Blue Coast Trail

8 Daysย  |ย  From ยฃ1615pp

Turkey ( Best airport: Dalaman)

Discover Turkeyโ€™s Mediterranean southern coast where youโ€™ll ride on beaches, through forests and across rivers on endurance-trained Arabs. As well as thrilling fast-paced riding there are boat trips across stunning lagoons, a visit to a turtle sanctuary and opportunities for swimming every day.

The Riding

Based on the southern coast of Turkey, this trail offers varied riding landscapes including beach riding, the paradise Gocek Islands, forests with many species of tree, dust tracks (ideal for cantering), steep paths, networks of canals, the lake reeds of Koyceyiz, the historical site of Kaunos, river crossings and the famous Dalyan lagoon.

Youโ€™ll be riding at a reasonably fast-pace and riders must be confident, competent and fit to ride long hours and to hike on mountain paths. There are many canters through forests as well as some mountainous stretches where you will need to hike and lead your horse.

Level of Riding and Fitness

This trail is suitable for confident intermediate to experienced riders. Although the pace is mostly walk, there are many trots and canters each day and riders must be in good physical condition. You should be fit to ride long hours and to enjoy fast canters on a forward-going horse. You will also need to be comfortable spending short periods of time hiking on steep mountain paths and leading your horse. The weight limit is 85kg.

Guides and Group Size

You will be guided by French-born Nicolas who has lived and organised horse riding tours in Turkey for over 15 years. He is very knowledgeable about the local history and culture as well as being passionate about his horses and always having their well-being at heart.

Group size for this trail is between 4-8 riders.

The Horses

Youโ€™ll be matched with one of the well-trained Arabs and Arab-crosses at this stable. They are responsive, well-balanced, fit and trained with natural horsemanship methods, which makes them a real pleasure to ride and handle. They live out in a herd all year round in big pastures.

Tack and Riding Equipment

The horses are ridden in snaffle or pelham bits. The saddles are either McClellan saddles or handmade by our partners in Turkey to fit their horses perfectly. Both saddles are ideally suited for trail riding and long hours in the saddle. Two saddlebags are fitted for each horse to carry daily items such as water bottles, sun cream and camera.

The weight limit is strictly 85kg, including riding gear. All participants will be weighed upon arrival. If you are between 80kg and 85kg, please enquire before booking as there are only a small number of horses who can take the weight.

Blue Coast Trail
Blue Coast Trail - Accomm

Accommodation and Dining

During the holiday youโ€™ll spend 4 nights camping and 3 nights in guesthouse accommodation. The campsites used are dotted along the coast or in the forest and include a large dining tent for meals. Riders will then sleep in double tipi-style tents with single camping mattresses. Campsites are equipped with toilets, a shower tent and a gas stove although lots of the evening meals will be cooked over the campfire. This is a participatory trail where guests help with packing and unpacking their luggage from the support vehicle and help with the horses, tacking up and untacking.

The 3 nights in guesthouses include accommodation in double or twin rooms. Single rooms are subject to availability and a single supplement. Most of the guesthouses used are run by families and are located in pretty towns and villages. Guesthouses are equipped with Wifi and offer a laundry service if required. Your luggage will be transported between overnight stops by the logistics vehicle.

Dinner and breakfast are served at the guesthouses or campsite. You can expect Turkish cuisine for dinner consisting of a starter, one or two courses and a dessert when staying in a guesthouse. When camping, the dinners are cooked on the open fire, and served with various salads. Tea, coffee and mineral water are included. Local wine, other alcoholic drinks, beer and soft drinks are available for an additional cost. Lunch is either served in a restaurant or is a picnic lunch out on trail. Allergies and special dietary requirements can be catered for with advance notice.

Get a free Blue Coast Trail mini-brochure in PDF format.

Itinerary

Blue Coast Trail

8 days / 7 nights / 6 days riding
ยฃ1615pp

Single occupancy
2022 – ยฃ210
2023 – ยฃ239

Flights & Airport transfers

The closest airport is Dalaman Airport

There are direct flights from the UK to Dalaman with Jet2 or there are plenty of airlines that fly to Istanbul where you take a connecting flight.

Please plan your flight to arrive at Dalaman between 8am and 7pm on the first day of your holiday. Airport transfers are included in your holiday for flights arriving and departing between the set times. Airport transfers outside of these times are at additional cost.

Price Includes
  • Dalaman Airport transfers
  • 6 full days of riding
  • Trail riding horse, tack and saddlebags
  • 7 nights of shared accommodation (3 nights camping)
  • Breakfasts
  • Lunches
  • Evening meals
  • Tea, coffee and mineral water
  • Luggage transportation
Price Excludes
  • Flights
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Tips

Join a ride - Select your date:

5th November 2023 - 0 Saddles Available - ยฃ1760pp
12th November 2023 - 0 Saddles Available - ยฃ1760pp
19th November 2023 - 0 Saddles Available - ยฃ1760pp