Comfort
You will stay in picturesque, comfortable hotels located in ancient stone houses or in renovated cave houses, typical of the local architecture. All of them are chosen for their authenticity, intimacy and warmth. Most hotels offer internet access and a laundry service and accept card payments.
The first and last nights are spent at a hotel in Urgup, close to the ranch/stables. Night 2 is spent in Akkoy. Nights 3 and 4 are spent at a hotel in Ayvali. Nights 5 and 6 are spent in Uchisar.
Please note: It may be possible to upgrade the accommodation on the first and last nights of the holiday, subject to availability. Please check “Dates and Prices”.
Meals
Turkish and continental breakfast at hotels.
You will enjoy quality picnic lunches provided by the local team, or lunches in small, local restaurants along the trail. At restaurants, lunch often includes soup and salad alongside hot food.
Dinners are taken at the hotels and usually include starters, mains and desert.
Water, tea and coffee are included. Cappadocia wine, beer and other drinks are available but not included in the price, and payable locally.
Vegetarian meals and gluten free options are available but please let us know in advance.
Climate
Cappadocia has a continental climate and stands at over 1000 m above sea level. Expect cool nights from May through late June and possible rain during the day (average temperature is 15°C). This is a good time to visit and it also marks the beginning of the hot air balloons season. The summers are dry and hot with the hottest weeks from late July to late August.
The weather can still be hot during spring and autumn, in which case you will take a longer lunch break to get some rest in the shade.
Tips
Tips and gratuities are not mandatory in Turkey, although it is customary to leave a tip at restaurants (some already include a 10% in the bill). Tips to the local team and appreciated but are left to your discretion.
Packing list
Please pack carefully and sensibly: the following guide is here to give you an idea of what to bring. Your luggage will be transferred by a logistics vehicle. Please try to bring a soft-sided bag, instead of a suitcase, as this can more easily be transported.
Head
- Equus Journeys strongly recommend that you wear a riding helmet and that you take your own to ensure a correct fit. Helmets are not provided on this ride.
- Sunhat for when not riding.
- Sunglasses - with a cord attached so they don't fly off when riding.
- Buff or bandana (recommended, as it can be dusty).
Upper body
- Long sleeved shirts provide protection from the sun and dust.
- T-shirts.
- Fleece, jumper or jacket - the evenings can be cool.
- Waterproof jacket - the rains can be difficult to foresee in spring and it's better to be prepared. Layering is key to cope with the fluctuations in temperature between day and night.
- Casual clothes for the evening.
Legs
- Lightweight, comfortable riding trousers or jodhpurs - we recommend riding in them at home before taking them on holiday to ensure they don't rub.
- Shorts for warm, non-riding hours.
- Casual clothes for the evening.
Hands and Feet
- Please 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.
- Sandals, flip-flops or trainers for the evening.
- Gloves - your hands are particularly exposed to the sun whilst riding.
Nightwear
- Pyjamas.
Other useful items
- Water bottles (2x 500ml).
- Warm clothes if you decide to do the hot air balloon ride.
- Swimwear (if you opt for a hammam).
- Phone holder.
- Ear plugs and eye mask, (if you are a light sleeper).
Cosmetics, personal items and medicines
- Any medication you regularly take (and a list of any allergies).
- Sunscreen and lip balm - must be high factor.
- Insect repellent.
- Pain killers.
- Blister plasters in case of any rubs.
- Antiseptic cream, plasters, anti-histamine, insect-bite salve etc.
- Rehydration sachets (dioralyte or similar).
- Spare prescription glasses/contact lenses.
Our recommendations:
- We recommend travelling in your riding boots and carrying your hat and some riding clothes / any essentials and valuables in your hand luggage - then if your luggage goes astray you are still able to ride!
- Please print copies of your passport and insurance documents and take them with you.
- Please carry any valuables in your hand luggage.
- Backpacks should not be worn whilst riding. Small saddlebags are provided on this ride for you to carry small items you'll need during the day.
