7-Day Dark Skies & Ancient Cities: A Stargazing and Photography Journey

After breakfast, explore selected cultural sites and scenic viewpoints in Cappadocia. Visit Göreme Open-Air Museum and enjoy a short valley walk chosen according to conditions and the group’s mobility. There is free time for lunch, followed by a relaxed afternoon at the hotel. Before sunset, meet your astronomy guide and photography instructor for an equipment briefing. Learn how to set up a tripod, focus in low light and choose starting settings for night photography. After dinner, travel to a suitable observation location. Your guide introduces the objects visible that evening, with telescope viewing and time to practise photographing the sky.

Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Enjoy breakfast before travelling to the Aladağlar foothills. Arrive at your accommodation in the Çamardı area and take a break for lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle landscape walk with photo stops. This is a foothill experience rather than a high-altitude trekking day. After an early dinner, head to an accessible observation point selected for the evening’s conditions. The astronomy session builds on yesterday’s introduction. The photography instructor helps you refine your focus, exposure and composition, combining the sky with the surrounding landscape where possible.
Overnight: Çamardı / Aladağlar foothills
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

After breakfast, explore a suitable village or countryside route with your guide. Take time for landscape photography and learn about life in the mountain foothills. Return for lunch at your leisure, followed by a rest period. In the afternoon, review a selection of your photographs with the instructor. Discuss common challenges such as blurred stars, uneven exposure and unwanted light. After dinner, enjoy another guided astronomy and photography session, weather permitting. Those who prefer can focus on telescope observation rather than photography.

Overnight: Çamardı / Aladağlar foothills
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Following breakfast, depart for Antalya, travelling via Konya. Stop in Konya for lunch at your leisure and a visit to the Mevlana Museum, subject to opening arrangements. This provides a cultural break during the journey. Continue to Antalya with comfort stops along the way. Today is the longest driving day, so no evening astronomy session is scheduled. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a restful evening.
Overnight: Antalya
Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, visit the ancient city of Perge. Explore the designated visitor areas with your guide, taking time to observe and photograph the archaeological remains. Return towards Antalya for lunch at your leisure, then enjoy a guided walk through Kaleiçi. Its streets, historic buildings and harbour views provide a different setting for daytime photography. Later, gather for a final photo review. Select a few favourite images and discuss the techniques you would like to continue practising at home. Share a farewell dinner in the evening.

Overnight: Antalya
Meals: Breakfast and dinner

Enjoy breakfast before checking out. Transfer to Antalya Airport according to your flight schedule, taking home photographs and a new familiarity with the night sky.

Meals: Breakfast