The Land of Beautiful Horses is a 7-day horseback riding tour in Cappadocia created for riders who want more than a short experience — a true journey across landscapes shaped by time, nature and horse culture. This multi-day adventure follows historic trails through fairy chimneys, wide valleys, high plateaus and remote villages, allowing riders to explore Cappadocia at a natural, unhurried pace.
TOUR OVERVIEW
Duration
7 Days / 6 Nights
Riding Days
5 Days of Horse Riding
Accommodation
Boutique hotels & guesthouses
Each riding day covers varied terrain, from soft volcanic paths to open countryside, offering a balanced mix of comfort and challenge. Routes are carefully selected and adapted daily based on weather conditions, group ability and horse welfare, ensuring both safety and an authentic riding experience. With long hours in the saddle, riders build a rhythm with their horses while discovering places unreachable by vehicles or crowded tour routes.
Designed by endurance champion Ercihan Dilari and operated by Horseback Riding Turkey, this tour reflects decades of experience in long-distance riding and ethical horsemanship. Well-trained Arabian and local horses are matched carefully to each rider, and small group sizes allow guides to provide personal attention throughout the journey.
Evenings are spent resting in boutique cave hotels and local guesthouses, where riders can relax, enjoy regional cuisine and share stories from the trail. By combining challenging riding days with comfortable accommodation and professional guidance, the Land of Beautiful Horses tour offers one of the most immersive horseback riding holidays in Cappadocia and Turkey. A long horse riding tour cappadocia for horseback riding lovers.
See Upcoming Tour Dates
VİEW TOUR DATES
| ARRIVAL DATE | DEPARTURE DATE |
| 4/11/2026 | 4/17/2026 |
| 4/18/2026 | 4/24/2026 |
| 4/25/2026 | 5/1/2026 |
| 5/2/2026 | 5/8/2026 |
| 5/9/2026 | 5/15/2026 |
| 5/16/2026 | 5/22/2026 |
| 5/23/2026 | 5/29/2026 |
| 5/30/2026 | 6/5/2026 |
| 6/6/2026 | 6/12/2026 |
| 6/13/2026 | 6/19/2026 |
| 6/20/2026 | 6/26/2026 |
| 6/27/2026 | 7/3/2026 |
| 7/4/2026 | 7/10/2026 |
| 7/11/2026 | 7/17/2026 |
| 7/18/2026 | 7/24/2026 |
| 7/25/2026 | 7/31/2026 |
| 8/1/2026 | 8/7/2026 |
| 8/8/2026 | 8/14/2026 |
| 8/15/2026 | 8/21/2026 |
| 8/22/2026 | 8/28/2026 |
| 8/29/2026 | 9/4/2026 |
| 9/5/2026 | 9/11/2026 |
| 9/12/2026 | 9/18/2026 |
| 9/19/2026 | 9/25/2026 |
| 9/26/2026 | 10/2/2026 |
| 10/3/2026 | 10/9/2026 |
| 10/10/2026 | 10/16/2026 |
| 10/17/2026 | 10/23/2026 |
| 10/24/2026 | 10/30/2026 |
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 either Kayseri Erkilet Airport or Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport, you will be welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Avanos, a charming town located along the banks of the Kızılırmak (Red River).
Depending on your arrival time, you may enjoy a short walk through the town or relax at the hotel before meeting your guide and fellow riders in the evening. Our first dinner together offers a relaxed introduction to the week ahead and a chance to discuss horses, routes and Cappadocia’s unique landscape.
(Dinner included)
After a traditional Turkish breakfast, we transfer to our nearby ranch to meet your horses — calm, well-trained Arabian horses selected for multi-day riding. Each rider receives daily water in their saddlebag before departure.
Our route climbs toward Ziyaret Mountain, passing old flour mills and rural tracks. As we reach higher ground, views open toward Belha Church and the volcanic plateau of Cappadocia. Riding at elevations up to 1,450 meters, we follow ancient paths used for centuries.
Near Özkonak, we stop for lunch close to the famous Özkonak Underground City, an extraordinary subterranean settlement carved into volcanic rock. Riders who wish may visit this historic site before continuing the afternoon ride.
The return route follows a reservoir and the meandering Red River, with possible views of Mount Erciyes on clear days. Back at the ranch, we transfer to the hotel for rest and dinner.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
After breakfast, we ride along the banks of the Kızılırmak River toward Sarıhıdır, a peaceful riverside village known for fishing and traditional rural life.
This day offers long open stretches suitable for relaxed canter and gallop depending on group ability. Along the way, our guide documents the journey with photos and videos.
At Sarıhıdır, horses cool off at the river before we enjoy a picnic lunch by the water. The return route passes a beautifully preserved 13th-century caravanserai, once used by Silk Road traders crossing Anatolia.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
Today we ride through the heart of Cappadocia’s most famous landscapes. Leaving Avanos, we cross White Valley (Ak Vadi), continue through Paşabağ (Monks Valley) and enter the spectacular Red Valley (Kızılçukur).
Fairy chimneys, volcanic formations and hidden trails surround us throughout the ride. Lunch is served in Red Valley, offering panoramic views of rose-colored cliffs.
In the afternoon, we continue toward Mustafapaşa (Sinasos), a historic Greek-Ottoman village known for its stone houses and churches. At our second ranch, horses are stabled and we return to the hotel for dinner.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
After breakfast, we begin from Mustafapaşa and pass through Golgoli, one of the oldest settlements in the region. The trail overlooks Damsa Dam, where ancient ruins and water structures mark the route.
We stop at the 6th-century Keşlik Monastery, hidden in a quiet valley, before riding on toward lunch at a trout farm beside the lake. Fresh fish is served in a green, shaded setting, with vegetarian options available.
The afternoon ride follows open tracks ideal for steady canter and photo stops before returning to the ranch.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included – approx. 5–6 hours riding)
Our final riding day takes us through Pigeon Valley (Güvercinlik) and Üzengi Valley toward Ortahisar, crowned by its towering rock castle.
From the Ortahisar viewpoint, we admire sweeping views across central Cappadocia before climbing toward White Valley at around 1,500 meters. Long scenic tracks allow controlled gallop where conditions permit.
Crossing Akvadi once more, we return to our ranch in Avanos, completing the full circular journey through Cappadocia’s valleys.
(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included)
After a final Turkish breakfast, transfer to the airport according to your flight schedule. Guests with late flights may relax at the hotel lobby before departure.
(Breakfast included)
🧭 Who This Tour Is For
The Land of Beautiful Horses tour is designed for riders who are comfortable spending several hours a day in the saddle and enjoy exploring varied terrain over multiple days. This is not a beginner-level experience — previous riding experience is strongly recommended to fully enjoy the horse riding tour cappadocia journey.
Riders should feel confident walking, trotting and cantering in open landscapes, and be physically fit enough to handle long riding days at a steady pace. Each day brings new terrain, distances and elevations, making this tour ideal for intermediate to experienced riders who are looking for a rewarding challenge rather than a short sightseeing ride.
This tour is perfect for:
- Riders seeking a true multi-day horseback adventure
- Travelers who enjoy slow, immersive exploration
- Horse lovers interested in ethical riding and horsemanship
- Guests who value small groups, professional guidance and well-cared-for horses
While riding experience is important, the focus is not on speed or competition. Routes are planned to balance challenge, safety and enjoyment, allowing riders to build a strong connection with their horse and the landscape throughout the week.
If you are unsure whether this tour matches your riding level or physical condition, we encourage you to contact us before booking. Our team is happy to help you choose the most suitable experience and ensure that every rider joins the tour that fits them best.
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.