever reach.
This is horseback riding the way it was meant to be: raw, powerful and unforgettable.
See Upcoming Tour Dates
VİEW TOUR DATES
| ARRIVAL DATE | DEPARTURE DATE |
| 9/20/2026 | 9/27/2026 |
| 10/18/2026 | 10/25/2026 |
| 11/8/2026 | 11/15/2026 |
| 4/18/2027 | 4/25/2027 |
| 5/23/2027 | 5/30/2027 |
| 6/6/2027 | 6/13/2027 |
| 9/19/2027 | 9/26/2027 |
| 10/3/2027 | 10/10/2027 |
| 10/31/2027 | 11/7/2027 |
If you don’t see a suitable date, contact us for additional departures or custom scheduling.
Price & Booking
Some options such as single rooms, extra nights, private transfers or special riding arrangements may affect the final price. Contact us for a clear personalized quote.
Upon arrival at Antalya Airport, you will be welcomed and transferred to Kemer. After checking in, you will have time to settle into the hotel, rest and meet the other riders over a welcome dinner.
Our accommodation is located on one of the oldest ranch properties in the area. Although the ranch has been carefully renovated as a hotel, it still preserves its original character with lush vegetation, birds, a peaceful garden and a former stable transformed into a modern gym.
There is no riding scheduled today. The first evening is reserved for arrival, relaxation and preparation for the days ahead.
After breakfast, you will meet the horses and the guiding team. The morning begins with an introduction to the riding programme, followed by a safety briefing, grooming and saddling.
We will then set out on a two-hour assessment ride through the forested countryside around Kuzdere. This first ride allows the guides to understand the experience and confidence of each participant and to match every rider with the most suitable horse for the upcoming Lycian Way horseback riding journey.
The route passes orange and pomegranate orchards, freshwater springs, the remains of an old settlement and a small palm forest. Depending on the group’s riding ability and the trail conditions, the ride will include walking, trotting and controlled cantering.
After returning to the ranch, the guide will explain the following days in detail, including the route, required equipment, baggage arrangements and what to pack for the trail.
The middle of the day is free for resting beside the pool, spending time at the beach or completing your preparations. We will later join a guided sightseeing visit to Mount Chimaera and the ancient city of Olympos.
This will be the final night at the hotel before the point-to-point trail begins.
Riding pace: Walk, trot and canter
Approximate riding time: 2 hours
The main trail begins today. After breakfast and hotel check-out, we will meet at the stable at approximately 11:00 AM.
You will prepare your horse, organise your saddlebag and hand your main trail luggage to the support vehicle. Items that are not needed during the journey can be stored safely until the group returns. Your trail baggage will be transported by vehicle and made available at each overnight stop.
After approximately one and a half to two hours in the saddle, we will reach Kesme Boğazı Canyon, where a clear mountain river flows through the landscape. This is our first major break of the day, offering time to drink fresh spring water, swim, take photographs and enjoy lunch beside the river.
The afternoon ride takes us gradually higher towards Tahtalı Mountain, which reaches 2,365 metres above sea level. The ascending trail includes sections suitable for trotting and cantering, depending on the group and the condition of the ground.
Tahtalı has long been associated with ancient Mount Olympus, and debates continue over whether it was considered the legendary home of Zeus or whether that title belonged only to Mount Olympus in Greece.
After another two to two and a half hours of riding, we will arrive in Gedelme. Here, we will see a Byzantine castle and ancient plane trees believed to be approximately 2,000 years old.
Tonight’s accommodation is in a comfortable bungalow close to the castle, with a proper bed and hot water.
Riding pace: Walk, trot and canter
Approximate riding time: 4–4.5 hours
Following breakfast, we will ride towards a secluded highland valley near Ovacık village. This green landscape, sometimes described as “Lycian Switzerland,” offers a striking contrast to the coastal scenery and rocky trails of the region.
Along the way, we will encounter traditional shepherd life and see how local highland communities continue to live and work in the mountains. The open meadow provides one of the best opportunities of the journey for longer, faster gallops.
This is also an excellent location for professional-looking photographs and videos, particularly during the faster riding sections.
After lunch in the valley, we will continue towards a forest of plane trees and explore the surrounding mountain trails. The total riding time for the day will be approximately five hours.
We will return to Gedelme for the night. As always, the horses will be cared for first before the riders settle in and rest.
Riding pace: Walk, trot, canter and extended gallops
Approximate riding time: 5 hours
The day begins with breakfast and feeding the horses before setting out once again towards the higher slopes of Tahtalı Mountain.
Today we will reach the highest point of the entire Antalya horseback riding expedition, climbing to an elevation of approximately 2,000 metres. As we move higher, the environment changes noticeably. Forested terrain gradually gives way to open mountain landscapes, and the route may lead us directly into the clouds.
At this altitude, the feeling of being close to the sky becomes part of the experience. We may meet shepherds along the way and ride through hidden valleys surrounded by dramatic mountain views.
After reaching the highest section of the route, we will begin descending towards Beycik, a mountain village overlooking both the surrounding peaks and the Mediterranean coast.
Once we arrive, the horses will be fed and cared for before the group enjoys a meal and some rest. Accommodation is provided in village rooms with private hot showers; no tents are used tonight.
This is the longest riding day of the programme, with approximately six hours in the saddle.
Riding pace: Mostly walk and trot, with short gallops
Approximate riding time: 6 hours
Today, the route begins descending from the mountains towards sea level. The journey takes approximately six hours and leads through untouched natural areas overlooking secluded Mediterranean bays.
The landscape changes throughout the day as mountain paths give way to coastal trails. There is also a possibility of encountering wild horses in the surrounding countryside.
After crossing the largest bay on the route, we will arrive at a protected turtle beach, where we will spend the night. The area forms part of a national park and can normally only be reached by hikers and riders. On quieter days, we may see very few other people along the entire route.
Tents and meals will already be prepared at the overnight location. Riders may swim in the sea, and where conditions allow, it may also be possible to enter the water with the horses. Fresh mountain spring water is available for washing afterwards.
Guests who prefer not to stay in a tent can request hotel transportation for an additional charge of €200, including the return transfer.
Riding pace: Walk and trot on the trail, with cantering on the beach
Approximate riding time: Up to 6 hours
After leaving the beach camp, we will begin the final riding stage back towards the ranch.
The route crosses five scenic bays and passes through the ancient city of Phaselis, a historic settlement approximately 2,000 years old. Depending on the programme and conditions, we may stop here for lunch and take some time to appreciate the archaeological surroundings.
After the break, we will continue through Tekirova village. The final section includes opportunities for trotting and cantering before we arrive back at the ranch in the evening.
Once the horses have been settled and cared for, riders will have time to shower, relax and, if desired, enjoy a massage or Turkish bath before the farewell gala dinner.
Riding pace: Walk, trot and canter
The final day is kept flexible according to individual flight times.
Guests with later departures may spend time at the beach, explore Kemer or do some last-minute shopping. Souvenir stops can also be arranged on the way to Antalya Airport where the schedule allows.
You will then be transferred to the airport for your onward journey, taking home the memories of an unforgettable Lycian Way horseback riding holiday.
What Makes This Trail Unique?
Unlike standard horseback riding tours in Turkey, this Lycian Way trail ride combines:
• Mountain ascents up to 2000m near Mount Tahtalı (2365m)
• Technical forest paths and canyon crossings
• Extended valley gallops
• Mediterranean coastline riding
• Swim-with-horse opportunities
• Ancient Lycian ruins including Phaselis
Pace varies between walk, trot and strong canter sections. Riders must be confident and physically fit for long hours in the saddle.
This Lycian Way horseback riding tour is suitable for intermediate and experienced riders who are confident at trot, canter and extended trail riding. All meals are included with one non-alcoholic drink per meal. Horses are smooth-gaited, forward-going and trained for long-distance trail riding. Accommodation combines boutique hotels and select camping nights. Riders above 75 kg may participate using two horses for an additional fee.
The Lycian Way Horseback Riding Tour is one of the most adventurous multi-day horse riding holidays in Turkey. If you are searching for an Eastern Lycian Way horse riding experience near Antalya that combines mountain endurance riding, ancient ruins, Mediterranean coastline and authentic village life, this Pegasus-inspired trail is unlike any other horseback riding tour in Turkey.
Important Notes
· Travel insurance is mandatory for all riders.
· Accommodation is provided at the designated hotel for the entire tour duration.
· Daily routes may be modified based on weather or local conditions.
· Meals are traditional with fixed menus. Additional food or drink requests are not included.
· Lunches may be served picnic-style.
· Guests deviating from the standard program (late arrival or early departure) will cover any extra costs.
· Dinners may be served at the hotel or a local restaurant.
· For late arrivals on the first day, a sandwich will be provided in the room.
· Optional activities are not included in the package and are subject to extra charges.
· Transfers for evening entertainment are not included.
· Entrance fees to museums, historical sites, ferry rides, or bicycle rentals are not included. Please carry cash for these.
· Airport transfers are available between 08:30 – 18:30. Outside these hours, private transfers
can be arranged (additional charges apply).
· Minimum age: 12 years. Children below this age may join only with parents and prior approval.
Payment Plan
· A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking.
· The remaining 50% must be paid no later than 30 days before the tour start date.
Cancellation Conditions
· If cancellation notice is given 90 days or more prior to the arrival date, a full refund will be
provided.