Istanbul Forest Trails Horseback Tour

Difficulty

Moderate

Comfort

Premium

Weight limit

Group size

2-8 tourists,
over 12 y.o.

The Belgrad Forest Horseback Riding Tour offers a unique riding experience just outside Istanbul, combining dense forest landscapes, historic Ottoman landmarks, and coastal scenery along the Black Sea.

Located north of Istanbul, Belgrad Forest covers more than 5,500 hectares of protected woodland filled with ancient trails, historic dams, and diverse wildlife. Unlike Cappadocia’s open valleys, this journey takes place beneath tall tree canopies along shaded paths and soft forest terrain.

Riders follow historic routes once used during the Ottoman Empire, passing impressive water reservoirs such as Sultan Mahmud II Dam, Valide Sultan Dam, Topuzlu Dam, and Kömürcü Dam — remarkable engineering projects that once supplied water to the city.

Beyond the forest, the tour also explores surrounding landscapes including Çiftalan Lakes and the Black Sea coast, where forest trails open to wide coastal horizons.

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

Belgrad Forest Trails

Ride through dense woodland paths and peaceful nature trails within Istanbul’s largest forest.

Nature Picnics in the Forest

Relax with scenic picnic lunches beside lakes, dams and quiet forest clearings.

Historic Ottoman Dams

Discover historic reservoirs built during the Ottoman era that once supplied water to Istanbul.

Route details

Upon arrival in Istanbul, guests are met by our transfer team and driven north toward the Belgrad Forest region near the Black Sea coast.

During the approximately 45-minute journey, the busy urban scenery gradually fades into green hills and peaceful forest landscapes.

After arriving at the hotel and checking in, guests have time to relax before gathering in the evening for a welcome dinner. Here you will meet your guide and fellow riders and receive an introduction to the upcoming riding program.

This first evening allows everyone to settle in and prepare for the forest adventure ahead.

Meals: Dinner

Difficulty

Moderate

Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity

Tour provider's comments

This ride is suitable for intermediate to experienced riders comfortable spending several hours in the saddle.

Accommodation

Comfort

Premium

Hotel

5 nights

Guests stay in comfortable hotels near Belgrad Forest, offering easy access to the riding trails while remaining close to Istanbul.

Accommodations include:

Comfortable private rooms
Daily Turkish breakfast
Easy transfers to the ranch
Quiet natural surroundings

Hotels are selected for comfort, location, and proximity to the riding area.

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place

Istanbul

Calculate tour price with tickets from your city

Partnered with

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

Airport transfers
5 nights accommodation
4 guided riding days
Professional riding guide
Horses and riding equipment
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
One non-alcoholic drink per meal

Extras

Flights
Travel insurance
Single supplement
Alcoholic beverages
Optional activities
Museum entrance fees

It's important to know

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

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.