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Cappadocia Photography Tour

September 18, 2026 - September 21, 2026

Cappadocia Photography Tour

From hot air balloons at sunrise to fairy chimneys in a lunar landscape — a photography dream.
Regular reservation until May 22nd starts from 1390 EUR per person
Book now▾
September 18, 2026 - September 21, 2026
Home / Photo Trips / Cappadocia Photography Tour

From hot air balloons dancing across the sky at sunrise to the towering fairy chimneys that resemble a moonscape — Cappadocia is a photographer's dream. On this photo trip, you explore a UNESCO World Heritage site unlike anywhere else on earth.

You photograph the iconic balloon flights at dawn, discover the valleys of Pasabag and Love Valley, encounter semi-wild Yılkı horses and explore Byzantine cave churches with centuries-old frescoes. In the evenings, astrophotography workshops under clear skies.

Your coach has known Cappadocia for over 6 years and takes you to the best perspectives off the beaten track. Small group, intensive coaching, unforgettable images.

This trip will be led by: Zer Erdogan who speaks Deutsch, English

Location

Where do we go?

Nestled in the heart of Turkey's Central Anatolia region, Cappadocia stands as one of the world's most surreal and photographically compelling destinations. This UNESCO World Heritage landscape was sculpted over millions of years by volcanic eruptions and erosion, creating a dreamlike terrain of towering "fairy chimneys," hidden valleys, and cave-carved civilizations that have captivated travelers for centuries. The region's unique geological formations, combined with its rich Byzantine heritage of rock-cut churches and underground cities, offer photographers an unparalleled blend of natural wonder and cultural depth.

Our carefully crafted two-day photography adventure is designed to showcase Cappadocia's most iconic experiences while providing exceptional opportunities for both amateur and professional photographers. From the ethereal beauty of sunrise balloon flights drifting silently above ancient valleys to intimate encounters with semi-wild horses galloping across volcanic terrain, every moment has been curated to maximize your creative potential. The journey seamlessly weaves together geological marvels, historical treasures, and living cultural traditions—from witnessing traditional pottery-making techniques to exploring millennia-old frescoed churches carved directly into cliff faces.

What sets this experience apart is our focus on optimal lighting conditions and exclusive access to the region's most photogenic locations. Each day features carefully timed golden hour sessions, sunset shoots at breathtaking panoramic viewpoints, and specialized astrophotography workshops that transform the iconic fairy chimneys into dramatic foregrounds against star-filled skies. Whether you're capturing the morning ballet of dozens of hot air balloons ascending into dawn light or documenting the ancient craftsmanship still practiced in traditional workshops, this adventure promises to fill your camera with once-in-a-lifetime images while creating lasting memories of one of Earth's most extraordinary landscapes.

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Trip highlights

What you can expect from this trip

  • Arrive at the hotel, welcome presentation and light dinner.
  • Hot Air Balloon Experience , Float with the sunrise, explore ancient valleys, capture golden hour magic
  • Chase dawn balloons, explore ancient churches, capture wild horses, and toast to unforgettable memories
  • Transportation to the airport for Istanbul or back home.
See full itinerary here

Day 1

Arrive at the hotel, welcome presentation and light dinner.

Arrive at Nevsehir Airport to be greeted by our transport & taken to hotel. Check-in, attend the welcome presentation with overview of the trip and tips about shooting in Cappadocia specifics. Light dinner followed by an early sleep.

Day 2

Hot Air Balloon Experience , Float with the sunrise, explore ancient valleys, capture golden hour magic

Pre-Dawn Magic: Hot Air Balloon Experience 🎈 Wake up before the world does for an unforgettable sunrise balloon adventure! Our balloon partners will collect you in the pre-dawn darkness, where you'll witness the fascinating ritual of balloon preparation. Watch skilled crews transform fabric and flame into your floating vessel as the eastern horizon begins to blush with morning light.

As you ascend 300 meters above Cappadocia's dreamlike landscape, you'll drift silently through a living postcard. For 90 magical minutes, ancient volcanic spires and hidden valleys unfold beneath you like a fairy tale come to life. Each flight follows the wind's whims, ensuring your journey is as unique as the formations below. Touch down to a traditional champagne celebration before returning to your hotel for a well-deserved breakfast.

Morning Reunion & Valley Explorations 🏔️ After the full group reunites over breakfast, we'll venture into Cappadocia's most photogenic valleys. Our first stop: Pasabag Valley, home to the region's most spectacular fairy chimneys. These towering rock sculptures, some crowned with twin or triple caps, create an otherworldly gallery perfect for both wide landscapes and intimate details.

We'll pause at a traditional carpet workshop where artisans demonstrate ancient weaving techniques against vibrant textile backdrops—a photographer's paradise of color and culture.

The Aptly Named "Love Valley" 💕 Our afternoon adventure takes us to the mysteriously named Love Valley for a 2-hour exploration. The unique geological formations here tell their own story (you'll understand the name immediately!), while hidden caves and winding paths offer endless photographic opportunities.

Golden Hour Finale 🌅 As the day reaches its crescendo, we'll visit the historic villages of Guvercinlik, Hisar, and Avcilar before positioning ourselves at one of Goreme's most coveted panoramic viewpoints. Here, you'll capture the legendary Cappadocian sunset as golden light transforms the entire valley into a photographer's dream.

Starlit Conclusion ✨ After a traditional dinner featuring local specialties, weather permitting, we'll conduct an astrophotography workshop. Using the iconic fairy chimneys as foreground elements, you'll learn to capture the brilliant night sky above this UNESCO World Heritage landscape—creating images that blend earthly wonder with celestial beauty.

Day 3

Chase dawn balloons, explore ancient churches, capture wild horses, and toast to unforgettable memories

Dawn's Second Act: Balloon Chase 🌅 Rise with the sun once more to witness Cappadocia's daily miracle from the ground. Position yourself strategically to photograph the silent ballet of dozens of hot air balloons ascending into the morning sky—a photographer's dream sequence that transforms the valley into a living canvas of floating color and light.

Village Exploration & Ancient Crafts 🏛️ After a refreshing breakfast and brief rest, we'll embark on a captivating hike through the historic village of Çavuşin in Goreme Valley. This cliff-side wonderland reveals layer upon layer of carved rock houses, each telling stories of civilizations past. Navigate narrow passages and discover hidden chambers where families once lived, worked, and thrived within the very rock itself.

Our cultural immersion continues with a visit to witness the ancient art of pottery making. Watch skilled artisans transform humble clay into beautiful vessels using techniques passed down through generations—perfect for capturing the intersection of human creativity and timeless tradition.

Goreme Open Air Museum: Where History Lives ⛪ After lunch, we'll explore the crown jewel of Cappadocia: the UNESCO World Heritage Goreme Open Air Museum. This remarkable complex of rock-cut churches and monasteries offers an extraordinary blend of geological wonder and spiritual history.

Wander through Byzantine churches adorned with vivid frescoes, duck through doorways carved directly into cliff faces, and stand on ancient balconies overlooking the vast expanse of fairy chimneys. Every corner presents new photographic opportunities—from intimate architectural details to sweeping valley panoramas.

Wild Horse Encounter 🐎 Our afternoon adventure takes us to Kayseri to photograph the legendary "Yilki" horses. These magnificent semi-wild creatures roam freely across the Cappadocian landscape, their flowing manes and powerful forms creating dynamic subjects against the dramatic terrain. Capture these noble animals in their natural habitat as they gallop across ancient volcanic ground—a truly unique wildlife photography experience.

Red Valley Sunset Spectacular 🌄 As our journey nears its end, we'll make one final pilgrimage to Red Valley for what many consider Cappadocia's most breathtaking sunset. The valley's iron-rich rocks glow like molten copper as the sun dips toward the horizon, creating an otherworldly scene that perfectly encapsulates the magic of this extraordinary landscape.

Farewell Feast with a View 🍽️ Our Cappadocian adventure concludes with a celebration dinner at a stunning restaurant perched to showcase the valley's beauty. As stars begin to twinkle above the fairy chimneys, we'll toast to the incredible memories created, the friendships forged, and the thousands of photographs that will forever preserve this magical journey through one of Earth's most extraordinary landscapes.

Day 4

Transportation to the airport for Istanbul or back home.

Transportation to the airport for the Istanbul flight. Continue on to our Istanbul trip or head back home 🙂

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Accommodation

Where do we stay?

We will be accommodated at one of the highest rated hotels in Goreme : Aydinli Cave Hotel.

Situated on a hillside, this traditional cave hotel offers stunning views over Göreme from its lovely rooftop terrace and features unique cave rooms with free wireless internet and personalised service.

Aydinli Cave Hotel is a small, family-run hotel located in the heart of old Göreme. The beautiful cave rooms are simply decorated to make the most of their natural features.

Rooms offer a seating area with a cosy fireplace. After a day of hiking or sightseeing, enjoy a long bath in the spacious and modern bathroom.

With its panoramic views of Göreme, the lovely rooftop terrace offers an ideal place to enjoy breakfast. Savor a traditional Turkish buffet breakfast before exploring Cappadocia.

Included

  • Fully loaded program of photography practice
  • One or two dedicated experienced instructors
  • Transfers from/to NAV airport for flight
  • 3 nights at the selected hotel
  • All breakfasts
  • Local Transportation (travel by mini-van) for the duration of the workshop between shooting locations in the workshop area.
  • Snacks / Water during the day
  • Horse photography
  • Entrance fees to open air and other museums in case we add these attractions to our programme.

Not included

  • Flights to and from Cappadocia (See below for recommended flights)
  • If you decide to come earlier and / or leave later, we can arrange you extra nights at preferential rates from the same hotel
  • Lunch and dinners
  • Personal expenses like souvenirs, bar beverages, laundry, insurance (travel, medical, cancellation, all of which are recommended)
  • Hot Air Balloon tour is optional

Recommended Flights:

Arrival at Cappadocia:

Closest airport is Nevsehir airport (NAV), which is 45km / 40m to our hotel at Cappadocia. Kayseri airport (ASR) is also an option (75km / 1h15m).

Transfer from NAV airport to the hotel included for the THY flight arriving on the evening of the first day (around 20:30). If you come at a different day or time, please assume a transfer cost of CHF 25.

Also possible to arrive at Kayseri Airport (ASR) on the same day (sometimes there are very cheap flights). In this case, please assume an extra transfer cost of CHF 35.

Departure from Cappadocia:

The program will be finished on Sunday evening. Transfer to NAV airport included to board the 10:30am flight to Istanbul.

Same transfer costs apply for other times / dates from NAV or transfer to ASR.

Previous trips

What happened last time

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Your instructor

Zer Erdogan

Zer Erdogan

Zer Erdogan

Language: Deutsch, English

Zer Erdoğan was born in Elbistan, Kahramanmaraş. Her educational journey began in a village primary school, continued through secondary school and high school in Bremen, Germany, and concluded at university in Istanbul.

She started taking photos during her university years.

For her, it wasn’t about mastering the technical aspects of photography; it was more about being able to see and capture the moment.

She especially enjoys photographing people on the street—their posture, their expressions. Because even as someone simply walks, they carry with them their sadness, hope, longing, regret, and, if they have it, their love. Whenever she sees a stance or an expression that tells her something, it becomes a photograph for her. She feels like it becomes part of her—it becomes her energy.

She believes a photo should also communicate what she sees. That’s why she reads a lot about photography.

Zer has been doing professional street photography for many years. She is also the founder of @mystreetbnw and @mystreetwomen accounts and curates in many hubs. Moreover she is a jury member in many photography competitions.

For her, photography is a passion. That’s also why she usually carries her camera with her.

See instructor profile

Frequently Asked Questions