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 |
| 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 |
| 4/10/2027 | 4/16/2027 |
| 4/17/2027 | 5/23/2027 |
| 4/24/2027 | 5/30/2027 |
| 5/1/2027 | 5/7/2027 |
| 5/8/2027 | 5/14/2025 |
| 5/15/2027 | 5/21/2027 |
| 5/22/2027 | 5/28/2027 |
| 5/29/2027 | 6/4/2027 |
| 6/5/2026 | 6/11/2027 |
| 6/12/2027 | 6/18/2027 |
| 6/19/2027 | 6/25/2027 |
| 6/26/2027 | 7/2/2027 |
| 7/3/2027 | 7/9/2027 |
| 7/10/2027 | 7/16/2027 |
| 7/17/2027 | 7/23/2027 |
| 7/24/2027 | 7/30/2027 |
| 7/31/2027 | 8/6/2027 |
| 8/7/2027 | 8/13/2027 |
| 8/14/2027 | 8/20/2027 |
| 8/21/2027 | 8/27/2027 |
| 8/28/2027 | 9/3/2027 |
| 9/4/2027 | 9/10/2027 |
| 9/11/2027 | 9/17/2027 |
| 9/18/2027 | 9/24/2027 |
| 9/25/2027 | 10/1/2027 |
| 10/2/2027 | 10/8/2027 |
| 10/9/2027 | 10/15/2027 |
| 10/16/2027 | 10/22/2027 |
| 10/23/2027 | 10/29/2027 |
| 10/30/2027 | 11/5/2027 |
| 11/6/2027 | 11/12/2027 |
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.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will arrive at either Kayseri Erkilet Airport or Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport. A scheduled shuttle will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Avanos.
After checking in, you may relax in your room or take some time to explore the streets of Avanos. Subject to your arrival time, you will meet your tour guide and the other riders for your first dinner together.
Meals included: Dinner
The day begins at approximately 8:30 AM with a traditional Turkish breakfast. Afterwards, we will make the short journey to our horse ranch, located around five minutes from the hotel.
At the ranch, you will meet the calm and well-trained Arabian horses that will accompany you throughout the riding programme. After matching each rider with a suitable horse and completing the necessary preparations, we will place two bottles of water in every saddlebag before setting out.
The first full riding day takes us from Avanos towards the historic town of Özkonak. Our route initially leads to Ziyaret Mountain, passing old flour mills as we gradually climb to approximately 1,450 metres above sea level. During the ride, you may also see Belha Church in the distance, standing quietly within the historic landscape.
We will stop for lunch close to Özkonak and its well-known underground city. Riders who wish to do so may use the break to visit the archaeological site and explore its underground chambers.
Özkonak Underground City
Although its precise construction date is uncertain, Özkonak Underground City is thought to date back to approximately the fourth century BC. The soft volcanic tuff found throughout Cappadocia could be carved and shaped relatively easily, allowing ancient communities to create underground spaces for settlement, storage and shelter.
Further information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%96zkonak_underground_city
On the return journey, we will ride past a scenic reservoir before following sections of the Kızılırmak, also known as the Red River. When visibility and weather conditions are favourable, Mount Erciyes may also be seen rising on the horizon.
After arriving back at the ranch, we will return to the hotel for some rest before meeting again for dinner.
Please note: The pace of the ride is determined by the experience and comfort of the group. Riding speed will be adjusted accordingly, with group safety and horse welfare always taking priority.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Following breakfast, which begins at approximately 8:30 AM, your guide will collect you from the hotel at around 9:30 AM and take you to the ranch in Avanos.
Once the horses have been prepared and the final equipment checks are complete, we will fill the saddlebags with fresh water and begin riding towards Sarıhıdır. This peaceful village lies beside the Kızılırmak and is known for its fishing traditions and quiet riverside setting.
Much of today’s route follows the banks of the Red River. Where the terrain, horses and group ability allow, there may be opportunities for faster riding and controlled gallops. The combination of open stretches and tranquil river scenery creates a varied and memorable day in the saddle.
Your guide will also photograph selected moments during the ride, helping you preserve memories of the journey.
When we reach Sarıhıdır, the horses will be given time to rest and cool down. Their legs may be gently washed in the river before we settle beside the water for a relaxed picnic lunch.
In the afternoon, we will follow the route back towards Avanos, returning to the ranch with plenty of new memories from the day.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Today’s route introduces you to a quieter and less frequently visited side of Cappadocia. Our destination is Mustafapaşa, a historic settlement known for its distinctive architecture, cultural heritage and surrounding valleys.
After breakfast, we will travel to the ranch and prepare the horses for the journey. The ride leads through some of Cappadocia’s most impressive landscapes, including White Valley, also known as Ak Vadi, the Ortahisar Valley area and the dramatic formations of Red Valley, or Kızılçukur.
Along the way, we will pass fairy chimneys, natural rock formations and open stretches of trail. Depending on the group and ground conditions, parts of the route may also provide opportunities for controlled galloping.
Around midday, we will pause in Red Valley for lunch in a natural setting surrounded by Cappadocia’s remarkable scenery.
After lunch, the journey continues towards Mustafapaşa. The riding day finishes at our second ranch, where the horses will be settled comfortably into their stables. We will then return to the hotel to rest before dinner.
About Mustafapaşa
Mustafapaşa was formerly known as Sinasos. It is located within the Ürgüp district of Nevşehir Province, to the west of Gomeda Valley. The town lies approximately five kilometres from Ürgüp and around 27 kilometres from the centre of Nevşehir.
There are different explanations regarding the origin of its present name. One associates it with Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, while another connects it to a local figure known as Mustafa Pasha, who is said to have helped solve the settlement’s water shortage by arranging for a well to be drilled.
Like many communities in Cappadocia, Mustafapaşa traditionally relied on agriculture, particularly grape cultivation. Today, tourism also plays an increasingly important role in the local economy.
Further information:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mustafapa%C5%9Fa,_%C3%9Crg%C3%BCp
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast between approximately 8:30 and 9:30 AM. Afterwards, you will be transferred to our ranch in Mustafapaşa.
Following the final preparations, you can place your personal belongings in the saddlebag before we begin the day’s ride. The route first takes us through Golgoli, one of the oldest and most mysterious parts of the Mustafapaşa area.
From here, we will continue past ancient remains and elevated viewpoints overlooking Damsa Dam. The landscape combines open countryside, historic traces and views towards the surrounding settlements, including the area around Cemil village.
Lunch will be served at a picturesque trout farm in a green natural setting. Freshly prepared fish is available, while alternative dishes can be arranged for guests who do not eat fish or who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet. Please state all dietary requirements clearly when completing your rider information form.
After lunch, we will begin the return journey to the ranch. Where conditions allow, the route may include opportunities for faster riding, as well as stops for photographs and videos.
At the end of the ride, you will return to the hotel for some well-earned rest before dinner.
Today involves approximately five to six hours in the saddle, offering a full day of riding, exploration and varied Cappadocian scenery.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Every day in Cappadocia brings a different landscape and atmosphere. As this is the final riding day of the tour, we will spend a little more time in the saddle and make the most of our last route together.
The ride begins at our ranch in Mustafapaşa. From there, we will travel through Üzengi Valley, Gümüşlü Valley and Gomeda Valley before continuing towards the village of Ayvalı.
These valleys offer a combination of unusual rock formations, historic traces, natural pathways and peaceful rural scenery. The route provides one final opportunity to experience Cappadocia beyond its most frequently visited areas.
In Ayvalı, we will stop at a traditional village house for lunch and enjoy locally prepared dishes in an authentic setting.
After lunch, we will ride back through the countryside towards our ranch in Mustafapaşa, completing the final horseback journey of the programme.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Enjoy your final traditional Turkish breakfast at the hotel before preparing for departure.
Hotel check-out is at 12:00 noon. A scheduled transfer will collect you from the hotel and take you to either Kayseri Erkilet Airport or Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport, depending on your flight arrangements.
Guests with an evening flight are welcome to wait in the hotel lobby after checking out.
We hope you leave Cappadocia with unforgettable experiences, new friendships and memories that remain with you long after the journey ends.
Meals included: Breakfast
🧭 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.