Cappadocia Horseback Riding Safari: Sunrise or Sunset Valley Ride

Cappadocia horseback riding safari: the key facts

This is a guided group horse ride through the volcanic valleys around Goreme. You are collected from your hotel, driven to the riding area for a short briefing and your equipment, and then ride at a slow pace past pigeon houses cut into the cliffs, layered rock and, in spring, wildflowers. The page says the ride lasts about 2 hours at sunrise or sunset and about 1 hour on other departures.

It suits beginners as well as people who already ride, since the page says the local horses know the trails and respond to gentle cues. It is a calm way to see the valleys away from the roads. The price is from $38 per person.

How long is the ride: one hour or two?

The page is not consistent. The overview and inclusions say about 2 hours for sunrise and sunset rides and about 1 hour for other departures, while the FAQ simply says the ride lasts about 2 hours. The $38 price is shown as a starting price, so it may apply to the shorter ride. Before you pay, ask us to confirm in writing which ride you are booking, how long you will be in the saddle and the price for that option.

Can we ride at sunrise or sunset?

Yes, the page offers both. However, the time choices in the booking form run from 08:00 to 14:00 and are not marked as sunrise or sunset, and a sunrise ride would need a much earlier start than 08:00. If you want a sunrise or sunset ride, write that in your booking message or ask on WhatsApp, and we will confirm the pick-up time for your date in writing. Sunset rides are a good fit if you are taking a balloon flight that same morning.

Do we need riding experience?

No experience is required according to the page, and beginners are welcome. You get a basic briefing before you set off, and an instructor rides with the group. The instructor speaks basic English, so the briefing is short and practical rather than a lesson. If you are an experienced rider and want a faster pace, tell us when you book, as the standard ride is slow and suits mixed groups. The page does not say how many riders go with one instructor.

Are there age or weight limits?

The page does not state any age, height or weight limits. Please tell us the ages of any children and give us a rough weight for each rider when you book, so we can check with the stable and match riders with suitable horses. We will confirm in writing whether children ride alone or with an adult. If you have back problems or are pregnant, riding may not be right for you; talk to your doctor and to us before booking.

What should we wear?

Long trousers are more comfortable than shorts, as they stop the saddle rubbing your legs. Wear closed shoes with a low heel, such as trainers or boots, not sandals. The page says the necessary riding equipment is provided; ask us to confirm that this includes a helmet if that matters to you. Bring a light jacket for sunrise rides and sunglasses and sun cream for the afternoon. Keep phones in a zipped pocket, since a dropped phone in a valley is hard to find.

Which valleys does the ride go through?

The page does not name a fixed route. It describes rides through volcanic valleys with pigeon houses and coloured rock layers, and the exact trail depends on the stable and the time of day. If you hope to see a particular place, such as Red and Rose valleys or Love Valley, ask us whether your group's trail passes it. For a different ride, our horseback riding valleys tour starts from $90 per person.

What else can we combine with the ride?

Many guests pair a morning ride or sunset ride with a day tour such as the Cappadocia Red Tour, from $50 per person. Other outdoor options include the camel ride from $59 per person and the ATV quad safari from $44 per person. If you would rather watch the balloons at dawn, the balloon watching tour is from $27 per person. See all short activities on the Cappadocia tours and experiences pages.

How do we book the horseback safari?

Pick your date and number of riders in the booking form on this page, or message us on WhatsApp at +90 545 307 67 88. Tell us whether you want sunrise, sunset or a daytime ride, the ages and rough weights of the riders, and your hotel name. We confirm the ride length, the pick-up time and the price, and send the plan to you in writing before you make any payment. Get Turkey Tours is a TÜRSAB-licensed agency (A-15751).