After breakfast we depart for the airport and fly to amazing Cappadocia. En route we will discuss PWA’s “10 Guiding Principles to Great Photography” as well as our “THE ART OF SEEING” photographic technique.

In Cappadocia we begin by visiting one of the fascinating subterranean cities complete with a ventilation system and a water well. We’ll visit a winery with rolling stone doors and focus on soft light photography in the Red Valley and the natural rock citadel of Uçhisar.

Our Cave Hotel will amaze you. It is carved into the side of a mountain, as are many of the homes, hotels and churches in Cappadocia. (B) (L)

Cappadocia is home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Göreme Valley. The lunar like landscape of this region is eerie, yet beautiful. Over thousands of years, the rain has eroded this landscape to give rise to strange rock formations known as “Fairy Chimneys”. Many of these have homes and churches carved into them. Some of the grottos are magnificently decorated with colorful frescoes depicting biblical scenes. Just imagine the amazing photographic opportunities!

In the afternoon we visit Zelve, which became one of the most important settlements and religious centers for the Christian community between the 9th and 13th centuries. (B) (L)

We depart in the early morning hours for an optional Hot Air Balloon (additional fee) ride over Cappadocia. Here we will capture the morning light and photograph the intense rock formations in the Dervent Valley. In the afternoon and evening we work on some soft light photography in the hidden monastic valley of Pasabagi. (B)

After breakfast we depart for Kayseri Airport for a domestic flight to Izmir, where we will begin our exploration of the western coast of Turkey. Upon arrival we will transfer to Kuşadasi and our hotel by the sea. Here you can rest and enjoy the features of our wonderful hotel or walk the streets and docks of the seaside village.

After breakfast we devote the entire day to sightseeing in and around the atmospheric city Selçuk. Ephesus, the largest ancient city ever uncovered, includes an amphitheater which can still hold 24,000 spectators, marble covered streets, gymnasiums, public latrines, the library of Celsus and the temple of Artemis.

Next we visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where she is believed to have spent her last few days. And finally the historic hill village of Şirince, where we will photograph the old houses and local merchants. Dinner is included. (B) (D)

On day seven we depart Kuşadasi for our return flight to Istanbul and check back into our hotel. After lunch we begin our photo walk of this magnificent and magical city, home to several UNESCO World Heritage sites. We’ll explore the Spice Bazaar where the scent of hundreds of spices permeates the air, and then embark on a cruise of the Bosphorus. Along the way we will view the Dolmabahçe Palace and the Beylerbeyi Palace, a 19th century palace on the Asian side of Istanbul. Dinner is included. (B) (D)

We begin our day before sunrise with a walk through Sultanahmet. After breakfast we view the amazing Blue Mosque whose interior walls are covered with 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. After we will visit the magnificent Topkapi Palace, once home to the great Sultans and filled with treasures and antiquities including 12,000 pieces of fine Chinese porcelain.

We then enjoy a wonderful lunch at the Konyali Restaurant, located within the gardens of Topkapi Palace with its amazing views of the Marmara Sea and the Asian Side of Istanbul. We continue to explore the Hippodrome and domed Basilica of St. Sophia, which has inspired architects and religious leaders for over 1,500 years. And finally the Grand Bazaar, built in 1457. (B)

We start with a brief review of some of your favorite photos to date. Then we explore the romance of late Ottoman Istanbul on a walking photo tour of Beyoğlu, and a visit to the sultan’s most lavish palace. We start with Galata Bridge over the Golden Horn which links Old Istanbul and Beyoğlu. Take in the view, then walk north through Karaköy (Galata) and uphill to Galata Tower. İstiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue) is the heart of Beyoğlu, the more modern district of Istanbul built during the 19th century. We’ll visit Taksim Square which is the heart of modern Istanbul.

After lunch we go downhill to Dolmabahçe Palace. With a façade almost 400 meters (1/4 mile) long, this is the mother of all Ottoman palaces, and a must-see if you’re into magnificence. The evening is yours. We suggest possibly trying the Turkish Baths. It’s a great way to end a long day. (B)

We depart Istanbul early in the morning for a day trip to the Black Sea villages of Şile & Ağva. Heading northeast of Istanbul on the Anatolian side, we will arrive in Şile, a small Black Sea fishing town situated on rocks. Known for its sandy beaches and famous Şile bezi, an open-weave cotton fabric, it is the perfect first stop. Once a port of call for ships sailing east from the Bosphorus, enjoy a stroll along the fishing harbor or relax with a tea at the hilltop cafe overlooking the Şile lighthouse.

On the way to Ağva we come across picturesque traditional Turkish villages like Kabakoz and Suaybli where time seems to have stood still. So near to Istanbul distance-wise, yet so far in their way of life. Experience the friendless and curiosity of these villagers.

Continuing along the coastal route we arrive in Ağva, deep in nature and situated between the Yesilcay and Göksu rivers that flow into the Black Sea. Upon arrival you will find peace in a leisurely boat ride down the Göksu river. Set in a landscape so green and rich, bask in the sights of Ağva. After taking in a magnificent view overlooking the sea and bluffs, we will break for lunch where you may dine on the local fish.

Next you will have a choice to truly unwind in the beauty of the Black Sea region by either relaxing along the Göksu river, or on one of Ağvas sandy beaches. Surrounded by forest and cliffs, the fresh, blue green waters of the sea are calling you. Get lost in nature. In the late afternoon we return to Istanbul and photograph to famous Maiden Tower at sunset on the Asian side of Istanbul. (B)

We begin our morning with a photography discussion and a review of work to date. Afterwards we depart for several neighborhoods in old Istanbul with a focus on photojournalism and street photography. We will visit the Basilica Cistern – the largest underground reservoir in the city, constructed in the 6th century to supply water to the Great Palace of Constantinople, Topkapi Palace and others.

In the evening we prepare for our “Farewell Dinner” at another one of our favorite restaurants of Istanbul. (B) (D)

While enjoying breakfast we conduct our final group discussion, review our past weeks photos, trade contact information and bid you farewell. You may however, book extra nights with us and extend your stay in Europe or Asia and apply all the wonderful photographic techniques you learned on this photo adventure. (B)