Accommodation
7 nights camping or guesthouse.
Transport
Private vehicle, horse.
Meals
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners on the trail ride, 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 7 dinners on the centre based ride.
Staff
Group guide.
Age Restriction
Minimum 12 years.
What To Bring
The dress is very casual. In spring, autumn and especially in the summer months, it can get very hot during the day, so to avoid feeling sweaty and sticky all the time, try to stick to natural fabrics, especially cotton. There are many fantastic new products on the market, including full cotton seamless underwear, which is a blessing for the trail rides. However it can be extremely cold at night and early mornings.We would suggest the following:
Sleeping bag (4-seasons) if camping.
Water bottles
Swimming costume.
Jodphurs or riding trousers.
Half chaps.
Gloves.
Long sleeved shirts or T shirts.
Casual clothing for evenings.
Comfortable shoes for evening
Fleece.
Waterproof/windproof jacket.
Underwear - cycling shorts are great.
Sun hat that stays on.
Sun block and lip balm.
Mosquito repellent.
Head torch.
Camera, fim and batteries.
Reading material.
Riding hats are not mandatory in many of the countries in which we operate. However, we strongly recommend that you always ride in a hat and that it conforms to BHS requirements (PAS015, BSEN1384). Riding without a hat could effect a claim on insurance. Please note that a riding hat is obligatory for those under 21.
Group Size
Min 2, Max 12. If more than 8 riders the group will be split into 2.
Other Information
Style of riding: The basic riding is English with some Natural Horse elements in the handling of the horses.
Type of riding: Trail Ride. On average, you will ride 30 km and spend 5 to 6 hours on the back of the horse each day. You will take regular breaks throughout the day and stop for at least one hour for lunch. Each day begins and ends with a 15 minute walk (on foot), for the riders and the horses to warm up/relax. The pace is mainly walking with opportunities for trots and canters every day and a few extended gallops during the week. The circuit includes some difficult passages, where you will be asked to get off your horse and walk. You must be in good physical condition.
Type of tack: Mclellens. Your saddle will be fitted with 2 saddle-bags, so you may carry your personal belonging with you.
Hours in the saddle: Bivouac and Guesthouse Trails: 5 to 6 hours per day except on day 4 when you will ride for 3-4 hours in the morning and have a free afternoon. Cappadocia Ride: 5 to 6 hours per day except on day 4 and 6 when you have free days for optional activities.
Riding ability required: Intermediate upwards. You must be competent at all paces and be able to stay in the saddle during group canters. You also need be able to tack up your horse yourself.
Maximum Weight: 90kg (14st).
Number of Guides per ride: 1 or 2 (the group will be split into 2 if more than 8 riders)
Minimum/Maximum number of riders in group: 2/12. If more than 8 riders the group will be split into 2.
Looking after the horse: Clients on the Bivouac Trail are expected to tack up/untack their horse, attach it for the night, water their horse at the fountain in the evening and in the morning, and help feed it.
Clients on the Guesthouse Trail are required to tack up/untack their own horse, but the guides and staff will water and feed the horses in the evening.
About the horses:
Of the 16 horses used, 15 are mares and 1 a gelding. They are all small (between 15hh and 15.2hh), friendly cross-Arab breeds, that combine speed with endurance. They are particularly suitable for Cappadocia's torturous tracks and paths.
Accommodation:
The Bivouac Trail includes 4 nights under canvas and 3 nights in guesthouses (arrival night, Wednesday night and departure night). It is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor living and do not mind extremely basic facilities. The camp has a 'shower' tent with a basin, a large bucket and a gaz stove where they can heat the water. Toilet facilities comprise of a shovel and loo roll. Clients sleep under double tipi-tents including floor mats and single camp mattresses. In camp, clients are required to put up and take down their tent and place the equipment in the logistic trailer in the morning.
The Gueshouse Trail includes 7 nights in guesthouses. The comfortable accommodation is in picturesque village guesthouses located in ancient stone houses or in nicely renovated cave houses. Guesthouses are family run and typically Anatolian. Double rooms with en-suite toilets and shower. Single room supplement (only when unwilling to share and if available) is 20 Euros per person per night payable locally. Most guesthouses offer free internet access and a laundry service.
The centre based Capadoccia Ride includes 7 nights in a comfortable guesthouse located in a village near to the ranch.
Food and drink:
On the Bivouac Trail meals are taken the Turkish way, i.e. sitting on a carpet on the floor, around a large round tray, under the communal tent or outside by the camp fire. Dinners usually comprise of traditional Turkish dishes cooked on the wood fire. Vegetarian meals are available on request providing we are given advance notice. Breakfasts are continental. Water, tea and coffee are included, wine is an option and payable locally. Lunch is a picnic. Drinks taken in bars or cafes located on the circuit are not included and are payable locally.
On the Guesthouse Trail dinner (Turkish) and breakfast (Turkish and continental) are taken at the guesthouse. Vegetarian meals are available on request. Lunch is a picnic. Water, tea and coffee are included. Wine and other drinks taken at the pension, in bars or cafes located on the circuit are not included and payable locally.
Operator Remarks
The itinerary shown is for the Bivouac and Guesthouse Trail rides.
Children: 12 and above. Children must be accompanied by an experienced adult rider.
Non-Riders: Non-riders are welcome on this trail. They will have their own guide and driver, and explore Cappadocia's volcanic wonderland on foot, joining the riders in the evening at the guesthouse.
An All Inclusive option is available: From £970 (bivouac) depending on the season. Includes: Flights from the UK, taxes, transfers, accommodation and meals as indicated and all riding.
Single Supplement: None if prepared to share. Subject to availability a small supplement is payable locally if a single room is required.
Please note The Bivouac Trail runs parallel to the Guesthouse Trail on most dates BUT the Bivouac option will only operate if there are 4 bookings (or more) for this formula. In other words, clients booking early for the Bivouac option should be prepared to upgrade to the Guesthouse formula (for a 140 Euros supplement ) if this condition is not met by the time the trail takes place. In many cases clients booking on the bivouac trails would be better off staying in a pension or guesthouse. We believe the Bivouac Trail should only be booked by those on a tight budget or by people who really enjoy outdoor living. It is important for anyone considering the Bivouac option to realise that conditions on this ride are extremely basic and they will not find the commodities of an hotel in the middle of nature.