Comfort trail

This one-week trail is for those looking for a comfortable ride without compromising on the riding and scenery. This trail combines quality accommodation in charming guesthouses, lunch in restaurants with swimming pool in summer, together with a semi-progressive, varied itinerary including all of Cappadocia's highlights as well as treasures off the beaten tracks.

The first 2 riding days are spent exploring the hidden canyons and steppe-like landscape of south Cappadocia from the ranch, with nights spent in an Ottoman mansion in the nearby town of Urgup. You then leave the ranch to reach the beautiful valleys of northern Cappadocia, and spend 2 nights in a secluded villa overlooking the famous Pigeon Valley in the picturesque village of Uchisar. You ride back to the ranch on day 5 through yet another scenic route via the majestic Red Valley, stopping to visit the region's troglodytic treasures along the way.On day 6, you may spend another day on horseback exploring the far south of Cappadocia, or you may indulge in other activities : flying above the region's magical landscape in a hot-air balloon, exploring the famous underground cities, testing the best local wines ...

Details:

> Riding level: intermediate to advanced
> One group of max. 8 riders
> 5 riding days with a 6th riding day in option
> 5 to 6 hours on horseback each day, except Wednesday: 3:30 hours riding in the morning and afternoon at leisure in Cappadocia's most picturesque villages
> 15 to 25 kilometres each day, on varied terrain
> Pace: mostly walk, with opportunities for trots and canters each day
> Lunch in village restaurants with swimming pool in summer
> Walking and leading the horse on the circuit is easier than on the bivouac and guesthouse trails, but participants must be reasonably fit
> Riders' weight is STRICTLY limited at 90 kg (all riders are weighed on arrival)
> Logistics vehicle for your luggage; minibus for your local transfers
> Various activities in option, including : balloon flight, the underground cities, the Open Air Museum, etc...

The comfort trail offers an exhilarating itinerary through Cappadocia's natural park, but it is not as physically demanding as the bivouac and guesthouses progressive trails.
Little luxuries such as lunch by the swimming pool in summer, quality guesthouses including one with hammam, as well as a whole range of activities to choose from on day 6, makes it the perfect choice for epicurian groups of friends, families of riders and individuals looking for a relaxed ride.

Itinerary

Sunday > Evening arrival at Kayseri airport. Transfer to central Cappadocia
Monday > Ortahisar – Pancarlik valley - the churches of Gomeda
Tuesday > Gümüslü and Tartali valleys - Mustafapasa - Canyon of Uzengi - Avlak mountain
Wednesday > Ibrahimpasa - the Twin Hills of Cappadocia - Uchisar and the Pigeon valley
Thursday > The Green valley - the 'small' Love valley - Göreme - valley of the Shepherds
Friday > The White valley - the 'big' Love Valley - Cavusin- the Red Valley - Valley of the Roses
Saturday > 6th riding day: Lake Damsa - Ayvali - Bahceli or other activities in option : see further below
Sunday > After breakfast, transfer to Kayseri airport

Read the detailed programme with pictures (in PDF)

Accommodation

7 nights full-board in double/twin room with en-suite toilets and shower. Single room supplement (depending on availability): 20 Euros per person per night payable locally. Your arrival night, as well as nights on Day 1, Day 2, Day 5 and departure night will be spent in a superior guesthouse in the lively town of Urgüp, at a 10 mn drive from the ranch.

The guesthouse is an ancient Greek-Ottoman mansion with vaulted rooms and cave rooms that have been tastefully refurbished and furnished in a classic/Anatolian style.

The guesthouse has a secluded garden and a large roof terrace overlooking the center of Urgüp, as well as its own hammam, which guests can use free of charge.

The small market town of Urgup features ancient troglodytic quarters, craft and carpet shops, cafes, bars and restaurants, a wine factory as well as an authentic hamam and a lively market on Saturdays.

A network of public minibuses and taxis connects the town to the other villages of the region. The guesthouse offers free internet access and a laundry service. The 10 mn transfers from/to the ranch is ensured by our minibus.

On day 3 and Day 4, you will reach your accommodation in the village of Uchisar on horseback. You will spend two nights in a cosy troglodytic villa overlooking the famous Pigeon Valley, with your horses staying just underneath, in one of the terraced gardens. The villa's cave rooms have been renovated to high standards and offer stunning views over central Cappadocia.

Cappadocia's prettiest village, Uchisar sits on the top of a hill and has embracing views on central Cappadocia. It is famous for its natural rock fortress, its troglodytic quarters, its pretty stone houses and craft shops. It is at a short distance from the village of Gorëme, most renowned for the churches of its Open Air Museum. We will stop for lunch in village restaurants serving Anatolian cuisine.

In summer, long lunch breaks are necessary to avoid riding during the hottest hours, so most of the restaurants where we will stop will have a swimming pool!

Breakfast (Turkish and continental) and dinner will be taken at the guesthouses. Dinner usually comprises a starter, one or two main courses and a dessert. Vegetarian option on request. Water, tea and coffee are included.

Cappadocia wine, beer and other drinks are available and payable locally.

Activities in option (day 6)

On day 6, you can choose to spend another day on horseback or to indulge in other activities. Here are a few ideas of visits and excursions that you might want to consider. Some of these activities can be done at leisure, while others can be arranged through us or the local travel agency we will recommend you.

> Hot-air balloon flight - at sunrise, travel with the wind over Cappadocia's spectacular landscape

> Cross golf - Cappadocia's landscape is the perfect playground for this new approach to golf > Göreme's Open Air Museum - the region's greatest concentration of frescoed churches > The underground cities - the larger cities descend to 8 levels through a maze of tunnels > Ceremony of the Whirling-Derviches - night representation at the Sarihan caravanserai > Excursion to the valley of Ilhara - at the foot of Hasan Dagi volcano, this long, lush canyon shelters several churches > Excursion to the valley of Soganli - off the beaten tracks, churches and dovecotes unique in Cappadocia > Wine testing in Cappadocia's vineyards > Motor rides (jeep, scooter, ATV) and mountain bike&amp > Visit to local craftshops and workshops: carpets, kilims, pottery, jewels > Steam bath and massage at the hamam

Dates 2012: 1-8 April; 8-15 April; 29 April-6 May; 8-15 July (with swimming pool); 22-29 July (with swimming pool); 5-12 August (with swimming pool); 19-26 August (with swimming pool); 28 October-4 November

Price (Confort trail): 1070 Euros

Price (Confort trail with swimming pool): 1130 Euros