Mountains of Antalya

This is the perfect trail for a good rider who likes adventure and extraordinary landscapes.

Itinerant horse ride within a huge variety of landscapes (lake, mountains, grazing lands, river and sea).

Area: Lake Beysehir and Köprülü Canyon National Parks

Crossing the Taurus mountains from north to south, the trail starts in Anatolia with incredible canters along Lake Beysehir and ends on the on the beach (Mediterranean Sea).

This trail is notable because of the diverse landscapes and scenery: sandy beach and an umbrella pine forest; chestnut and arbutus trees and pomegranate orchards; rocky valleys and high pasture, as well as the majestic canyon of Köprülü for which the Köprülü Canyon National Park is named.

You will also discover Selge. Set on the historic Saint Paul trail, this ancient site has astonishing rock formations and Roman ruins - a little diamond between two mountains!

Although referencing miles does not always make sense in the mountainous areas, be aware that the trail will be fast and rhythmic! Frequent canters - some unforgettable - along with trots, walks and some passages where you will lead your horse: solid rubber sole shoes are compulsory.

In the anarchic limestone formations that characterise this region, we ride along tracks including cute narrow paths, roads, and a paved Roman-era road. There will also be some improvisation alongside the river.

This is the perfect trail for a good rider who likes adventure and extraordinary landscapes.

DAY BY DAY ITINERARY :

The description below is an example of a trail we often do, but for a reason like the weather forecast or a safety reason, the guide can chose to change the itinerary of the trail at the last moment.

Arrival Day & Day 1: Beysehir Lake

Day 0 : Arrival at Konya airport on Sunday at 20:50. You are driven to your hotel on the shore of Lake Beysehir, at the gate of the National Park.

Day 1 : Very equestrian morning: nice and fast, with frequent sandy canters along the lake, on earth track lined with small oak trees.

A colourful lunch amid fishing boats, the blue skies and yellow reeds; and in the afternoon, we ride up the south delta of the lake, where herds of cows graze on these fat grassy spaces. We reach the road and cross a typical village - a mix of modernity and tradition. We walk in the stony riverbed until the canyon diverts us to an oak forest. The camp awaits us in the middle of a clearing.
Day 2 : Dumanli

Via a wide path used in ancient times for transhumance (moving livestock from one grazing ground to another), we ride up until we reach a forest of beech trees.
A quick change of scenery after a canter in the undergrowth, and we arrive at the bottom of the first pastures of the Taurus. On an earth and gravel track, we meet feral horses, and avoid them by accelerating our speed.
Twenty minutes' walk in a narrow stony canyon, and we get back in the saddle to canter in an exceptional landscape: on both sides of a wide, dry riverbed, enormous pine trees grow on a carpet of greenery dotted between imposing rock blocks. Shepherds on donkeys gather their sheep and goats during our lunch.

We start the afternoon on a mineral pass before getting down a long track offering a panoramic view of the valley. From pine trees to an undergrowth, we find our camp on a green pasture locked between a cliff and a stream.
Day 3 : On Saint Paul' trail

In a beautiful ravine created by a stream running through a large round rocky block, we walk on the pine needles. As the trail becomes rocky, we lead the horses for a bit. After crossing a village and terraced fields, we reach brush and then a forest.
After a long canter, we have lunch on the banks of a river with a view of Roman tombs carved in the cliff.
This short afternoon will be fantastic for anyone who likes fun canters: 9 km along river, sand, gravel, and dust track and the border of a feld. Alternating cadence, slalom between the bushes.
With a big smile, we arrive at the only guest house in the area: Erdinc's place, operated by a nice family who welcome us with a traditional meal.
Day 4 : Köprülü Canyon

The village and the fog of the river are behind us when we take a narrow mule track overlooking the Köprülü Canyon.
After passing the only bridge, we climb via a hard-surfaced road (very few to no vehicles).
Lunch at a curious village built between rocks and chestnut trees. In this fairy-tale like landscape you could almost imagine trolls making an appearance!
Selge's rocks, a crater produced by a falling meteor, and the canyon will be viewed at a walk and canter from a high-altitude dirt road.
Day 5 & 6 : Selge

Day 5 : We leave Selge and the antique theatre via a track in the forest inviting a canter. Then we reach one of the most extraordinary passages on this trail: a large path carved into the edge of a vertical mountain - we will be a few hundred meters above the valley !
After 40 minutes of joy and a few passages, we must lead the horses; we eat under huge plane trees shading a fountain.
We then start the most challenging afternoon for both horses and riders. Climbing first by fields (terraced), and then through the forest, we reach one of the most remote parts of the trail – a beautiful pasture reachable only by horse or foot. After some short canter, we dismount and lead our horses on a mule path.
No danger of falling, but we need to be focused to get through three rocky 400 metre passes – this will take about an hour. We finish by entering a forest, where we find the camp in the middle of a wide clearing.

Day 6 : We descend the mountain via a large track sneaking its way along rock formations, pine forest and arbutus trees before reaching a cultivated plain.
The rhythm of the afternoon will be active: cantering from field to field; crossing a river; and, finally, reaching the camp on a sandy beach along the river.
Day 7 & Day 8 (departure day)

Day 7 : We ride along the river, from sandbank to roller beach, fording streams and brooks. Few canters bring us to a bushy hill. After half an hour of riding uphill, we arrive on a rocky ridge, offering us a magnifcent view on the antique theater of Aspendos, on the river bellow and on the mediterranean sea. We meet the team at lunch under the shade of a big tree.

The afternoon will run on long tracks along a canal, following felds and cultures that will drive us to the pin forest of Saklikent. We cross it cantering through the rising afternoon light. Last and long canter on the dunes of the beach, cantering in a few centimeters of water. After a last swim, you will be driven to your guest house in the center of the old city of Antalya where you will enjoy a sea food dinner.

Day 8 (Departure) : On Sunday, after breakfast, you will be driven to Antalya airport.

DESCRIPTION :

Dates & Conditions

Dates 2024 :
November 02 - November 10 : 2500 €

Single room and single tent’s extra charge: 350 €

Condition :
This progressive trail in camp is confirmed when we have received a minimum of 4 bookings for this formula. If the trail is not confirmed at the time of departure, we will propose it with a supplement.

The basic price includes :
- 7 riding days, 8 nights (accommodation in double, twin or triple room & tent)
- The loan of a horse and riding equipment
- English speaking guides (1 per group of 8 or less)
- Nights and food accommodation full board
- Regular transfers between local airports and hotels

The basic price doesn't include :
- International flights
- Optional activities (boat, hot baths, museum and monument's entrance fees)
- Extra drinks

Horse riding level

- The difficulty of this trail is 4/4
- Riding level: confident intermediate to advanced riders.
To take part of all our trails, you must have a competent riding level to be able to stay in control during group canters on forward-going horses, ride or lead your horse on technical passages, get on or off your horse several times a day alone and groom, tack and untack your horse without assistance.
- Good physical condition is essential.

Rhythms of the trail :
- 7 riding days
- 5 to 6 hours on horseback each day
- 28 to 35 kilometres each day ; stopping at a different location every evening
- Pace: mostly walk, with opportunities for trots and canters each day

Maximum weight :
Riders' weight on the progressive trail is limited at 85 kg (on riding clothes). Riders upper 85 kg, could book with extra charge, for the loan of a second horse. This option is only on demand, it will depend of the horse riding level of the rider and the availability of our horse.

Riders's contribution :
Riders are in charge of their horses ; they will be asked to tack and untack their horse, to water and feed their horse and to take care of their horse equipment.

Camp accommodation

Description:
The progressive trail in camp is for those who enjoy outdoor living, and sleeping in a tent or under the stars.
You will reach a different location on horseback at the end of each day, with the camp set up in the middle of nature, surrounded by beautiful views. Our exclusive camp spots are all situated in the heart of Lake Beysehir National Park or Köprülü Canyon National Park.

5 nights in Camp :
- The camp includes a large communal tent like those used by the last nomadic families in the country, chairs and tables for meals.
- Dinners are taken in the communal tent or outside by the fire.
- The camp also includes toilets, a shower tent with a bucket and a gas stove for heating the water.
- Tents will be put on by our team (double tipi-tents with single camp mattresses)
- We will ask your help to participate at the camp’s life :
Taking and replacing your luggages and equipment in the trailer, feeding and brushing your horse, tacking and untacking your horse
- Equipment required : sleeping bag, towels, torch, powerbank (to charge your electronic devices), mosquito repellent, an extra pairs of shoes and few small water proof bags for crossing rivers
- Your luggage will be transferred by our logistics vehicle. You should pack several, lighter bags rather than one large, heavy suitcase.

Meal and transport

3 nights in hotels or guesthouses :
Your arrival and departure nights, as well as night 3, will be spent in comfortable guesthouses or hotels, in double or triple rooms with en suite bathrooms.
- Hotels offer internet access and a laundry service.
- Single room supplement (depending on availability)

Meals & drinks :
Full board includes a continental breakfast, and a delicious lunch featuring a local speciality each day. At the camp, dinner is a traditional dish cooked on the wood fire, along with salad and fruits.
- Vegetarian options are available upon request.
- Tea, coffee and mineral water are included; wine, beer and soft drinks are not included (available at the camp)

Transport :
Arrival: Konya Airport
While earlier flights from Istanbul are available, the pick-up takes place following flight TK 2038 (departing Istanbul at 19:30, and arriving at 20:50); after which you will be driven 100 km to Beysehir (approximately 90 minutes). If you arrive on an earlier flight, you may wait for the rest of the group, or take a taxi (about 120 euros for 1-3 people).
Departure: Antalya International Airport, on the Coast.
If you want to spend some time along the Mediterranean Sea or elsewhere after the trail, we can assist you in extending your trip.

PICTURES :