RIDE WORLD WIDE Turkey 2019 Riding Trip Information Sheet The amazing landscapes of Cappadocia were formed between 2 and 10 million years ago by volcanic eruptions on the Anatolian plateau. While cooling, the warm ashes turned into layers of tuff of varied colours and density and with the passage of time, water, wind and man have eroded and carved this soft rock. The result is a breathtaking landscape of deep canyons and fantastically shaped rock formations, with churches, houses and dovecots intricately carved into them. The history of the area is equally fascinating. The first major civilisation, the Hittites, appeared around 2000 BC and since then numerous subsequent invasions and peoples - including the Greeks under Alexander the Great, the Romans, Mongols and Ottomans - have each left their mark. Combined with traffic along the Silk Road, this has given the area an incredible mix of cultures. Cappadocia - meaning 'the land of beautiful horses' and the name given by the Persians when they saw the wild mountain ponies that still live on the slopes of Erciyes Volcano - is unlike anywhere else. Starting from a small ranch close to the town of Ortahisar, these rides, organised with French guide Nicolas Guillo and his wife Helene, are a marvellous way to explore this amazing area. Dates 6 and 7 night trips are run from set dates April to October, with other dates available on request. Different itineraries are offered - the progressive Cappadocia Adventure Rides staying in guesthouses each night, progressive Camping Rides or for a little more comfort and service, the progressive Pasha Ride. For those who want a flexible option with less riding, a Family Ride programme is also an option. Please see departure dates overleaf and contact Ride World Wide to check availability.
[2] The Horses The horses used for the rides are locally bred Arab and Arab crosses of between about 14.2 and 15.2hh. Many of the horses have qualified in national endurance races. They are forward going and energetic but also adaptable to ride and well suited to the terrain. Saddles are McClellans, similar to a western in style and comfortable for long hours, fitted with cruppers, breastplates and with saddle bags provided. All the horses are ridden in snaffles or pelhams and are used to light contact. There is a strict rider weight limit of 90kg / 14st 2lbs (clothed); occasionally heavier, experienced riders can be taken by arrangement but we need accurate details in advance to approve this (note- you may be weighed on arrival and if heavier than the weight notified, will not be allowed to ride!) Riding Standard itineraries include riding on 5 or 6 days. There is usually 5 or 6 hours in the saddle on full days (with breaks to rest and for lunch) and one shorter/ half day in the week, except on Family Rides which generally include half days riding and the rest of the day for other activities although this can be tailored on request. All itineraries start with an hour or so at the ranch to try horses and tack on the first day, including a short route with different obstacles that might be encountered during the week to be sure everyone is confident on, and well matched to, their horse. As well as riding there is always some walking, leading horses, during the week. Generally you lead for 10 minutes or so to warm up before starting and again to cool off at the end of the day and may be asked to lead up and down steep hills and perhaps in villages out of politeness to the locals (note that when walking up steep hills you may be asked to hold the tail of the horse in front to help pull you up!). All participants therefore need a good level of general fitness, must be comfortable walking on uneven ground and on a steep gradient. You should also be able to mount unassisted although on Pasha Rides, which are designed to include a higher level of assistance and service, there is someone to help you mount if required and less gradient walking / leading than other routes. Riders are encouraged to spread out where possible, rather than always riding in single file, although on tracks through narrow gorges or winding around the rock formations, this is not possible. Maximum riding group is 8 guests on Cappadocia Adventure Rides, 7 on Pasha Rides and 10 on Camping Rides, lead by an experienced guide, with an extra back up rider for 4 or more guests on the Pasha Rides. Luggage and camping equipment is transported ahead by back up vehicle. On most rides, riders are expected to groom, tack-up / un-tack, and help feed and water their horse in the evenings, although horse are groomed for riders on Pasha Rides and the guide will always be on hand if help is needed. Saddles are checked before riders set off.
[3] Pace Rides are at a moderate pace overall. The terrain in the area means most riding is at a walk and there are some quite steep mountain tracks and a bit of road work through towns and villages each day, but there are also good places to canter. The Cappadocia Adventure and Pasha Rides cover about 35 kms on full riding days, with chances to canter every day, including some lovely long and exhilarating canters (longest canter is about 15 mins) along valley floors, between towering rock formations and along paths across wheat fields. Some of the more touristy villages can be quite busy with people and traffic, but the horses are used to this and calm and sensible on the road. Riding Experience Most programs are aimed at reasonably experienced, confident riders and to participate you must feel relaxed, comfortable and secure in the saddle on a well-schooled horse at a walk, trot and fast canter. You should also be used to riding for reasonably long hours, outside in an open environment and on varied and sometimes challenging terrain, including up and down hill. The horses are sensible, but have a generally lively temperament so they suit confident, relaxed riders. On most programmes you are asked to tack up your own horse and also to mount and dismount several times each day without assistance. The Cappadocia Adventure is the most demanding itinerary, with around 6 hours riding a day on 6 days, over varied terrain. It requires the highest ability level and is for fit intermediate and experienced riders only. The Pasha Ride includes similar riding hours at a similar pace but is a day shorter and avoids the difficult passes as far as possible; there are also fewer occasions to dismount and additional help with your horse if required. The Family Ride programme is suitable for pretty much any level and can be tailored to suit the group. Terrain Cappadocia is known for its dramatic scenery and unique landscapes and is a popular tourist destination but one of the outstanding features of these rides is that as well as showing you the sights the area is known for, they take you off the beaten track to areas visitors seldom see. Much of the riding is through the fantastic rock formations for which the area is famed, but you also ride up onto high plateaux with wonderful views and through fields and fruit orchards where the scenery varies with the season. In April fruit trees blossom; in May and June there are wild flowers (wild irises, dog rose, thyme, poppies, vetch, yellow sage and cornflowers to name a few); July and August are hot and sunny, the time of the melon harvest; in September, grapes and other fruit ripen in the orchards, whilst October rides have all the colour of turning leaves. Eagles, buzzards and Egyptian Vultures are often seen soaring above rocky ridges and you may also see golden orioles, hoopoes and black headed siskins as well as small mammals such as marmots, foxes and hares whilst you ride. There is also always plenty of cultural interest - ancient churches and dovecots carved into rock, shepherds tending flocks high in the hills, underground villages, ruins and the typical Cappadocian villages of today. Exploring the towns and villages, which can be quite busy, means there will necessarily be short distances to ride on tarmac or where you may encounter traffic, but overall the region is lovely for riding with spectacular, varied scenery, many incredible views and good chances to move on each day.
[4] Accommodation Different levels of accommodation are offered ranging from boutique hotels on the Boutique version of the Pasha Ride, comfortable guesthouses on the standard Pasha Ride, Cappadocia Adventure and Family Ride and a combination of guesthouses and simple camps on the Camping Ride. Accommodation is all characterful, with carefully chosen hotels and guesthouses that are typical of the area and in the traditional Cappadocia style. Guesthouses, which are usually family run and generally equivalent to an international 2* standard, often have rooms that are excavated into the rock, might have rough unfinished stone walls and sometimes few windows! Bedrooms have private bathroom. The boutique hotels used on the Pasha Ride are of a slightly higher standard, attractively renovated and furnished, roughly about international 3* equivalent and again always rooms with private bathroom; they may also have extras such as a swimming pool, a hamman or good restaurant. Ride rates are based on twin / double occupancy although single rooms can be arranged, subject to availability, for a supplement. Camping is quite basic but you should be reasonably comfortable. Large, white canvas tipi shaped tents, the same design as those used by the local nomads (tall enough to stand up in the middle of the tent) are provided for sleeping with waterproof groundsheets, rugs and 2" thick mattresses supplied - you need your own sleeping bag and are expected to put up / take down your tent and stow it all away in the back up trailer each morning. Camps have a central 'mess' tent, again in traditional nomadic style with kilim rugs on the floor, low Turkish 'chai' tables and a 'shower' tent, which has a large basin and jugs for pouring hot water, shared by the group (there is not always time for everyone to have a shower every night). Loos when camping are open air!
[5] Meals Turkey has a reputation for delicious food and you will be able to sample some excellent, traditional Turkish dishes. Breakfast is at your hotel, guesthouse or in camp and is generally a selection of fresh bread, butter, jam or honey, perhaps with eggs or when camping a choice of cheese, tomatoes and olives, with tea or coffee to drink. (Tea and coffee are usually drunk black in Turkey, in small glasses; milk powder is sometimes available but not often fresh milk). Lunch is either a picnic out riding (carried in saddle bags on Camping Rides) or you may stop at a restaurant or café and in the evening, dinner is at your hotel / guesthouse or cooked in camp and eaten Turkish style, sitting on a carpet around a round tray or 'chai' table. At guesthouses and hotels dinner is often 3 courses, perhaps rice, yoghurt and mint soup to start, followed by lamb and bean stew with couscous and apricots in syrup to finish. In camp dinner is usually just one fairly simple dish - grilled chicken or pasta - followed by fruit. Main meat dishes are usually chicken or lamb, with local specialities such as 'bostan kebap' (aubergines, lamb and cheese cooked in a clay pot) some days. Vegetarians can, of course, be catered for, but please let us know in advance on your booking form. Wine is produced locally and different Cappadocian wines are available to buy. They are quite young and not as cheap as one might expect (around 15 to 25 Euros a bottle in guesthouses depending on quality, about 10 Euros in camp). Locally brewed beer is about 3 Euros a bottle and is easily bought at restaurants, bars or general stores. Weather Rides are run from set dates April to October when weather in the area is best. During winter months Cappadocia can be cold and desolate. In mid summer temperatures can be high but there is usually a breeze and as you are at some altitude (approx 1000m) the heat is dry and it is still pleasant for riding. Average daytime temperatures between April and October are roughly - April 13 C; May 19 C; June 25 C; July 30 C; August 30 C; September 25 C; October 17 C - although it may be about 5 degrees hotter at midday and 5 degrees colder at nightfall. Cappadocia is semi-desert and rainfall is minimal although possible at any time of year so you need to be prepared for this. Most precipitation occurs between November and May.
[6] What to bring We will send you a suggested kit list when your booking is confirmed. Example itineraries - The following are examples of the itineraries planned but please note that they are just examples and day-by-day arrangements and routes ridden may be changed by your guides in their absolute discretion according to weather, riders ability and other local conditions. We highly recommend adding the hot air balloon flight which can be arranged early morning on one day - these should be booked in advance to avoid disappointment. We also thoroughly recommend adding a night (or more) in Istanbul before or after your ride - an amazing city, once capital of the western world. The Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace and the famed covered bazaar are all well worth a visit and the city has some excellent hotels and restaurants. Cappadocia Adventure Ride This is the most demanding of the itineraries offered, requiring a good level of physical fitness and intermediate or above riding ability. You ride around 25 to 40 kms a day (200 kms over 6 days), the majority at a walk but with good canters everyday (the longest about 15 minutes) and some riding up and down hill. There is some walking, leading your horse (maximum about 25 minutes downhill / 15 minutes & 400 metres uphill) and you must be able to get on and off unassisted. A hot air balloon trip, for a wonderful birds eye view over Cappadocia, is an option one morning at extra cost. Day 1 - Arrive Kayseri. Transfer about 50 minutes by airport shuttle bus, to a guesthouse in Ortahisar, within the Cappadocia National Park. Meet your guide at the guesthouse where you have dinner and spend the night. (D) Day 2 - Breakfast at the guesthouse before being collected and driven to the ranch to meet the horses. An introduction to the horses and tack with a short trial ride to ensure you are comfortable and well suited. Then, mount up to head off, with the first hour s riding following a stream through lush vegetation in the Uzengi canyon. The first long canter takes you to Avlak mountain, with magnificent views of Cappadocia and rocky hills that could provide a backdrop to a western movie! More long canters across the Karlik plateau bring you to the picnic stop and a delicious picnic of olives, humous, vegetables, different cheeses, black bread, traditional yoghurt and Turkish black tea is served in the heart of a green tiny canyon, whilst horses graze nearby. The afternoon is spent riding through a deep valley where tombs are carved into the cliff faces, the ghost village of Karain and the ruins of Boyali. A few more canters take you to Akkoy village and after picketing the horses just below the hotel, relax with a welcome drink as they settle in. The hotel terrace has a 180 view of the horses paddock and the valley beyond. Dinner and night in Akkoy. (B,L,D)
[7] Day 3 - Breakfast and saddle up. The day starts with a canter through fields of barley, wheat, oat and beans on the high Anatolian plateau (1600 m), then dismount for a 20 minute walk, leading the horses down a steep narrow trail, to Damsa lake. A winding canter to an old monastery where the local villagers will cook lunch for you on a woodfire. In the afternoon ride on, following a route that overlooks a valley of fairy chimneys and the bare hills surrounding the lake (in good weather perhaps a swim in the lake with your horse). Chances to trot and canter along tracks of soft red clay and through a hidden canyon to the village of Ayvali. Dinner and night a guesthouse in Ayvali. (B,L,D) Day 4 - After saddling up set off again. A quick canter takes you to Golgoli, with time to visit the underground village and see the church hewn into the rock. From here the route takes you well off the beaten track through extraordinary rock formations, vineyards and orchards, surrounded by table-mountains. Reaching the old Greek village of Mustafapasa, you ride through the centre of town, admiring the beautiful Greek architecture, and perhaps stopping for a drink (or for lunch if the weather is not good). From Mustafapasa climb to the plateau again, where there are more chances to canter. A short ride brings you back to the hotel at Ayvali, where if the weather is sunny you have a late lunch by the pool. Dinner and second night in Ayvali. (B,L,D) Day 5 - A good breakfast then set off again, first along narrow tracks, through small canyons, crossing farm land and the wide, open spaces of Subasi, where shepherds look after their flocks. Winding through the lush, narrow canyon of Bacheli you reach a second and different type of underground village: Kirkule. After your visit, long canters take you through vineyards and orchards and over rolling hills of white tuffa to reach the fairy chimneys of the Gomeda valley. More fun riding through the narrow corridors and arches of the canyon of Gumuslu, then heading up a hill you reach one of the best lunchtime restaurants Babayan evi, where bread is cooked on a wood fire and there are often delicious local specialities. From this picturesque village, start to ascend the twin hills' of Cappadocia, reaching a viewpoint that takes in northern Cappadocia and the towering rock fortress of Uchisar. The ride to the village where the next two nights are spent, reveals the multicoloured rock formations of the famous Pigeon Valley and Uchisar s picturesque fairy chimneys. Dinner and night in a guesthouse in Uchisar with lovely views. (B,L,D) Day 6 - This morning, the option of a hot air balloon ride over the fantastic landscapes of Cappadocia (extra cost). Then set off riding again, picking your way through the rock tunnels, arches and small woods of the spectacular, 4 km-long canyon called the Green Valley. A detour through the famous Love Valley with its gigantic phallic rock formations, then onto Sword Valley and Red Valley. With its citadels of red, pink and ochre rock, and its beautiful troglodytic churches, this is Cappadocia's most spectacular ensemble of geological formations. Lunch at a cave café in an ancient monastery and in the afternoon, continue through Red and Rose Valleys, then ride out into the fields, surrounded by the rocky hills of north Cappadocia. The winding paths of the Shepherd s Valley take you back to Uchisar, in time for a drink on the terrace at sunset. Dinner and night Uchisar. (B,L,D) Day 7 - Riding from the guesthouse enter the beautiful White Valley, passing stone labyrinths, lush vegetation, and the impressive fairy chimneys of yet another Love Valley. Crossing the picturesque village of Çavuşin, dismount for a short walk to reach the plateau of Boz daha. A wonderful canter along the ridge, overlooking Red Valley on one side and Devrent Valley, with its strangely shaped fairy chimneys, on the other. cont. over
[8] Day 7 cont. Further canters take you through a maze of sandy paths and the woods of Urgup to reach the valley of Pancarlik and its multicoloured rock formations, gardens and orchards, before finally arriving back at the ranch by early afternoon. Farewell tea on the terrace, then you are driven back to the guesthouse in Ortahisar. Those who wish can visit a 'hamam' (Turkish baths and massage) in the nearby town of Urgüp before dinner and your final night in Ortahisar. (B,L,D) Day 8 - Breakfast and airport shuttle transfer to Kayseri for your flight to Istanbul. (B) Pasha Ride This program is designed for small groups of up to 7 riders and can be tailored to suit private bookings. You ride about 35kms a day (180 kms over 5 days), the majority at a walk but with good canters everyday (the longest about 15 minutes). The route avoids the difficult passes and walking fiwo levels of accommodation are available - Standard accommodation is in guesthouses and Boutique is in superior hotels or (where a guesthouse provides the best choice due to its view or location) in upgraded guesthouse rooms. The boutique hotels vary in style but include an ancient Greek-Ottoman mansion in the town of Urgüp with vaulted and caved rooms which have been refurbished and furnished in Anatolian style and its own hamman (traditional Turkish steam bath) and in the village of Uchisar, a cosy troglodytic villa overlooking the famous Pigeon Valley. A hot air balloon trip, for a wonderful birds eye view over Cappadocia, is an option one morning at extra cost. The following is an example of the programme: Day 1 - Arrive Kayseri. Transfer about 50 minutes by airport shuttle bus, to the town of Urgüp within the Cappadocia National Park. Meet your guides for dinner and the night at a hotel in Urgüp. (D) Day 2 - Breakfast at your hotel / guesthouse before being collected and driven to the ranch to meet the horses. An introduction to the horses and tack with a short trial ride to ensure you are comfortable and well suited. Then, mount up to head off, with the first hour s riding following a stream through lush vegetation in the Uzengi canyon. Stop for lunch, cooked for you by local villagers on a woodfire and in the afternoon your first long canter takes you to Avlak mountain, with magnificent views of Cappadocia and rocky hills that could provide a back drop to a western movie! Continue riding on the bare hills surrounding Lake Damsa (in good weather perhaps a swim in the lake with your horse) then on through a maze of orchards and vineyards, along tracks of soft red clay, entering the village of Ayvali through a hidden canyon. Dinner and night Ayvali. (B,L,D) Day 3 - Breakfast and the day starts with a canter on the high Anatolian plateau (1600 m) then through fields of barley, wheat, oat and beans to Golgoli, with time to visit the underground village and see the church hewn into the rock. From here the route takes you well off the beaten track through extraordinary rock formations, vineyards and orchards, surrounded by table-mountains. Reaching the old Greek village of Mustafapasa, you tie up the horses and stop for lunch. Time to wander through the village, admiring the old stone houses, then continue riding, crossing wide open spaces where shepherds look after their flocks, then winding your way through the lush, narrow canyon of Sorkumlu. Cantering along sandy tracks brings you back to the hotel at Ayvali. Dinner and second night Ayvali. (B,L,D) Day 4 - Breakfast at your hotel or guesthouse, then set off riding again, following narrow tracks through farmland. Winding your way along the lush, narrow canyon of a Gomeda before a beautiful canter through the fairy chimneys of Gümüslü valley. Continue up a hill to reach the lunch stop at one of the best lunchtime restaurants Babayan evi, where bread is cooked on a wood fire and there are often delicious local specialities. cont. over
[9] Day 4 cont. - From this picturesque village, start ascending the twin hills' of Cappadocia to reach a viewpoint taking in northern Cappadocia and the towering rock fortress of Uchisar. The ride to the village where the next two nights are spent, reveals the multicoloured rock formations of the famous Pigeon Valley and Uchisar s picturesque fairy chimneys. Dinner and night in a guesthouse in Uchisar with lovely views and time to explore the village on foot if you wish. (B,L,D) Day 5 - This morning, the option of a hot air balloon ride over the fantastic landscapes of Cappadocia (extra cost). Then set off riding again, picking your way through the rock tunnels, arches and small woods of the spectacular, 4 km-long canyon Green Valley. A detour through the famous Love Valley with its gigantic phallic rock formations, then onto Sword Valley and Red Valley. With its citadels of red, pink and ochre rock, and its beautiful troglodytic churches, this is Cappadocia's most spectacular ensemble of geological formations. Lunch at a cave café in an ancient monastery and in the afternoon, continue through Red and Rose Valleys, before riding out into fields, surrounded by the rocky hills of north Cappadocia. The winding paths of the Shepherd s Valley take you back to Uchisar, in time for a drink on the terrace at sunset. Dinner and night Uchisar. (B,L,D) Day 6 - Riding from the guesthouse enter the beautiful White Valley, passing stone labyrinths, lush vegetation, and the impressive fairy chimneys of yet another Love Valley. Crossing the picturesque village of Çavuşin, dismount for a short walk to reach the plateau of Boz daha. A wonderful canter along the ridge, overlooking Red Valley on one side and Devrent Valley, with its strangely shaped fairy chimneys, on the other. Further canters take you through a maze of sandy paths and the woods of Urgup to reach the valley of Pancarlik and its multicoloured rock formations, gardens and orchards, before finally arriving back at the ranch by early afternoon. Farewell tea on the terrace, then you are driven back to your hotel in Urgup with time to visit a 'hamam' (Turkish baths and massage) if you wish before dinner and your final night (B,L,D). Day 7 - Breakfast and airport shuttle transfer to Kayseri for your flight to Istanbul. (B) Camping Ride This adventurous itinerary, allows riders to explore Cappadocia s dramatic landscapes, see its natural beauty whilst camping out away from other tourists and also visit its well-known villages. You ride 15 to 20kms a day, the majority at a walk but with good canters everyday. One day has half a day s riding and a hot air balloon trip, for a wonderful birds eye view over Cappadocia, is an option one morning at extra cost. The following is an example of the programme.
[10] Day 1 - Arrive Kayseri and transfer about 50 minutes by airport shuttle bus, to a guesthouse in Ortahisar, within the Cappadocia National Park. Meet your guide for dinner and night at the guesthouse. (D) Day 2 - Breakfast at the guesthouse before being collected and driven to the ranch to meet the horses. An introduction to the horses and tack with a short trial ride to ensure you are comfortable and well suited. Then, mount up to head off, with the first hour s riding following a stream through lush vegetation in the Uzengi canyon. After lunch at the natural rock circus of Taslik follow a path carved into the rock down to the ancient Greek village of Mustafapasa / Sinasos then through the valley of Cemece, an expanse of land resembling the Mongolian steppes. Ride past Lake Damsa, where, if it is hot, you will be able to swim with your horse, and on into camp in an old orchard. Dinner and the night in camp (B,L,D) Day 3 - After tacking up and leading the horses for a short while, mount up and head toward the plateau of Avlak immediately above camp. Dismount for a steep climb of about 15 minutes to the plateau. From here there are wonderful views of Cappadocia and in the background the majestic Mt Erciyes, an extinct volcano. After a canter on the plateau's larger tracks, arrive at the picnic spot overlooking Karlik valley, passing tombs carved out of the mountain by the Romans as you go to water the horses. A barbecue lunch with views of Mount Hodul, Mt Erciyes and the renowned Taurus Mountain chain. After trots and canters on the plateau, ride down to Damsa valley passing through orchards and vineyards for tea in the camp near the village of Cemilkoy. Dinner and the night in camp (B,L,D) Day 4 - This morning you ll have the option (extra cost) of a hot air balloon ride over the fantastic landscapes of Cappadocia. Then following a track worn by generations of muleteers, ride along the flank of the mountain to reach a vast rocky plateau overlooking the south of Cappadocia. The cliff-top view is breathtaking. Descend into a lush valley planted with trees, where you stop for a short break. Ride on through countryside, crossing narrow streams, winding through gardens and small woods to the village of Ayvali where lunch is waiting beside a swimming pool. A siesta and time to relax beside the pool before riding on, reaching open grassland where shepherds herd their flocks, helped by their impressive Turkish Kangal dogs. After a last canter across the steppe, arrive at camp. Dinner cooked over a wood fire and night camping (B,L,D) Day 5 - Again a sunrise balloon flight is possible (conditions have to be perfect but hopefully one of the two days or another day will be possible, depending on the forecast). Breakfast and set off from the valley of Sorkumlu; some parts of the valley are so narrow that they form a deep canyon with many hidden treasures. Time to visit the underground village of Kirkule, then canter on a long sandy path lined with orchards and gardens, still cultivated by the locals using horses or mules. Stop in a field, surrounded by walls of soft colourful rock, where the horses can rest and graze and after a picnic and a siesta at the foot of a pear tree, saddle up again. Continue over rolling hills of white tuff that lead to a rock pinnacle before winding your way through the rocky labyrinths, tunnels and arches of the splendid Green Valley. Ride on past the fancy fairy chimneys of the aptly named 'Love valley' to reach a guesthouse in Goreme (hot showers, dormitory rooms - single rooms possible on request) Dinner and night Goreme. (B,L,D)
[11] Day 6 - Set off riding crossing Urchisar and Pigeon Valley. Your small, agile horses are able to pick their way up the valley and on into the White Valley through a narrow path carved in the rock. Climbing to the plateau again there will be a long canter before lunch at the ancient village of Cavusin. In the afternoon, a scenic path carved in the red rock of Mount Boztepe leads you to the famous rock formations of Pasabag and then a long canter across the plain of Avanos, before riding along ridges overlooking the forest of fairy chimneys in the Devrent Valley. Dismount to ascend the Boz Tepe mountain and reach the mausoleum of local saint Alil Dede. From his resting place, there is a 360 view over Cappadocia. Climb down through the maze of tracks and paths up the crests and down the canyons of the Red Valley - with its rock castles of red, pink and ochre rock, this is Cappadocia's most spectacular valley. Enjoy the sunset over this valley from troglodyte caves where the night is spent camping out,. (B,L,D) Day 7 - After breakfast set off riding, leaving the tortuous paths behind you to take advantage of wider tracks for a long gallop. Cross the Valley of Pancarlik and its multicoloured rock formations and canter on past gardens and orchards to the natural rock circus of Taslik. Picnic lunch in a shady canyon (or perhaps at a restaurant) and in the afternoon ride on past the rock towers of the Gumuslu valley and through the narrow corridors and arches of the Tahtali canyon. Arrive back at the ranch by early afternoon. Tea on the terrace then you are driven back to a guesthouse in Ortahisar. Those who wish can visit a 'hamam' (Turkish baths and massage) in the nearby town of Urgüp before farewell dinner and overnight Ortahisar. (B,L,D) Day 8 - Breakfast and transfer to Kayseri for your flight to Istanbul. (B) Family Ride - Designed for families or groups of friends who would like a varied itinerary, with opportunities to ride and walk, an introduction to natural horsemanship and involvement with general activities on the farm. It is particularly aimed at younger children (over 5yrs) who may enjoy farm life, looking after horses, milking goats, making cheese and riding donkeys as well as horses. The itinerary is flexible but generally there are half day rides each day and walks or other activities for the remaining half of each day. Great Cappadocia - New for 2019, being introduced as a once in the season event. It will not only include a place-to-place ride through Cappadocia s awe inspiring landscape, but also a competition, with teams of 6 riders, races and challenges - all during Cappadocia s best time of year. Contact us for more information.
[12] Dates 2019 Cappadocia Adventure 31st March to 7th April (Low) 12th to 19th May* (High) 29th September to 6th October (Mid) 14th to 21st April * (Mid) 1st to 8th September (Mid) 13th to 20th October (High) 28th April to 5th May (High) 15th to 22nd September (Mid) Camping Ride 9th to 16th June 11th to 18th August Pasha Ride (Standard or Boutique) 7th to 13th April (Low) 16th to 22nd June (Mid) 8th to 14th September (Mid) 5th to 11th May (High) 4th to 10th August (Mid) 6th to 12th October* (High) 2nd to 8th June (High) 18th to 24th August (Mid) Great Cappadocia (New itinerary - please ask for details) 26th May to 2nd June Family Ride 4th to 11th August 11th to 18th August 18th to 25th August * Dates with full moon, a night ride may be possible depending on weather Rates 2019 Please note due to constantly fluctuating exchange rates, ride rates are quoted in Euros. The sterling price will be the equivalent sterling rate using the euro/sterling exchange rate in force when you book/pay. Cappadocia Adventure (7 nights) - prices seasonal (Low, Mid, High) Low - Euros 1250, Mid - Euros 1375, High - Euros 1475 per person (single supplement 210 Euros) Pasha Ride (6 nights) - prices seasonal (Low, Mid, High) Standard: Low - Euros 1250, Mid - Euros 1375, High - Euros 1475 per person Boutique: Low - Euros 1650, Mid - Euros 1775, High - Euros 1875 per person (single supplement - Standard 210 Euros; Boutique 350 Euros) Great Cappadocia - Euros 2100 Camping Ride (7 nights) - Euros 1200 per person (single supplement for 3 nights in guesthouses 56 Euros) Family Ride (7 nights) - Euros 790 per person Rates assume a minimum of 2 riders for Cappadocia Adventure and Pasha Rides and 4 for Camping Rides (If less than 4 people, Camping Rides will be run as a Guesthouse Ride with a supplement payable). Rates INCLUDE - 6 or 7 nights twin accommodation, all riding, guiding and equipment, meals and shuttle bus transfers from / to Kayseri within set times (08.00 to 22.00). Rates assume twin bedded rooms in hotels / tents, please see below for information about the single supplement.
[13] Rates EXCLUDE - International flights / travel to Kayseri and taxes, any visa fees, personal medical / travel insurance (which you must have), bar bills, airport transfers outside set times, optional activities (eg balloon flight, Open Air museum etc.), personal extras at hotels / guesthouse (laundry, telephone calls etc) and any tips you may wish to leave. Single travellers - On the Cappadocia Adventure and Camping Rides single rooms / tents can be booked (subject to availability) on paying the supplement, although solo travellers need not pay the supplement if happy to share if required. On Pasha Rides the supplement applies to those travelling alone unless prepared to share a room AND we have a sharer for you (if we do not have a sharer, the supplement is charged). Hot Air Balloon flight - An hour s balloon flight over Cappadocia is highly recommended and can be included in your riding week. Balloon trips need to be booked and paid ideally when booking your ride, or at least 3 weeks in advance to ensure availability - cost is approx. 200 Euros per person (refunded if the flight is not possible due to weather). Travel arrangements - For these rides you need to fly to Kayseri via Istanbul. Transfers between Kayseri and the first nights accommodation / start point of the ride are arranged by airline shuttle service. Arrival can be anytime on the first day, though we suggest afternoon, ideally before 18.30 - shuttles do not operate after 22.00. Both Turkish Airways and British Airways currently have daily direct flights from London to Istanbul. Turkish Airways then have onward flights to Kayseri (or you can go by bus, a journey of about 12 hours). On the return you take a shuttle back to Kayseri in time for a morning flight to Istanbul. Flights prices vary but expect to pay around 350 to 550 Economy return plus taxes depending on time of year, airline and availability. If you plan to connect straight through to Kayseri please allow plenty of time between flights - particularly if using different carriers (eg British Airways in conjunction with Turkish Airways). There are often long visa queues and immigration can be time consuming. For further advice on flights, a quote for a flight inclusive holiday or to book flights, please call us (our ATOL number for flight bookings is ATOL 6213). General visa and health information - further information will be sent if you make a confirmed booking: Visas Visas for Turkey must now be obtained in advance online at: https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ The visa fee is USD $20, payable by credit card (subject to change - please check). Health No inoculations are legally required to enter Turkey from Europe but Polio and Tetanus are recommended - you should consult a health professional for further and more detailed advice in any case. (DRAFT 08/01/19)