Day 1: Flight from Istanbul to Nevsehir or Kayseri. Transfer by minivan to Avanos and check in at hotel.


   Day 2: Ride from Avanos through the stunning Dereyamanli valley to Uçhisar for lunch beneath the town's impressive rock fortress. After lunch continue on to Ibrahimpasa, an old village boasting exquisite Greek architecture, then through the Balkan Deresi valley to Kavak where you'll camp for the night.

   Day 3: Ride through the troglodyte village of Bahceli to Ayvali, a quiet town in the midst of lush apricot groves, then on to Lake Damsabaraji for a picnic lunch. If the weather is warm, you can take a dip with the horses in the lake. This evening you'll spend camping just outside of the charming village of Cemil.

   Day 4: In the morning, enjoy a visit to a beautiful 11th Century monastery then traverse through valleys filled with Cappadocia's famed fairy chimneys. Ride to the village of Taskinpacha to visit the 14th Century mosque then on to Mazi where you'll see an ancient cliffside city and Roman tombs. Spend the night at a local home.

   Day 5: Crossing the Kücük Hodul plateau this morning, you'll enjoy a magnificent view of the dormant volcano, Erciyes, whose eruptions created Cappadocia's unique geology millions of years ago. Continue to the Peak of Hodul Mountain then on to Karain for a peaceful night camping by a picturesque fountain.

   Day 6: Ride up to the Akköy plateau for a breathtaking view, then on to Sofular for lunch. Following the ancient 13th Century caravan route - the Uzun Yol (long road) - you'll make your way towards tonight's campsite on the banks of the Kizilirmak, Turkey's longest river. Those feeling adventurous can try their hand at fishing Turkish style tonight.

   Day 7: Ride to Sarihidir, a tiny fishing village on the Red River, for lunch. Upon return to Avanos, if you'd like, you can visit a local pottery factory to enjoy the art form for which this town has been well known since the time of the Hittites. Final dinner at hotel in Avanos.