This 15 day experience in Turkey is being organized by Aahilya Holidays,, who will be handling all the bookings and logistics.
The journey offers an immersive exploration of Turkey’s rich heritage. The tour highlights traditional crafts like handwoven carpets, intricate ceramics, and textiles, often created in artisan workshops. You will experience the vibrant culture through bustling bazaars, flavorful cuisine, and local customs. Architecturally, Turkey’s skyline tells a story of Byzantine and Ottoman influence, with iconic landmarks such as the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, and the unique rock-hewn churches of Cappadocia. It’s a fascinating journey through history, art, and architectural marvels.
Our Creative Container: Rumi will be our invisible fellow pilgrim throughout this journey. His poetry and sayings will offer a gentle thread connecting the places we visit with the landscapes of our own hearts, inviting us to travel with curiosity, openness, and wonder. Rather than simply passing through remarkable places, we'll slow down, pay attention, and create space for reflection, conversation, and quiet moments of discovery. Along the way, I'll offer simple contemplative and creative practices inspired by Rumi's wisdom, inviting us to experience Turkey not only with our eyes, but with our whole being. My hope is that these practices will awaken a way of seeing—and of living—that continues to unfold long after our journey together has ended.
Highlights of the trip include:
Visit Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia [if open as it is under rennovation] , Islamic Art museum and Cistern Basilica
Participate in Ebru, Ceramic, Block Printing and Lace making workshops.
Visit to Konya, the home of Rumi, and a Whirling Dervish experience.
Visit Mausoleum of Ataturk.
Sightseeing tour of Cappadocia visiting Zelve open air museum, Goreme and Devrent valley.
Visit Ruins of Hierapolis and Cotton Castle in Pamukkale.
Sightseeing tour of Antalya visiting Duden Waterfall, Perge ancient city and Kaleici old town.
Sightseeing tour of Kusadasi visiting Ephesus, Virgin Mary House and Sirince village.
Visit Historical Elevator and Clock Tower in Izmir.
Participate and learn Turkish coffee making.
Included in the trip are
Breakfasts and dinners
All internal transportation in Turkey.
Craft experiences and workshops included in the program
Not included: Flights to and from Istanbul, lunches, personal shopping, travel insurance and gratuities are not included.
COST
Shared Twin Room: $4,280 per person
Single Private Room $5,460 per person
ITINERARY
You can view the full itinerary here.
Day 1 (Nov 8): Arrive Istanbul
Day 2 (Nov 9): Istanbul
Day 3 (Nov 10): Istanbul
Day 4 (Nov 11): Istanbul for Ankara
Day 5 (Nov 12): Ankara to Kastamonu
Day 6 (Nov 13) Kastamonu
Day 7 (Nov 14): Kastamonu to Cappadocia
Day 8 (Nov 15): Cappadocia
Day 9 (Nov 16): Cappadocia
Day 10 (Nov 17): Cappadocia to Konya
Day 11 (Nov 18): Konya
Day 12: (Nov 19): Konya to Antalya
Day 13 (Nov 20): Antalya
Day 14 (Nov 21): Antalya to Kusadasi
Day 15: (Nov 22): Kusadasi
Day 16 (Nov 23): Kusadasi to Istanbul
Day 17 (Nov 24): Depart Istanbul
You can find further information and registration details here on the Aahilya Holidays website.
Here is a link to the Terms and Conditions of travel with Aahilya Holidays.
The maximum participants in the group will be 15 plus myself.
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions using this contact link.