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Ride World Wide, Staddon Farm, North Tawton, Devon, EX20 2BX. |
| Asia & Middle East | Turkey - Cappadocia | ||
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General Description
Water, wind and man have eroded and carved Cappadocia’s soft rock, leaving a wonderland of deep canyons and fantastically shaped rocks. From prehistoric times, civilizations have flourished here and the Hittites, Persians, early and Byzantine Christians, Mongols, Greeks and Ottomans have all left evidence of their passage. Cappadocia, ‘the land of beautiful horses’, a name given by the Persians when they saw the wild mountain ponies of the region, is unique. It is listed World Heritage by UNESCO, wild ponies still live on the slopes of the Erciyes Volcano and churches, houses and dovecots are carved into the rocks. The numerous canyons and deep gorges are amazing to explore by horse and you will negotiate narrow paths, canter over steppe and explore winding canyons on horses whose endurance and agility may surprise you. At night you are welcomed with traditional Turkish hospitality in hotels, comfortable pensions or in camps set up in different locations.
Ride are run from set dates between April and October and though the itinerary remains the same there are different accommodation levels available. Please see set dates below and contact us to discuss availability.
Summary
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Riding: 4-6 hours a day. | ||
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Horses: Arab cross. | ||
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Pace: moderate; slow in places due to rugged, hilly terrain but chances to canter most days | ||
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Riding ability: confident novice to experienced riders. | ||
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Weight limit: about 100kg (15 st 4lbs) but please contact us to discuss if you are 90kgs (14st 2lbs) or over | ||
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Accommodation: different options - comfortable guesthouses / simple camps / 3* hotels. | ||
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Group size: max 8 (min 4). |
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2008 Dates:  |
6th to 13th April (Guesthouse only) | |
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Season: |
April to November (camping possible May to September only) | |
Horses and Riding
The horses used for these rides are mixed breeds, locally bred, mainly Arab and Arab crosses. They are generally between 14.2 and 15.2hh, are forward going but also adaptable and well suited to the terrain. Maclellan saddles are used, similar to a western style saddle and comfortable for long hours, and these are fitted with cruppers and breastplates. Saddle bags are provided on each saddle. The horses are all ridden in hackamores and are used to light contact. There is a weight limit on the rides of 100kg / 15st 4lbs.
Hours: There is usually between 4 and 6 hours riding a day with breaks for rests and lunch. On one day you ride only in the morning with the afternoon free to visit the fascinating towns of Goreme and Urchisar.
Pace and experience required: The rides are at a slow to moderate pace overall due to the terrain but there are some lovely canters along valley floors between towering rock formations, and along paths between wheat fields. There are some quite steep mountain tracks, which dictates a slow pace, and there is also a bit of road work through towns and villages. Traffic can be quite busy in some of the more touristy villages but the horses are used to this and are sensible on the road.
Accommodation
Accommodation is either in local guesthouse or simple camps (with some nights in guesthouses),or for the Hotel Ride in 3* hotels. Guesthouses are carefully chosen for their character, some are very traditional family run Turkish guesthouses, hotels on the Hotel Ride are 'boutique' style. Rooms usually have private bathrooms and ride rates are based on twin / double occupancy. If you want a single room then these can be arranged subject to availability for a small supplement. Camping accommodation is simple - 2 man 'teepee' sleeping tents with a waterproof groundsheets, rugs and 2" thick mattresses are supplied. You are expected to put up / take down your tent. There is a central 'mess' tent which is again in traditional nomadic style with kilims and rugs on the floor and low Turkish 'chai' tables. A 'shower' tent, is set up for the group. Loos are open air!
Rates & Travel
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Rates 2008: |
Guesthouse Ride (7 nights) - £585 |
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Rates include - all riding, twin accommodation (single rooms for single travellers paying the supplement or otherwise only if available), meals, guides, and transfers from / to Kayseri airport at set times with the group. | |
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Rates exclude - flights to Istanbul / Kayseri, personal medical insurance (compulsory), any visa fees and extras such your bar bill, tips, laundry etc. |
Travel
The meeting point for the rides is Kayseri airport. You need to fly to Istanbul, and then take an internal flight to Kayseri. Connections do not always work well and we recommend a night or two in Istanbul before the ride. For flights from London budget around £300 to £350 economy return (varies with season and availability).
Itinerary in Brief
We recommend a night in Istanbul before the ride and can arrange this / book hotels etc. |
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Day 1 |
Met at Kayseri and driven to Orhtisar. Dinner and night at a guesthouse in Orhitisar. |
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Day 2 |
After breakfast, you will be driven about 10 minutes to meet the horses. A brief introduction and saddle up. Set off riding, stooping for a picnic lunch in an old church, carved into the rock. Dinner and night in camp overlooking the Karlik valley or at a guesthouse in Akkoy. |
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Day 3 |
Breakfast and then prepare the horses. The ride takes you to a plateau with views of the volcano, Mt Erciyes. Ride on the village of Cemil where camp is set up amid rock towers. Dinner and night in camp or at a guest house in Mustafapasa. |
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Day 4 |
Ride on through the green countryside, crossing narrow streams, winding your way through gardens and small woods. A delicious picnic lunch then transfer to Urchisar. The afternoon to explore the fascinating towns of Urhcisar and Goreme. Dinner and night at a guesthouse in Urchisar. |
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Day 5 |
Today ride takes across plateaus and through rocky canyons, eventually descending through the 'Green Valley' to camp, overlooking the central rock formations of Cappadocia. Dinner and night in camp or at a guesthouse in Goreme. |
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Day 6 |
The ride today takes you towards Urchisar through the lovely Pigeon Valley, then into White Valley and finally Love Valley. A picnic lunch then ride on with good opportunities to canter across the plains. Camp is set up overlooking the Devrent valley. Dinner and night in camp or at a guesthouse in Goreme. |
Day 7 |
Breakfast and a final days ride, climbing Boz Tepe mountain and exploring the beautiful Red Valley. A final gallop across the plains then back to the stables. Dinner and final night at the guesthouse in Urchisar. |
Day 8 |
Breakfast and transfer to Kayseri airport for onward flight. |
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Contact us on 01837-82544 for further information, detailed itineraries, dates and if you have any questions. |
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