Cappadocia Wild Horses Photo Tour

In collaboration with

October 4-11

Prices starting at €4,300

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.

Istanbul extension (optional)

If you'd like to start your visit of Turkey by starting in its most vibrant city, sitting where Europe and Asia meet, rich with history, culture, and amazing people, you can add this optional four day extension to your tour.

This option includes three nights' accommodation in a four-star hotel, all meals, local transportation, tickets to monuments and museums, and the assistance of local guides and of a professional photographer. It does not include flights to and from Cappadocia (Kayseri).

The price for this extension is €1,900 with double accommodation, or €2,200 for single accommodation.

Sultan Akhmet (Blue Mosque), Istanbul, Turkey

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

On arrival to Kayseri Airport, the group will be met and transferred to the hotel in Cappadocia.
Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Meals: D

Day 2

Before the sunrise, we depart from the hotel and drive to Cavusin village, where we shoot around 20 horses with the rock formations and hot air balloons in the background for around 45 minutes.
Then, we return to the hotel for breakfast and some rest.
We will leave the hotel at around 11:00 and visit Zelve Open Air Museum; one of the first inhabited and latest abandoned monastic settlements in Cappadocia. We will also have chance for some landscape photography here. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit Pasabag Fairy Chimneys Valley to photograph the rock formations there.
For the evening, we drive to Hurmetci Village to shoot the horses (around 150-200 wild Yilki horses, running wild in dust) at sunset.
Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 3

At sunrise, we will photograph the horses at Swords Valley. There will be around 20 horses at first (30
minutes shooting) and then we will shoot 1 horse on a hill with caves & rock formations around (1 hour
shooting).
We arrive back at the hotel at around 08:30. Breakfast and free time until 11:00.
Next, we will visit an authentic pottery workshop in Avanos for a shooting. We will be using a smog
machine to make the pictures look much better while shooting the artisan on duty (1 hour).
After the lunch (at around 14:00), we drive to the Salt Lake (2,5 hours’ drive) and photograph 2
horses on the lake at sunset (1,5 hours). After the sunset, we drive back to the hotel.
Dinner will be at a restaurant on the way.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 4

Optional hot air balloon ride at dawn.
Breakfast and free time until 11:30.
We first drive to Gorkundere Valley. We take a short walk there and take the pictures of its rock
formations.
Our next stop is Love Valley, where we also take a short walk and shoot the phallic rock
formation there.
After lunch (at around 15:00), we drive to Hurmetci village. We first shoot the
buffalos and then around 300 wild yilki horses, running wild in dust at sunset.
After the sunset, we drive back to our hotel.
Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 5

Landscape photography at sunrise at some valleys with lots of rock formations and caves.
Then, we return to the hotel for breakfast and some rest.
Later, we will visit Goreme Open Air Museum with the guide, where you will be visiting the cave
churches with beautiful paintings and frescoes dating as early as the 10th Century.
We spend the rest of the day exploring/shooting some valleys with amazing rock formations and caves.
Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 6

Today’s morning session will be with 2 horses at a valley with caves and rock formations, with the balloons in the sky.
Breakfast and free time at the hotel.
In the afternoon, we drive to Akhalteke Ranch in Avanos and shoot around 20 Arabian horses around
the Red River. We will also take 2-3 horses into the water to take their pictures (depending on the
water level in the river).
Dinner will be at a local restaurant.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 7

Free morning.
At around noon, we shoot 2 white horses at the Deep Valley, with the sunlight coming through the
caves. The light is best at around noon at this location.
Lunch and free time.
At the blue-hour, we will shoot the Pigeon Valley and the old town of Uchisar.
Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals: B/L/D

Day 8

After breakfast, our driver picks you up from the hotel and transfers you to Kayseri Airport for the
flight back home.

Meals: B

Accommodation: Nino Cave Suites

Overlooking to Balkan Valley which goes from Ibrahimpasa village through Ortahisar Castle, Nino Cave Suites hotel offers valuable guests a “boutique lifestyle” accommodation experience with 33 sophisticated cave suites with luxury bathroom amenities.

Located at the heart of Cappadocia, Ibrahimpasa village is surrounded with fairy chimneys. Hotel is 5 minutes away from touristic spots as Ortahisar, Goreme and Uchisar, 15 minutes away from Urgup and Avanos .

Minivan with driver

We will use a luxury 15-16 seater Mercedes Sprinter van with large windows. They also have a large
trunk for the luggage.

There will also be a cooler full of bottled water for the use of the guests.

Guides

Besides the photography guide, you will also have a cultural tour guide accompanying you all the time.
We always use experienced, university educated tour guides with a vast knowledge of their subjects
and an excellent command of their foreign language.

Meals

Daily breakfast is included at the hotel.

We try to use the best restaurants available in each area for lunches and dinners. They are all a la
carte (not set or fixed menu) and the soft drinks are included as well.

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.
Seven nights' in select hotels with twin/double room accommodation. Optional single room supplement is €560.
Transportation in a private vehicle during the whole tour.
Entrance tickets to museums and archaeological sites.
All meals indicated in the program above, including soft drinks, for the duration of the tour.
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)
Hot air balloon rides (available for a supplement).
Alcoholic drinks.
Optional, but customary, tips for the horsemen and all other subjects.
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.

Tour Price

The prices for taking part in this tour are as follows:

If there are between 6 and 8 participants, the full price is €4,900.
If there are between 9 and 12 participants, the full price is €4,300.
Single room supplement is €560.

We reserve the right to confirm the tour only if the minimum number of 6 participants is reached.

Book Now

Use the form below to book your seat. A deposit of €1,000 is required to ensure your booking.

Terms and Conditions

Basis of Rates: All prices are based on a two people occupying a room. All prices are quoted in Euros. In case you are traveling alone and would like a single room, this will be possible with an additional fee and subject to availability. 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.