UPDATE: The below itinerary is a copy of our 2023 TURKIYE TRIP. The ABOVE image is our 2024 Turkiye Trip. We have had some slight changes to accomodate repeat guests and one of the best parts of Turkiye – Pamukkale!
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APPLICATIONS CLOSE 31ST JANUARY 2024
NOW SOLD OUT
The 2023 Tempting Turkiye trip was a complete success! Our intimate group of 6 traveled the entire country in 10 days for the trip of a lifetime. And if you don’t believe me then believe them when they say you should go.
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Perhaps you’re not ready to travel alone. Or perhaps you saw how much fun a girl’s trip in Turkiye was. Or perhaps you’re looking to make some life-long friendships and a group of friends you could travel with again and again.
Whatever your reason I’m opening the doors for the same small group girls’ trip in 2024!
That’s right, there are only 7 spots – we like it small!
You’ve read all my Turkiye blog posts and you want that dream itinerary. To ride a hot air balloon over Cappadocia, walk through the ancient streets of Ephesus, or visit the world’s first shopping mall in Istanbul.
I hear you.
You want the perfect mix of structured sightseeing, fun activities, free time, and too much food. And I got you covered in our annual Turkiye trip. Using our extensive local connections, you’ll get cultural experiences not available on other trips.
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Tempting Turkiye
Now Open To Men & Women | Only 4 Spots Available
12 May – 21 May |9 nights 10 days
ONLY USD $2,999
This price would not be possible without our experienced Turkish guide and partners who love our brand. It’s a steal created only for exclusive Explore With Erin friends.
SOLD OUT
Discover the temptations of Turkiye with this epic once-in-a-lifetime adventure. Designed with female travelers in mind. For the single mums, the wives who need a break, or the solo female traveler who just wants a girl posse. AND NOW THEIR PARTNERS!
If you’ve always wanted to explore Turkiye, but have been nervous about visiting don’t be. Turkiye is a progressive historically significant country that is begging for you to discover.
This once-in-a-lifetime experience will provide you the chance to join Erin on an exclusive her favorite destination.
In Turkiye, you’ll tick off bucket-list experiences daily. From shopping at the oldest shopping mall in the world () to sleeping in a cave (Cappadocia). You will not only be immersed in Ottoman history, but immersed in the food, culture, language, and scenery.
Where Will We Go?
We will start our Tempting Turkish Expedition ( ) in Istanbul.
After 2 nights in Istanbul, we will spend 2 nights in Cappadocia in a cave hotel.
From Cappadocia, we will head to Antalya, and travel along the Turkish Riveria for a 2-night stay at Kas, 1 night in Dalyan, and ending our trip with 2 nights in Bodrum.
Don’t worry you’re flight back to Istanbul is included.
What’s Included?
- All accommodation (shared room, 2 travelers per room. Single rooms available for an additional fee of USD 800)
- Blue Mosque visit
- Hagia Sophia visit
- Basilica Cistern
- Hippodrome
- Grand Bazaar visit
- Istanbul food tour
- Cappadocia tour
- Bodrum Castle
- Ancient city of Myra
- Ancient city of Ephesus
- Kekova boat tour
- Saklıkent Gorge visit
- King Tombs boat tour
- Mud Baths
- Welcome bag
- Some meals
- English-speaking leader- guaranteed understanding
- Turkish-speaking leader – guaranteed culture
Included Meals:
- 10x Breakfast
- 2x Lunch
- 1x Dinner
Transport:
- Air-conditioned vehicles throughout
- Three domestic flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia, Cappadocia to Antalya, and Bodrum to Istanbul.
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What’s Not Included
- International flights
- Luggage, seat, or food purchases on domestic flights
- Any visas required
- Services not mentioned in the itinerary
- Late check-out at hotels
- Meals and drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips for leaders, guides, and driver
- Expenditure of personal nature
- Personal travel insurance
- Optional activities
“Massive thanks for organizing an amazing girl’s trip to Türkiye 🇹🇷. I absolutely loved every moment of the travel adventures you organized and I learned a lot, appreciated and loved a different culture in such a short space of time.” Nomsa, Western Australia
Tempting Turkiye 9-Night Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day!
Sunday 12 May 2024
Welcome to Istanbul! I’m so excited for you to experience the energy in this incredible city.
As everyone arrives on this day, you’ll be able to check in at 3 pm and spend your free time visiting the city.
In the evening, we will all come together for a warm dinner welcome.
Included Activities:
Dinner
Day 2: Istanbul Highlights
Monday 13 May 2024
It’s time to get this expedition started. And we will do that with a full day in Istanbul.
Don’t eat too much because today we are going to head through Istanbul in search of the very best on a food . You’ll try piping hot Turkish pizza called Lamauchan, sweet sticky baklava, fluffy delicious pide, world-renowned Turkish Delight, and more!
After our food tour, we will continue our tour of Istanbul with a visit to some of the world’s most iconic sights – the & the .
The was originally built in 537 and was for some time the largest Christian church in the world. In 2020, it was reconverted into a mosque. Despite being a mosque all visitors are still allowed to enter. Women will need to cover their hair, and their shoes need to be removed.
Sultanahmet Camii or The is named because of its blue tiles surrounding the interior walls. This Ottman-era Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Like Sophia, you will need to remove your shoes at the entrance and women are required to cover their hair and legs. Scarves are available at the entrance for free.
We will also visit the largest surviving Basilica Cistern. This subterranean structure was commissioned by Emperor Justinian and built in 532. It’s the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in İstanbul.
And see the ancient Hippodrome, the center of Byzantine civic life built in 203. It is estimated that the arena could accommodate up to 100,000 spectators.
Included Activities:
Entry to Hagia Sophia
Entry to Blue Mosque
Entry to Basilica Cistern
Food Tour
Day 3: Cappadocia
Tuesday 14 May 2024
Today we will be heading to for our domestic flight to Cappadocia.
But before the airport, we will head to the world’s oldest shopping mall, the Grand Bazaar. You’ll have free time for some shopping before our afternoon flight.
On arrival in Cappadocia, you will have the evening free to soak in the sunset on the rooftop or discover Goreme.
At the end of the day, you’ll sleep peacefully in a luxury cave hotel.
Included Activities:
Domestic flight
Day 4: Cappadocia
Wednesday 15 May 2024
If you’re a morning person you will have the opportunity to do an optional Cappadocia hot air balloon at sunrise over . If you don’t enjoy being high in the sky then make sure you wake early enough to witness this spectacular sight.
After breakfast, we will set off for a full-day of the best parts of Cappadocia. Cappadocia, a semi-arid region in central , is known for its distinctive “,” tall, cone-shaped rock formations clustered in Göreme.
We will get to see Goreme Open Air Museum, Kaymakli , Uchisar Castle Panorama, Pasabag , and lots more.
That evening you’ll have free time to either catch up on sleep in your cozy cave hotel or head out to explore on your own.
Included Activities:
Cappadocia full-day tour
Lunch
Day 5: Antalya to Kas
Thursday 16 May 2024
Today you can watch the balloons rise again before heading to the airport for our domestic flight to Antalya.
On arriving in Antalya, you will have one hour free to wander the harbor before we jump in our air-conditioned transport for our first to Kas, approximately a 3-hour journey.
We may have a surprise lunch stop on the way!
Kaş is a seaside town on the Mediterranean coast in southwestern . The town center has whitewashed houses, cobbled streets, and buildings covered in bougainvillea that will make you fall in love instantly.
Take the evening to wander around and enjoy Kas at your leisure or with new friends. Don’t forget to try some Turkish cuisine like Menemen or Burnt Ice cream.
Included Activities:
Domestic flight
Transport
Day 6: Kekova, Myra, Demre
Friday 17 May 2024
Today is going to be action-packed.
We will start our day visiting the most interesting , the Lycian tombs in , Myra.
Along with its unique rock graves carved into the cliffs above, Myra is well-known for its acropolis and Roman-style theatre. A visit to Myra is a truly wondrous step back into history. The exact origins of Myra’s existence remain unknown, although parts of its ruins are thought to date back to as far as the 5th century B.C. That was around 2,500 years ago!
Did you know in the 4th century, a priest named Nicholas was appointed as the Greek bishop of Myra? Due to his generous and caring nature, he was well-regarded by the Lycian people. Following his death, he was named a patron saint and is the real man behind the legend of Santa Claus.
After our morning discovering ancient sites above the water we will discover those below the water on a boat of Kekova. Kekova is home to a sunken Lycian city! You’ll get to spend the afternoon on board the boat, observing, swimming, and sunbaking.
After the boat , we will make our way back along the to Kas where you can spend your evening exploring more of Kas in your own free time.
Included Activities:
Entry to Myra
Kekova boat trip
Day 7: Kas to Dalyan
Saturday 18 May 2024
Today we will take a beautiful drive along the () from Kas to Dalyan (approximately 3 hours).
We will stop at the Saklikent Gorge, also known as Hidden City, on the way. This Gorge is 18 kilometers long and 300 meters deep, making it the longest canyon in Turkey and one of the deepest in the world. You can take the easy boardwalk, or brave the running cold water for a bit more of an adventure.
After a hike in the Gorge, we will stop in several coastal towns.
Oludeniz, where you will have free time to shop, eat, sunbathe, or perhaps take an optional paragliding activity.
And Gocek.
Finally, we make it to Dalyan.
Dalyan is a town on the Dalyan River, just inland from ‘s southwest coast. Across the river from town is the ancient ruined city of Kaunos, with Lycian rock tombs and the remains of a theater. Once we arrive in Dalyan you’ll have free time to wander the easily walkable town and enjoy a dinner overlooking the ancient King Tombs.
Included Activities:
Saklikent Gorge entrance fee
Transport
Day 8: Dalyan to Bodrum
Sunday 19 May 2024
After an incredible Turkish breakfast on the river overlooking the Tombs, we will hop on a boat and get a closer look.
Make sure you wear a swimsuit and bring an accessible change of clothes because it’s then onto the Thermal Springs and natural Mud Baths of Sultaniye Spa.
The mud baths are touted to have medicinal benefits for your skin due to the nutrient-rich nature of the mud. Cake it on, let it dry, then rinse off before we spend the afternoon in our air-conditioned vehicle heading to Bodrum (approximately 3 hours).
In Bodrum feel free to enjoy your bed or head out and see the nightlife!
Included Activities:
Boat tour of Ancient Tombs
Entry to mud baths
Day 9: Ephesus
Monday 20 May 2024
It’s an early morning for us as we start our full-day of the of Ephesus. Ephesus is an in ‘s Central Aegean region, near modern-day Selçuk. Paved streets wind past squares, baths, and monumental ruins. The Temple of Hadrian was built before 138 A.D.
In Ephesus, I will also teach you the secret sauce to get the best shots, without the people.
Included in this trip are stops at Zeus Cave for a quick swim and lunch at the ancient, and beautiful Sirince village.
Come back in the evening and enjoy the evening with free time drinking cocktails on the beach or shopping throughout Bodrum.
Included Activities:
Ephesus tour
Lunch
Day 10: Departure Day
Tuesday 21 May 2024
All good things must come to an end. But let’s get the most out of this last day.
We will take a good look around Bodrum, with visits to Bodrum Castle and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus. Halicarnassus is an elevated tomb structure derived from the tombs of neighboring Lycia, and the reason to this day all above-ground tombs are called Mausoleums.
Bodrum Castle was built from 1402 onwards, by the Knights of St John as the Castle of St. Peter or Petronium.
After a day of visiting Bodrum, we will head to the domestic airport for our return flight to Istanbul.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, our has officially finished and it will be time to say goodbye to new friends and end the expedition of a lifetime.
Included Activities:
Bodrum Castle
Mausoleum at Halicarnassus entrance fee
Domestic flight to Istanbul
FAQ
How do I book?
Fill in our application form to make sure there is still room on the trip. Once you do we will send you an acceptance email with details on how to make your deposit!
Is This Expedition For Women Only?
Yes, we are only accepting women on this trip, but please let us know if you’re interested in a couple or family trip and we will open that next. is so fun when we all together!
Is There An Age Limit?
Our girl travelers must be at least 18+ by the time of departure to join Explore With Erin‘s Expedition. Children 14 and over are welcome if accompanied by a parent/guardian.
What luggage can I bring?
Pack light. With 3 domestic flights waiting for bags won’t be ideal, so if you can, aim for a carry-on. There is a one-check bag limit of 15kg. You may purchase extra weight for one bag, but we won’t be able to accept any more than one checked and one carry-on bag per person. Save your shopping for when you get back to Istanbul or Bodrum on our last day.
What Should I Pack?
Check the weather before arriving and please make sure you have the right temperature clothing. We recommend a jacket for the evenings. Temperatures average around 24°C (75°F) during the day. Nighttime temperatures can drop to 13°C (55°F). Make sure you bring a bathing suit.
Turkey is a progressive country and you will not be expected to wear any type of clothing except during our mosque visits in Istanbul where you will need to cover your shoulders, legs, and hair.
Are There Covid Restrictions?
Turkiye does not have any covid restrictions, but we recommend you check closer to the departure date in case of any changes. Check using Turkish Airlines.
What Is The Cancellation Policy?
Cancellation policy: A USD$100 deposit is required on booking and is non-refundable. Any additional payments made are refundable up til 31st January 2024.
Final Payments: Final payments are due no later than 31st January 2024. No refunds or cancellations are allowed past 31st January 2024. If the final payment is not paid by 31st January 2024, Explore With Erin Expeditions retains the right to remove you from the trip. The deposit will not be refundable.
No-shows will be treated as cancellations and will incur a 100% cancellation fee.
We reserve the right to cancel the trip and if so a full refund will be given.
Why Can’t I Get A Full Refund?
We understand that plans change, but the moment we decide to run a trip, costs are already incurred. Once you hit “book now”, we are paying deposits to hold your spot with our vendors + paying our team to manage bookings and make sure you have an incredible once-in-a-lifetime experience.
How Do I Pay?
The deposit is USD$100. The remainder of the trip will then be set up on automatic payments charged once per month until the trip is paid in full. Payment can be made through TransferWise or direct to a bank account.
Will The Itinerary Change?
Although we will do our best to keep the itinerary as you see here, does require flexibility. Schedules and itineraries are subject to changes, but even if something has to be changed or adjusted, we promise you’ll have a great time at the !
When Do I Arrive & Depart?
The trip commences Sunday 5th May evening for dinner around 6:30 pm. And finishes Tuesday 14th May evening dependant on flight times.
The best flights will have you arriving before 4 pm on Sunday 12th May (or the day before if you want to adjust to the timezone) and leaving after 4 pm on Tuesday 21st May. If you arrive before this date or stay after, please remember to organize your accommodation.
Do I Need A Visa?
Most countries require a visa to visit Turkiye. You can do so online at the official website.
For the USA a Visa is USD 50. For Australians, the visa is USD 60 or around AUD 92. The visa does not need to be printed, but please fill in the form and purchase your visa at least 2 weeks before the trip. Use the date you arrive. It is valid for a total period of 180 days. Your stay cannot exceed 90 days.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Yes, you must have travel insurance to join us on this trip. We use SafetyWing – https://www.safetywing.com/a/24736358. But please feel free to get your quotes.
About Explore With Erin Expeditions
Designed with female travelers in mind. From the single mums, the wives who need a break, or the women who need a team. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will provide you the chance to join Erin on an exclusive trip to her favorite destination.
Explore With Erin Expeditions will offer up all the elements of a perfect experience: cultural immersion, connecting with locals, great food, adventure, elevated experiences, picture-perfect backdrops, and like-minded travelers!
This is NOT a . This is a group of friends traveling together in . You will require your insurance and we recommend SafetyWing.
These thoughtfully curated small group trips are created with you in mind! The ease of a group trip will help you absorb the most from your destination and experience while making the trip hassle-free and easier than doing it on your own!
All destinations, activities, hotels, and experiences are carefully chosen by Erin- who has decades of experience and has visited each place before. Erin has a Turkish partner who has double-checked authenticity and cultural immersion, and that only the best Turkish is eaten!
Erin has been helping travelers with her expert tips and destination guides since 2012. She has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, Yahoo Traveler, Lonely Planet, and more! She has been a Speaker at the New York Times Show, ProBlogger, Dear Alyne Retreats, and Women In Summit.
There are LIMITED SPOTS!
So what are you waiting for?
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