Rider going for a canter on horseback in Cappadocia
NORTH AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST > Turkey

Cappadocia Family Ride

A magical family holiday in the heart of Cappadocia, riding beautiful Arabian horses through one of Turkey's most scenic locations. This horseback holiday is perfect for those wishing to enjoy a family holiday combining riding and non-riding activities, surrounded by nature. This ride is open to younger children and is suitable for beginner and intermediate riders that are looking to experience trail riding in a fun, but safe way. There will also be wonderful opportunities to go hiking, enjoy sightseeing trips and cultural visits to discover everything Cappadocia has to offer.
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Trail Riding
8 days (5 riding) -
From £0
Family holidays
from 8 y.o
Open to non-riders
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Itinerary

Highlights

- Discover some of the most beautiful villages of Cappadocia (Göreme, Urgüp, Ortahisar...) and one of its hidden jewels: Mustafapasa.
- Experience a natural approach to outdoor riding in the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey.
- Learn the basics of trail riding on beautiful Arabian horses, in a fun way, with not too many hours in the saddle.
- Enjoy the restaurants' pools during refreshing lunch breaks
- The program below is for your information only and can be modified upon request, according to the participants’ ages, interests and riding levels.
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  • Day 1 1: ARRIVE IN KAYSERI - MUSTAFAPASA

    Fly to Kayseri through Istanbul (not included but we can quote for flights upon request). You will be welcomed at the airport and then transferred by minibus to your guest house in Mustafapasa, the heart of Cappadocia (1h transfer). Dinner with your guides and the rest of the group at around 08:00 pm.

    Note: We strongly recommend your flight to arrive at 6:00 pm at the latest so you can enjoy dinner with the guides and the group. If necessary, you can fly in a day early.

    The following itinerary is an example itinerary and can be modified on request or to accommodate special interests.

  • Day 2 2: THE FARM - 2 hours riding

    This morning you will explore Nicolas and Helene's farm, meet the animals and be introduced to the horses. You’ll then head out on a short introductory ride and return to the farm for lunch. In the afternoon, you will be transferred by car to your hotel, stopping to take a tour of the troglodyte village of Gomeda.

    Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Mustafapasa.

  • Day 3 3 : ORTAHISAR - 3 hours riding

    After breakfast, you will meet your guide at the farm and then head out on a morning horse ride to Ortahisar village, which is known for its castle – one of the best fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. You will enjoy a delicious lunch in Ortahisar and a chance to look around the village. In the afternoon, you’ll make your way back to the farm on the horses.

    Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Mustafapasa.

  • Day 4 4: ROSE VALLEY - 2 hours riding, 2 hours hiking

    Today you will ride through the wild valleys Yatak, Tartali and Uzengi, and see impressive rock formations, as well as the renowned fairy chimneys. Afterwards, you’ll transfer to Uzumlu Kilise for lunch, and later hike to Cavusin (1-2 hours) through the rose valley. You’ll then transfer to your hotel in Uçhisar.

    There is an option to enjoy a hammam at the hotel for approximately €100, payable locally. (Please note, the taxi transfer from Cavusin to the hotel is not included).

    Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Uçhisar.

  • Day 5 5: GÖREME - No riding, 1.5 hours hiking

    Today you have the option to wake up early and enjoy a hot air balloon ride at sunrise (the balloon ride is not included in the price and is charged separately, please see dates and prices). If you choose to do the balloon ride, you’ll return to your hotel in time for breakfast.

    After breakfast, you will depart from your hotel and embark on a beautiful hike in Pigeon Valley. After your walk, you’ll enjoy lunch at a restaurant by a pool in the village of Göreme. In the afternoon, you will explore the village, enjoying its painted rock churches and the open-air Museum. You’ll return to Uçhisar by vehicle before sunset.

    Please note that lunch and the taxi transfer from Goreme to the hotel are not included.

    Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Uçhisar.

  • Day 6 6: WHITE VALLEY & ETHOLOGY SESSION - 1 hour riding, 2 hours hiking

    This morning you will hike to a different canyon called the White Valley. You will wander through labyrinths of rock, arches and abundant vegetation until you reach the village of Cavusin, where you will have lunch. After lunch, you will return to the farm to enjoy an ethology and outdoor horse training session. Lunch is not included.

    Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Urgup.

  • Day 7 7: PANCARLIK VALLEY - 2 hours riding

    In the late morning you will begin your ride in the garden of the Pancarlik Valley and its colourful rock formations. At lunch time, you’ll have a picnic in the valley and then return to the farm crossing the scenic valley of Ortahisar.

    Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Urgup.

  • Day 8 8: DEPARTURE - No riding

    After breakfast at the hotel, you’ll transfer to Kayseri Airport for your flight home.

Dates & prices

Price details

No departure for this destination. Please contact our travel advisers for more information.
- International flights to Kayseri are not included, but can be booked upon request.

- Rates are per person and based on two riders sharing a twin or double room.

- The group is made of 2-6 international riders.

- An optional air balloon flight can be arranged during your trip, payable locally in cash (euros). Availability is limited during the high season so please let us know as soon as possible if you'd like to book. Prices per person in 2026 are as follows:
March: €110
April 1st–15th: €180
April 16th – end of May: €250

- Transfers are included (shuttle bus from the airport to your hotel). We strongly recommend your flight to arrive at 6:00 pm at the latest so you can enjoy dinner with the guides and the group on the first night - this is important as this is when your guides will make the final horse attributions. If necessary, you can fly in a day early and we can book an extra night at the hotel you will stay on the first night (around £50-65 per person per night).

- There is a strict 85 kg / 13.3 stone / 190 lbs rider weight limit on this trail (including riding gear). If you weigh more than that, an additional horse can be arranged at a supplement, please contact us before booking.
Please Note
The itinerary may be modified at anytime for security reasons, meteorological or events beyond our control such as blocked roads, rivers in flood, drought, strikes and local holidays. Equus Journeys, our local partners and their local guides will always strive to find the best solution and will alter the itinerary as needed.
The names of the hotels and accommodation are given for information only and depending on availability, they may be modified without notice and replaced by another of a similar standard.

Price includes

Support Team

1 English-speaking horse guide

Logistics

1 horse equipped with saddle and bridle per rider

Inland transport

Airport transfers on set times (late arrivals will have to pay a taxi)

Accommodation

Double ensuite room

Meals

Full board accommodation except for lunch on D5 including water and tea

Price doesn't include

Meals

Beverages and personal extras
Lunch on D5

Transport

International flights

Extras

Tips to the local team
Park, museum and other site entry fees
Access to the restaurants' pools: €5-€10 to be paid locally

Insurance

Visas and personal purchase
Cancellation and travel insurance are not included in the above listed price. Please note that insurance is mandatory. We recommend taking out an insurance policy as soon as your trip is booked to cover you in case of cancellation

Optional

Accommodation

Single room supplement

Extras

Hot air balloon flight or additional activities
We are currently updating our dates and prices they will be online soon. If you want details of this holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Equestrian info

Horses

The horses are Arabian and Arabian Cross. Only one mare is of Turkish Anatolian type (ancestor of the Purebred Arabian). You will find mostly mares and some young geldings that were born on the farm. The horses have lively temperaments and excellent stamina, but some are more relaxed and suitable to novice riders. They are sure footed and have an average size that varies between 14.3 - 16.1 hands depending on the horse. Young children who may not be experienced or confident enough to ride these horses can ride donkeys instead - please contact us regarding your child's riding skills (donkeys are not suitable for children over 30 kg).

Guide & local team

Your lead guide Nicolas has been living in Cappadocia for over fifteen years. You will discover his and his wife Helene's traditional farm built in the rock on the first and last days.

Minimum riding ability

Minimum riding ability

This ride is open for families: adults and accompanied children from 9 years old. It is suitable for beginners and intermediate riders (as part of a family trip), but more experienced riders are welcome too. Please keep in mind that the group will ride to accommodate the weakest rider's abilities.

There is a strict weight limit of 85 kg / 13.3 stone / 190 lbs (including riding gear).

Pace

Riders will have the opportunity to practice all three paces based on their own riding ability: walk, trot and some canters.

Tacking ability and participation

The horses will be tacked by the local team, unless you would prefer to prepare your horse yourself.

Trip conditions and Requested experience

A reasonably good physical condition is required. The trails can be adapted to suit different abilities and individual levels of energy. The programme involves hiking as well so you should be fit enough for this and enjoy spending time outdoors.

Some of the hiking trips will be guided while others will be 'self-guided' with the use of a GPS device (training will be provided). For the hikes in Ortahisar a donkey will be available for children under 30kgs.

Equestrian equipment

McClellan type light trail saddles with saddlebags
We recommend our riders to wear a helmet to the correct standard and you should bring your own to ensure a proper fit. Helmets are not provided on this ride.

Travel info

Comfort

During this ride you will stay in guest houses in the heart of Cappadocia: in Ortahisar, Urchisar and Urgup.

Meals

Breakfast: Turkish and continental (taken at the guest house)
Lunch: Typical Turkish meals (taken in restaurants and inns)
Dinner: Anatolian specialities - Appetizers, one or two main courses and dessert.
Vegetarian options are offered on request. Alcoholic drinks (Cappadocian wine and beer) available as an option and payable locally. Tea and coffee are available. Other drinks are to be paid on site.

Water is provided during your stay.

Climate

Cappadocia has a continental climate, with hot and dry summers but never extremely hot thanks to the altitude. Winter is usually cold and snowy. Nights are always cool, even in summer.
Average temperatures in this region are 11 ° C in April, 16 ° C in May, 20 ° C in June, 23 ° C in July and August, 18 ° C in September, 13 ° C in October and 8 ° C in November. Spring can be rainy and you should be prepared for unpredictable weather!

Tips

Tipping in Turkey is not compulsory, but it shows appreciation for a good service. In restaurants it is customary to tip almost 10% of the total bill. Some restaurants already include "service charge - 10%" in the bill, in which case it would not be considered rude if you do not leave a tip.

For the equestrian team, tips are not mandatory but would be highly appreciated. However, the amount you would like to tip will be left at your discretion.

Packing list

Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring. Please bring a soft-sided bag which can easily be transported.

Head
- A riding helmet is strongly recommended and often compulsory (mandatory for children). Helmets are not provided on this ride.Helmet manufacturers (GPA, HKM, LAS Helmets, Lamicell, Troxel, Equithème) now offer horse-riding helmets that are ventilated, strong, light and comfortable. You also have the option of buying protective shells to go under your hats (Ranch & Rider, Lexington Safety Products) or western hat helmets (Troxel)
- Sun hat when not riding (essential)
- Sunglasses-with a cord attached so they don't fly away when galloping.
- Buff or bandana for protecting your neck and face from the sun and dust.

Upper body
- Thermals (long or short sleeved)
- Long sleeved shirts to provide protection from the sun.
- T-shirts
- Lightweight fleece or jumper.
- Warm polar fleece or equivalent (depending on the season)
- Waterproof jacket- rain is difficult to predict, it is better to be prepared.

Legs
- Riding breeches or long leather chaps. We recommend riding in them at home to ensure they won't rub during your holiday.
- Casual clothes for the non-riding days (jeans or walking trousers)
- Swimsuit - for dips in the pool.

Hands and Feet
- We recommend that you bring hiking shoes with half chaps as some of the passages you may take on foot can be steep. Riding boots are not suitable as they don’t have enough grip.
- Walking shoes for the hiking trails
- Lightweight shoes or trainers for the non-riding days.
- Several pairs of socks
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun, wind or rain whilst riding

Nightwear
- Pyjamas

Other useful items:
- Headtorch
- Bumbag for carrying your camera and small items whilst riding
- Water bottle (2 litres or 2 x 1 litre in the summer, 1L in the spring/autumn)
- Ear plugs (for light sleepers)

Medical kit
- Sunscreen and lip balm - should be high factor
- Insect repellent
- Any medication you regularly take
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, aspirin, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc...
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses
- Eye drops
- Imodium or similar anti-diarrhoea medication
- Re-hydration sachets
- Antiseptic wipes
- Hand wash gel

Our Recommendations
- Backpacks cannot be worn whilst riding. We recommend a small bumbag or a coat with pockets so that you can carry small items with you during the day (passport, camera, sunscreen, lip balm etc)
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- You should also bring a copy of your passport/insurance in case you lose your documents. You can also save a copy into your mobile phone.

Sustainable tourism

  1. Travel light. It's a little known fact, but the lighter you pack, the better for the environment as heavy bags will produce higher emissions (when flying a plane or driving a car!).
  2. Reduce plastic waste. Take your favorite reusable bottle with you. Avoid single-use bags, cups, or straws.
  3. Preserve nature. Always take your rubbish with you during the ride and recycle them. Leave all the flowers or plants as you found them, and never get too close when observing wildlife. Make sure to use eco-friendly products such as body wash or laundry detergent (if camping) to protect both your skin and the environment.
  4. Choose your experiences carefully. Respect animal life by not participating in any activities that abuse wild animals (shows, elephant rides, etc.).
  5. Support local populations. Buy local handicrafts, be respectful of customs, and learn about the culture of local communities.
  6. Share! Raise awareness among your family and friends about sustainable tourism.

For more information please see this page.