Classic ride in Cappadocia

For happy riders, who want to discover the beauty of Cappadocia on a classic trail

This trail is run by Cappadock and guide by Ibrahim.

Leaving from Avanos ranch, the classic trail takes you around Cappadocia. From the peasants' Cappadocia to the most beautiful valleys, a succession of fantastic rock formations, lush canyons, high plateaux, steppe-like landscape, along with vineyards and orchards, compose a surprinsingly varied route. On the way, the villages reflect the Anatolian way of life while frescoed churches and other troglodytic treasures testify of the rich past of the area.

Accommodation is in charming hotels in Cappadocia's prettiest villages.

It is possible to include during the week a hot-air balloon flight over Cappadocia's surreal landscape at sunrise, as well as a Turkish bath experience (steam bath and massage at Urgup's traditional hamam at the end of the week).

6 days, 7 nights

A welcoming introduction to Cappadocia on horseback. The Classic Trail offers a safe and friendly riding experience through iconic landscapes, ideal for riders seeking discovery and enjoyment.

- The riders won’t lead their horse on long walks uphill or downhill ; only on few rough passages where they need to dismount from the horse and a short walk in the morning before getting in the saddle.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY :

The description below is an example of a trail we often do, but for a reason like the weather forecast or a safety reason, the guide can chose to change the itinerary of the trail at the last moment.

Arrival Day & Day 1

Arrival Day :

Arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir airport. You are met by your chauffeur and transferred in 50 mn to your guesthouse in Avanos.

Day 1 : Avanos Horse Center – Sarihidir – Bayramhadji – Mount Ziyaret – Avanos

You meet Cappadock's team at the ranch for breakfast and are driven to the ranch.

Meet the horses at the equestrian center and take a short warm-up ride along the banks of

the Red River to Lake Bayramhaci. We will pass through the village of Sarihidir and return through the vineyards of Mount Ziyaret to finish in Avanos. (5 hours). Overnight in Avanos. B,L,D.

The afternoon is spent riding through lush vegetation and along the stream of the Uzengi canyon. You are drived back to Urgup where you will spend a secound night. (Driving time : 5 min)
Day 2 : Love Valley

Day 2 : Avanos – Chayaghil – Baglidere (Love Valley) – Uchisar

Departure towards Uchisar. After passing through the small canyon of Çayagil, we will continue to the Valley of Love, with its "fairy-tale" wonders. We will finish in Uchisar, a huge rocky outcrip for a panoramic view. Overnight in Uçhisar.
Day 3 : Valley of roses

Day 3 : Zemi – Kiliclar – Red Valley- Rose Valley – Uzumlu Church – Karankemer – Uchisar

We enter the most beautiful Cappadocian valleys with their multicolored lunar shapes: the Valley of Kiliçlar, the Red Valley, and many others, to admire the varied landscapes created by volcanoes and erosion. Lunch on the terrace next to the Uzumlu chapel will let us experience Turkish hospitality. Return to our accommodation through the KaranKemer Valley. Overnight in Uçhisar. (5.5 hours).
Day 4 : Valley of Gomeda

Day 4 : Ibrahimpasha – Gomeda Valley – Uzengidere – Mustafapaşa Village

We venture into a less-known Cappadocia by classic travelers. The village of Ibrahimpacha (also called Babayan) still retains its agricultural aspect. We continue towards Gomeda and Uzengi, valleys with immense pigeon houses. We will end our day in Mustafapaşa, an old Greek village that has preserved an authentic character. Night in Mustafapaşa. (5 hours).
Day 5 : Keshlik Monastery

Day 5 : Mount Avlak – Damsa Lake – Golgoli Ruins – Keshlik Monastery – Mustafapaşa

This day offers total change and diversity. This hike takes us to another image of Cappadocia. Through plateaus and valleys, we will pass by the fairy chimney formations of the Golgoli site. A trail will take us to the Keşlik Monastery, where we will have lunch and then visit the rock monastery. Return to Mustafapaşa via a trail that overlooks the entire valley. Night in Mustafapaşa.
Day 6 : Devrent & departure day

Day 6 Pancarlik – Monastery Hospital – Bozdag – Devrent – Saruhan – Avanos

Every day and every moment has its uniqueness in Cappadocia. Through the Pancarlik Valley and a monastery that was once a hospital, we will take a path to admire an impressive view of the Rose Valley. Then, we will transition to the Devrent Valley, now called the Valley of Imagination, to arrive at the 13th-century Saruhan Caravanserai, built by the Seljuks. We will then follow along the Red River to return to the stable. Night in Avanos (5.5 hours).

Departure day :

Transfer To Airport

DESCRIPTION :

Accomodation

Depending on availability, hotels are located in Avanos, Ayvali, Mustafapasa and Uchisar.

You will stay in picturesque, comfortable hotels located in ancient stone houses or in renovated cave houses, typical of the local architecture.

You will have the time to visit Cappadocia's nicest villages and experience the legendary Turkish hospitality and the Anatolian way of life.

Food and accomodation:
- 7 nights in double/twin room with ensuite toilets and shower.
- All guesthouses offer internet access.
- Lunch is taken in different restaurants and snacks or served in the nature by Cappadock's team, you will taste local specialities.
- Dinner and breakfast are taken at the hotels. Hotels serve Anatolian cuisine for dinner comprising a starter, one or two courses and a dessert. Vegetarian menu on request. Tea and mineral water are included.
- Cappadocia wine, local alcoholic drinks, beer and soft drinks are available as an option.
- Your luggage will be transfered by our logistics vehicle. You should pack several, lighter bags rather than one large, heavy suitcase.

Fitness & Horse riding level

- The difficulty of this trail is 2/4, several fun canters every day
- Riding level : Intermediate to advanced riders.
To take part of all our trails, you must have a competent riding level to be able to stay in control during group canters on forward-going horses, ride or lead your horse on short technical passages, get on or off your horse several times a day alone and groom, tack and untack your horse without assistance.
- Good physical condition is essential.

Rhythms of the trail :
- 6 riding days
- 5 to 6 hours on horseback each day
- 28 kilometres (average) each day
- Pace: mostly walk, with opportunities for trots and canters each day

Maximum weight :
Riders' weight on the progressive trail is limited at 90 kg (on riding clothes). Riders upper 90 kg, could book with extra charge, for the loan of a second horse. This option is only on demand, it will depend of the horse riding level of the rider and the availability of our horse.

Riders's contribution :
Riders are in charge of their horses ; they will be asked to tack and untack their horse, to water and feed their horse and to take care of their horse equipment.

Dates & conditions

Dates 2026 :
October 25 - November 01 : 2400 €

Dates 2027 :
April 04 - 11 : 2400 €
April 25 - May 02 : 2400 €
May 02 - May 09 : 2500 €
September 12-19 2250 €
October 03 -10 : 2400 €
October 24 -31 : 2500 €

Conditions :
This progressive trail in guestouse is confirmed when we have received a minimum of 2 bookings

The basic price includes :
- 6 riding days, 7 nights on double, twin or triple room
- The loan of a horse and riding equipment
- English and French speaking guides (1 per group of 8 or less)
- Nights and food accommodation full board (except the arrival night)
- Regular transfers between local airports and hotels

The basic price doesn't include :

- the first diner of your arrival
- International flights
- Optional activities (Hot air balloon, hammam, Open Air Museum of Gorëme, swimming pool)
- Extra drinks

PICTURES :