HIGHLIGHTS

Picture yourself exploring and photographing the sweeping valleys of Cappadocia, Turkey known as the land of beautiful horses - like they have been enjoyed for thousands of years. Discover hidden lookouts, forgotten caves, historical churches and experience Cappadocia in all its glory. At sunset, photograph about 300 wild horses with a backdrop of exquisite colors of the rocks at Red and Rose Valleys.

Every day at sunrise, weather permitting, the skies of Cappadocia will be dotted with hundreds of multicolored hot-air balloons drifting peacefully over the horizon, which we will photograph from the best location. When night falls, photograph the amazing stars over the towering fairy chimneys. We will be photographing horses and horsemen with traditional clothes. Step back in time with a night at the magnificent Cave Hotel, situated in ancient caves with a distinctly medieval feel. No matter the time of day, this Photo Quest of Cappadocia is nothing short of magical, unique and a lifetime experience. Wait until you taste the delicious Turkish Cuisine.

Sign up now to hold your spot.

May 9-Depart your home country for Kayseri, Turkey.  (ASR)

Book the following flights on Turkish Airlines/Jetblue . if you want to match our flights. Book your flights using the multi city option from your home town to Kayseri.

May 10th TK2014, departing  Istanbul at 4:05 pm and arriving in Kayseri at 5:35 pm. 

May 16th, flight TK2011, departing from Kayseri at 8:45 am arriving in Istanbul at 10:25 am. Then book your flight home or do the extension with us.

 May 10-Kayseri, Turkey

Upon arrival at Kayseri Airport (ASR), our guide will be waiting for you at the exit gate, ready to escort you to our hotel. The scenic journey to the hotel will take approximately one hour. Later in the evening, you'll savor a delectable dinner at a charming local restaurant. Your home for the next six nights will be the exquisite Nino Cave Suites.

May 11-Cappadocia

Consider an optional hot air balloon adventure at dawn. A hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia is a truly awe-inspiring experience. Please note that this exhilarating activity is not included in the price.

Morning session: During the prime lighting conditions, seize the opportunity to capture the ethereal interplay of sunlight piercing through the caverns as you frame your shots of three to four pristine white horses in the heart of Deep Valley. This timeframe offers optimal lighting at this stunning location.

Evening session: In the afternoon, drive to Akhalteke Ranch in Avanos to photograph around 20-30 Arabian horses around the Red River. Dinner at Akhalteke Ranch.

May 12- Cappadocia

Morning session: At sunrise, we will photograph the horses at Swords Valley, with the balloons in the background. There will be around 20 horses.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit a real pottery workshop in Avanos.

After a delightful lunch, set out on a brief 30-minute drive to Hurmetci Village, where your photography skills will shine as you master the art of location lighting to capture the horsemen expertly gathering the horses within the reeds. The grand finale of this session unfolds as you expertly pan your camera to freeze the action, documenting the mesmerizing spectacle of approximately 200-300 untamed Yilki horses, their dynamic motion suspended in the warm, dusty embrace of the setting sun. With these remarkable images in tow, we'll return to Goreme, enriched by this photographic journey.

This evening, immerse yourself in the enchanting world of astrophotography amidst a valley graced with enchanting rock formations. As the sun dips below the horizon, this secluded haven, devoid of any light pollution, transforms into a celestial canvas, offering the perfect setting to master the art of capturing the cosmos in all its splendor.

May 13 -Cappadocia

Picture yourself at a valley adorned with mysterious caves and dramatic rock formations, where the iconic hot air balloons of Cappadocia paint the sky. You'll have the perfect opportunity to create stunning compositions featuring magnificent equine subjects. This is a photographer's dream come true, and a moment you won't want to miss. In the afternoon, embark to the stunning Salt Lake, just an hour and a half away. As the sun begins its descent, you'll have the extraordinary opportunity to capture an extraordinary scene. Imagine horses elegantly poised on the shimmering lake's expanse, accompanied by a local model adorned in traditional costume and a mesmerizing dervish. This is a photographic experience that promises to be nothing short of enchanting for any photographer. Plus, you'll have the chance to enhance your photography skills by learning location lighting and off-camera flash techniques, making this a truly enriching and captivating experience.

May 14- Cappadocia

A captivating photo shoot at dawn, featuring the graceful spectacle of hot air balloons ascending through the morning sky.

Following a delightful breakfast at the hotel, our expert guide will escort you to the Goreme Open Air Museum. Here, you'll explore the best-preserved cave churches, adorned with exquisite paintings and frescoes dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries.

As the day unfolds, we'll transition to a captivating photo session. At the Red Valley, you'll have the privilege of capturing the grace and beauty of 3-4 pristine white horses against the backdrop of a breathtaking sunset. It's a moment that promises to be a truly remarkable experience for any photographer.

This evening, another session of Astrophotography at night at a valley with rock formations.

May 15 -Cappadocia

At the crack of dawn, we'll capture the magic of the moment with either two magnificent horses or two graceful models in a valley surrounded by intricate caves and awe-inspiring rock formations. Above, the sky will be painted with the graceful presence of hot air balloons, making this a scene that's a photographer's dream come true.

Sunset will be at a magical place. Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

May 16-Kayseri Airport-home or sign up for the extension to Istanbul.

After breakfast, we transfer you to Kayseri Airport for the flight back home. Or if you are interested in doing an extension in Istanbul, please email us.

Itinerary is subject to change*.

calling code

Country Calling Code: +90

Capital City: Ankara (pop. 3.7 million)

PASSPORT & VISA REQUIREMENTS

American tourists traveling to Turkey will no longer need a visa, making it easier to visit.

The new visa rules, which apply to both American and Canadian travelers, went into effect at the beginning of the month. Previously, travelers needed to apply for an e-visa in advance of visiting to the tune of $51.50.

Passports must be valid for at least six months from date of entry into Turkey. Passports must also have at least one fully blank page for entry/exit stamp

Language

Turkish. Kurdish is also spoken by a minority in the southeast. French, German and English are widely spoken in major cities and tourist areas.

Food and drink

Mains water is chlorinated in towns and cities, but it is advisable to drink bottled mineral water.

Currency

The Turkish lira, Türk lirası is the currency of Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (recognised only by Turkey). The Turkish lira is subdivided into 100 kuruş.

Religion:

Muslim, mostly Sunni, with a very small Christian minority. Turkey is a secular state which in theory guarantees complete freedom of worship to non-Muslims.

electricity

Electricity in Istanbul is 220V at 50 Hz with a double-pinned round plug. Similar to what the French and Germans use.