Cappadocia Wild Horses Photo Tour

In collaboration with

2024, Dates to be announced

Price €4,100, single room accommodation

The name Cappadocia means beautiful horses’ country. The land has a stunning spiritual beauty that is due to its unique nature and history: tufa hills, deep ravines, fairy chimneys, rock-hewn churches, underground cities, hot-air balloons dotting the sky in the early morning hours. You won't find the atmosphere of Cappadocia in any other place in the world.

I visited Cappadocia years ago and always wanted to return, but didn't have an opportunity until Cappadocia Photo Tours asked me to lead a photo tour there. Nuri Çorbacıoğlu, the founder of Cappadocia Photo Tours and an internationally renowned photographer who has been photographing in the region for many years, will be leading this tour with me.

Below some of the highlights of this tour.

Hot-Air Balloons

Every day at sunrise, weather permitting, the skies of Cappadocia will be dotted with hundreds of multicolored hot-air balloons. These can be seen from everywhere, but the best location to take in this view, amidst one of the most unusual and stunning landscapes in the world, is the Love Valley.

Of course, you will have the option of taking a ride inside one of those balloons, if you’re not afraid of heights. Those pilots are extremely skilled and know how to ride the winds to make you fly close to the ground or higher in the sky. In both cases, you will be in the position to take some truly unique photographs.

The geological features of Cappadocia are just incredible! Amongst the more notables are the fairy chimneys: pinnacles of soft rock protected from erosion by a boulder of harder, basaltic rocks that sits atop them.

Underground Cities and Churches

Later in the day, when the sun is high in the sky and the light is too harsh for landscape photography, it is time to go underground.

Cappadocia has been inhabited since the dawn of time, but it was the early ages of Christianity and the Middle Ages that gave its distinct cultural and historical feel.

The tufa and pumice rock that originated from the eruption of Mount Erciyes, millions of years ago, and that covers most of the region, is very soft and can be excavated with ease.

This, combined with the need of people to hide from invaders, led to the building of whole cities underground. Nowadays, those have become archaeological sites that have no parallels anywhere else in the world.

Some of their appeal is due to dozens of rock-hewn churches, dug by early Christian communities and decorated with beautiful frescos, many of which survive to this day, thanks to having been hidden underground for centuries.

There is no place where this is visible in abundance than in the Göreme Open Air Museum, that includes 12 different churches within its boundaries. You will visit them with accompanied by an expert, certified guide who knows everything about the history of their construction.

Yılkı Wild Horses

The Turkish word Yılkı means ‘free horse living in its own environment’. The Yılkı Horses are hundreds of free, wild, noble and gorgeous Anatolian racehorses that have been living in the center of Turkey for centuries. Most of them live nowadays around the village of Hürmetçi, a short distance from Cappadocia. This area provides the horses with a natural environment with its green areas, wetlands and vast expanses where they can run freely. This is such a great opportunity for photographers who want to take some strong, cinematic pictures, with herds galloping at sunset and raising clouds of dust that glows in the sun, or crossing marshes in Spring. Today there exist still more than 300 wild and semi-wild Yılkı Horses and they are under protection.

Who is This Tour For?

This tour is for all types of photographers. Beginners and advanced amateurs will have lots of opportunities to learn new techniques, while even seasoned professional photographers will have access to locations and shooting situations that are not commonly found elsewhere or when joining tours that are not 100% dedicated to photography.

This tour is also spouse- and partner-friendly. You don't have to be a photographer to appreciated the beauty of Cappadocia and the majesty of its wild horses. As a non-photographer partner, you won't have to get up before sunrise, if you don't want to, but can still partake in the numerous activities that we include in the program, and savor the local cuisine.

Your Instructors

This tour is organized in collaboration with Cappadocia Photo Tours and Nuri Çorbacıoğlu.

Ugo Cei

Ugo Cei is a fine-art travel and landscape photographer from Italy. He is also an educator who helps photography enthusiasts sharpen their skills, so that they can take amazing pictures.

Ugo has a multi-year experience in leading photo tours and workshops. He loves to travel and show the beauty of the world and its inhabitants to everybody. He believes this is really an amazing planet we live on and every place and every culture possesses beauty that deserves to be shown.

Nuri Çorbacıoğlu

Nuri has organised photography tours in Cappadocia area for years. He has been organizing this particular Tour since 2018. He is an award-winning photographer on the national and international scene and teaches photography privately and at Kayseri University. He is also a documentary film-maker and has worked for national TV channels in Turkey.

Nuri loves horses and equine photography. He will be your guide for this tour and will offer his experience to create the perfect opportunities for stunning photographs and an unforgettable experience.

What they say about us

To travel and work with Ugo is a delight. He is resourceful and knows his destination, so no matter what weather awaits you, Ugo will always suggest a way to make the most of the day. He is energetic, non-stop, productive. A travel/work experience with Ugo motivates you to become a better photographer. Must mention that he is very fun company, and loves good food!

I had a wonderful experience in Venice with Ugo. I learned new things while enjoying the wonderful city. I have some special needs which he was able to accommodate perfectly. I highly recommend his company for photo tours.

If you are planning to travel and love photography at any level Ugo can plan a personal tour to fit in with your itinerary! He has a wealth of knowledge to share with you on any subject of photography. Apart from photography (my passion) Ugo provides a total travel experience looking at Italy through the eyes of a local. A life changing trip leaving me totally hooked to book another! Thank you Ugo and yes I will be returning my dilemma is choosing a destination.

Wonderful Weekend in the French Riviera with Ugo who shared his knowledge about photography with us. Learned so many interesting things. Will do it again!

Spent a great weekend with Ugo Cei and Pia Parolin at their "Weekend on the French Riviera" workshop. Learned great tips from Ugo and had a fun time photographing in the Nice outdoor market, along the Promenade des Anglais seaside and in the winding narrow streets of Nice. Highly recommended!! lisadereaphotography.com

An "Experience", not a vacation. A "journey", not a tour. I've pushed film before but I've never been pushed out of my comfort zone in search of photographs that cannot be obtained otherwise. We put in 19-hour days to take full advantage of Scot sunlight in late May...and it was worth every minute.

My husband and I were fortunate to travel on Ugo Cei's photography trip to Oman. The country itself is an undiscovered treasure, filled with nature and welcoming people. Traveling with Ugo was a pure pleasure. He offered us a thoroughly researched itinerary and lots of photographic guidance. We shot portraits, landscapes, markets and all manner of subjects and Ugo was always there to offer tips. Do yourself a favor and try out one of his workshops!

I have done 3 photo tours with 3 different guides and locations, this has been the best of the three. Ugo was definitely the best of the three guides. His attention to detail with setting the scene and location with models, suggestions on camera settings were helpful for me, a novice with portrait photography. I would definitely recommend any tour with Ugo, he is an excellent photographer willing to share his knowledge, experience and secrets of special places he knows to make the entire photography experience a lifetime memory.

Imagine having an opportunity to photograph some of the most incredible locations and people in the world’s most romantic city, Venice. And, during Carnevale! It was wonderful in every way. From the first email with Ugo, I could tell he was a caring, highly professional and experienced photographer and tour guide for us. He knew this city well and shared a lot before we were there.

I am so glad we chose Ugo and it was very special – my husband is still talking about it. There was so much to learn and interspersed with seeing a boat builder (gondolas), meeting the only professional puppet maker in Venice – and seeing how glass jewelry is made. Photo shoots were morning and night – you have to appreciate and be patient with the models. They are stunning.

The food also was wonderful – Ugo knew the best places. The group was small and allowed for intimate discussion and ease. We are so grateful for a truly immersive and learning experience in a magical city.

My husband and I did a workshop with Ugo in Cinque Terre. It was fantastic. Ugo is not only a great photographer, but he is generous with his knowledge, and he offers a great workshop. The group was international, which made the experience even richer.

After two photo tours with Ugo in Italy, I cannot recommend the experience highly enough – the local knowledge of Italy, partnered with photographic expertise and guidance made for an extremely rewarding photo tour! Ugo guides and mentors you according to your skills, regardless of whether you are a beginner or experienced enthusiast. I have come away with greater understanding of the craft and confidence to build my skill set. I am inspired to continue my learning journey to create beautiful images. Thank you Ugo!!!

As I was spending my vacation in the Dolomites I arranged a one day private workshop with Ugo. Although I was a four hour drive from Ugo's home base he willingly made the journey — even though he was heading off to Barcelona first thing the next morning for another commitment.

Not having any transport or knowledge of the best locations to shoot having someone like Ugo was fantastic — and when you add his knowledge of photography and ability to impart that to his pupil it all added up to an outstanding day.

I recommend Ugo without reservation.

What an extraordinary experience to participate in a photography tour and workshop with Ugo Cei Photography Tours, in Venice, Italy during the Venice Carnival. His knowledge of Venice along with the right place to be at the right time made this perfect. Add to that his technical and lighting knowledge and then to top it off the perfect local eateries and local interests. It was days full from daylight to evening at a manageable pace with likeminded new international friends. So glad I took the leap and participated.

Ugo was a wonderful teacher and host in Venice at last years’ Carnival. He takes all the time you need to get your shot and to help with the camera settings when needed! Ugo was very generous and took us out for dinner two times, beginning and end of the workshop. And, he’s fun to be with!!

Cristina Piva

Patsy Latscha

Sharon Jackson

Karin Vasseur

Lisa DeRea

Murray Silver Jr.

Susan Higgins Flickinger

Diana Hatfield

Sherry Benjamins

Gail Ginder

Kerri Clark

Peter Wade

Judith Pannozo

Lynda Rubin Greenberg

Itinerary

Day 1

Pick up at Kayseri Erkilet Airport
Hotel check-in
Photographing the Yılki Horses in their natural environment at sunset
Transfer to Kayseri
Dinner (local tastes from Kayseri Cuisine)
Night at your hotel in Kayseri

Day 2

Breakfast at the hotel
Transfer to Sultan Sazlığı National Park for sunrise (1 hour away from Kayseri)
Photographing horses, local life and marshes
Transfer to Kapuzbaşı Waterfalls (1,5 hours away)
Photographing the waterfalls
Lunch (delicious fresh fish from waterfalls)
Transfer to other side of Sultan Sazlığı for sunset
Photographing the sunset with Erciyes Mountain and the marshes in the background
Return to Kayseri
Dinner at Bereket Develi Cıvıklısı (special Kayseri cuisine)
Return to hotel

Day 3

Breakfast at the hotel and check out
Transfer to Cappadocia (1 hour away from Kayseri)
Check in to new hotel and a little rest
A little trip around the district (Ürgüp, Göreme and Avanos)
Lunch (Aravan Evi Restaurant - special pottery meals of Cappadocia)
Continue touring the district and photography of the Cappadocia landscape
Dinner
Return to hotel
(Optional) night photography session amongst the fairy chimneys

Day 4

Photographing the balloons, horses and horseman at the sunrise (Swords Valley or Love Valley)
Breakfast at the hotel
A little rest time
Transfer to a horse farm in Avanos by the river
Photographing the horses with the river in the background
Lunch at the horse farm
Special Turkish entertainment dinner with music and dance
Return to hotel
(Optional) night photography session amongst the fairy chimneys

Day 5

Landscape and balloon photography at sunrise
Breakfast at the hotel
A little rest time
Transfer to Salt Lake (About two hours)
Lunch in a restaurant in Aksaray (Special Turkish Steak)
Photographing horses or other special subjects model on the lake with their reflections at the sunset (3-4 horses)
Dinner along the way
Return to hotel
(Optional) night photography session amongst the fairy chimneys

Day 6

Landscape and balloon photography at sunrise
Breakfast at the hotel
Continuation of the district tour with Ihlara Valley, Kızılçukur Valley and underground cities
Lunch (Special Cuisine of Cappadocia, Kebap)
Visit to the real pottery workshops
Landscape photo session at sunset
Dinner (Kadıneli Special Turkish Cuisine)

Day 7

Sunrise landscape photography, if desired.
Breakfast at the hotel and check out
Transfer to a horse farm to shoot some horse portraits
Transfer to Kayseri
Lunch with Kayseri cuisine (Altınsaray Pöç, a special meat recipe)
Transfer to Kayseri Airport for departure

What is included

The price of the workshop includes:

Support and instruction by two professional photographers (Ugo Cei and Nuri Çorbacıoğlu) during the whole tour.
Exploiting Nuri's knowledge of the best shooting locations.
Review and post-processing sessions during the whole tour.
Six nights' in select hotels with single room accommodation. You won't have to share a room or pay extra for having a room to yourself!
Transportation in a private vehicle during the whole tour.
All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) including soft drinks, for the duration of the tour.
Tips for the horsemen and all other subjects.
Assistance about equipment choice, image selection, and post-processing before, during, and after the tour.

What is NOT included

The price of the workshop DOES NOT include:

Transportation from your place of residence to Kayseri Erkilet Airport and back.
Any visas or entrance fees into Turkey (normally not required for EU visitors)
Entrance tickets to museums and archaeological sites.
Hot air balloon rides (available for a €300 supplement).
Alcoholic drinks.
Personal health and travel insurance. Proof of having a travel insurance policy, covering medical, hospitalization and repatriation costs in case of illness or accidents is required prior to departure.
Anything not specifically mentioned in the "What is included" section.

Workshop Price

The price for taking part in this exclusive workshop is €4,100.

The actual dates of the workshop for 2024 will be announced soon. If you'd like to be the first one to be notified when bookings are open, please leave your contact information using the form below.

Terms and Conditions

Basis of Rates: All prices are based on a single person occupying a room. All prices are quoted in Euros. In case you are traveling as a couple and would like a double room, please contact me. The rates are based on current exchange rates and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.

Eligibility: Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for the entire journey.

Group Size and Booking Considerations

The tour will be confirmed only if a minimum number of 6 participants is reached. In order to keep the group size small and the experience enjoyable for everyone, the maximum number of participants I accept is 12.

Payment Schedule

Your balance payment is due no later than 60 days before the starting date of the tour .

Cancellation Policy

The booking deposit will be refunded if participant numbers are not reached.

After your group has been confirmed, the deposits are non-refundable.

If you cancel 59 days or less before the start of the tour, you will forfeit 100% of the tour cost. Where the full cost of the tour has not yet been paid, it will be immediately payable on cancellation.*

* Note that if you cancel later than 59 days before the start of the tour and I are able to backfill your place, I may refund recoverable costs at my discretion.

Travel insurance

It is advisable to take out your travel insurance at the time of booking your trip as cover will commence for pre-departure cancellation from the policy issue date. This will therefore provide cover should you have to cancel your trip for an insured reason such as illness or serious accident.

I require that you and all members of your party are adequately insured, providing financial protection against unforeseen circumstances. Cover should include medical expenses, as well as repatriation, in the event of accident or illness. In addition, I strongly recommend that you have cover for personal belongings, delay at your outward or homeward point of departure, personal liability, overseas legal expenses and cancellation. If you are undertaking any sports or adventurous activities on your trip, including trekking, you should also make sure that your policy covers these. Please also ensure you read the policy conditions and exclusions.

Responsibility

Ugo Cei will provide education enrichment during photo tours. The other providers are solely responsible and liable for providing their respective services. Ugo Cei and its designated tour leaders shall not be held responsible for (A) any damage to, or loss of, property or injury to, or death of, persons occasioned directly or indirectly by an act or omission of any other provider, and (B) any loss or damage due to delay, cancellation, or disruption in any manner caused by the laws, regulations, acts or failures to act, demands, orders, or interpositions of any government, or by acts of nature, strikes, fire, flood, war, terrorism, sickness, theft, or any other cause(s) beyond their control. The participant waives any claim against Ugo Cei and its designated tour leaders for any such loss, damage, injury, or death. Ugo Cei reserves the right in their sole discretion to accept, decline to accept, or remove any participant on any photo workshop. Ugo Cei reserves the right, without penalty, to make changes in the itinerary whenever, in their judgement, conditions warrants, or if they deem it necessary for the comfort, convenience, or safety of participants.

You have assumed the responsibility to select an activity appropriate to your physical abilities and interests. You are personally responsible for being in sufficiently good health to undertake the activity.