Istanbul to Dalyan Horseback Adventure

Difficulty

Challenging

Comfort

Midscale

Upscale

Weight limit

Group size

2-10 tourists,
over 12 y.o.

What if one journey could take you from Istanbul’s minarets and Bosphorus lights to Mediterranean beaches on horseback? This route crosses two very different sides of Turkey: first its cultural capital, then the forests, lakes, lagoons and coastline around Dalyan.

Begin among the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern, sail by private boat to the Princes’ Islands and dine on the Bosphorus. Then head south to Dalyan, where the horses take over. Ride through orange and olive groves, cross rivers, follow mountain tracks above Köyceğiz Lake and stop at Sultaniye Thermal Springs. The trail continues past ancient Kaunos to İztuzu and Sarıgerme beaches, with chances to canter and even ride into the Mediterranean.

Designed for confident intermediate and experienced riders, the trip uses well-trained endurance horses and boutique hotels, with meals included throughout. Come ride Turkey from its great city to its southern coast!

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

From Minarets to Mountain Trails

Explore Istanbul’s great landmarks before swapping city streets for days in the saddle around wild Dalyan

Ride Straight into the Mediterranean

Follow the trail to the coast, canter where conditions allow and take your horse into the sea

Ancient Kaunos from the Saddle

Ride lagoon trails towards the ruins of Kaunos, then travel by boat through Dalyan’s reed-filled channels

Route details

Arrive at Istanbul Airport, where the team will meet you and take you to your hotel. In the evening, join your guide and the other riders for a welcome dinner and a short briefing about the trip.

Dinner and accommodation included.

1 more photo

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 designed for intermediate and experienced riders who are confident at trot, canter and gallop. Riders travel as part of a private guided group, following long trail routes and open canter tracks. Horses are well-mannered, energetic and suitable for endurance-style riding.

Participants should be physically fit and experienced in trail riding. Riders are encouraged to bring their own 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 participate using two horses with an additional fee.

Accommodation

Comfort

Midscale

Upscale

Hotel

10 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

10 nights’ accommodation in boutique hotels in Istanbul and the Dalyan region;
5 days of guided horse riding;
well-trained endurance horses;
professional local horsemen and guides;
airport transfers between 08:30 and 18:30;
guided sightseeing tour in Istanbul;
private boat tour of the Princes’ Islands;
private Bosphorus dinner cruise;
boat trips mentioned in the itinerary;
all meals according to the itinerary;
one non-alcoholic drink with each meal;
welcome dinner and tour briefing;
visit to Sultaniye Thermal Springs;
visit to Kaunos Ancient City area;
visit to İztuzu Beach and the Caretta Caretta Turtle Conservation Center.

Extras

international and domestic flights;
travel insurance;
museum and historical site entrance fees;
ferry tickets;
bicycle rental;
optional activities, including a traditional hammam;
additional food and drinks outside the fixed menus;
alcoholic drinks;
transfers for evening entertainment;
airport transfers outside 08:30–18:30;
single room supplement;
extra hotel nights;
private transfers;
special riding arrangements;
additional costs caused by late arrival, early departure or changes to 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.