Activities
Sunset ATV safari
- 2 hours
- 16:30
- Up to 8 people
- Hotel pickup
Two hours of quad riding on the valleys' dirt tracks around sunset. Safety briefing, helmet and a small group of up to 8 included.
From€50 / person
Kızılçukur sunset horse ride
A ride of about two hours in Kızılçukur at sunset, with separate paces for beginners and experienced riders. Up to 8 guests.
- Duration2 hours
- Start time16:00
- Group sizeUp to 8 people
- Guide languagesTürkçe, English, Deutsch, Русский
- DifficultyModerate
- PickupFree from your hotel
Overview
The smell of horse, crushed scrub, sun-warmed earth and leather. At the stable near Kızılçukur, the first ten minutes set the tone for the next two hours: slow, calm, close to the ground. A horse ride isn't about going fast. It's about settling into the rhythm of the valley.
The ride takes groups of at most 8 and lasts about two hours. The horses are calm and used to the trails; experienced riders and beginners follow the same route at different paces. A helmet, a short lesson and hotel pick-up are included.
Highlights
- About 2 hours in Kızılçukur at sunset
- Separate paces for beginners and experienced riders
- Small group, maximum 8 riders
- Helmet and short lesson included
- Calm horses used to the trails
- Suitable for children aged 8 and over
- Free hotel pick-up and drop-off
Kızılçukur: the red valley
Kızılçukur lies between Çavuşin and Ortahisar and is known for its red tuff rocks. At sunset those rocks go from pink to red, then deep burgundy; the valley shows you a different face every few minutes. Inside are small rock-cut churches, red walls and paths that would take a long time on foot. On horseback you cover the distance more quietly, and the sound of the horse's steps becomes the sound of the valley. If you tried the same route on foot you would likely miss the best light; on a horse you reach a high point of the valley just in time.
The horses and how they're looked after
The horses are calm animals, used to the local trails and comfortable with people. Each is fitted with a suitable saddle, and water and rest breaks are given along the way; in hot weather the pace is lowered. Your guide knows each horse's character well and matches rider and horse accordingly. Avoid sudden movements around the horses and approach them from the side, not from directly in front or behind; in the first minutes at the stable you are shown how.
At the stable: meeting your horse
First the horses are introduced. You tell us your experience, and a horse and pace are chosen accordingly. The guide explains how to steer, how to hold the reins and how to approach a horse. You spend your first ten minutes on a small practice track; even someone who has never ridden relaxes by the second minute. Beginners walk. Experienced riders may get a light trot on open stretches if the guide judges it suitable. The pace always depends on the horse and the group.
Into the valley
The route runs along red earth paths, between vineyard walls and along a ridge that drops to the valley floor. The horse's hooves sound soft on earth and sharp on rock. The wind brings the smell of scrub, and a little further on a partridge or a hare breaks cover. Along the way the guide points out carved dovecotes in the rock, the door of an old church and vineyard huts, and keeps a close eye on the horses, because on this tour the hard work is the horse's, not yours. At one point you stop to let the horses breathe, and that is exactly when the sunset begins: as the sun leans to the west the valley turns copper and the shadows lengthen. We suggest not just taking a photo but also staying quiet for a few minutes. On the way back the sky goes blue, the horses recognise the road to the stable by scent and quicken their steps, and the guide holds them gently in check.
What to expect by season
In spring the valley floor turns green and paths are sometimes damp. In summer the grass dries to yellow, red rock against it looks lovely, and on hot days the pace drops. Autumn brings yellow and red vineyards and the gentlest air. In winter the ride moves earlier with the sunset; snow sometimes covers the valley, and the red tuff looks different against white. In storms or ice we move the ride to another day, so keep winter plans flexible. The valley is never one fixed view. Evenings cool fast, so bring a thin jacket even in summer; on horseback wind chills sooner than expected. Horses prefer cool air to heat, and the guide sets the pace to suit.
Who can ride
Children aged 8 and over and adults, experienced or not. If you are a heavier rider, please write to us on WhatsApp when booking so we can match a suitable horse. We don't recommend the ride for pregnant women or anyone with serious back or neck problems. You need long trousers and closed shoes, flat or with a low heel; no sandals or flip-flops. The air cools quickly at sunset, so bring a thin jacket. A note for first-timers: two hours can leave the insides of your legs a little tired, and a mild ache the next morning is normal. Don't overstate your experience; telling us honestly that you are a beginner gives you a nicer ride.
Itinerary
- 16:00Hotel pick-up
A vehicle collects you at your hotel and takes you to the stable near the valley. Times shift with sunset.
- 16:30Meeting the horses
The horses are introduced and a horse and pace are chosen for your experience. Helmets are handed out.
- 16:45Short lesson and trial
Reins, steering and stopping are explained. You take your first steps on a small practice track.
- 17:00Setting off into the valley
A walk along red earth paths and vineyard walls; experienced riders may trot lightly where suitable.
- 18:15Sunset break
While the horses rest you watch the valley change colour. The best moment for photographs.
- 18:45Back to the stable
You dismount and say thank you to the horses. A warm tea or water is offered.
- 19:15Drop-off at your hotel
A vehicle takes you back to your hotel.
Included / excluded
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (free zones)
- Approximately 2-hour horse ride
- Helmet and short riding lesson
- Experienced horse guide (max. 8 people)
- Tea or water served at the stable
- Mandatory travel agency and passenger insurance coverage
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Optional tip for the guide
What to bring
Long trousers, closed shoes, flat or with a low heel, a thin jacket and sunglasses. Tie back long hair. A helmet is provided instead of a hat. A zipped pocket or small bag is best for your phone.
Important information
No payment is taken when you send a booking request; you pay on the day, in cash (EUR, USD, TRY) or by card. Requests are usually confirmed within 1–2 hours and always within 24 hours. The minimum age is 8; the child price applies to ages 8 to 12. Experienced riders and beginners follow the same route at different paces, set by the horse and the group. If you are a heavier rider, write to us when booking so we can match a suitable horse. Not recommended for pregnant women or anyone with serious back or neck problems. If weather or ground conditions are unsuitable (storm, ice), the ride is moved to another day. Groups are up to 8.
Meeting point and pickup
Ride timed to sunset (roughly 14:30–18:00 by season); pick-up time confirmed the evening before. Pick-up and drop-off are free. We send your pick-up time on WhatsApp the evening before. The ride is about two hours; hotel to hotel takes a little longer.
Hotel pick-up (Göreme, Uçhisar, Çavuşin, Ortahisar, Ürgüp, Avanos); the ride starts at a stable near the valleyOpen in mapsFrequently asked questions
I've never ridden. Can I join?
Yes. There's a short lesson and trial track first, and beginners walk. Most people relax within the first few minutes.
If I'm experienced, can I go faster?
On open stretches the guide judges suitable you can trot lightly. The horse and the group set the pace; this is not a race or a gallop.
From what age can children ride?
From age 8. The child price applies to ages 8 to 12. Younger children cannot ride, for safety reasons.
Is there a weight or height limit?
We don't give a fixed number because horses differ. If you are a heavier rider, write to us on WhatsApp when booking and we'll match a suitable horse.
What should I wear?
Long trousers, closed shoes with flat or low heels and a thin jacket. Sandals, flip-flops and shorts are not suitable.
Cancellation policy
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. No-shows are not refunded. If we cancel because of weather or ground conditions, we'll either move the tour to another day with you or refund it.
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