The trail along the southern coast of Turkey in the province of Mugla offers you a wide range of landscapes: sea, Göcek Islands, forests with many different animal species, sandy paths for galloping, steep trails, canal network, reeds of Lake Koyceyiz, almost deserted beaches, the historic site of Kaunos, many fords through rivers and streams and the famous Dalyan Lagoon.
This ride has a fast pace. With numerous swimming moments every day with or without a horse, on beaches off the beaten track, in the lake and in the warm water springs of Sultaniye.
Along this Mediterranean coast, you will do many canters in the forests and walk on thousand-year-old paths, cross flower villages and do a few more mountain hikes where you have to lead your horses on narrow paths: good hiking boots are mandatory.
A fast and rhythmic ride for experienced riders who are looking for varied landscapes and enjoy swimming with horses.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival
Arrival at Dalaman Airport. You will be taken to your hotel. Dinner with your guide and the riding group.

Day 2: Köycegiz
After breakfast, you will get to know your horse, your equipment and the gaits of the ride (fast walk, endurance canter and trot for some macadam sections). When the horses are warmed up, you will pass through a forest of liquidambars, then canter along the orange groves and follow the wooden paths between the olive trees. The Dogusbelen river, with its gravel and pebble bed, is crossed before lunch. A different landscape awaits you in the afternoon: a coniferous forest with garrigue bushes. Long mountain gallops with a view of Lake Köycegiz. High camp in the wild nature.

Day 3: Sultaniye
After a hearty breakfast, saddle up your horse and begin the descent through the forest, taking in the beautiful panorama of the lake and villages. You will reach the hot springs of Sultaniye. Traditional lunch. Bathing in the springs and in the lake (swimming with horses is not possible here). In the afternoon, a short ride offers incredible views over the Dalyan lagoon, probably one of the most remarkable views of the Turkish coast. Down through the olive groves and quiet paths to your camp by the sea. Fine sandy beach and magnificent views of Iztuzu beach. This could be the place for the best photo of your vacation.

Day 4: Kaunos
A morning ride along the lagoon. Galloping on paths covered with pine needles. Arrival at the ancient site of Kaunos (entrance fee: 6 €).Afternoon rest for the horses. They are taken to the charming town of Dalyan for lunch. The afternoon is devoted to a cruise through the beautiful reed canals of the lagoon. Overnight stay in a guest house in Dalyan.

Day 5: Iztuzu beach
The park of horses is reached by boat. You will be loaded onto a barge to cross the Dalyan river. Then in the saddle for a quick ride out of town, through the orange and pomegranate plantations. You will ride at the bottom of a deep sandstone canyon, on an old mule track leading to a wooden plateau. Long galloping paths. After passing through the beautiful village of Gökbel, which looks like a postcard, the road takes you to the famous Iztuzu beach. Lunch. Swimming at the beach. Visit to the center for the protection and rehabilitation of Caretta turtles. Horseback riding through a maze of oleanders, on paths surrounded by beehives, to the campsite in a large clearing.

Day 6: Sarigerme
Descent to the tourist village of Sarigerme through a forest with many tree species (carob trees, lentisks, etc.) to a 5 km long beach. Wading the Dalaman River. (At high tide, the horses have to cross a bridge upstream: this would take two hours longer). Picnic on the beach with the opportunity to swim. In the afternoon, you will hike with your horse up a steep path through fragrant laurel, mint and thyme trees. A breathtaking panorama awaits you at the top. There will be a few more canters through olive groves and abandoned fields. You will pass an amazing Roman cistern and reach the camp in a clearing. Campfire in front of the Göcek Islands.

Day 7: Göcek
A long morning ride, with a fast trot on forest tracks overlooking Göcek Bay. You'll need to lead your horse for a few minutes on a steep path. Splendid panoramas and long canters lead you to Göcek harbor, famous for its numerous yachts. Night in Köycegiz.

Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the airport after breakfast.

Accomodation

Accommodation

During the riding tour, you will stay three times in typical local hotels and four times in a tented camp. You will stay in two- or three-man tents. The tents are white Turkish tents (somewhat similar to Mongolian yurts). Simple mattresses are provided, but you must bring your own sleeping bag. The camp will be set up near a river or a spring so that washing facilities are available. There is also a small shower tent with a simple “bucket shower” (you can heat water for washing on the fire). So-called “Turkish toilets” with a hole in the ground are set up at a distance from the camp.

Full board during the riding tour. Vegetarian food is available on request; please inform us and our service partner in advance. Turkish/continental breakfast. Lunch: saddle bag picnic for each rider (no support vehicle available at noon). In the evening, a traditional Turkish dish is usually freshly prepared for you over the campfire. Water, tea and coffee are included. The following are also offered: Cappadocian wine, beer and soft drinks, at an extra charge on the spot.

Meals are taken in camp in “Turkish style”, ie sitting on the floor on carpets, comfortably around the campfire or under a large protective tent.

Saddle & Tack: English saddles and bridles, some with Pelham bits. Comfortable trail riding saddles, saddle bags provided.

Experience:

For advanced riders only, with several years of off-road experience and in good physical condition (including on foot, as some routes have to be guided in difficult terrain). Riding time approx. 5-6 hours per day. A light seat is required. From climbing passages to long, brisk gallops, everything is included.

Attention: Strict rider weight max. 85 kg! All participants will be weighed on site.

Horses: Reliable, motivated, persistent and well-trained Arabian stallion, approx. 1.50 m. Arabian horses require many years of riding experience and a certain degree of sensitivity.