19th - 30th September 2024

Organised Adventures
For
Women

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The Republic of Türkiye* is a captivating country situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.
With its rich history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, Türkiye offers an abundance of experiences for travellers. From the bustling metropolis of Istanbul, with its iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, to the stunning natural wonders of Cappadocia and the pristine beaches of Antalya, Türkiye has something to offer for every type of traveller.
Immerse yourself in the vibrant street markets, indulge in mouthwatering Türkish cuisine, and explore ancient ruins that tell tales of an incredible past. With its warm hospitality and diverse attractions, Türkiye guarantees an unforgettable journey.

*In May 2022, the Turkish government requested that the United Nations, and other international organisations, use Türkiye officially in English instead of Turkey (and all variations in other languages) as it "represents and expresses the culture, civilisation, and values of the Turkish nation in the best way". This change was immediately adopted.

Maximum group size 12 people
(Minimum group size 9 people)

TRAVELLED!

To see what a WomenGoTravel tour looks like visit @WomenGoTravel on Instagram

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ITINERARY

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Day 1: 19th September 2024 - Istanbul
​Meals Included: Welcome dinner

Merhaba! Welcome to Turkey.
​The adventure kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have all called home. Meet your leader and fellow travellers at a 6 pm welcome meeting and after, we'll head out together to seek some tasty Turkish cuisine at an included welcome dinner.

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Day 2 -  Istanbul
Meals included: breakfast, dinner

This morning we head out and start exploring the city of Istanbul with an orientation walk through the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Hippodrome Square. Then we head to the 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.

Explore the Grand Bazaar; a vibrant labyrinth of bustling alleys and vibrant stalls. Immerse yourself in a sensory feast as we explore this iconic market, filled with colourful textiles, intricate ceramics, aromatic spices, and exquisite jewellery.

We'll finish off the day in suburban Istanbul where we meet a local mother and daughter in their home. Here you’ll sample some homemade borek before the women teach us how to make the best cup of Turkish coffee. They’ll also demonstrate the traditionally female art of fortune-telling from coffee grounds, which is passed down between generations in Anatolian culture.

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Day 3 - Kas & Kekova
Meals included: breakfast

This morning, we take a flight to the southern Mediterranean coast of Türkiye where we will visit the whitewashed buildings of Kas before heading out to Kekova to laze by the beach, take in the views out over the island, swim in the clear turquoise waters, or climb up to the ruins of Simena Castle, the ancient theatre, temples or the Lycian tombs. 

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Day 4 - Kekova
Meals included: breakfast, lunch

​Island hopping in the Mediterranean is on a lot of people’s bucket lists for a reason, and today we get to experience it. We'll jump in a traditional boat and sail along the Turkish coast for the day, discovering the mysterious sunken ruins of an ancient Lycian city, exploring rock tombs, swimming in the crystal-clear waters of the Mediterranean and enjoying cruising along this incredible coastline. After a day of swimming, soaking up the sun, eating delicious food and exploring ancient lost worlds, we head back to Kekova to enjoy the rest of our day in this idyllic town.

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Day 5 - Fethiye
Meals included: breakfast

​Today we travel about 80 miles along the coast to the quaint town of Fethiye, where we will visit the ancient Amyntas Rock Tombs before setting off on a hike along the Lycian Way to Ölüdeniz and its stunning 3km long beach. Here we can spend some time on the beach or visit the Blue Lagoon, before returning to Fethiye for the evening.

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Day 6 - Pamukkale
Meals included: breakfast

​After breakfast, we drive to Pamukkale where we step back in time and explore the wonders of Hierapolis, an ancient city nestled in Turkey's Pamukkale region. As we wander through the ruins we discover an impressive theater and ancient Roman baths, each revealing fragments of a rich history.
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. 
Afterwards, we visit the Cleopatra Ancient Pool and take a moment to relax and enjoy the rejuvenating waters.
The rest of the evening is free for us to enjoy at our own pace.

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Day 7 - Selçuk
Meals included: breakfast, lunch

The ancient city of Ephesus – one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman classical cities in the world is one of today's highlights.
Once the capital city of Roman Asia Minor, the city has a fascinating history, which is brought alive by a local guide. Considering their age, the ruins are in incredible condition, 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.

Lunch is at a restaurant run by a local woman who employs a team of women and serves up an impressive array of 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 of home. She first started cooking gözleme on the roadside where her restaurant is now located. Today, Hatice is a well known local chef, female entrepreneur and providing opportunities to local women in the region.
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This evening, the adventure continues, as we board our overnight train to journey onwards to Konya on the Mavi Konya: sleeping couchettes are two-berth and have excellent facilities including a washbasin, small fridge and plenty of luggage storage. 

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Day 8 - Konya & Göreme
Meals included: dinner

This morning we ​wake up in Konya, a traditional Turkish city that's closely linked with the whirling dervish sect of Islam developed in the 13th century by Celaleddin Rumi, considered one of Islam's greatest Sufi mystics.
We have time to visit the Mevlana Museum and stretch our legs in town before hitting the road to Cappadocia. Keep an eye out for the fairy chimneys, the hallmarks of Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape, as we drive across the Anatolian plains.
A stop enroute enables us to visit one of the underground cities that once provided a safe haven in times of war or persecution.
We arrive in the Cappadocian town of Göreme in the late afternoon, in time to take a sunset valley walk.
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This evening’s dinner is a special one – we’ll be meeting and dining with a well-known local woman named Nuray Abla, who cooks Turkish cuisine in her cave home. Nuray Abla is changing the face of Tourism in Turkey and encouraging more women to become part of the Tourism Supply Chain. Making her famous Anatolian dishes has enabled Nuray Abla to educate her daughter to university level and provide better opportunities for her family.

In Goreme, we will be staying at the 4-star MDC Cave Hotel (or similar)

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Day 9 - Goreme
Meals included: breakfast

Today is a free day in Cappadocia, with many optional activities to choose from.
 
Add-on Activities
• Hot air balloon
• Goreme Open Air Museum
• Kaymakli Underground City
• Whirling Dervish
• Dinner with Turkish dance show – Turkish Night

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Day 10 - Eskisehir
Meals included: breakfast, lunch

This morning, we say goodbye to fairytale Cappadocia and head to Eskisehir.
A fascinating city, often known as the ‘students’ city by the locals, it is a change of scene, and we can expect a refreshing and vibrant vibe in one of Turkey's liveliest and most youthful cities.
We arrive in the afternoon and visit Eskişehir Odunpazarı Village, where we'll dig into a ci borek lunch (a type of layered pancake) after a cooking demonstration at a local restaurant run by local women. This is the most popular snack in Eskisehir and we get to see what all the fuss is about by tasting some!
Afterwards, we wander around the quaint and colourful houses nearby and enjoy some free time to explore at our own pace. An optional gondola ride along the Porsuk River will give you a glimpse into why they call this the Venice of Türkiye.

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Day 11 - Istanbul
Meals included: breakfast, dinner

​This morning we will journey back to Istanbul on the fast train.
On arrival, we visit KEDV (Foundation for the Support of Women's Work); 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.
We will learn about the important work they do before having a chance to peruse the homemade gift’s in the Nahıl Dükkan store.
Nahıl got its name from the symbol of abundance, fertility and sharing, which is still used in different forms in various regions of Anatolia, starting from the ancient Turks and Ottomans. Inspired by this tradition, it establishes a solidarity network between low-income women producers, and women's cooperatives from all over Turkey.

Afterwards, we head to the Spice Bazaar, also known as the Egyptian Market, to meet a local spice merchant and learn about Turkey’s best spice blends. We will also get to satisfy our sweet tooths with a visit to a traditional Turkish Delight merchant.

Later, we will have the option of visiting a women's hamam. Traditionally, many women considered a visit to the hamam more than an opportunity to bathe – it was 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. People typically spend around 2 hours at the hamam and be prepared to feel a little sleepy after!

Later this evening, we join up as a group again for a final dinner to reminisce about our adventure together.

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Day 12: 30th September 2024 - Departure
Meals included: breakfast

​With no activities planned for today, our 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, or maybe add on a trip to Gallipoli, I’ll be happy to organise this for you.

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Included:

Accommodation: 8 nights 3* Hotel, 2 nights 4* Hotel, 1 night Overnight Train
Included Meals: Breakfast x10, Lunch x 3, Dinner x 4
Transport: Public transport in Istanbul, private vehicle throughout the rest. Flight on Day 3, Overnight train on Day 7, fast train on Day 11.
Leader/Guide: English Speaking Leader throughout.
Tour host: Angela Clark
Private Facebook group to connect with your fellow travellers, share travel tips, ask questions and engage in discussions.
Curated suggested resources, including books, movies and podcasts that will enhance your understanding of the destination.
Personalised Digital Itinerary 
Canvas Tote Bag - unique to this trip

Included Activities: 

• Welcome dinner
• Istanbul city tour - Blue mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace + Harem, Grand Bazaar
• Home visit with mother / daughter for Burek, coffee and fortunes
• Kas - walking tour
• Turkish Coast day sailing with lunch
• Visit to Amyntas Tomb
• Lycian Way hike to Blue Lagoon
• Visit to Hierapolis & Travertine Pools
• Cleopatra Ancient Pool
• Visit to Ephesus Ancient City
• Traditional lunch with Hatice
• Mevlana Museum
• Sunset valley walk
• Dinner with Nuray Abla
• Eskisehir - Odunpazarı Village Visit
• Ci Börek making & lunch
• KEDV visit 
• Spice Market tour
• Farewell dinner

Entrance/Admission Fees: Where applicable with included activities
Rooming Requirements: Twin Share

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Exclusions

• International Flights
• Airport departure tax
• Airport transfers
• Any visas required
• Services not mentioned in the itinerary
• Late check out at hotels
• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
• Drinks with included lunches and dinners
• Tips for leaders, guide and driver
• Expenditure of personal nature
• Personal Insurance
• Optional activities

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Price per person $3970.00 CAD based on two sharing and a minimum of 9 passengers (limited to a maximum of 12).

Single supplement $910.00 CAD (limited availability)

Hold your space with a $400 non-refundable deposit.

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General Information 

• Travel is always an adventure. So pack your understanding and flexibility.
• Don’t underestimate the weather at any time of year. In the summer, heat can be extreme. Some of the more traditional hotels will not have air-conditioning.
• This trip covers a lot in two weeks, so there are some long travel days, however all travel is in comfortable, private vehicles and the scenery is superb.
• You will need sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen and a day pack to explore the historical sites. While this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to take part in all activities.
• The cobblestone streets, narrow steps and tiny bridges of Turkey are very romantic. They’re also another good reason to pack light and leave the wheeled suitcase at home. You'll have to carry your own luggage, so we recommend keeping it under 15kg. Some domestic flights have a checked luggage limit of 15kg.
• This tour is a partnership with Intrepid Travel. A certified B Corporation company and all round purveyor of "good trips only".

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