The
TURKEY
trip
For the love of
BAKLAVA
BODRUM NIGHTS
THE GRAND BAZAAR
WHITE SAND BEACHES
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EAST MEETS WEST
KEBABS
FAIRY CHIMNEYS
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TURQUOISE COAST
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ANCIENT HISTORY
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turkey
WHAT TO EXPECT
A place where east meets west and Europe and Asia collide, Turkey is a cultural melting pot. From the incredible cuisine and rich history of Istanbul to the magical hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia and the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters of Bodrum, it’s no surprise that Turkey is the 6th most-visited destination in the world.
Our small group trip is designed for solo travelers in their 20s and 30s, ready to fall in love with the energy and diversity of this remarkable country. For those hesitant about solo travel, Turkey is both safe and vibrant—a place we believe everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
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Limited single room upgrades starting from $999 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
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Included
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7 night accommodations in shared rooms (single room upgrade available on request)
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Meals: 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
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In-country transportation (including a two domestic flights to Cappadocia and to Izmir)
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Private sunset yacht cruise along Bosporus Strait
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Locally guided Istanbul food tour
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Guided tour through Old City Istanbul to the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
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ATV Sunset ride in Cappadocia
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Sirince cooking class
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Wine tasting experience in Sirince
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Guided tour through the UNESCO Heritage Ephesus ruins
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Private Gulf of Gökova Gulet boat day in Bodrum
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FTLO Trip Leader
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*All activities are weather dependent; in the unlikely event that we are unable to run an activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
not included
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Flights (to Istanbul & from Bodrum)
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Mandatory trip insurance
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Meals not mentioned (budget around $300)
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Incidental expenses​
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Cappadocia hot air balloon tour
day by day
Trip itineraries are subject to change. For more information, check out our FAQs HERE.
Day 1 - Istanbul
Merhaba!
Welcome to Turkey! After you get into town, it’s time to dive right into one of the world’s largest and most historic cities. Sprawling across two continents and split down the middle by the Bosporus Strait, this cultural mixing pot is home to ancient marvels and modern megastructures.
And while walking the sites is fun, there’s really no better way to get an idea for the history, culture, and sheer scale of it all than by heading out on the water, so we’ll get things started by cruising out from Karaköy Pier for transcontinental views.
That night, back on dry land, we’ll grab dinner with a view of the Strait, where you can give the national drink, Raki, a go. This twice-distilled grape and anise concoction should get you ready for a night of fun, so head out and explore with your group of new friends.
Arrive
Day 2 - Istanbul
Istanbul was Constantinople
Grab breakfast at the hotel—it’s an important meal in Turkish culture, and oh, is it delicious. Today, we’re heading back in time to check out the Old City, where you’ll explore the expansive Hagia Sophia.
This church-turned mosque which stood for 1,000 years as the world’s largest cathedral, is home to gold-plated ceilings, Byzantine mosaics, and 104 columns, all added at different stages of its existence. You’ll soak up more culture and history at the equally impressive Blue Mosque and wind up in Hippodrome Square, ancient Constantinople’s original sporting and social center.
After that it’s time to eat, and believe us, there’s no place like Istanbul for a food tour of the town. From the European center to the Asian side, this is your chance to try Kebabs, meze, and flaky börek. The night’s free; if you’re feeling up to it grab drinks in always happening Kadıköy.
ADMIRE
Day 3 - Istanbul / Cappadocia
SHOP TIL YOU DROP
Enjoy another incredible Turkish breakfast at the hotel, then take the morning to explore any of Istanbul's sights you've been eager to see.
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We highly recommend visiting the Grand Bazaar, where endless passageways and vaulted ceilings house over 4,000 shops selling colorful spices, flavorful teas, and gold jewelry. It’s one of the world’s largest and oldest shopping centers—perfect for getting lost in a shopper's paradise.​
In the afternoon, we’ll head to Cappadocia, nestled in the heart of Anatolia. Famous for its "fairy chimneys" and the vibrant hot air balloons that drift across the sky, this whimsical destination will enchant you. We’ll grab a quick bite before calling it a night, as tomorrow we’ll want to start early.
Adventure
Day 4 - Cappadocia
Vista Bliss
Whether you're looking to find the perfect spot on a terrace overlooking the desert landscape or hop into a balloon yourself, today you'll want to rise before dawn to catch the sunrise and watch the sky fill with balloons.
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Your early afternoon is free, so bring your camera and head to Rose Valley for stunning views, or explore the fascinating cave dwellings carved into the cliffs. Just be sure you're back by late afternoon, as we’ve got a thrilling sunset ATV experience lined up.
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For dinner, we’ll head to a cliffside spot offering sweeping views of Cappadocia’s valleys and fairy chimneys. Expect a delicious mix of local flavors, from tender lamb to fresh seasonal veggies. As dusk settles in, we’ll raise a toast to an unforgettable adventure surrounded by the region’s surreal beauty.
DELIGHT
Day 5 - Cappadocia, Sirince
Mountain Magic
If you regret not hopping onboard one of those balloons and drifting over fantasyland, well, you’ve got one more chance, so give it a go if you’re up for it.
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Then it’s time to head out and see a bit more of the country. We’ll hop in our transport and make our way to the airport toward Izmir and the absurdly charming hillside town of Sirince. With 19th-century Ottoman-Greek houses roofed in red-tiles, wooden shutters, and whitewashed walls, this place is full of character.
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After winding your way through olive groves and into town, it’ll be time for a bit of hometown cuisine and a local cooking class (and wine, of course) to get you settled in the right way.
explore
Day 6 - Sirince
charm
& traditions
Your morning’s free, so take it slow at the hotel and bask in the epic mountainside views as you figure out how exactly you’ll let your boss know you’re moving here.
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Meet up with the rest of the crew for a delicious local lunch hanging out over the absolutely staggering valley and then it’s time for some wine time. We’re heading nearby (nothing’s far in Åžirince) to try some of the best wines from the best vineyards around.
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After a tough day of drinks with a view, head back to the hotel pool to unwind and soak up one last bit of beautiful Åžirince as the sun slips away.
discover
Day 7 - Sirince, Bodrum
beach vibes
Grab an early breakfast; we’ve got a big day ahead. We’re heading to see the Ephesus ruins, a sprawling archeological site dating from the 10th century BC that was once home to Greek, Byzantine, and Roman civilizations.
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Next, we’re moving on to Bodrum, one of Turkey’s friendliest seaside enclaves. We figured you could use some R&R, so chill out with a drink along the picturesque bay, check out some great beachside bars, or chow down on some more of that Turkish Delight.
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If you’ve still got some gas in the tank, explore the imposing Castle of St. Peter along the water or stop by the ruins of the Mausoleum of Mausolus, it’s one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
Cruise
Day 8 - Bodrum
seas the day
Let’s round out this trip in style and hit the high seas. Today, we’re heading out onto the sublime Gulf of Gokova aboard a Gulet, a traditional, Bodrum-built, multi-masted, wooden yacht (say that five times fast).
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You’ll have the opportunity to swim, snorkel, and soak up the sun in Mediterranean paradise—if that sounds a bit too tough, we’re happy to tell you that this sea is so salty, you really float without much of an effort at all.
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Grab a drink or two and lounge with your friends in the lap of luxury. It’s not a horrible way to round out an epic adventure. That evening we’ll all meet up for one last taste of Turkey.
appreciate
Day 9 - Bodrum
Güle Güle
Turkey
We hope your trip’s been a real Turkish delight (and we can’t believe we waited this long to use that joke); unfortunately, it’s the end of the line.
After one final breakfast at the hotel, the time has come to say goodbye to the amazing friends you made and head off to your next adventure.
If you’ve got a later flight, check out some of the historic sites in Bodrum—there should be more than a few to keep you busy. If you’re after more fun in the Med, check out our trip to the Greek Islands and keep the good times going.
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We hope you had the time of your life in Turkey!
FAST FACTS
GOod to know
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Turkish is the national language of Turkey.
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The Turkish lira is the official currency. There are approximately 15 lira to the dollar.
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Istanbul may be the largest city in Turkey by far, but the capital is actually Ankara.
about turkey
Turkey is one of the most culturally and historically significant nations on earth. The country is made up of Eastern Thrace, the European side, and Anatolia, the Asian side. The two were brought together under the Romans some 2,300 years as part of the Byzantine Empire. The Ottomans took over in the 1400s with the fall of Constantinople and ruled all the way through World War I until the formation of the Republic of Turkey.
Trip notes
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While we can’t guarantee private rooms, you should book your trip earlier if you prefer one, as they usually fill up.
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Temperatures should range from the high 60s to high 70s, but we recommend at least one light jacket or sweater in case it gets chilly at night.
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More information for all other nationalities and Covid restrictions can be found here.
Flight information
Fly into Istanbul (IST)
You'll need to be in Istanbul by 2pm on Day 1. We do recommend flying in earlier to have some time to explore the city on your own!
Fly out of Bodrum (BJV)
We recommend taking a domestic flight back to Istanbul (IST) for your international return home.
*Although the trip ends in Bodrum, we recommend booking international roundtrip flights to Istanbul and a domestic flight from Bodrum to Istanbul... or take a boat over to the Greek Islands!
Alumni reviews
We know how much you'll love the Turkey trip...
but don't take our word for it! Check out some of our alumni reviews.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Interested in learning more about our Turkey trip?
Have a question? We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.