The
TURKEY
trip
For the love of
EUROPE AND ASIA
ANCIENT MONUMENTS
BAKLAVA
TURQUOISE COASTLINES
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ECLECTIC BAZAARS
STREET FOOD
FAIRY CHIMNEYS
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TURKISH COFFEE
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UNDERGROUND CITIES
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turkey
WHAT TO EXPECT
As the 6th most-visited country in the world, Turkey is packed with history, stunning landscapes, and some of the best food you’ve probably never heard of (because Turkish cuisine goes way beyond kebabs).
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On this small group trip designed for solo travelers in their 20s and 30s, you’ll sail along the Mediterranean’s turquoise coast, wander through ancient ruins straight out of a history book, and soak in the energy of Istanbul’s bazaars, where the scent of spices fills the air. If you’re hesitant about solo travel, know that Turkey is both safe and vibrant—a place everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
2025 dates
9 days/8 nights
starting at $4,499 USD
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Limited private room upgrades starting from $1,299 are available and can be added during booking, subject to availability.
Payment can be broken down into a $500 deposit + 3 additional installments.
*Please note: Due to requirements from our suppliers, the Turkey Trip follows a 91-Day Cancellation Policy.​
Included
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8 night accommodations in shared rooms (private room upgrade available on request)
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Meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 4 dinners
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In-country transportation, including two domestic flights (Istanbul → Cappadocia, Cappadocia → Izmir)
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Private sunset yacht cruise along the Bosporus Strait
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Guided tour of Istanbul’s must-see landmarks
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Hands-on pottery workshop with Turkish coffee
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Traditional hammam bath experience
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Cooking class in the charming village of Sirince
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Wine and olive oil tasting in Sirince
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Lively Turkish show performance
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Guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Ephesus ruins
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Private Gulet boat day exploring the Gulf of Gökova 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
INSIDE OF ISTANBUL
Welcome to Istanbul! After checking in and settling into the hotel, you’ll meet your fellow travelers for the first time—unless, of course, you all coordinated a pre-trip hang in the WhatsApp chat (which happens more often than you’d think!). Meeting new people can be a little nerve-wracking, but trust us, by the end of this trip, these strangers will feel like old friends.
We’ll kick things off with a private sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, where golden-hour views of Istanbul’s skyline, a cool breeze off the water, and that electric feeling of adventure will set the perfect tone for the days ahead.
As night falls, we’ll gather for our first group dinner, an introduction to Turkish cuisine—a bold and flavorful fusion of Ottoman, Mediterranean, Central Asian, and Eastern European influences.
Arrive
Day 2 - Istanbul & Cappadocia
TIMELESS LANDMARKS
With a city as rich in history and culture as Istanbul, there’s no shortage of incredible sites to explore—but today, we’re focusing on some of its most influential architectural landmarks.
We’ll start at the Süleymaniye Mosque, an Ottoman-era masterpiece that dominates the skyline, before descending into the eerie, underground chambers of the Basilica Cistern—one of the city’s largest ancient reservoirs, with dimly lit arches and mysterious Medusa-head columns. Finally, we’ll wrap up our tour at the iconic Hagia Sophia. Originally built in 537, this grand structure has transformed over centuries from a cathedral to a mosque, to a museum, and back to a mosque again—each era leaving its mark.
The early afternoon is yours to explore at your own pace before we pack up and head to Cappadocia—get ready for a serious change of scenery.
ADMIRE
Day 3 - Cappadocia
HIGH IN THE SKY
Rise and shine—it’s going to be an unforgettable day! If you’re a fan of strong coffee, start your morning with a cup of Turkish coffee. For those eager for adventure, you’ll have the chance to experience the iconic Cappadocia hot air balloon ride—a sunrise experience that’s been highly requested by our travelers.
Afterward, we’ll meet up in the lobby and head out to the fairy chimneys, those otherworldly rock formations straight out of a fantasy novel. As we hike through Cappadocia’s stunning landscape, we’ll explore castles, open-air museums, and see why this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth.
Take an afternoon nap to recharge—because tonight, we’re going all out. We’ll dive into Turkish culture with a live dinner show, featuring vibrant music and high-energy dance performances.
Adventure
Day 4 - Cappadocia
POTTERY PERFECTION
If you decided to sleep in yesterday, today’s your last chance to experience Cappadocia from above. For those who enjoyed it yesterday, we’ve left the morning open for you to take it at your own pace.
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In the afternoon, we’re diving into an ancient tradition—pottery! Under the guidance of a world-renowned sculptor, we’ll roll up our sleeves and create our own ceramic masterpieces. Learning a new skill can be tricky, but don’t worry, we’ve got a fantastic local teacher to guide us every step of the way.
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Since it’s our last night in Cappadocia and we have an early flight tomorrow, we’re keeping things mellow. You can choose to have dinner at the hotel, featuring a delicious spread of ÇiÄŸ Köfte (raw meat tartare), Lahmacun (Turkish pizza with various toppings), and Balik Ekmek (a flavorful fish sandwich).
DELIGHT
Day 5 - Cappadocia & Åžirince
OLIVE YOU
Cappadocia, you’ve been a Turkish delight (too soon? 😂). This morning, we’re headed to what Condé Nast Traveler called “Turkey’s most overlooked city,” and it’s easy to see why. The Izmir province is often left for the locals to enjoy. So, we’re off to Åžirince, a charming village where we’ll spend the next two days.
In the afternoon, we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy lunch with a breathtaking view of the surrounding hills before heading to an unforgettable wine and olive oil tasting. Picture sipping the region’s renowned wine while dipping fresh, warm Turkish bread into olive oil, harvested from trees you can see stretching across the landscape in the distance. Can you think of a better way to spend the afternoon?
Tonight, we have some free time to unwind. With Turkey’s stunning beauty on full display year-round, we’ll make sure to soak it all in under the stars, sharing laughs and stories with your new travel friends.
explore
Day 6 - Åžirince
R&R
We’ll begin today with a traditional Turkish hammam—think of it as a steam bath. As you soak in the heat and unwind during this ancient ritual, let it serve as the perfect reset for both your body and mind.
Next, we’ll have some downtime before diving headfirst into the local food scene with a hands-on cooking class. Turkish cuisine is a vibrant celebration of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, and we’ll go beyond the typical meat-heavy dishes you might find abroad. Picture yourself working with eggplant, garlic, lentils, zucchini, and pistachios to create authentic dishes alongside local chefs who will share their knowledge and passion for the flavors of their homeland.
And of course, no Turkish meal is complete without dessert! Prepare for a sweet, flaky finish—baklava, made with the love and care that has been passed down through generations.
discover
Day 7 - Åžirince & Bodrum
BEACH BUMMIN’
Today, we’re diving deeper into Turkey’s incredible history with a visit to the Ephesus ruins, an expansive archaeological site dating back to the 10th century BC. Once home to Greek, Byzantine, and Roman civilizations, this ancient city is a must-see for any history lover.
While many tourists might not have the time to cross the country in such a short visit, you've had the chance to explore cities, mountains, villages—and now, we’re headed to the sea!
Bodrum is where we’ll spend the remainder of the trip, so tonight, take a moment to unwind. Grab a table outdoors with your travel crew, and dig into a delicious meze platter as we soak in the atmosphere of this beautiful coastal town.
Cruise
Day 8 - Bodrum
seas the day
Our final day together will be spent cruising the Turquoise Coast on a boat, and honestly, what could be better? Whether you're a seasoned sailor or just here for the view (and the wine), this day is all about unwinding and taking in the beauty of it all.
We’ll sail through the Gulf of Gokova aboard a traditional Gulet—a Bodrum-built, multi-masted wooden yacht. With a glass of red wine in hand, we’ll discover hidden coves and tucked-away gems on these tranquil waters, a side of Turkey that’s off the beaten path and rarely seen by others.
As the sun sets and we gather for our final dinner, it’s hard to believe how much we’ve experienced in just over a week. Tonight marks our last memory together (for now, at least).
appreciate
Day 9 - Bodrum
BYE BODRUM
It’s time to say goodbye to your new travel friends this morning as everyone heads off in different directions. But before you go, be sure to grab a few souvenirs to bring a piece of Turkey back home to your loved ones.
If you're not quite ready to say goodbye to this side of the world, why not continue your adventure with us on our upcoming Barcelona and South of France trip? We’ve recently found some amazing nonstop flights from Istanbul to Nice 👀
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Wherever your travels take you next, we wish you a safe journey. This isn’t goodbye—it’s just a “see you later.” We hope to catch you on the road again soon!
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) or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW)
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.
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.