August 21st – 31st, 2023
A tourist e-visa is required to visit Turkey. Please follow the below process to obtain your visa if you have not yet done so:
*When entering your date of arrival, it’s best to enter a date that is a few days before your actual arrival date just in case your flight changes.
*If the application asks for the hotel where you will stay, enter Hotel Erboy, Sirkeci, Istanbul.
Please follow the below instructions upon arrival at Istanbul’s International Airport:
We will set up a WhatsApp chat 2 weeks prior to the start of the tour that will include all of the participants as well as your tour leader. This will allow everyone to get to know each other in advance, ask questions and communicate with your tour leader both before and during the tour. It will be very useful for you to have WhatsApp available to you during the tour as this will be the main method of communication.
The tour leader for your trip is Sakai Naismith. He will be with you every step of the way. His extensive experience in Turkey and vast knowledge about the country makes him one of the best possible tour leaders for this trip. Sakai will introduce himself and share more details about himself and the trip when we create the WhatsApp group chat approximately 2 weeks prior to the tour.
The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). The current exchange rate is $1 USD = 26.87 TRY
In terms of spending money, you should estimate an average of $30 USD per day for all of your needs. This would be for meals that are not included in the tour, basic purchases (laundry service, snacks, etc…) as well as any activities you choose to do on your own.
As for exchanging money, the best method is via ATM machines which are located throughout urban areas in both countries. However, check with your bank at home as many banks charge high foreign transaction fees every time you withdraw money overseas.
If using an ATM is not an option, or the fees are too high, simply bring USD, Euros or GBP to exchange at money exchange offices in the cities.
*Please note: USD are not accepted for purchases in Turkey. You must pay with local currency.
*Credit cards are accepted in restaurants and shops in major cities and larger towns but might result in an additional transaction fee.
Tipping in Turkey is common and generally expected. Here’s a general guideline:
➜ Restaurants – 10% – 15% if a service charge is not already added to the bill
➜ Hotel staff – 40 TRY ($1.50 USD) if someone helps you with luggage or anything else
➜ Airport driver – There is no need to tip your driver upon arrival
➜ Tour leader – If you wish to tip your tour leader, they will always be greatly appreciative
*Tips for waitstaff at included meals are already included.
Although Turkey is a relatively modern country, the internet connection is not as you’d expect back home. Wi-fi will be available in all of our hotels and it will be okay, although most likely slower than what you’re used to. If you want a stronger connection throughout the trip, we recommend that you either activate the international plan from your network at home or buy an online E-Sim prior to the trip. These two options will ensure you have a good 4G connection throughout the tour.
Packing lightly will make it easier to load up the van when needed and also easier for the internal flights that we’ll be taking. There may be times when you’ll need to walk with your luggage for a short while to reach our accommodation.
*Important: For the internal flights, you can take a maximum of 1 check-in luggage (max 18kg/40lbs), 1 carry-on luggage (max 8kg/18 lbs), as well as 1 small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you.
August 21st: Istanbul / Arrival Day
Upon arrival you will be met at the airport by our private driver and taken to our hotel in the city center. For those who arrive early or are interested in arranging activities, you’ll be assisted by our team members who’ll be on hand. We’ll then have a tour orientation in the evening, followed by our first group dinner, consisting of traditional Turkish cuisine.
Accommodation: Hotel Erboy
Included meals: Dinner
August 22nd: Istanbul
Today Tribe members will head off to the historical and colorful Sultanahmet neighborhood. Prepare to be mesmerized by the Hagia Sophia (considered by some to be the most beautiful building in the world), the wondrous Blue Mosque and the fascinating underground Basilica Cistern. These three wondrous structures are bound to leave you awestruck. Unhindered by time constraints and guided by our amazing local tour leaders, we’ll have ample opportunity both to learn about the history of these cultural treasures and to explore them in depth.
After lunch, you’ll then have an opportunity to participate in a traditional Turkish hammam experience or spend the afternoon relaxing.
In the evening, we will gather at a popular local restaurant for food, tea and traditional Turkish music.
Accommodation: Hotel Erboy
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
August 23rd: Istanbul
In the morning, we will walk to the Grand Bazaar, a massive indoor market oozing with history, dating back to the 15th century. With more than 4,000 shops and dozens of aisles, you’ll get up close and personal to a vast array of vendors, and other shoppers. With endless nooks and crannies to explore, we’ll meet landmark shop owners who continue the tradition of collecting old carpets and kilims and a Syrianic metal-smithing family business and many others.
After a delicious lunch, we’ll walk a short distance to the Suleymaniye Mosque… one of the largest in Istanbul. We’ll take our time wandering around the magical courtyards and poking around the mosque’s truly impressive interior.
Then we’ll continue strolling through local outdoor markets until we reach the famous and wondrous Spice Market. This gorgeous building is full of intense colors, magical aromas, impressive architecture and all-around good vibes. It’s also where you can find any kind of spice and tea imaginable. The group will then have free time to relax at our hotel or head out on your own until it’s time to gather before dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Erboy
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
August 24th: Istanbul
After breakfast, we’ll take a short drive to the Balat neighborhood. This area has been home to Jewish, Roma and Armenian populations over the years. It has recently become re-invigorated, with the restoration of its traditional and colorful wooden homes and buildings. Mix in some excellent local eateries, creative cafes and a welcoming feel and it makes for a unique excursion with ample opportunity to experience local life in a leisurely fashion.
After lunch we’ll take a ferry to the Asian side of the city (Kadikoy) for a walk through the traditional market, followed by some free time to explore and enjoying an excellent dinner at one of the most famous restaurants in the city. Then, we’ll return to the European side as the sun sets behind the magnificent structures of this breathtaking city.
Accommodation: Hotel Erboy
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
August 25th: Istanbul ➜ Cappadocia
We will depart Istanbul for the beautiful region of Cappadocia on a 1.5 hour flight. Upon arrival in the region, we will begin with a panoramic orientation tour of South Cappadocia before heading to our unique luxury cave hotel. (Yes, inside a cave!) If time permits, we’ll go for a walk through the local village to take in the sweeping views of this otherworldly region.
Accommodation: Cappadocia Old Houses
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
August 26th: Cappadocia
As the dawn breaks, those group members who opt in will rise and head out for the excursion of a lifetime. Up in the air we’ll go for a magical balloon ride at sunrise. Our journey takes us up between two volcanic mountains with unforgettable, panoramic views out over a landscape that is nothing short of magical. We’ll return to the hotel for breakfast and a rest before heading out again.
After breakfast, we’ll visit the incredible Goreme open air museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you will be left in awe as we explore an entire community carved into the rock – a rock carved monastery, cave churches with colorful original frescoes, living quarters of monks and more. We’ll also visit the Ortahisar Castle and soak up the Fairy Chimney Valley with its mushroom-like rocks and out-of-this-world formations. Our last stop will be a red clay pottery workshop located along the river where we’ll learn about this craft that has become well-known in Cappadocia.
Accommodation: Cappadocia Old Houses
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride: $375 per person
August 27th: Cappadocia
Our day will take us to Uchisar Castle (the largest Fairy Chimney that was used as a fortress), the Kaymakli Underground City (where thousands of people lived underground for centuries) and the Pigeon Valley (some of the best views in the area). In the evening we’ll enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner, followed by a mesmerizing Whirling Dervish performance.
Accommodation: Cappadocia Old Houses
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
August 28th: Cappadocia ➜ Kusadasi
In the morning we’ll head to the local airport for our 1.5 hour flight to the city of Izmir. Upon arrival we’ll transfer 1.5 hours to the coastal town of Kusadasi. After checking into our hotel near the seaside, we’ll go for a guided walk through the laid-back streets and neighborhoods of this welcoming destination. We’ll then settle in for a home-cooked dinner with local friends at their home in a village outside of the town.
Accommodation: Charisma De Luxe Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
August 29th: Kusadasi ➜ Ephesus ➜ Kusadasi
Today’s excursion will be to the famous historical site of Ephesus. This ancient port city, dating back to 133 BC, has some of the best preserved ruins in all of Turkey and was once one of the most important cities of ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. We’ll have sufficient time to tour the large site, with its amphitheater, library, temples, aqueducts, basilica and more. You’ll also have free time to explore on your own in order to enjoy the location at your own pace. We’ll then return to Kusadasi in the late afternoon.
Accommodation: Charisma De Luxe Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch
August 30th: Kusadasi
Today will be a free day. You might grab time for yourself, do some last minute shopping, go to the beach, indulge in another spa treatment, rest or explore. Consider an optional day trip to Pamukkale — an area full of thermal springs and unique, white flowing structures formed out of mineral-rich water, or to Pigeon Island. Our tour leader will be on hand to assist. We’ll then meet up in the evening as we gather for our Women’s Travel Tribe farewell group dinner.
Accommodation: Charisma De Luxe Hotel
Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner
August 31st: Kusadasi ➜ Istanbul / Departure Day
We’ll depart as a group to the airport in the morning for our 45-minute flight back to Istanbul, where you’ll say goodbye to your new friends and connect for your departing flight home.
Included meals: Breakfast
IMPORTANT: Return flights from Istanbul should depart no earlier than 2:00PM
➜ All accommodations (4* hotels – 10 nights)
➜ Transportation within and around Istanbul, Cappadocia and Kusadasi
➜ Meals (breakfast every day, 6 lunches, 8 dinners)
➜ All mentioned activities and entrance fees
➜ Local guides throughout the trip
➜ Expert tour leader
➜ Traditional hammam experience
➜ Airport transfers
➜ Flights from 1) Istanbul to Cappadocia, 2) Cappadocia to Kusadasi, and 3) Kusadasi to Istanbul
➜ Flights to/from Istanbul
➜ Meals and activities not mentioned
➜ Travel insurance (Mandatory – Be safe!)
➜ Passport/visa fees
➜ Tips & Gratuities
Please note that in the event of any interruption to your tour experience as a result of your testing positive for Covid-19, our staff will be on hand to assist with making any arrangements that need to be made. This could include accommodation booking, transportation, scheduling additional Covid-19 tests, etc. However, it is important to understand that you would be fully responsible for all expenses incurred related to interruptions to the trip and/or medical treatment needed as a result of a positive Covid-19 test before, during or after the trip. We highly recommend having a travel/health insurance policy that covers Covid-19 related situations. By participating in the tour, you are confirming your understanding of the above.
That’s all for now! If you have any questions at all, please don’t hesitate to send us an email at team@wanderingearl.com.
