Cappadocia Fairy Chimney Ride

The Cappadocia Fairy Chimney Ride begins and ends at the historic town of Cavusin near to the riding stables. You stay here for a total of four nights to explore some of the easily accessible sights of the area including the underground cities and famed fairy chimneys.  After two day rides from the stables you then set off the beaten path on a four day exploration of the more remote valleys and villages where few tourists go.  Arriving back in Cavusin there is an opportunity to visit the Göreme Open Air Museum to see the awe-inspiring painted churches built by exiled Christians during the Roman era.

Day 1
Arrival at Nevsehir or Kayseri Airport. Transfer and check in at the Canela Hotel in Cavusin. It’s a short drive (10 minutes) to the riding centre to meet the horses and have a briefing on the week ahead. Have dinner at the riding centre. Overnight at Canela Hotel.

Day 2
Breakfast at the Canela Hotel at 8 am. You are collected from the hotel at 9am and transferred to the riding centre. Ride from Avanos to Özkonak where you will see one of Cappadocia´s largest underground cities. Have lunch at Özkonak and later return over Ziyaretdagi Mountain to the riding centre in Avanos. Transfer to the Canella Hotel to freshen up after riding. Pick up from the hotel at 7pm for dinner either at the riding centre or a local restaurant. Overnight at Canela Hotel (riding time 5 hours)

Day 3
Breakfast at the Canela Hotel at 8 am. Pick up from the hotel at 9 am and transfer to the riding centre. Ride from Avanos to Sarihidir, a tiny fishing village on the Kizilirmik River, Turkey’s longest river. Continue on to Sarihan, a beautifully restored 13th century caravanserai for lunch. The afternoon ride is amongst Cappadocia´s famed fairy chimneys of Zelve and Pasabagi. Return to the Canela Hotel to freshen up. Pick up from the Canela Hotel at 4:45 pm to attend a Dervish Performance at Sarihan at 5:30 pm. The performance lasts approx 50 minutes. Dinner at the riding centre or at a local restaurant. Overnight at the Canela Hotel (Riding time 4-5 hours)

Day 4
Breakfast at 8 am at the Canela Hotel. Meet at 9 am and set off on the trail ride. Ride through the tranquil White Valley to Uchisar along the Pigeon Valley where there are thousands of natural dovecotes carved into the cliffs (the pigeon droppings are said to be responsible for Cappadocia’s reputation of producing the best fruit in the whole of Turkey). Continue on to Kavak for lunch. After lunch continue riding to Ibrahimpasa, an old village boasting exquisite Greek architecture. Continue through the Balkan Deresi valley where you camp for the first night. (Riding time 5-6 hours)

Day 5
Ride from the Balkan Deresi Valley to the Pancarlik Valley through fertile apricot groves and on to Mustafapasa, formerly an old Greek village known as Sinasos. After morning tea continue riding to the quiet village of Ayvali where the hills have been carved like beehives and then on to Lake Damsa baraji for a picnic lunch. If the weather is warm, you might take a dip in the lake. Camp overnight just outside the village of Cemil and take the opportunity to visit the nearby 11th century Keslik Monastery. (Riding time 4-5 hours)

Day 6
In the morning the ride takes you through the Cemil Valley across the plateau and then through valleys filled with Cappadocia's famed fairy chimneys. The horses scramble down a dramatic canyon to the village of Taskinpas. It is normally possible to visit the 14th century mosque before riding on to Karain and the overnight camp. (Riding time 5-6 hours) 

Day 7
Ride up to the Akkoy plateau for a breathtaking view then on to Sofular for lunch. On a clear day it’s possible to see all the way to Mount Erciyes (3,918 m). Following the ancient 13th century caravan route - the Uzun Yol (long road) - you will make your way towards the campsite on the banks of the Kizilirmak River. Camp is set on the bank of the river. (Riding time c. 6 hours)

Day 8
Final morning ride in this wonderful scenery and ride back to the riding centre at Avanos where an early lunch is prepared. In the afternoon there is a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum to see the awe-inspiring painted churches built by exiled Christians during the Roman era. Afterwards if you wish it, there is time to visit the artisans and ceramic and carpet stores in Avanos and the surrounding area. Farewell dinner at the riding centre. (Riding time 2-3 hours) Overnight at the Canela Hotel.

Day 9
Breakfast at the Canela Hotel. Transfer to Kayseri or Nevsehir for departure flights.