Cappadocia: Sunset Horseback Ride in Rose & Red Valleys

Summary

Sunset rides, fairy chimneys and quiet valleys from Cavusin

You’ll ride from Cavusin through Rose and Red Valleys on horseback with a local guide, pausing for apple tea at Cross Church Cafe as sunset colors sweep over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys. Expect quiet trails, real conversation, hotel pickup, and moments you’ll want to remember long after you say goodbye to your horse.

What’s the experience like?

We started out from the ranch in Cavusin, helmets a bit crooked and horses shuffling around like they were just as curious as us. Our guide, Murat, checked our stirrups and cracked a joke about my city shoes—he wasn’t wrong. The first few minutes through the valley felt almost too quiet except for the soft clop of hooves and someone’s laughter drifting behind us. I could smell dust and wild herbs in the air, that kind of dry sweetness you only get right before sunset.

As we rode up into Rose Valley, the light started to change—everything went kind of pinkish gold. Murat pointed out old cave homes tucked into the cliffs (I tried saying their names but totally failed). The horses knew exactly where to go, even when the path got narrow or rocky. There was this one spot where we stopped just to listen—no cars, no voices, just wind moving through grass. I didn’t expect to feel so calm up there.

The break at Cross Church Cafe was honestly needed—my legs were already feeling it. We let the horses rest while we grabbed apple tea (tastes way better after riding) and looked out over Red Valley. Some local kids waved from below; Murat snapped a photo of me looking awkward but happy. Then back on the horses for the last stretch—the sun was sinking fast by then, turning everything orange and purple. Coming down those trails with that sky overhead… I still think about that view sometimes, especially when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sunset horseback riding through valleys

• Get equipped at horse ranch in Cavusin
• Ride past Rose Valley slowly
• Ride up Red Valley, thrilling parts
• Take break at Cross Church Cafe
• Enjoy sunset at grass platform
• Ride back down Red and Rose Valley
• Return to ranch and say goodbye to horse

Top questions

How long is the Cappadocia sunset horseback riding tour?

The tour lasts about two hours from start to finish.

Where does the horseback ride start?

The ride begins at a horse ranch in Cavusin village.

Is hotel pickup included for this sunset horseback tour?

Yes, private transportation with hotel pickup is included.

Are refreshments provided during the tour?

You can buy refreshments like apple tea during the break at Cross Church Cafe.

Is there a weight limit for riders?

Yes, there’s a 90 kilo (198 lbs) weight limit per guest for safety reasons.

Can children or infants join this horseback riding tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller but not on horseback.

Is this sunset horseback ride wheelchair accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible with some assistance at the ranch.

What’s included

Your evening includes private transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off near Cavusin, use of a horse helmet for safety, time to rest at Cross Church Cafe where you can buy drinks if you want, plus guidance from a local who knows these valleys by heart before returning to your hotel after sunset.