Turkey is home to one of the world’s oldest civilizations and is the meeting place of the Eastern and Western worlds. Join us on a journey to this fascinating land between not only Europe and Asia but also between yesterday and today. Our journey starts in Istanbul where we will explore the interior and the treasures it holds. Then on to the vibrant resort beach town of Marmaris, a little bit mediterranean, a little bit Middle East and a little bit European but unlike any where else in the world. Finally, relax on a 7 day cruise on a private traditional Turkish Gullet.
INCLUSIONS & HIGHLIGHTS
- 10 Nights deluxe accommodations
- 7 Nights yacht accommodation
- Breakfast daily 2 lunches 5 Dinners and all meals on yacht
- Transportation by private, luxury air-conditioned coach
- Internal Flights
- Visit Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Basilica Cistern
- Instanbul Grand Bazaar, Spice Market & Old Ottoman Inns visit
- Visit Topkapi Palace including the Harem section
- Bosphorus Boat Tour
- Explore Uskudar market place
- Hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia
- Goreme Open Air Museum
- Visit Uchisar Castle
- Kaymakli Underground City
- Ephesus and Artemis Temples
- St. John Basilica
- Visit Hierapolis
- White terraces of Pamukkale
- Tour to Fethiye
- All meals, beer & wine on yacht
- Airport transfers
- Gratuities
- English speaking guide
- Women’s Travel Club Tour Host
ITINERARY
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Day 1 – Welcome to Turkey
Transfer in private service from international airport to the hotel. You will have today at your leisure to relax or explore this vibrant city. We will meet in the evening for a brief welcome meeting and then on to a fabulous welcome dinner.
Accommodations: Galata’s Hotel (Dinner) -
Day 2 – Istanbul
After breakfast we will embark on a tour of Istanbul. Together we will visit Hagia Sophia (often referred to as the 8th wonder of the World), the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome and Basilica Cistern. Cisterna Basilica is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. After lunch (not included) at a local restaurant we will continue to Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered bazaars in the World.
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Day 3 – Bosphorus Tour
After the breakfast we will visit Topkapi Palace including the Harem section. Then we will have lunch at a local restaurant (not included) you will head to the Spice Market and continue to Golden Horn to do a Bosphorus Tour by boat. Bosphorus forms part of the continental boundary between Europe and Asia. You will get off on the Asian side of Istanbul and explore Uskudar market place.
Accommodations: Galata’s Hotel (Breakfast) -
Day 4 – Cappadocia
You will fly to Cappadocia today. When you get there, you will visit Kaymakli Underground City, Ortahisar view point, Three Beauties and Dervent. Then, you will drive to the hotel.
Accommodations: Maya Cave (Breakfast, Dinner) -
Day 5 – Hot Air Balloon
Early in the morning we will enjoy a hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia. Even the most stunning photos fail to capture the true beauty of Cappadocia. It is a landscape like no other in the world. Because of its surreal, otherworldly features, it is one of the most popular destinations in the world for hot air ballooning.
After a late breakfast, you will visit Goreme Open Air Museum, Uchisar Castle and Pasabag. You will also do panoramic view stops to see the region from different angles.
Accommodations: Maya Cave (Breakfast) -
Day 6 – Cappadocia – Izmir – Selcuk
You will fly to Izmir today. After getting our new van, you will drive to Selcuk, where you will have 2 nights.
Accommodations: Kalehan Hotel (Breakfast, Dinner) -
Day 7 – Selcuk
Today you will visit Virgin Mary’s House and Ephesus. After lunch at Sirince Villgae you will also have time to explore this lovely place which was founded by Greeks. Then back to the hotel. You can rest at your hotel or continue exploring Selcuk.
Accommodations: Kalehan Hotel (Breakfast, Lunch) -
Day 8 – Pammukkale – Marmaris
Today, you will drive to Pamukkale first. Here, you will visit Hierapolis and the white terraces of Pamukkale. Then you will drive through Taurus Mountains to get to Marmaris. Dinner is included tonight.
Accommodations: Candan City Beach Hotel (Breakfast, Dinner) -
Day 9 – Marmaris
Today is free to enjoy Marmaris with it’s Beautiful coastline, friendly people, good fresh foods and delicious local wines, that could easily compete against many European vineyards. Relax, shop or explore this amazing town that will easily become one of your favorite places in the World.
Accommodations: Candan City Beach Hotel (Breakfast) -
Day 10 – Marmaris
After breakfast in our hotel, enjoy a free day to explore Marmaris. There is so much to do in this beautiful seaside village, you will very much enjoy your free time here.
Accommodations: Candan City Beach Hotel (Breakfast) -
Day 11 – Dalyan – Kekova – Embarkation
We will transfer from Marmaris to Kekova Yacht Marina where we will board our home for the next 7 nights, the ES Canada. This gulet is very spacious with a large salon and a dining area on both the forward and aft decks. All cabins are ensuite. A number of water sports is on board such as kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, snorkel, and fishing. Kekova is a fascinating area to visit. Here are famous ancient monuments, cities immersed in water – Aperlai, Kekova, Simena and Theimussa that were founded in the 10th century BC by the Lycians.
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Day 12 – Demre – Kas
Kas is everything that a typical Mediterranean seaside resort in Turkey should be. White washed houses cascade down the winding mountain roads to show the way to beautiful beaches and a harbor that reminds you that life is in fact quite good and while in Kas, the best thing to do is to adapt quickly to the Mediterranean lifestyle. Explore this quaint village or relax on the yacht, the day is yours to enjoy. On the way to Kas we will view the sunken city.
Accommodations: ES Canada (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) -
Day 13 – Kas – Kalkan – Gemiler Island
On your way to Gemiler Island you will enjoy the morning in Kalkan, a beautiful and lively resort town. Explore, shop or relax. Welcome to Gemiler Island, this historical island is filled with history, incredible views onto the Mediterranean and is even though to be the birthplace of Saint Nicholas (Father Christmas!) Here we will have a self-guided tour – they will drop us on the island approximately 1.5 hours before sunset where we will climb to the top of the island. As we climb you will walk past all the ruins. Once on top, at the lighthouse, we will enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Accommodations: ES Canada (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) -
Day 14 – Tersane Island
Tersane Island is the largest island in the gulf of Fethiye and is often also called Dockyard Island. Today you can still find the ruins of abandoned homes over this picturesque island.
Accommodations: ES Canada (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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Day 15 – Ekincik Bay
Spend the day sailing and end in Ekincik Bay
Accommodations: ES Canada (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
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Day 16 – Loryma Bay
Today we will visit the lovely Bay of Loryma. This large, sheltered bay is easily identified by the ancient citadel on the western headland as you approach. This bay is perfect for a relaxing afternoon swimming, paddle boarding or snorkelling.
Accommodations: ES Canada (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) -
Day 17 – Sogut Bay
Enjoy a day in this beautiful secluded bay with crystal blue waters. This is the perfect opportunity to take advantage of the many water activities offered by the yacht.
Accommodations: ES Canada (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) -
Day 18 – Sogut – Depart
It is time to say good-bye to this beautiful destination and fabulous new friends. Please make sure flights are booked for after 2 PM.
(Breakfast)
**Prices are subject to change and availability. Space is limited and activities and specific hotels are subject to change. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
IMPORTANT DETAILS & PRICING
Rates
Double Occupancy – $8999 CAD per person (sharing a room) – approx. $6800 USD – Sold Out
Single Occupancy – $10,819 CAD per person (your own room) – approx. $8200 USD – 1 Spot
If you would like the double occupancy rate but don’t have a roommate we will match you with a suitable roommate. The single occupancy rate will give you your own room. Single occupancy may be limited. CAD = Canadian dollars. USD = United States of America dollars. Conversion to USD is approximated by current exchange rates and subject to change. You will be charged in CAD and your bank may charge a slightly different rate or fees.
Payment & Cancellation Schedule
Payment of $500 due at time of booking.
Payment of $1000 due on August 15, 2023
Final payment due – February 15, 2024
*All payments are non-refundable Please see full terms and conditions. Prices are subject to change and availability.
Guaranteed Departure
You can book confidently knowing that this tour will definitely depart. If you are booked please arrange your flights. We always recommend flexible, refundable tickets not booked with a third party supplier.
Activity Level
Low Moderate Activity
Some walking tours at elevations. You should be able to walk comfortably for a few hours at a relaxed pace with stops.
Group Size
Minimum – 7 members
Maximum – 10 members
Exclusions
- International Airfare
- Visa/passport handling fees
- Meals not listed in itinerary
- Alcoholic Beverages (other than beer & wine on cruise)
- Gratuities on personal purchases
- Optional Activities
- Expenses of a Personal Nature
- Early check-in and late check-out of hotel
Tour Host
Women’s Travel Club tours are hosted tours. Your tour host is in addition to local tour guides. Your Women’s Travel Club tour host is your tour concierge and there to make sure every part of the tour runs smoothly. Our trained hosts are seasoned travelers who are with you every step of your tour so that you only have to worry about enjoying yourself and having fun.
The Women’s Travel Club Tour Host for this tour is Kim Healy.
Roommate Matching Policy
Roommate matching is done as a courtesy and while most matches result in wonderful friendships, success is not guaranteed. If during the tour you decide you would no longer like to share a room with your roommate you will need to request (and pay for) a single room at all accommodations. This can be shared between the two people in the room if it is a mutual decision. If you are a very light sleeper or snore you may want to consider getting your own single room.
Flight Information
The Women’s Travel Club recommends booking flexible/refundable air tickets when possible.
Arrive to Istanbul, Turkey – Istanbul International Airport – IST at any time on or before first day of tour.
Depart from Dalaman, Turkey – Dalaman Airport – DLM – anytime after 2 PM on the last day of the tour .
If you would like assistance booking international flights for your tour please use the form below. The Women’s Travel Club Flight Desk will work with you to arrange the best options.
Our Flight management fee is CAD 100.00 + HST, per tour.
Flight Quote
Travel Insurance:
Out of country medical insurance is required. We strongly recommend that you obtain cancellation and interruption insurance to protect your investment.
Use this link to request an insurance quote.
IMPORTANT DETAILS & PRICING
Galata's Hotel
Galata’s Hotel is in the heart of the city, where luxury meets art and history meets today!
Galata’s Hotel combines luxury and comfort with its modern architecture and unique interior design. It provides service with a total of 52 rooms, including Standard, Family, Corner and Handicapped Rooms. Air conditioning in the rooms, international TV channels and free Wi-Fi are some of the many amenities it offers to its guests.
Maya Cave Hotel
As if plucked from a whimsical fairytale and set down upon the stark Anatolian plains, Cappadocia is a geological oddity of honeycombed hills and towering boulders of otherworldly beauty. The fantastical topography is matched by the human history here. The Hotel, Maya Cave is located in Uchisar. They will welcome you and want you to stay comfortable and discover this unique land as much as possible.
Kalehan Hotel
The bright, simply furnished rooms offer Mediterranean-style decor and minifridges. Upgraded rooms add pull-out sofas. Amenities include a terrace restaurant, a cozy fireplace lounge and a garden patio. There’s also an outdoor pool with a sundeck, and pets are welcome.
Candan City Beach Hotel
Candan city beach hotel, from the first to the shopping center, restaurants, bars and cafés, to move away, right on the sea, beach, with sun loungers and parasols, daytime sparkling with plenty of sea and sparkling night of peaceful, it promises plenty of fun holiday. Candan city beach hotel, all rooms with air conditioning, room phone, television, balcony, mini bar, bathtub, hair dryer are included as standard. All the features as well as some of our room in the morning for guests who want to wake up with the sounds of the sea and the waves with sea views.
ES Canada
This luxe gulet has 8 cabins which can accommodate up to 16 guests. Each cabin has their own en-suite washroom complete with walk-in shower and air conditioning. This gulet is very spacious with a large salon and a dining area on both the forward and aft decks. A number of water sports is on board such as canoe, windsurfing, snorkel, fishing (available at no charge).
** Occasionally, due to situations beyond our control, specific hotels may change. Any accommodation changes will be to a similar hotel.
FAQ's
Through our own clients and networking clubs we have realized a general desire for women to travel but they don’t always have a companion. We developed the Women’s Travel Club for these women to have a fun and safe group to travel with. We offer a wide range of destinations, so that there is something for everyone.
We have women of all ages, with the average being 45 to 65 years. However, we do have regular travelers anywhere from 30 years to over 80 years of age.
We do not include international flights in the price of our tours. Not including the cost of international flights in the cost of the tour allows members the flexibility to get the flight schedule, price and class of service that best suits them. The Women's Travel Club flight desk will be happy to help arrange your international flights.
Yes, we always negotiate the best possible single supplement rate for our trips. Single spots fill quickly and may be limited so we suggest you book early for a single spot.
Yes, each of our booking forms has an area for you to request to be matched with a roommate. We get some general information that will help us match you with a great new friend.
Yes, prior to your arrival, you must purchase a Turkish e-visa which can easily be done online at - https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ The e-visa is an electronic document that is connected to your passport number, however, we suggest you also print a copy to bring with you.
Temperatures are warm-to-hot throughout Turkey in May, and average rainfall low. Popular places like Istanbul and Cappadocia see average temperatures of around 68-69°F (20-21°C), while Antalya, Bodrum, and Pamukkale are even warmer at around 77°F (25°C).
Apr 15 - Apr 20, 2024 
