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September 6-17, 2025: $2,633
September 20 - October 1, 2025: $2,756
October 4-15, 2025: $3,040
October 18-29, 2025: $2,768
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April 11-22, 2026: $3,660
April 25 - May 6, 2026: $3,580
May 9-20, 2026: $3,580
May 23 - June 3, 2026: $3,580
May 30 - June 10, 2026: $3,580
June 13-24, 2026: $3,580
July 4-15, 2026: $3,580
September 5-16, 2026: $3,720
September 19-20, 2026: $3,720
October 3-14, 2026: $3,720
October 17-28, 2026: $3,580
October 31 - November 11, 2026: $3,580
Discover the Wonders of Turkey on a Women-Only Expedition
Turkey is often celebrated as the meeting point of east and west—where spice bazaars and intricately adorned mosques blend seamlessly with cosmopolitan cities and modern life. On this women-only journey, you’ll uncover both the traditional and contemporary sides of Turkey, guided by the inspiring women who call this country home.
From exploring the ancient art of Turkish coffee fortune-telling to visiting a women’s-only hammam, from sharing meals in family kitchens to supporting female-owned businesses, this unique expedition is about experiencing Turkey through the eyes, stories, and traditions of its women.
Trip Details:
Start: Istanbul, Turkey
End: Istanbul, Turkey
Destinations: Turkey
Meals: 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
Transport: Private Vehicle, Plane
Accommodation: Guesthouse (5 nights), Hotel (6 nights)
Days: 12
Group size: Min 1 - Max 12
Ages: Min 15
Theme: Women's Expeditions
Style: Original
Why You’ll Love This Trip
Experience Turkey through the perspectives of local women—balancing deep-rooted traditions with modern change.
Share homemade borek with a mother and daughter in their Istanbul home, then learn the art of coffee fortune-telling, a skill passed down for generations in Anatolia.
Join a local woman in Avanos for a traditional home-cooked meal, supporting her family after relocating from Hatay (a UNESCO City of Gastronomy) following the 2023 earthquakes.
Hike through the Soganli Valley and later learn how local women create kitre dolls, a Cappadocian handicraft that has sustained families for years.
Stay in a female-owned and operated hotel in Istanbul, and visit a social enterprise supporting women’s economic empowerment through handicrafts.
Itinerary
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Merhaba! Your women’s-only adventure begins in Istanbul – a city that bridges two continents and has been shaped by the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans.
At 1:00 pm, join your group for a welcome meeting at the hotel, where your leader will collect insurance and emergency contact details. From there, take a short walk to KEDV, a social enterprise that empowers low-income women through sustainable initiatives. You’ll learn about their important work before browsing the handmade crafts at their Nahil Dukkan store.
Next, head to the Old Town for a leader-led orientation walk through Hippodrome Square, once the centre of Byzantine public life, and continue on to the Grand Bazaar – a maze of lively alleys brimming with vibrant textiles, ceramics, spices, and jewellery.
In the evening, you might like to share dinner with your fellow travellers – a great chance to get to know one another before your journey truly begins.
Accommodation
(1 night)
Meals
There are no meals included on this day.
Included activities
Istanbul - Grand Bazaar
Istanbul - Historic Peninsula orientation walk
Istanbul - Visit to Nahil Dukkan by KEDV Foundation
Optional activities
Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
Special information
It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting. If you expect to arrive late, please inform your travel agent or hotel reception. Details of the meeting time and place will be left at reception or posted in the hotel lobby.
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This morning, step inside the Topkapi Palace & Harem, where you’ll uncover stories from the Sultanate of Women – a fascinating era when the wives and mothers of Ottoman sultans held remarkable political power and influence.
Next, enjoy a truly local experience as you’re welcomed into the home of a mother and daughter who will share their homemade borek with you. Over a cup of rich Turkish coffee, you’ll discover the traditionally female art of coffee-ground fortune-telling, an Anatolian practice passed down through generations.
In the afternoon, wander through the fragrant lanes of the Spice Bazaar (Egyptian Market) and meet a local merchant who will introduce you to Turkey’s finest spice blends. To round out the day, indulge your sweet tooth with a visit to a Turkish Delight maker before enjoying a free evening to relax or continue exploring at your own pace.
Accommodation
(1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Istanbul - Spice Market
Istanbul - 5 o'clock Tea & coffee in a local home
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace & Harem Guided Tour
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A mid-morning flight takes you to Kayseri, followed by a drive to Goreme, the heart of Cappadocia. Surrounded by striking valleys of natural rock formations – cones, spires, and pillars known as fairy chimneys – the town is also home to an underground history where locals once sought refuge during times of war and persecution.
Upon arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk and a visit to the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site filled with ancient rock-cut churches and monasteries decorated with vivid frescoes.
In the evening, travel to the small town of Avanos for a meaningful home-cooked dinner. You’ll be welcomed by Oznur and her family, who relocated here after losing their home in the devastating 2023 Hatay earthquakes. Hatay, a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy, is famous for its culinary traditions blending diverse cultures. Tonight, Oznur will share her family’s heritage through a meal rich in flavor and history.
Meals
Breakfast
Dinner
Included activities
Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
Goreme - Orientation Walk
Goreme - Home-cooked meal
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
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Start the day with the option to soar above Cappadocia on a hot air balloon ride, an unforgettable way to take in the surreal landscape of fairy chimneys and valleys from above. Once back on the ground, continue your exploration with visits to Pigeon Valley and Soganli Valley. Enjoy a gentle 3 km hike through dramatic rock formations, arid landscapes, and sweeping vistas.
Later, meet local women who craft ‘kitre’ rag dolls – a beloved Cappadocian souvenir made with Anatolian-patterned fabrics. This traditional handicraft provides an important source of income for the women in the region.
The rest of the day is free for you to wander at your own pace. In the evening, consider sampling testi kebab, a regional specialty slow-cooked in a sealed claypot. Your leader will happily recommend the best spot for this delicious dish.
Accommodation
(1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Cappadocia - Soft Hike in Soganli Valley
Cappadocia - Doll making with local woman
Optional activities
Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City - EUR13
Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR200
Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR230
Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR30
Special information
Hiking distance is approximately 3 km.
Hot air balloon rides can only be booked directly with your trip leader. Prices are indicative and may vary by season. Departure times depend on local regulations and provider discretion.
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Journey through the Turkish countryside en route to Konya, a city known for its spiritual heritage and traditional arts. Upon arrival, visit a felt-making atelier where you’ll meet one of the remaining artisans working to keep this endangered craft alive. Learn about the history and cultural significance of felt in Turkey, as well as the challenges faced by artists striving to pass the tradition to future generations.
The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your own pace. You might choose to visit the Mausoleum of Rumi, a place of great reverence for followers of Sufism, or stroll through the Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden for a colorful and tranquil experience.
Accommodation
Hotel (1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Konya - Felt Making Atelier & artist visit
Optional activities
Konya - Visit to Mousaleum of Rumi - Free
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
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Travel onward to Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its surreal natural beauty and fascinating history. Step back in time as you explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, wandering through remarkable ruins that include an impressive Roman theatre and baths.
Continue to the area’s most iconic feature – the dazzling travertine terraces, where fresh calcium carbonate deposits create a striking white landscape that cascades down the hillside. The name Pamukkale translates to “cotton castle,” inspired by this extraordinary natural wonder. Capture photos of the bright blue waters contrasting with the white formations, then enjoy free time in the afternoon to wander or relax at your own pace.
Accommodation
(1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included Activities
Pamukkale – Hierapolis Ancient City & Travertines (Cotton Castle)
Optional Activities
Pamukkale – Cleopatra Ancient Pool – TRY 340
Special Information
Travel time is approximately 5.5 hours.
The Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism has announced that the Cleopatra Pool is closed for renovations, with no confirmed reopening date.
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Journey to Selçuk, making a stop at Sultanköy, a local social enterprise dedicated to preserving the ancient art of carpet weaving. Dating back to the early Neolithic age, this tradition holds a remarkable place in Turkey’s history. Here, you’ll watch a weaving demonstration and learn how the project provides employment opportunities for local women while keeping the craft alive.
For lunch, sit down at a restaurant run by Hatice, a local woman whose inspiring story began after her husband’s business failed. Once a housewife for 18 years, she started out cooking gözleme on the roadside and has since become a celebrated chef, now providing opportunities for other women in her community. In the afternoon, join your leader for an orientation walk to get acquainted with the town of Selçuk.
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Selcuk - Sultankoy Carpet Cooperation
Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
Selcuk - Hatice Lunch
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
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Step back in time as you explore the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the most remarkable and best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Over 2,000 years old, the site once featured running water, public baths, medical facilities, and even a brothel. Walk through its impressive theatre, still used for performances today, and marvel at the striking façade of the Library of Celsus.
Continue on a scenic drive past apple and peach orchards to the hillside village of Şirince, known for its authentic Greek-Ottoman charm and unique local architecture. Here, visit a traditional wine house and enjoy a tasting of locally made fruit wines, including kiwi, pear, peach, and quince varieties.
Later in the afternoon, discover the art of preparing Manti, a traditional Turkish dumpling. Guided by local women in a family-run restaurant, learn how to knead the dough, fold the dumplings with precision, and uncover the culinary traditions that make this dish so beloved.
Accommodation
(1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Selcuk - Ephesus Ancient City
Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
Sirince - Manti Cooking Class
Optional activities
Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) - EUR22
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Journey to the picturesque coastal town of Ayvalık, where cobblestone streets and colorful Ottoman-era houses create a warm and inviting atmosphere. On arrival, join your leader for an orientation walk, exploring vibrant streets lined with charming cafés and historic stone homes.
Visit Çöp(madam) – known as the “Garbage Lady” project – a social enterprise that transforms waste materials into creative, reusable handbags. This initiative not only promotes environmental awareness but also provides sustainable income for local women. Today, it supports around 150 employees across provinces such as Balıkesir, Istanbul, and Diyarbakır.
The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace. With your accommodation located in nearby Cunda, everything is within easy reach. Perhaps wander the narrow lanes, admire the old stone houses, and soak in the laid-back coastal charm of this historic district.
Accommodation
(1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Ayvalik - Copmadam (trashyteyze / Tara Hopkins)
Ayvalik - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
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Travel onward to Assos, a coastal gem rich in history and natural beauty. Wander its atmospheric streets lined with stone houses and cafés, and make your way up to the Temple of Athena and the hilltop acropolis, where sweeping views of the Aegean Sea await.
Stop at a local restaurant for a gozleme demonstration, watching as women skillfully prepare this beloved Turkish dish. The thin, hand-rolled dough is filled with cheese, spinach, minced meat, or potatoes, then folded and cooked on a griddle until perfectly golden and crisp. Enjoy a fresh serving of gozleme for lunch.
In the afternoon, continue to Adatepe, a picturesque Greek-Turkish village at the base of the Ida Mountains. Explore cobbled lanes shaded by traditional stone houses and lush gardens, then visit the Altar of Zeus archaeological site on Mount Ida, believed in mythology to be where Zeus watched the Trojan War. From here, panoramic views stretch across the landscape before returning to Ayvalık for the night.
Accommodation
(1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Lunch
Included activities
Assos - Temple of Athena
Assos - Leader-led walking tour
Adatepe - Village Tour & Alter of Zeus
Assos - Gozleme Demonstration and lunch
Special information
Approximate travel time: 3.5 hours.
Please note: The Altar of Zeus remains closed for the 2025 season, with no official reopening date yet. Your leader will provide updates on site. -
After breakfast, you'll begin your journey back to Istanbul. On arrival, step into a women’s-only hammam designed in 1584 by the legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Originally reserved for men, hammams gradually became an important social and cultural ritual for women as well. For centuries, they served not only as a cleansing practice but also as a retreat from daily isolation, a gathering place for music and conversation, and even an opportunity for matchmaking.
Today, the hammam remains a cherished tradition—a rejuvenating experience of warm baths, relaxation, and community. Afterward, enjoy some free time to explore Istanbul at your own pace or perhaps share a final dinner with your group to celebrate the journey.
Accommodation
(1 night)
Meals
Breakfast
Included activities
Istanbul - Turkish Hamam
Special information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
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With no activities scheduled, your journey concludes after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay and continue exploring the many sights of Istanbul, speak with your booking agent who can help arrange additional accommodation.
Meals
Breakfast
Inclusions and activities
Meals: 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 1 dinner
Transport: Private Vehicle, Plane
Accommodation: Guesthouse (5 nights), Hotel (6 nights)
Included activities
Istanbul - Grand Bazaar
Istanbul - Historic Peninsula orientation walk
Istanbul - Visit to Nahil Dukkan by KEDV Foundation
Istanbul - Spice Market
Istanbul - 5 o'clock Tea & coffee in a local home
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace & Harem Guided Tour
Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
Goreme - Orientation Walk
Goreme - Home-cooked meal
Cappadocia - Soft Hike in Soganli Valley
Cappadocia - Doll making with local woman
Konya - Felt Making Atelier & artist visit
Pamukkale - Hierapolis Ancient City & Travertines (Cotton Castle)
Selcuk - Sultankoy Carpet Cooperation
Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
Selcuk - Hatice Lunch
Selcuk - Ephesus Ancient City
Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
Sirince - Manti Cooking Class
Ayvalik - Copmadam (trashyteyze / Tara Hopkins)
Ayvalik - Leader-led Orientation Walk
Assos - Temple of Athena
Assos - Leader-led walking tour
Adatepe - Village Tour & Alter of Zeus
Assos - Gozleme Demonstration and lunch
Istanbul - Turkish Hamam
Optional activities
Istanbul - Hagia Sophia - EUR25
Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City - EUR13
Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR200
Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR230
Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR30
Konya - Visit to Mousaleum of Rumi - Free
Pamukkale - Cleopatra Ancient Pool - TRY340
Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) - EUR22
Is this trip right for you?
Turkey can be quite hot from May to October, and some of the more traditional hotels may not have air-conditioning. Evenings are usually very pleasant, and an open window with a breeze is often enough to stay comfortable.
Important notes
Single Supplement – A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please note that the supplement excludes Days 1, 2 & 11 and is subject to availability. Speak to your booking agent for further details.
Internal Flight – This trip includes one internal flight. Checked luggage is restricted to 15kg per person, plus 8kg for hand luggage. You may store a small piece of luggage at the starting and ending guesthouse in Istanbul.
Trip Start Time – This trip begins with a Welcome Meeting at 1:00 PM on Day 1. Please ensure you arrive in time to attend this important introduction.