Cappadocia Sunset Horseback Riding

• 90 minutes in the saddle, through the valleys at sunset
• A group activity, not a private tour: you ride out with other guests, sometimes up to fifteen riders
• Free pick-up from hotels in Goreme; a small transfer charge applies from Urgup, Ortahisar and other villages
• Horses suited to beginners, with a horseman from the ranch riding alongside
• Helmets provided
• No riding experience needed
• Weight limit 90 kg, minimum age 12

Cappadocia was called the land of beautiful horses long before anyone came here for the balloons, and riding is still the way the valleys are best seen. The trails are too narrow for vehicles and too long to walk in an evening, which is what makes this work: you ride out through orchards of apricot and walnut, past the vineyards, and up through the volcanic hills among the fairy chimneys, with rock-cut churches in the cliffs along the way. The ride is timed so that you are on high ground as the sun goes down and the stone turns orange. A horseman from the ranch rides with you throughout.

Places to visit

• Swords Valley
• Meskendir Valley
• Red Valley
• Love Valley

What to expect

• • This is a group activity, not a private tour. You have your own horse, but you ride out with other guests, and at busy times the group can be as large as fifteen riders.

• The ride itself is 90 minutes. With the transfers and the briefing it takes about 2.5 hours in total.
• Pick-up and drop-off are free from hotels in Goreme, about 30 minutes before the ride starts. From Urgup, Ortahisar and the other villages there may be a small transfer charge, which we confirm when you book.
• Helmets are provided. There is a safety briefing before you set off and the horses are used to beginners.
• The start time changes through the year, as the ride is timed around sunset. We confirm it with you the day before.

Good to know before you book

• The weight limit is 90 kg per rider, set by the ranch for the horses' welfare, and the minimum age is 12.
• No riding experience is needed. The horses walk the trails in single file and the pace stays gentle.
• Wear long trousers and closed shoes. Bring sunglasses and, in the colder months, a jacket, as it cools quickly once the sun drops.
• The ride does not run in heavy rain or snow. If we cancel for weather you receive a full refund or can move to another day.

Cancellation Policy

To receive a full refund, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the ride, in local time. Cancellations made after that are non-refundable. If we cancel because of weather, you receive a full refund or can move to another day.