Day 1: Avanos
ITALY / KAYSERI / AVANOS (-/-/-)
Discover Cappadocia, its culture, and its magical landscapes...
This classic itinerary takes you through the wonders of Cappadocia. From rural regions to its most enchanting valleys, a succession of fantastic rock formations, lush canyons, high plateaus, steppe-like sceneries, vineyards, and orchards make for a surprisingly varied journey.
Along the way, villages reflect Anatolian life, while frescoed churches and other troglodyte treasures bear witness to the region's rich past.
Arrival at Kayseri Airport (ASR), pick-up between 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM (transfers at other times available upon request at extra cost), and transfer to the guesthouse in Avanos. Free dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Avanos
AVANOS (B/L/D)
Meet the team at the ranch for breakfast and transfer to the riding center.
Meet the horses at the equestrian center and enjoy a short warm-up ride along the banks of the Red River to Lake Bayramhaci. We’ll pass through the village of Sarihidir and return via the vineyards of Mount Ziyaret, ending the day in Avanos.
Day 3: Uchisar
AVANOS / UCHISAR (B/L/D)
Departure towards Uchisar. After crossing the small Çayagil canyon, we’ll head into Love Valley, with its magical, fairytale-like formations. The day ends in Uchisar, a massive rocky outcrop offering panoramic views.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 4: Uchisar
UCHISAR (B/L/D)
We’ll ride into the most beautiful valleys of Cappadocia with their multicolored lunar shapes: Kiliçlar Valley, Red Valley, and many others shaped by volcanic activity and erosion. Lunch will be served on the terrace next to the Uzumlu chapel, giving you a taste of Turkish hospitality. Return to our accommodation via KaranKemer Valley.
Day 5:
UCHISAR / MUSTAFAPASA (B/L/D)
Today we explore a lesser-known side of Cappadocia. The village of Ibrahimpacha (also called Babayan) still retains its agricultural charm. We’ll continue through Gomeda and Uzengi valleys, famous for their vast pigeon houses. The day ends in Mustafapasa, an old Greek village that has preserved its authentic character.
Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 6:
MUSTAFAPASA (B/L/D)
This day offers a total change of scenery and variety. The excursion brings you into a different image of Cappadocia. Crossing plateaus and valleys, we’ll pass by the fairy chimney formations of Golgoli. A trail leads us to the rock-carved Monastery of Keşlik, where we’ll have lunch and a visit. Return to Mustafapasa along a panoramic path overlooking the valley.
Day 7: Avanos
MUSTAFAPASA / AVANOS (B/L/D)
Every day and every moment in Cappadocia offers something unique. We’ll ride through Pancarlik Valley and pass a monastery that once served as a hospital. A trail will bring us to an impressive viewpoint over Rose Valley. We’ll then move on to Devrent Valley, now known as Imagination Valley, before reaching the 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai of Saruhan. From here, we’ll follow the Red River back to the ranch.
Day 8:
AVANOS / KAYSERI / ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to the airport around 7:30 AM, in time for your flight.
Note: The above itinerary is indicative and may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or circumstances beyond our control.
Notes:
(B/L/D): B = breakfast; L = lunch; D = dinner
Difficulty level: From ° to °°°°°
ACCOMMODATION:
Itinerant trek with overnight stays in different locations. Depending on availability, hotels are located in Avanos, Ayvali, Mustafapasa, and Uchisar. The selected accommodations offer a unique cultural immersion. Lodging is picturesque and comfortable, often set within ancient cave houses (frequently windowless).
Meals include traditional regional cuisine, continental breakfasts, and picnic lunches. Special diets and allergies can be accommodated upon request. Tea, coffee, and water are included. Wine, beer, and soft drinks available at extra cost.
DURATION: 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
DIFFICULTY: °°° (INTERMEDIATE)
ACCOMMODATION: guest house
EQUIPMENT: MC LELLAN TREKKING SADDLE, lightweight and comfortable, with pockets to carry daily essentials
HORSES: ARABIAN, mostly mares. Well-trained, lively yet obedient; accustomed to the routes and terrain. Assigned based on rider level and weight.
PACE: 5 TO 6 HOURS PER DAY IN THE SADDLE (25 to 40 km per day). All gaits used; riders must be able to control their horse in open spaces and be in good physical condition. Participants must be able to mount and dismount their horse independently multiple times a day. Riders may need to lead their horse by hand over difficult terrain. Riders are expected to care for, saddle, and unsaddle their horse.
WHAT TO BRING: Riding clothing appropriate for the season, windproof and waterproof outerwear, protective helmet, water bottle, sunscreen, basic first aid kit, waist pouch.
MAXIMUM WEIGHT: 85 kg
MINIMUM AGE: 12 years
TYPE: itinerant with overnight stays in guest houses
Guaranteed departure dates shared with at least 1 traveler departing from Italy:
From 08/06 to 15/06
From 31/08 to 07/09
From 07/09 to 14/09
From 14/09 to 21/09
From 28/09 to 05/10
From 05/10 to 12/10
From 19/10 to 26/10
From 26/10 to 02/11
From 09/11 to 16/11
From 23/11 to 30/11
From 07/12 to 14/12
Other departure dates available on request with a minimum of 2 participants.
PARTICIPANTS: MIN 2 – MAX 6
