Cappadocia Horse Riding Tour 7 Days

Day 1:

Check-in to the hotel or camp (Hotel or camp is optional for participants)

At this stage, you will settle into your chosen hotel or campsite to stay in the unique atmosphere of Cappadocia. Cappadocia is famous for its unique rock formations and fairy chimneys, so your accommodation will likely be in a unique place amidst the region's natural beauty.

Our tour begins with horseback riding in the afternoon of the first day. Before mounting, we will choose the most suitable horse for you. We will also provide brief information about tour rules, routes, and off-road riding experiences. On our first day of riding, we will take a 2-hour ride through the Swords Valley in Cappadocia to a sunset viewing point where the Göreme Valleys can be seen from above. After approximately 3 hours of riding, we will finish our first day and return to our hotel or campsite.

Göreme Kılıçlar Valley is famous for its unique rock formations and winding paths. You will enjoy these unique landscapes during a horseback riding tour.

Take a break at the Maiden's Church and visit the historic Maiden's Monastery.

The Maiden Church, one of the historical churches of Göreme, is known for its frescoes of historical and cultural significance. By visiting this church during your horseback riding tour, you will discover the cultural heritage of the region.

Visit to Güllü Valley and Kızılçukur Panorama with horses.

Güllü Valley is famous for its colorful rock formations and beautiful scenery. You can enjoy the unique geography of Cappadocia by riding your horses through the valley.

Horse riding through Çavuşin town, visiting the historic Çavuşin village.

Çavuşin is a village famous for its historic houses and churches. Exploring the village on horseback will take you on a journey into the region's past.

Lunch A delicious lunch break in the middle of the day will help you regain the energy from your horseback riding tour.

Paşabağları, horseback riding and visit to the valley of monks.

Paşabağları is home to unique fairy chimney formations and enchants with its valley of monks landscapes. Exploring this region on horseback will add even more depth to the unique geography of Cappadocia.

Our journey will continue from the Valley of Monks to the Zelve Open-Air Museum, where life from the 1920s remains. The Zelve Open-Air Museum is a millennia-old settlement consisting of a large complex built within a canyon.

After our visit to Zelve, we will ride our horses through Dervent Valley, also known as the Valley of Dreams, and descend to the banks of the Kızılırmak River. 

The Kızılırmak River is one of the largest rivers in Turkey. We will ride our horses along the Kızılırmak, through the greenery, to Sarıhır Town. Sarıhır Town is an old fishing village. 

• -Our camping tours continue with a camping trip along the Kızılırmak River.
• -For our tours with hotel accommodation, our riders return to Göreme by riding their horses along the Kızılırmak River.

Breakfast and starting the day.

• For those staying at the camp, there's an opportunity to ride horses to the Whispering Rocks via Avanos.
• For our hotel guests, there is an option to go to the Whispering Rocks via the Göreme White Valley.

The Whispering Rocks are sculptures created by Australian sculptor Andrew Rogers between 2007 and 2009. Their captivating appearance, visible even from the sky, makes for a fantastic horseback riding route. Known as "The Man Who Whispers to the Universe with Stones," Rogers' giant sculptures, part of his "The Rhythm of Life" project which began 10 years ago, stand tall as if they are thousands of years old, astonishing visitors. 

Continuing the journey by horseback over the Love Valley Canyon.

As you pass over the upper part of Love Valley, you will discover a different perspective of the canyon.

Passing from Uçhisar Cevizli region to Güvercinlik Valley

The Cevizli region of Uçhisar is known for its unique rock formations and landscapes. You can explore the natural beauty by riding your horses from this region to the Güvercinlik Valley.

Lunch. The lunch menu will be sent to the valley.

You'll have another opportunity to recharge your energy with a delicious lunch in the middle of the day.

Horse riding along the Pigeon Valley. Reaching the town of Göreme.

Pigeon Valley is famous for its unique rock formations and pigeon houses. You will enjoy a pleasant horseback ride through the valley and return to Göreme Town.

Visit to Görkündere Valley, Return, Rest

Görkündere Valley is breathtaking with its magnificent rock formations and landscapes. You will complete your tour of this impressive valley with a short horseback ride. Afterwards, return to the accommodation area to relax.

(Today's program does not include a horseback riding tour. We will quickly visit the famous tourist attractions of Cappadocia that are in a distance we cannot reach by horseback, on a day trip. Our professional tour guides will explain the Ihlara Valley, Kaymaklı Underground City, and other tourist points of interest, helping you understand their history. Afterwards, we will go trekking in the Ihlara Valley, one of the largest canyons in Turkey.)

CAPPADOCIA GREEN TOUR (DAY TRIP)

Hotel Pick-up:
Check-out from the hotel around 09:00-09:30 in the morning.

Göreme Panoramic Viewpoint:
This is a magnificent viewpoint from which you can see Cappadocia from a bird's-eye perspective. It offers a general overview of the region with its valleys, fairy chimneys, and natural formations. Your guide will provide preliminary information about the areas you will see during the tour.

Derinkuyu Underground City:
Derinkuyu, one of the deepest and most famous underground cities in Cappadocia, has been used for defensive purposes throughout its history. This structure, which descends to eight levels, is awe-inspiring with its ventilation systems, places of worship, living spaces, and shelters.

Ihlara Valley (Hiking):
Ihlara Valley, where nature and history intertwine, is a natural wonder stretching along the Melendiz River. A pleasant 3.5 km walk is possible within the valley. You will encounter churches and frescoes carved into the rocks.

Belisırma Village – Lunch (Drinks not included):
Lunch is served at a local restaurant nestled in nature by the Melendiz River. You can enjoy traditional local flavors.

Yaprakhisar Panoramic Viewpoint:
This spot, where you can admire the unique view of the valley and the surrounding fairy chimneys, has also served as a filming location for some historical movies.

Selime Monastery:
Selime Monastery, one of the largest rock-carved monastery complexes in Cappadocia, is quite impressive with its cathedral, chapel, and living quarters. It also served as an educational center for early Christians.

Onyx Stone Workshop – Introduction and Shopping for Cappadocia Stones:
A workshop will be visited showcasing artwork made from onyx and other semi-precious stones extracted from the region due to Cappadocia's volcanic geological formation. Guests can also shop if they wish.

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We are traveling by horse from Göreme Panorama towards Ortahisar. Ortahisar is one of the most beautiful and central towns of Cappadocia. In the center of Ortahisar is a massive rock formation. This rock formation is called Ortahisar Castle. 

In Ortahisar "Hospital Monastery" historical structure known as Hallaç MonasteryIt is approximately '39;' to the town of Ortahisar. 1 km awayIt is located in the Hallaç Deresi area. 

Key Features:

• History: Built in the 11th century, the building is considered one of the first hospitals in the Cappadocia region.
• Purpose: The monks living in the monastery were known to prepare medicines for the local people and treat patients, especially those with mental illnesses.
• Architectural Structure: It is a large, multi-story complex of structures created by hollowing out the inside of a large rock mass. 
• After visiting the Hospital Monastery with our horses, we set off towards Aktepe. 

"Red Pit" (Red Valley) and Aktepe Located side-by-side, these are two of the region's most famous viewing and hiking areas. Situated between Ortahisar Town and Çavuşin Village, this area takes its name from the reddish hues of the volcanic tuff rocks it takes on at sunset. 

Key Features

• Sunset Capital: The viewpoint terraces on Kızılçukur and Aktepe are located in Cappadocia. It is the most popular spot in the world to watch the sunset.As the sun sets, the rocks turn a completely fiery red color.
• At the bottom and on the slopes of the valley are 9th-century churches, their interiors adorned with magnificent frescoes. Grape Church with Crusader ChurchIt is located there.
• After riding our horses through the valley, we arrive in Göreme. And that concludes today's day of our tour.

Stirrup Valley

The Üzengi Valley, located between Ürgüp and Ortahisar, is approximately 4-5 km long.

Key Features

• One of Cappadocia's most important natural water sources. Stirrup Stream It passes through the valley.
• Thanks to the water flowing throughout the year, the region is greener than other valleys.
• There are dovecotes and ancient living spaces carved into the rocks.
• It's a quiet route, away from the crowds.
• It is suitable for horseback riding, trekking, and photography.

Historical Buildings

• Rock-carved dovecotes
• Old monastery and living areas
• Historical settlements around water sources

From the point of view of horseback riding

Üzengi Valley is quite suitable for intermediate riders thanks to its wide trails and relatively flat terrain. It is especially preferred for long routes connected to Ortahisar.

Gomeda Valley

It is one of the least known but most impressive valleys of Cappadocia. It stretches between the villages of Mustafapaşa and Ayvalı.

Key Features

• There are numerous rock-carved churches and monasteries.
• There are underground passages and secret tunnels.
• Dovecotes and old Greek settlements can be seen along the valley.
• It has a wilder and more natural appearance.
• Large groups of tourists rarely come.

Historical Buildings

• Rock churches attributed to Saint Basil
• rock-carved chapels
• Traces of ancient Greek settlements
• Underground chambers and tunnels

From the point of view of horseback riding

The Gomeda Valley is a more adventurous route due to its narrow passes and varying terrain. It is highly favored by experienced riders.

Departure at sunrise. Horseback riding tour. Horseback riding tour over the Cappadocia Valleys while hot air balloons take off. Photo opportunities with balloons and horses. Return to the hotel.

Breakfast.

Preparations for departure at the end of the program.