Dalyan Horseback Adventure: From Lake to Sea

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Midscale

Upscale

Weight limit

Group size

2-10 tourists,
over 12 y.o.

What does a riding day look like when the trail begins among pine forests and ends beside the Mediterranean? In Dalyan, the answer changes almost every hour. This journey takes confident riders from Köyceğiz Lake through orange groves, olive paths, rivers and mountain tracks before reaching the coast.

Ride through Sıvıambar Forest, cross the Doğuşbelen and Dalaman rivers, stop at Sultaniye Thermal Springs and follow lagoon trails towards ancient Kaunos. Later, descend through a sandstone canyon to İztuzu Beach, visit the turtle conservation centre and continue towards Sarıgerme, where sea views, swimming stops and open riding give the route its special character.

The tour is designed for intermediate and experienced riders comfortable at trot, canter and gallop. You ride well-trained endurance horses in a private guided group and stay in selected accommodation in the Dalyan region, with meals included. Join this journey and discover southwestern Turkey from the saddle, from forest trails all the way to the sea!

Ercihan D. is the provider of this trip

5.0 2 reviews

The provider speaks: English

Our family business was found in 1988 by Ercihan and its managed by himself and his wife Tülin. We care about our Horses well being and we consider them part of our family. If you care about the well being of horses, you are at the right place. Becoming one of the leading names about horseback riding in Turkey, Ercihan owes his success not only to his experience and passion about horses and riding but also his values; he never sees horses as just animals, but rather as companions for life. Over the last ten years, Ercihan has successfully trained horses that have become national champions in Endurance competitions. The Hippotherapy Project continues along with Nevşehir University. The family also continues to maintain several associated social responsibility projects. Ercihan has also organized horse riding expeditions all over the world in different terrains and conditions. As a believer of continuous learning and development, he loves to share his knowledge and experience with people. His unique approach gives even very experienced riders a new way of looking at the nature of the horse.

View Ercihan`s tours

Tour highlights

Ride to İztuzu Beach

Follow old mule tracks through a sandstone canyon before arriving at one of Dalyan’s most famous beaches

From Forest to Mediterranean

Ride from pine-covered hills and olive groves to open beaches where the trail finally meets the sea

Cross the Dalaman River

Ride through forest and across the Dalaman River on the way to Sarıgerme Beach for a picnic and swim by the sea

Route details

Arrive in the Dalyan region and transfer to your hotel. In the evening, meet your guide and the other riders for dinner and a short briefing about the riding programme.

Dinner and accommodation included.

4 more photos

Difficulty

Challenging

Does not require specific skills, but one must be in a good physical shape

Tour provider's comments

This multi-day horseback riding tour is suitable for intermediate and experienced riders who are confident at trot, canter and gallop. Rides are conducted as a private guided group, following long trail routes and open canter tracks. Horses are well-mannered, energetic and trained for endurance-style riding.

Riders are advised to bring their own riding equipment such as helmets and boots, although helmets can be provided upon request. For horse welfare, the maximum rider weight is 85 kg. Riders above this limit may join using two horses for an additional fee.

Accommodation

Comfort

Midscale

Upscale

Hotel

6 nights

Accommodation is arranged in boutique hotels, and all meals are included with one non-alcoholic drink per meal.

All accommodations are carefully selected to provide comfort while maintaining an authentic local atmosphere.

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

Conditions

Included

6 nights’ accommodation in boutique hotels/local guesthouses in the Dalyan region;
5 days of guided horse riding;
professional local horsemen/guides;
well-trained endurance horses;
breakfast, lunch and dinner according to the itinerary;
one non-alcoholic drink with each meal;
airport transfers between 08:30 and 18:30;
transfers to the riding starting points as described in the itinerary;
boat transfers and boat trips mentioned in the itinerary;
visit to Sultaniye Thermal Springs;
visit to Kaunos Ancient City area;
visit to İztuzu Beach;
visit to the Caretta Caretta Turtle Conservation Center;
picnic-style lunches where specified;
riding helmet upon request.

Extras

international and domestic flights;
travel insurance;
airport transfers outside 08:30–18:30;
entrance fees to museums and historical sites;
ferry tickets;
bicycle rentals;
optional activities;
additional food and drinks outside the fixed menus;
alcoholic drinks;
transfers for evening entertainment;
single room supplements;
extra hotel nights;
private transfers;
special riding arrangements;
additional horse for riders over 85 kg;
extra costs caused by late arrival, early departure or deviation from the standard programme.

It's important to know

Riders are advised to bring their own riding equipment (helmets, boots,etc.).

Helmets are provided upon request.

Reviews

5.0

Based on 2 reviews

L
Leyla

about provider

17 Apr, 2024

As a 31-year-old woman traveling solo to Cappadocia, I signed up for this experience and returned home very satisfied, though I was disappointed that it had to end. The guide possessed extensive knowledge about both people and horses, ensuring a tailored and exceptional experience. He was open to honest communication and went above and beyond to make our time unforgettable and unique. The landscape is something you must see at least once in your lifetime. The guide’s proficiency in English allowed him to share insightful information about the history and sights. The days were packed with horseback riding, leaving me little time for other activities. If you're interested in a hot air balloon ride, it’s available early in the morning, but as I’m not a morning person, I chose to rest after the intense, impression-filled days. The hotel was charming—neither too large nor too small, just right for what you need. At night, the town transforms into a scene reminiscent of Aladdin or another enchanting Arabian movie. Every moment of the trip was perfect, and I truly loved it. I have no regrets about booking this experience and wish I were still there, riding horses through the stunning landscape.
A
Anonymous

about provider

18 Jul, 2023

We stayed here for three nights from July 6th to July 9th, 2023, and enjoyed two days of riding. Although we arrived late on Thursday evening, Anil warmly welcomed us. Throughout our stay, the hotel and ranch staff were exceptionally helpful and welcoming, going above and beyond to meet our needs. Anil even arranged a hot air balloon ride on short notice, which I highly recommend. As experienced riders (we’ve been riding since childhood), we found the experience perfectly suited to our abilities. It was clear that Arjen and his team genuinely care for the horses, as they were all happy and healthy. We had the chance to ride to some incredible locations, with planned stops for drinks and food—places you wouldn’t easily find on foot. The food was outstanding, with delicious lunches and dinners at various town restaurants selected by the team. We also visited a blanket shop in the village, where the owner kindly invited us for tea on his terrace under a 180-year-old vine. The hotel itself was clean and authentically charming. Although the room lacked air conditioning, the cave setting kept the temperature comfortably cool at night. Overall, we had an amazing time—truly one of the best trips I’ve ever experienced. As three young women (all 26 years old), we felt safe throughout our stay and would definitely return.