Riding the Heart of Cappadocia

5.0 (2)
5 days 4 nights
Turkey
Photo Ercihan D.
5.0
Ercihan D.
Tour Provider
View Ercihan’s tours
Difficulty
Moderate
Comfort
Premium
Weight limit
Group size
2-8 tourists,
over 18 y.o.

What if your days began with the quiet rhythm of hooves and ended under a sky slowly fading into warm desert colors? In Cappadocia valleys stretching wide, stone towers rising like sculptures, and villages where life still moves at its own pace.

This horseback journey carries you along the Red River, across farmland and into the heart of Cappadocia’s most beautiful valleys. You’ll ride among the fairy chimneys of Love Valley, follow soft trails through Rose and Red Valleys glowing in the afternoon light, climb high ridges with views often shared with drifting hot air balloons, and pass the stone walls of Ortahisar Castle. Picnic lunches wait beneath volcanic cliffs, while evenings bring home-style meals and quiet walks through Avanos.

The horses are prepared each morning at the ranch, the routes flow easily between open spaces and hidden paths, and small groups allow the ride to move at a comfortable rhythm. It’s a journey for those who want to feel the land, not rush through it — saddle up and experience Cappadocia the way few ever do.

from
$1,900
per tourist for 5 days
Departing from
Nevşehir, Gülşehir, Kapadokya Havalimanı
This tour is booked individually on request
Any dates between 1 Apr and 1 Nov are available. Сlick to book or contact tour provider.
Number of individuals
2-8 tourists, over 18 y.o.
Only in the Horse Tours Club
  • Local prices – no extra fees
    Book tours directly from local tour providers
  • Verified tour providers
    All guides confirm their qualifications
  • Reviews from travelers
    We monitor the feedback from our travelers after each tour
Photo Ercihan D.
Ercihan D. is the provider of this trip
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.

Tour highlights

Turkey, Fairy chimneys
Where History Became World Heritage
Ride through Cappadocia, a landscape protected by UNESCO, where fairy chimneys and ancient valleys tell stories carved in stone for centuries
cappadocia horseback riding
Love Valley to Red Valley Trails
Ride between fairy chimneys, soft volcanic paths, and glowing red cliffs — Cappadocia’s most striking landscapes in one flowing route
cappadocia ballon
Riding the Edge of the Sky
Reach Ak Tepe’s summit and share the sky with drifting balloons above rock valleys if you are lucky

Route details

Day 1
Arrival in Avanos and Welcome Dinner

You arrive at either Kayseri Erkilet Airport or Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport, depending on your flight. From there, a transfer brings you to your hotel in the riverside town of Avanos.

After checking in, you can rest or take a short walk around town, known for its pottery workshops and views over the Red River. In the evening, the group meets for dinner with the riding guide, followed by a short introduction to the days ahead.

(Dinner included)

cappadocia horseback riding
cappadocia horseback riding
cappadocia horseback riding 2 more photos
Day 2
River Ride and Love Valley
Day 3
Rose Valley, Red Valley and Panoramas
Day 4
Red River Ride and Caravanserai
Day 5
Departure
Difficulty
Moderate
Does not require physical training but involves moderate physical activity
Tour provider's comments

Riders must be intemediate or advanced level.

Riding days are carefully balanced, offering meaningful distances without the physical demands of longer expeditions. Routes include soft volcanic terrain, rolling valleys and scenic ridgelines, allowing riders to stay comfortable while still experiencing the depth of a true multi-day horseback journey. 

Horses are well-trained, fit and carefully matched to each rider, while small group sizes ensure personal attention and flexible pacing throughout the journey.

horse

Accommodation

Comfort
Premium
Hotel
4 nights
4 nights
Hikmet's Hotel

Tickets to group meeting place

Group meeting place
Nevşehir, Gülşehir, Kapadokya Havalimanı
preload map
Calculate tour price with tickets from your city
Partnered with
skyscanner icon

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
  • accommodation; 
  • all meals; 
  • one non-alcoholic drink consumed with meals is included in the price; 
  • all transfers; 
  • you will be with our guide, the Turkish Endurans Champion, throughout the tour;
  • reliable and modern equipment (helmets are provided upon request).
Extras
  • airfare;
  • personal expenses;
  • extra nightsl;
  • single suplement;
  • private transfer, please ask for information.

It's important to know

Personal equipment you need for the tour

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

Dates and Availability
Price
Important Notes
Cancellation of booking

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.

Dates and Prices

  • Any dates on request during the season
    1 Apr – 1 Nov
    Request to book

Can`t decide? Our travel expert will be happy to help

Leave a request and get a consultation, and a selection of the most thrilling tours from one of our experts for free!

First name
Last name
Email address
Phone number
Tell us more about your desired trip