Turkey: Women's Expedition

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, 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. 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. Then head to the old town of Istanbul on a leader-led orientation walk through the Hippodrome Square. Explore the Grand Bazaar; a vibrant labyrinth of bustling alleys and vibrant stalls. Immerse yourself in a sensory feast as you explore this iconic market, filled with colourful textiles, intricate ceramics, aromatic spices, and exquisite jewellery. Later, perhaps enjoy an optional dinner together. Life in this part of Istanbul is very cosmopolitan with women of all demographics going out with friends for raki and mezze or coffee.

Today we'll 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. In suburban Istanbul to meet a local mother and daughter in their home. Here you’ll sample some homemade borek and Turkish coffee before learning 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, to meet a local spice merchant and learn about Turkey’s best spice blends. You’ll also get to satisfy your sweet tooth with a visit to a traditional Turkish Delight merchant. Finish the day by taking a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait which separates the European and Asian sides of the city. The evening is free to relax or explore further.

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. This evening’s dinner is a special one – you’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 another of our woman Ambassadors, 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.

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 the type of flight chosen, but your local leader will be able to advise you of the options. Once your feet are firmly back on the ground, you’ll head off to explore the region including, Pigeon valley and wander through the Soganli Valley on an easy 3km 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 rag dolls for many years now, using Anatolian patterned fabrics to earn a living. The rest of the day is free for you to explore in your own time. For dinner, you may want to try the local regional specialty, testi kebab. Your leader will be able to recommend a restaurant dedicated to the perfection of this delicious claypot dish.

After breakfast watch the Turkish countryside pass you by as your drive to Konya (3hrs). Traditional Turkish arts are at high risk of dying out. Like so many traditions, there's a lack of new artisans and even fewer felt makers. During this visit meet one of the remaining female artists at her atelier and learn about the tradition and background of felt making. Relax for the rest of the day. Perhaps visiting the Mousaleum of Rumi.

Drive to Pamukkale (5.5hrs) 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. Head to a local house in a surrounding village and learn about one of the most interesting Anatolian traditions; pouring lead to repel the evil eye. This tradition, strictly only performed by women is transferred from generation to generation.

Drive to Selcuk (3hrs) and visit a local social enterprise; Sultanköy for a carpet weaving demonstration and learn about the art of traditional carpet weaving. Carpet weaving holds incredible history in Turkey and has been dated back to the early Neolithic age. Sultanköy provides local women with employment while protecting and developing the ancient tradition. Enjoy lunch at a restaurant run by a local woman who employs a team of women and serves up an impressive array of local traditional dishes.. Hatice started her journey when her husband’s business went bankrupt. Until that time, she had been a house wife for 18 years and had never worked outside of home. She first started cooking gözleme on the roadside where her own restaurant is located today. Today, Hatice is a well known local chef, women entrepreneur and providing opportunities to local women in the region. Later enjoy an orientation walk around the town with your leader.

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. Drive past apple and peach orchards to the picturesque village of Sirince and taste some locally produced fruit wines. Drop by a local wine house where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the locally produced fruit wines. Try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach, quince or all of the above! This authentic Greek Ottoman village seems to have been overlooked by modern development and the unique local architecture nestled in the hills make for a photographer's dream. Learn the art of Mantı a traditional Turkish dumpling from women in a local restaurant. Delve into the secrets of creating delicate dough and learn the intricate folding techniques that make Mantı a culinary masterpiece.

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. Visit a project; "Cop (m)adam" (Garbage Lady) which transforms waste material into vendible, creative, reproducible handbags. While creating awareness about the environment, each bag creates a sustainable income for women and currently has 150 employees in various provinces such as Balikesir, Istanbul and Diyarbakir. Enjoy some free time for lunch. Later head to Adatepe a small Greek-Turkish village on the foothills of the Ida Mountains; the village of historic stone houses offers a tranquil oasis in nature, away from the stress of busy, urban life. Explore its cobbled streets, lined with traditional stone houses and vibrant garden. Visit is the Altar of Zeus, an ancient archaeological site atop Mount Ida, where you can witness the ruins of an ancient temple and soak in breathtaking panoramic views. Adatepe offers a captivating blend of history, natural beauty, and tranquillity.

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. Gözleme is a mouthwatering traditional Turkish dish that consists of a thin, unleavened dough that is hand-rolled and filled with a variety of delicious ingredients such as cheese, spinach, minced meat, or potatoes. The dough is then expertly folded and cooked on a griddle until it turns golden brown and crispy. Head to a local restaurant and watch how the women expertly roll out these creations before sitting down to enjoy some.

After breakfast we'll begin our journey back to Istanbul (5hrs with stops). You’ll finish your adventure with a women’s only hamam. This historic hammam, designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan, was completed in 1584 and carries an air of elegance and opulence. Initially the concept of hamams was 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 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. Later this evening you may want to have a last farewell dinner with your group.

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).