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 Soglanli,
famous for its hand-made dolls, where you'll spend the evening with local villagers.
Day
5: Ride through the fields and boulders to the village of Hodul Kavak
where you'll enjoy a picnic lunch. Continue on to Keslik where you'll camp outside
of the village.
Day 6:
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 7:
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 8:
Ride along the river to the troglodyte village of Külluk. After lunch you'll cross
the river on the 13th Century Seljuk bridge at Tekgöz. Another night camping on
the banks of the river.
Day 9:
Following the paths of the goatherds you come upon the village of Yuvalli. Ride
on to Bayramhacili, a peaceful hot springs where you'll revel in a healing natural
bath. Camp near the water source.
Day 10:
Ride to Özkönak where you'll visit one of Cappadocia's largest underground cities.
Return over Ziyaretdagi Mountain to Avanos. Dinner and night at a comfortable
pension in Avanos.
Day 11:
A day of sightseeing, shopping and relaxation at the Turkish bath. Visit Zelve
and the Göreme Open Air Museum then spend the afternoon seeing local artisans
at work in the age-old craft traditions of carpets and pottery for which Cappadocia
is well known. Dinner at a local restaurant featuring traditional music and dancing.
Day
12: Early morning departure from Kayseri or Nevsehir to Istanbul.
