Cappadocia: The Active Ride

4.8 (4)
7 days 6 nights
Turkey
Photo Nicolas G.
4.8
Nicolas G.
Tour Provider
View Nicolas’s tours
Difficulty
Challenging
Comfort
Upscale
Premium
Weight limit

Discover the beauty of Cappadocia on a nice horse tempo!

Starting from the ranch located between Urgup and Ortahisar, right in the heart of the national park, this scenic trail will guide you through Cappadocia. You will journey from the rural southern regions to the stunning northern valleys, encountering a series of remarkable rock formations, verdant canyons, elevated plateaus, and steppe-like landscapes, all interspersed with vineyards and orchards, creating a surprisingly diverse route. Along the way, you'll experience villages that embody the traditional Anatolian lifestyle, while frescoed churches and other cave dwellings highlight the area's rich history. Our route is entirely within the national park.

During the week, you can also opt for a hot-air balloon ride over Cappadocia's dreamlike scenery at sunrise, as well as enjoy a Turkish bath experience (including a steam bath and massage at Urgup's traditional hamam) at the end of your stay.

from
$2,127
per tourist for 7 days
Departing from
Nevşehir, Ürgüp
Available dates
Date of travel
Number of individuals
Only in the Horse Tours Club
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Photo Nicolas G.
Nicolas G. is the provider of this trip
The provider speaks: English, Turkish
Nicolas Guillo has decided to make Cappadocia his home over 20 years ago and has been organizing horseriding trails since then. He speaks French, English, Turkish.

Tour highlights

Scenic Horseback Journey
Experience the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia as you ride through stunning valleys, verdant canyons, and remarkable rock formations
Cultural Encounters in Traditional Villages
The Active trail is for autonomous riders, who want to discover the beauty of Cappadocia on Arabian horses!
Arabian Adventures
This trail is for autonomous riders, who want to discover the beauty of Cappadocia on Arabian horses!

Route details

Day 1
Arrival

Arrival at Kayseri or Nevsehir airport. You are met by your chauffeur and transferred in 50 mn to your guesthouse in Urgup, where you have dinner with your guide at 8:00.

Day 2
Mustafapasa Village and Avlak Mountain
Day 3
Keslik Monastery
Day 4
Uchisar
Day 5
Red Valley
Day 6
Balkan Valley
Day 7
Departure
Difficulty
Challenging
Does not require specific skills, but one must be in good health
Tour provider's comments

Riders will not need to lead their horses on long uphill or downhill walks; only in a few challenging spots will they need to dismount and take a short walk before getting back in the saddle.

- The trail has a difficulty rating of 3/4, featuring enjoyable canters each day.

• Riding level: Strong intermediate to advanced riders. To participate in all our trails, riders must possess a competent skill level to maintain control during group canters on energetic horses, navigate short technical sections, mount and dismount independently several times daily, and groom, tack, and untack their horse without assistance.

• A good level of physical fitness is crucial.

• This ride (Cappadocia in general) is not suitable for those with vertigo. Riders should be aware of cliffs and narrow mountain passes.

Trail itinerary:

  • 5 riding days
  • Approximately 5 hours of riding each day, except for day 4 (morning ride followed by free time in Uchisar)
  • Average of 28 kilometers each day
  • Pace: primarily walking, with chances for trotting and cantering daily

Rider responsibilities:

Riders are responsible for their horses; they will need to tack and untack, provide water and feed, and care for their horse's equipment.

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Upscale
Premium
Hotel
6 nights

Depending on availability, guesthouses are located in Urgup, Ayvali and Uchisar.
You will be accommodated in charming, comfortable hotels situated in historic stone buildings or renovated cave homes, reflecting the local architectural style. You'll have the opportunity to explore the most beautiful villages of Cappadocia and immerse yourself in the renowned Turkish hospitality and Anatolian lifestyle.

• Enjoy 6 nights in a double or twin room with private bathrooms and showers.
• Most guesthouses provide internet access and laundry services.
• Lunch will be enjoyed at various restaurants, featuring local specialties.
• Breakfast and dinner will be served at the hotels, with dinner offering traditional Anatolian dishes, including a starter, one or two main courses, and dessert. A vegetarian menu is available upon request. Tea and mineral water are included.
• Options for local wines, alcoholic beverages, beer, and soft drinks will also be available.
• Your luggage will be transported by our logistics team, so it’s best to pack several smaller bags instead of one large suitcase.

6 nights
Hotel

2 kinds of accommodation are available :

- Standard
- Luxury (+ 75 € per person, per week in twin/double room)
Rider can choose between these 2 options.

- IN STANDARD ROOM :

- Night 1, 6 : Suban Hotel  or similar, in the town of Urgup
- Nights 2 & 3: Dilek Tepesi Hotel or similar, in the village of  Ayvali
- Night 4 & 5: Kilim Pension or similar, in the village of Uchisar

- IN LUXURY ROOMS :

- Night 1, 6 : Selcuklu Evi or similar, in the town of Urgup
- Nights 2 & 3:: Dilek Tepesi Hotel or similar, in the village of  Ayvali
- Night 4 & 5: Kilim Pension or similar, in the village of Uchisar

Surban and Selcuklu hotels are next door. Dinners and breakfast will be taken all together.

Single room supplement : 326 € (Standard) / 436 € (Luxury)

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Nevşehir, Ürgüp
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Weather during the tour

Weather conditions along the route
You will get a weather forecast for this tour’s route based on
  • the forecasts for this season
  • the statistics from previous years’ trips
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Tour conditions

Included

• 5 days of riding and 6 nights in a double, twin, or triple room;
• horse rental and riding gear;
• English-speaking guides (one for every group of 8 participants or fewer);
• full board accommodation, including meals;
• regular transfers between local airports and the hotels.

Extras

• international airfare;
• optional activities (hot air balloon rides, hammam, Göreme Open-Air Museum, swimming pool access);
• additional beverages.

Group size

up to 8 tourists

Duration

7 days
6 nights

It's important to know

Cancellation of booking

In case of early cancellation of the reservation, we will be forced to withhold from you a percentage of the price paid:

  • after the payment - No refund

Reviews

4.8
Based on 4 reviews
  • S
    Sandra
    14 Oct, 2023
    about provider
    This ride is truly unique and unforgettable, perfect for experienced, balanced, and versatile riders. The journey includes long canters across plains and through narrow, bushy paths in valleys. You'll traverse mountains, valleys, climb, hike, and lead your horse up and down steep terrain. The horses are incredibly well-mannered, responsive to voice commands, and reliable in every situation. My ex-racehorse mare was powerful, energetic, and surefooted, creating legendary memories in the beautiful landscape. The food and guesthouses were nice and welcoming, ensuring no one goes hungry. Nico, our guide and owner, has clear rules for riding and handling situations, promoting independent riding while ensuring safety. I highly recommend this experience as the best way to explore Cappadocia and access untouched regions. However, littering in these natural spots is a major issue, with glass bottles, plastic, and paper being left behind by tourists and operators. I hope authorities take action soon to clean up and prevent further damage to this stunning environment.
    14 Oct, 2023
    3 more photos
  • A
    Anonymous
    26 Jun, 2023
    about provider
    We deeply appreciated how well the tour was organized and Nico's ability to take us to off-the-beaten-path places in Cappadocia. Discovering new roads with Nico allowed us to see a different and genuine side of the region. As first-time riders, we came with open minds and discovered a world we truly loved, thanks to Nico and his amazing horses. The challenging and technical ride was incredibly fun, and we learned a lot from Nico and the horses. The forward-going horses and the wonderful ranch run by Nico and Helene made this experience one in a million.
    26 Jun, 2023
    2 more photos
  • B
    Barbara
    28 May, 2023
    about provider
    What a fantastic experience! The ride was incredibly scenic and fast-paced. Nico, our guide, was exceptional, matching riders with beautiful, forward-going Arab horses. This ride is definitely for fit and advanced riders, with long canters through challenging terrain and steep trails to navigate. Nico's knowledge of Turkey and the area added to the experience, as he willingly shared information and answered questions. I can't wait for my next ride!
    28 May, 2023
    1 more photo

Dates and Prices

  • from
    $2,127
    2 – 8 Mar, 2025 7 days 6 nights
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  • from
    $2,340
    23 – 29 Mar, 2025 7 days 6 nights
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  • from
    $2,553
    4 – 10 May, 2025 7 days 6 nights
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  • from
    $2,553
    31 Aug – 6 Sep, 2025 7 days 6 nights
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  • from
    $2,553
    21 – 27 Sep, 2025 7 days 6 nights
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