Turkey: Women's Expedition

Intrepid Travel · 12 days

4.7

3 Reviews

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Duration

12 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

Highlights

Discover both the traditional and modern wonders of Turkey through the lives of local women.
Meet a local mother and daughter in their home in Istanbul to try their homemade borek. Sip on Turkish coffee and learn about the traditionally female art of fortune-telling, which was passed down between generations in Anatolian culture.
Enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal in the small town of Avanos with a local woman who’s working to provide for her family, after they had to move from Hatay (a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy) after the 2023 earthquakes.
Wander through the Soganli Valley on a gentle hiking trip, taking in the arid surrounds and towering vistas, then learn how to make a popular Cappadocian souvenir, a ‘kitre.’ Local women have been making these dolls for many years now to earn a living.
Stay in a female owned and operated hotel in Istanbul, and visit a social enterprise which supports the economic empowerment of low-income women through handicrafts.

Trip Details

Duration

12 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle,Plane

Tour Type

Small Group

Guide Language

English

Starts

Istanbul, Turkey

Finishes

Istanbul, Turkey

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Women Only

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul

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 all previously called home. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 1 pm at your hotel. After, take a short walk to KEDV – a social enterprise that supports the economic empowerment of low-income women. Learn about the important work they do here before perusing the handicrafts in the Nahil Dukkan store. Then, head to the Old Town on a leader-led orientation walk through the Hippodrome Square and explore the Grand Bazaar – a labyrinth of bustling alleys and stalls filled with colourful textiles, ceramics, spices and jewellery. Later, maybe grab dinner as a group and get to know each other better.

Included Activities:

Istanbul - Grand Bazaar
Istanbul - Historic Peninsula orientation walk
Istanbul - Visit to Nahil Dukkan by KEDV Foundation

Optional Activities:

Istanbul - Hagia Sophia (25 EUR)

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 2: Istanbul

Today, 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. You’ll then meet a local mother and daughter in their home, where you can sample some homemade borek and Turkish coffee. Learn about the traditionally female art of fortune-telling from coffee grounds, which is passed down between generations in Anatolian culture. This afternoon, explore the Spice Bazaar (also known as the Egyptian Market) and meet a local spice merchant to learn about Turkey’s best blends. Satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to a traditional Turkish Delight merchant, then finish the day with a free evening.

Included Activities:

Istanbul - Spice Market
Istanbul - 5 o'clock Tea & coffee in a local home
Istanbul - Topkapi Palace & Harem Guided Tour

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Cappadocia

Take a mid-morning flight to Kayseri in the Cappadocia region today. Then, drive to Goreme – sitting in a valley of cones, needles and columns carved by nature, the city is honeycombed with caves, churches and dwellings known as fairy chimneys. 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, head out for a walk with your leader and visit the Goreme Open Air Museum – a UNESCO World Heritage site of ancient rock-cut churches and monasteries. For dinner tonight, head to the small town of Avanos for a home-cooked meal with impact. Oznur, her husband and three children moved from the city of Hatay after the major earthquakes of February 2023, where they lost their home and relatives. Hatay is a UNESCO World City of Gastronomy, where several cultures have lived together peacefully for centuries and is known for its rich, delicious cuisine – tonight, Oznur will bring these culinary secrets to life.

Included Activities:

Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
Goreme - Orientation Walk
Goreme - Home-cooked meal

Day 4: Cappadocia

If you don’t mind an early start, you’ll want to take a hot air balloon ride over the otherworldly Cappadocian landscape this morning. When your feet are firmly back on the ground, you’ll head off to explore the region, visiting Pigeon Valley and Soganli Valley on an easy hike, taking in the arid surrounds and towering vistas. Then, learn how to make the popular Cappadocian souvenir ‘kitre’ – the local women make these rag dolls using Anatolian patterned fabrics and it’s their main source of income. The rest of the day is free for you to explore at your own pace. For dinner, you might want to try the local regional specialty testi kebab – your leader will recommend the best place for this delicious claypot dish.

Included Activities:

Cappadocia - Soft Hike in Soganli Valley
Cappadocia - Doll making with local woman

Optional Activities:

Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City (13 EUR)
Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight (200 EUR)
Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight (230 EUR)
Goreme - Whirling dervish performance (30 EUR)

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Konya

After breakfast, watch the Turkish countryside pass you by as you drive to Konya. When you arrive, you’ll learn how traditional Turkish arts are at high risk of dying out and like so many traditions, there's a lack of new felt makers to keep the art alive. Meet one of the artists and learn about the background of felt making. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore at your leisure. Perhaps visit the Mausoleum of Rumi or head to the Konya Tropical Butterfly Garden.

Included Activities:

Konya - Felt Making Atelier & artist visit

Optional Activities:

Konya - Visit to Mousaleum of Rumi - Free

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Pamukkale

Drive to Pamukkale today – a UNESCO World Heritage site where you’ll step back in time and explore the ancient city of Hierapolis. When you arrive, learn about the rich history as you wander through the ruins, which include an impressive theatre and ancient Roman baths. Then, explore the iconic travertine terraces – the fresh calcium carbonate deposits here give these formations a surreal white coating. The Turkish name Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’, which is derived from this striking landscape. Get a photo of these amazing cascades and bright blue waters, then the rest of the afternoon is free to chill out or wander at your own pace.

Included Activities:

Pamukkale - Hierapolis Ancient City & Travertines (Cotton Castle)

Optional Activities:

Pamukkale - Cleopatra Ancient Pool (340 TRY)

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Selcuk

You’ll drive to Selcuk today and visit a local social enterprise along the way – Sultankoy – for a carpet weaving demonstration. Learn about the art of traditional carpet weaving, which holds an incredible history in Turkey, dating back to the early Neolithic age. Sultankoy provides local women with employment while protecting and developing the ancient tradition. For lunch, head to a restaurant run by a local woman and enjoy some local traditional dishes. Hatice started her journey when her husband’s business went bankrupt. Until that time, she had been a housewife for 18 years and had never worked outside home. She first started cooking Gozleme on the roadside where her own restaurant is located today and is now a well-known local chef providing opportunities to other local women in the region. Later, enjoy an orientation walk around the town with your leader.

Included Activities:

Selcuk - Sultankoy Carpet Cooperation
Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
Selcuk - Hatice Lunch

Day 8: Ephesus - Sirince - Selcuk

Visit the ruins of the ancient city of Ephesus – one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world. Considering their age, the ruins are in incredible shape, and it’s not difficult to imagine them in their full glory from 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 the library that is perhaps the most striking. After, drive past apple and peach orchards to the village of Sirince and taste some locally produced fruit wines. Drop by a local wine house where you’ll get to try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach and quince. This authentic Greek Ottoman village seems to have been overlooked by modern development and the unique local architecture within in the hills make for a gorgeous photo. This afternoon you’ll learn the art of making Manti (a traditional Turkish dumpling) from women in a local restaurant. Delve into the secrets of creating the delicate dough and learn the intricate folding techniques that make Manti a culinary masterpiece.

Included Activities:

Selcuk - Ephesus Ancient City
Sirince - Village visit and fruit wine tasting
Sirince - Manti Cooking Class

Optional Activities:

Selcuk - Meryemana (Mary's House) (22 EUR)

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Ayvalik

Drive to the charming coastal town of Ayvalik today. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk along the streets, admiring the colourful Ottoman houses and cute cafes. Visit the Cop Madam (garbage lady) project, which transforms waste material into creative, reproducible handbags and learn about the women's work here. While creating environmental awareness, each bag creates a sustainable income for the local women and currently has 150 employees in various provinces such as Balikesir, Istanbul and Diyarbakir. The rest of the afternoon is free and your accommodation in the district of Cunda is within easy walking distance of all the local attractions. Maybe take a self paced walk through the cobblestoned streets past the old stone houses and explore.

Included Activities:

Ayvalik - Copmadam (trashyteyze / Tara Hopkins)
Ayvalik - Leader-led Orientation Walk

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Ayvalik

This morning you'll head to Assos – a coastal town steeped in ancient history and natural beauty. Its streets, lined with stone houses and cafes, lead to the Temple of Athena and a hilltop acropolis, offering views of the azure sea below. Head to a local restaurant and watch how the women expertly make gozleme – a traditional Turkish dish consisting of a thin, hand-rolled dough filled with cheese, spinach, minced meat or potatoes. The dough is then expertly folded and cooked on a griddle until it turns golden brown and crispy. Watch the women make these delicious treats, then sit down for lunch together. Later, head to Adatepe for a half-day trip – this small Greek-Turkish village on the foothills of the Ida Mountains offers an oasis in nature, away from the stress of busy, urban life. Explore its cobbled streets, lined with traditional stone houses and vibrant garden. Visit the Altar of Zeus – an ancient archaeological site on Mount Ida, where you can see the ruins of an ancient temple. Soak in the panoramic views, then return to Ayvalik for the night.

Included Activities:

Assos - Temple of Athena
Assos - Leader-led walking tour
Adatepe - Village Tour & Alter of Zeus
Assos - Gozleme Demonstration and lunch

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 11: Istanbul

After breakfast, you'll begin your journey back to Istanbul. When you arrive, finish your adventure with a women’s only hammam, designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan in 1584. The concept of hammams was initially for men only, but eventually, women who were unwell or recovering from childbirth were permitted until finally, all women were allowed. Traditionally, many women considered a visit to the hammam a release from the isolation of home and a place where older women could look for potential wives for their sons. Today, this ritual is still a segregated retreat complete with baths, food, music and fun. Tonight, maybe head out for a last dinner with your group.

Included Activities:

Istanbul - Turkish Hamam

Accommodation:

(Number of Nights: 1)

Day 12: Istanbul

With no activities planned for today, your epic adventure comes to an end after breakfast. If you wish to spend a few more days checking out the sights of Istanbul, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $3,955

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 12 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Light

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.

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 10 Apr 2027

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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Excellent

4.5

Guide

Excellent

4.5

Itinerary

Excellent

4.5

Accommodations

Excellent

4.5

Transportation

Excellent

4.5

Tour Operator

Excellent

4.5

Food

Excellent

4.5

5.0

Linda

Traveled, April 2024

04/29/2024

We were first-timers to hiking tours. We found the experience challenging and enjoyable. Cahit was flexible and patient to keep our group on schedule while giving us room to move at our pace. The views were spectacular. The food and accomodations were very nice - beds were comfortable (really important for tired hikers!) It would be nice to allow more time for rest for those that need it, but we recognize it is difficult to meet everyone’s wishes. Great job Cahit!! Thanks!!!

5.0

Aldren

Traveled, March 2024

04/02/2024

Overall, it was 6 days of diving into the rich culture and history of Turkey, scenic views and fun under the sun. Ata our guide, was very accomodating and flexible to our group's needs. A couple of non-attendees have hindered our prompt start and delayed our itinerary for the 1st day. The Istanbul part could have been planned more I believe, although most people stay a day or two after the group tour.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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