Step into a world where nature and history intertwine to create a landscape unlike any other. Cappadocia, with its surreal rock formations, ancient cave dwellings, and fairy-tale vistas, is a photographer’s paradise and a traveler’s dream. This enchanting region, shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity and erosion, offers a breathtaking tapestry of towering fairy chimneys, hidden valleys, and vibrant sunsets that paint the sky in hues of gold and crimson.
From the mesmerizing sight of hot air balloons drifting over the horizon at sunrise to the timeless charm of its rock-hewn churches and underground cities, Cappadocia is a place where every moment feels magical. Whether you’re capturing the delicate dance of light across the valleys or exploring the rich cultural heritage of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure.
Join us as we uncover the wonders of Cappadocia, where the past meets the present, and every corner reveals a new story waiting to be told.
Day 1, 10 May
Your Cappadocia adventure begins with your arrival at Kayseri Airport — conveniently accessible via frequent flights from Istanbul and other major hubs. In the evening, we’ll gather for a warm group dinner, a chance to meet your fellow photographers and get excited for the days ahead.
Day 2
Today, we’ll set out to the Anatolian plains to photograph the Yılkı horses—semi-wild horses roaming freely in their natural habitat. This is a rare opportunity to capture their untamed beauty against the stunning backdrop of the setting sun. Later, we’ll visit a scenic viewpoint to capture the enchanting evening light.
Day 3
Begin the day with an early morning photography session to capture the iconic hot air balloons drifting over Cappadocia’s surreal landscapes. Witness the vibrant balloons ascending and painting the sky with color from a carefully selected vantage point. After breakfast at the hotel, visit the workshop of a master pottery artist. Capture the artistry and craftsmanship of traditional pottery techniques as the artist demonstrates his work. In the afternoon, explore the charming town of Göreme and its surroundings. Depending on the group’s interest, you may visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rock-hewn churches and Byzantine art. End the day with a photography session at one of Cappadocia’s iconic natural fortresses, Uçhisar or Ortahisar, to capture the changing light as the sun sets.
Day 4
Start the day with an optional hot air balloon flight for those who wish to experience Cappadocia from a unique aerial perspective. Capture stunning shots of the surreal terrain from above, weather permitting. After breakfast, head out to explore various photography spots around Cappadocia, focusing on capturing the region’s diverse landscapes, including fairy chimneys, valleys, and rock formations. In the afternoon, continue exploring lesser-known locations for unique compositions. If you missed the Yılkı horses on the first day, revisit the Anatolian plains to photograph these magnificent wild horses in their natural habitat.
Day 5
Spend the day exploring hidden gems and lesser-visited locations in Cappadocia. Focus on capturing the region’s unique geological formations, ancient cave dwellings, and picturesque villages. Visit local markets or workshops to photograph traditional crafts and daily life. In the evening, experience and photograph a traditional Darvish dance performance, a mesmerizing Sufi ritual that combines spiritual music and whirling movements. This cultural experience offers a unique opportunity to capture the grace and intensity of the dancers in motion. After the performance, enjoy a final photography session at a scenic location to make the most of the golden light.
Day 6, 15 May
Start your final day with an early morning sunrise photography session to capture the first light of day bathing Cappadocia’s landscapes in a soft, ethereal glow. Witness the fairy chimneys and valleys come alive with vibrant hues as the sun rises. After this magical experience, return to the hotel for breakfast. Depending on your flight schedule, enjoy some free time to relax or explore the town before transferring to Kayseri Erkilet Airport for your departure flight.
Price: 4900 USD
Included in the price:
– Transfers in a comfortable van
– All meals
– Lodging
– Instruction and master classes by three professional guides
Not included in the price:
– Airfare to and from Kayseri airport
– Visas (if applicable)
– Single supplement 750 USD
What to bring
Gear:
– camera with tripod and remote shutter release
– A wide angle lens. For example, Nikkor 14-24 or Canon 17-40. Best lens for use in wide-angle scenes or architecture photography
– A middle-zoom lens such as a 24-70 mm
– A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 70-200 mm. One of the most important lenses in Provence. Be sure to have additional tripod mount to this lens.
Wear:
– Casual clothes for dinners and lunches and photography workshops
– Summer clothes
– Light jacket for morning photography (15-20 C)
Guides:
Kani Polat
Kani Polat is a landscape and nature photographer from Bodrum, Turkiye, whose creative journey began with a background in economics and work as a tourist guide. While guiding others through some of the world’s most beautiful places, he discovered a deeper passion for capturing the natural world. This passion led him to pursue photography full-time, focusing on the interplay of light, landscape, and the emotional experience of nature. Through his work, Kani aims not just to document the world, but to share the sense of wonder and connection he feels in nature, inspiring others to appreciate the Earth’s beauty.
Armand Sarlangue
Armand Sarlangue has been a full-time photographer for 16 years, following in the footsteps of his father, a professional photographer. From a young age, he was captivated by visual arts and always had a camera in hand. His career began in 2005 as a reportage and studio photographer, but in 2018, he chose to focus on his true passion—nature photography.
Today, Armand is not only a photographer but also an educator, workshop leader, and NFT artist. His greatest motivation is exploring remote landscapes and capturing nature’s artistic essence. He believes photography is a powerful tool for conservation, helping people connect with nature’s hidden beauty. Through his work, he tells deeply personal stories using the shapes and colors of the natural world.
His images have received numerous international awards and have been exhibited by institutions such as the California Academy of Sciences, Exposure Photography Festival, and Siena Photography Festival. In a major career highlight, he won the grand prize at the prestigious Siena Drone Awards with his iconic image Big Bang.
Armand’s work is featured in various photography books and has appeared in renowned media outlets, including National Geographic, Geo Magazine, The Guardian, Paris Match, Vanity Fair, Australian Photography Magazine, BBC News, and many more.
