Animals in Turkey

Animals in Turkish programmes mean first of all the horses and camels of Cappadocia. The region's name translates as the land of beautiful horses, which is etymology rather than marketing: rides here run two-hour routes through the valleys, with a separate sunset version when the tuff on the slopes changes colour. Camel walks are shorter, about ninety minutes, setting off from Nevşehir and Göreme. Alanya's horse safari works differently — half a day at walking pace along pine tracks above the sea, no riding experience required.

The second line is marine life. Dolphin shows run at Alanya and Side, and Side also has Seapark, where you swim in a pool beside its inhabitants. The Florya aquarium in Istanbul is laid out as a route through climate zones with tunnels. Separately there are the lake trips from Istanbul — Sapanca and Maşukiye: formally these are nature excursions, but they are where horses for hire along the shore turn up most often.

Practical notes. Horses take riders from eight to ten years depending on the operator, with weight usually capped around a hundred kilos; helmets are provided and closed shoes are required. Camel walks suit small children, though the pace is slow and they lose interest quickly. Dolphin shows run to a timetable — check the hour the day before, as sessions are added in summer. Seapark needs your own swimwear and towel.