Turkey: Women's Expedition
Price- $2,827
12 Days | Discover the many marvels of Turkey from a unique perspective on a women-only expedition
Turkey is often cited as the ultimate convergence of east and west – traditional spice bazaars and ornately adorned mosques thrown together with bustling cosmopolitan cities. On this women-only expedition, you’ll discover both the traditional and modern wonders of Turkey through the lives of the women who live here. Meet the women changing the face of the tourism industry through food, learn the art of Turkish coffee fortune-telling and even visit a women-only Turkish hamam. You’ll meet many extraordinary local women and experience what life is like through their eyes.
Trip overview
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StartIstanbul, Turkey
EndIstanbul, Turkey
DestinationsTurkey
StyleOriginal
AgesMin 15
Group SizeMin 1 - Max 12
ThemeWomen's Expedition
Trip CodeERSF
Itinerary
Merhaba! Welcome to Turkey. This women’s only expedition kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have previously all called home.Your welcome meeting commences at 1pm at your hotel, so make sure you have all your important documents ready to give to your leader. After your welcome meeting, head out and start exploring the city of Istanbul with a leader-led orientation walk through the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Hippodrome Square. Then head to Topkapi Palace & Harem and learn about The Sultanate of Women; a period when wives and mothers of the Sultans of the Ottoman Empire exerted extraordinary political influence.
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This morning take a short walk to KEDV; a social enterprise founded in 2003 to support the economic empowerment of low-income women. KEDV’s goal was to establish a platform from which women throughout Turkey could sell their handicrafts, which would then help empower them economically. Learn about the important work they do before having a chance to peruse the homemade gift’s in the Nahıl Dükkan store.
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Transfer to airport this morning for a mid-morning flight to Kayseri, located in the Cappadocia region. From here you’ll take a one-hour drive to Goreme, the most recognisable part of Cappadocia. Goreme lies in a valley of cones, needles and columns, fashioned by nature from the soft volcanic tuff rock. It's honeycombed with caves scooped out to make churches and dwellings that are known as fairy chimneys and castles. In times of peace, the people in this region lived on the land, but in times of war or persecution they took to living underground. When you arrive in Goreme, you can stretch your legs and take an orientation walk with your local leader. Head to Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site and captivating wonderland of ancient rock-cut churches and monasteries. Marvel at the intricate frescoes that adorn these unique structures, carved into the fairy chimneys, and delve into the rich history of early Christian civilization amidst the surreal landscape.
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If you don’t mind an early start, a hot air balloon ride over the majestic Cappadocian landscape is a highly recommended experience. Please advise your local leader in advance if you want to book it, as it needs to be arranged with one of the certified operators Intrepid Travel recommends. The cost will vary depending on thetype of flight chosen, but your local leader will be able to advise you of the options.
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After breakfast watch the Turkish countryside pass you by as your drive to Konya (3hrs).
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Drive to Pamukkale (4hrs) where we step back in time and explore the wonders of Hierapolis, an ancient city nestled in Turkey's Pamukkale region. Immerse yourself in its rich history as you wander through captivating ruins, including an impressive theater and ancient Roman baths. Marvel at the otherworldly beauty of the nearby travertine terraces, where mineral-rich waters have created surreal white cascades, offering a truly enchanting and unforgettable experience.
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Drive to Selcuk (3hrs) and enjoy an orientation walk on arrival.
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Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus – one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world. Once the capital city of Roman Asia Minor, the city has a fascinating history, which really comes alive with a local guide to enhance your experience. Considering their age, the ruins are in incredible shape, and it’s not difficult to imagine them in their full glory over 2000 years ago, equipped with running water, public toilets, a medical institute, a brothel and Roman baths. The theatre is well preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but it's perhaps the magnificent library that is the most striking.
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Drive to the charming coastal town of Ayvalik (3hrs). Begin your orientation walk by strolling along the picturesque streets, admiring the colorful Ottoman houses and quaint cafes.
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This morning we'll head to Assos; a picturesque coastal town steeped in ancient history and natural beauty. Its charming streets, lined with stone houses and quaint cafes, lead to the magnificent Temple of Athena and a breathtaking hilltop acropolis, offering stunning views of the azure sea below.
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After breakfast we'll begin our journey back to Istanbul (5hrs with stops).
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With no activities planned for today, your epic Turkish adventure comes to an end after breakfast. However, if you wish to spend a few more days checking out the sights of Istanbul, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
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Meals 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 1 dinnerTransport
Transport Private Vehicle, Boat, PlaneAccommodation
Accommodation Guesthouse (5 nights), Hotel (6 nights)
Activities
- Istanbul - Grand Bazaar
- Istanbul - Historic Peninsula orientation walk
- Istanbul - Topkapi Palace & Harem Guided Tour
- Istanbul - Spice Market
- Istanbul - Visit to Nahil Dukkan by KEDV Foundation
- Istanbul - Bosphorus Cruise
- Istanbul - 5 o'clock Tea & coffee in a local home
- Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
- Goreme - Cooking Class with Nuray
- Goreme - Orientation Walk
- Cappadocia - Soft Hike in Soganli Valley
- Cappadocia - Doll making with local woman
- Konya - Felt Making Atelier & artist visit
- Pamukkale - Lead Pouring by women
- Pamukkale - Hierapolis Ancient City & Travertines (Cotton Castle)
- Selcuk - Selcuk Manti Cooking Class
- Selcuk - Sultankoy Carpet Cooperation
- Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
- Selcuk - Ephesus Ancient City
- Selcuk - Hatice Lunch
- Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
- Adatepe - Ayvalik Copmadam (trashyteyze / Tara Hopkins)
- Adatepe - Orientation Walk in Ayvalık
- Adatepe - Village Tour & Alter of Zeus
- Assos - Temple of Athena
- Adatepe - Gozleme Demonstration and lunch
- Assos - Leader-led walking tour
- Istanbul - Turkish Hamam
Add On Activities
- Istanbul - Water Marbling (Ebru) Art - EUR40
- Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City - TRY250
- Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Regular Flight - EUR270
- Goreme - Hot Air Balloon, Cappadocia Deluxe Flight - EUR320
- Goreme - Whirling dervish performance - EUR30
- Konya - Visit to Mousaleum of Rumi - Free
- Pamukkale - Cleopatra Ancient Pool - TRY400
- Selcuk - House of Virgin Mary - TRY150
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