Highlights
- City sightseeing tour of Istanbul, including Hagia Sophia Museum, Blue Mosque and the famous Grand Bazaar
- Two Continents Tour to the Bosphorus
- Explore the magnificent Topkapi Palace
- Visit to Gallipoli and Lone Pine Australian Memorial
- Visit to the ancient city of Troy
- Visit to Alacati, renowned for its character-filled narrow streets
- Visit to Seferihisar to see local women running their traditional daily bazaar
- Visit to Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World
- 3-night stay in Bodrum, along the Turkish Riviera
- Bodrum full-day cruise onboard our own exclusive gulet, cruising the waters of the Aegean Coast
- A free day in Bodrum to explore at leisure
- Visit to the Travertines in Pamukkale
- Ancient hot springs visit in Pamukkale
- Travel along the Silk Road, visiting Sultanhani Caravansary and Meviana Museum
- Visit to Uchisar Castle, Göreme Open Air Museum and Ortahisar Castle in Cappadocia
- Visit to the Pasabag Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia
- Visit cave churches in Cappadocia, an underground city and Cavusin Village
- Enjoy an immersive culinary experience in a Turkish Village
- Visit to Avanos, the Turkish Centre for handmade pottery
- Enjoy a fun Bellydancing class
- Enjoy a hypnotic Whirling Dervish ceremony in Hodjapacha
- Small group - friends for company!
- Optional - balloon flight in Cappadocia - USD350 prebooked but paid direct (in CASH) Soar into the sunrise on a spectacular hot air balloon flight over Cappadocia. As dawn breaks, we’ll glide silently above fairy chimneys, sweeping valleys and ancient rock formations while the sky fills with colour and drifting balloons all around us. It’s pure magic—and one of the most unforgettable highlights of the journey.
Inclusions
- Hosted throughout by a Sisterhood Womens Travel Tour Hostess, ensuring a smooth, supported and memorable travel experience
- Return economy airfares from Melbourne to Istanbul, including taxes ** (other departure cities available upon request)
- Professional English-speaking guides throughout the itinerary
- 16 nights accommodation in 4 star centrally located hotels
- All transportation as per itinerary
- Meals as per itinerary
- All sightseeing as per itinerary including all entrance fees
- Willing to share option (subject to availability)
- Zoom Meet and Greet prior to departure
** Airline is subject to change **
Notice
Moderate Fitness Rating
A moderate level of fitness will be required for these tours due to the length and/or the overall physicality of the itinerary. You can expect to walk more than 10,000 steps daily on more challenging terrain and longer periods. You must be capable of boarding and disembarking coaches, trains and boats unaided and, at times, handle your own luggage. There is also a basic camping overnight stay in the White Desert. For more information on our physical ratings, please CLICK HERE.
Visa Requirements
You will need an e-visa to travel to Turkey. Please CLICK HERE to apply for your e-visa on the official Turkish government site. For further information, please visit smartraveller.gov.au.
Tipping
In many countries, tipping is customary and forms an integral part of how local guides, drivers and service staff earn their income. We understand that expected tipping amounts can sometimes feel unfamiliar or higher than at home. To make things simple and stress-free, Sisterhood Womens Travel operates an easy tipping kitty, allowing us to tip providers fairly and consistently on your behalf — so you can relax and enjoy the journey. The estimated amount for your tour in Turkey is USD 150.00. This will be confirmed in your final documentation.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Thursday 22 October 2026
Melbourne - Singapore - Istanbul (Meals Inflight)
Meet your tour hostess and fellow travellers at Melbourne Airport for our flights to Turkey. Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head northwest towards Istanbul.
Day 2 - Friday 23 October 2026
Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey (B, D)
Welcome to Turkey!
Upon arrival in Istanbul, we will be met by our tour guide and transferred to a local restaurant for a famous Turkish breakfast. It is definitely not a brunch; it is full of local ingredients like cheese, tomatoes, and olives. Afterwards, we'll transfer to our hotel, with the rest of the day at leisure to ease us into holiday mode. This evening, we'll enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Sura Hagia Sophia (or similar)
Day 3 - Saturday 24 October 2026
Istanbul (B)
Today we'll enjoy a full-day tour of one of the most beautiful sights in the world, the Bosphorus, the strait separating two continents – Europe and Asia. This tour includes a private Bosphorus Cruise. Visit the Spice Bazaar, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace, and the Bosphorus Bridge.
Tonight dinner is at leisure. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Accommodation: Sura Hagia Sophia (or similar)
Day 4 - Sunday 25 October 2026
Istanbul Sightseeing (B)
Today, we immerse ourselves in Istanbul's magic with a full-day exploration of its most iconic treasures. Step inside the magnificent St Sophia Museum, wander through the historic Byzantine Hippodrome, and marvel at the dazzling blue tiles of the world-famous Blue Mosque. Continue to the opulent Topkapi Palace, once home to sultans and their secrets, before finishing your day weaving through the vibrant colours, aromas, and curiosities of the Grand Bazaar — one of the oldest and most enchanting marketplaces in the world.
Tonight dinner is at leisure. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Accommodation: Sura Hagia Sophia (or similar)
** As we visit mosques today, modesty is essential. Please cover your shoulders and wear pants—a great idea to bring along your pashmina.
Day 5 - Monday 26 October 2026
Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale (B,D)
A morning free before we travel to Gallipoli for a profoundly moving and insightful tour of its World War I battlefields. Walk in the footsteps of the ANZACs as you visit the Lone Pine Australian Memorial and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, before continuing to ANZAC Cove, Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery and Ari Burnu. Explore Johnston’s Jolly, where the remnants of Allied and Turkish trenches and tunnels reveal the harsh realities of the campaign, and pause at the 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial and The Nek. With our expert guide and driver, we'll also have the rare opportunity to access sites seldom included on standard coach tours, making this a deeply personal and unforgettable experience.
We then continue to Canakkale for overnight accommodation, including breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: Double Tree by Hilton - Canakkale (or similar)
Day 6 - Tuesday 27 October 2026
Ancient City of Troy (B,D)
Today, after breakfast, we'll step back in time with a visit to the ancient city of Troy, famous for the Trojan War, the beautiful Helen of Troy (also known as Helen of Sparta), and Paris, who fatally wounded Achilles. And of course, a replica of the Trojan Horse.
From there, we continue to the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamum. Its impressive temples and library made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre in its time. This afternoon, we head to Kusadasi for overnight accommodation, including breakfast and dinner.
Accommodation: Qlusive Hotel - Kusadasi (or similar)
Day 7 - Wednesday 28 October 2026
Alacati & Seferihisar (B,D)
Alacati is renowned for its narrow streets, featuring a variety of cafes, restaurants, and art galleries showcasing local artists. We'll have free time to explore this village at leisure. Following this, drive to Seferihisar for a unique experience, with local women running a traditional daily bazaar. They prepare homemade pastries and sell them from small stalls outside their homes. These local, women-led productions offer an opportunity to purchase fresh treats to enjoy with tea or coffee at nearby tea houses. The setting is authentic and community-driven, with the option to bring bought food to the tea houses.
Dinner tonight is included.
Accommodation: Qlusive Hotel - Kusadasi (or similar)
Day 8 - Thursday 29 October 2026
Ephesus - Bodrum (B,D)
Today, we'll be immersed in history with a guided tour of one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the site of the Temple of Artemis and the ancient city of Ephesus. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the city and stadium where chariot and horse races were once held. Please continue to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has a long tradition in Turkey, and at the carpet village, we learn how carpets are made by hand and what factors determine their value. We then head to Bodrum on the Turkish Riviera for our two-night stay.
Tonight dinner is at leisure. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Accommodation: Marmara Hotel, Bodrum (or similar)
Day 9 - Friday 30 October 2026
Bodrum (B, L)
Today, we spend the day at sea on board our own private gulet. We'll relax as we cruise the turquoise seas of the Bodrum coastline, visiting several of the most beautiful bays, where we can swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water, or we can relax in the mild breeze, enjoying the stunning views or perfecting our suntan to the sound of gently lapping waves. At Black Island, half an hour from Bodrum, we can bathe in the grotto, where the warm mineral waters flowing from the rocks are believed to beautify the complexion. Later, we return to Bodrum.
Tonight dinner is at leisure. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Accommodation: Marmara, Bodrum (or similar)
Day 10 - Saturday 31 October 2026
Bodrum - Pamukkale (B)
Today is ours to enjoy the beauty and buzz of Bodrum at our own pace. This stylish seaside town is loved for its boutique shopping, sun-soaked beaches, and an impressive array of quality restaurants lining the marina. Whether we choose to wander the charming streets, indulge in a long, lazy lunch, or relax by the water with a book, it’s the perfect day to unwind and soak up the coastal magic of Bodrum.
Tonight dinner is at leisure. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Accommodation: Marmara, Bodrum (or similar)
Day 11 - Sunday 1 November 2026
Bodrum - Pamukkale (B, D)
This morning, after check out, we'll enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before heading to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in the famous Pamukkale. We then tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. We'll have the opportunity to take a dip amongst ancient columns in the hot springs, which were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.
Dinner tonight at the hotel restaurant.
Accommodation: Adempira Thermal Hotel, Pamukkale (or similar)
Day 12 - Monday 2 November 2026
Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia - (B,D)
Today, we trace the legendary Silk Road, stepping back in time as we visit the impressive Sultanhani Caravanserai — once a vital resting point for traders and their caravans. We continue to Konya to explore the Mevlana Museum, the spiritual heart of the Whirling Dervishes and a fascinating window into Sufi culture. Afterwards, we travel to the dreamlike landscapes of Cappadocia for check-in at our Cave Hotel.
This evening, we'll enjoy a traditional Turkish folklore evening, a great night out featuring belly dancers, traditional folk dancers and traditional Turkish musicians.
Accommodation: Hanedan Cave Hotel, Cappadocia (or similar)
Day 13 - Tuesday 3 November 2026
Northern Cappadocia Tour (B)
Today, we embark on a full-day exploration of Northern Cappadocia, beginning with the panoramic lookout at Esentepe, where sweeping views set the scene for the magical day ahead. We continue to the towering Uchisar Castle before making our way to the Göreme Open-Air Museum, home to some of the region’s most extraordinary rock-cut churches and frescoes. Wander through the charming Ortahisar Castle area, then marvel at the whimsical Pasabag Fairy Chimneys. Conclude our day in the otherworldly landscapes of Devrent Valley — a place where imagination and nature come together in the most enchanting way.
Tonight dinner is at leisure. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Accommodation: Hanedan Cave Hotel, Cappadocia (or similar)
Day 14 - Wednesday 4 November 2026
Southern Cappadocia Tour (B, D)
This morning, we'll enjoy a Southern Cappadocia tour, heading to the Pigeon Valley before continuing to Red Valley. After visiting the impressive cave churches, we'll head to an underground city and afterwards visit Cavusin village. Lastly, we'll visit Avanos town to learn about handmade pottery. This evening we'll join an immersive culinary traditional experience in a Turkish village house and learn to prepare a three-course meal, mainly using the traditional method ‘Tandir’. Enjoy a delicious dinner and savour our prepared dishes in a traditional village setting.
Accommodation: Hanedan Cave Hotel, Cappadocia (or similar)
Day 15 - Thursday 5 November 2026
Cappadocia - Kayseri - Istanbul (B)
Today we will be met at the hotel and transferred to Kayseri Airport for our flight back to Istanbul.
Upon arrival in Istanbul, we will be met and transferred to our hotel for a three-night stay.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Early this evening we'll enjoy a fun and empowering 90-minute belly dancing class, led by a professional belly dancer who’ll guide us through the moves step-by-step. It’s a fabulous chance to laugh, let go, build confidence and celebrate our femininity together.
Tonight dinner is at leisure. Your Sisterhood hostess will suggest a venue.
Accommodation: Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel, Istanbul (or similar)
Day 16 - Friday 6 November 2026
Istanbul (B,D)
Today is at leisure from some last-minute sightseeing or shopping (or both!).
This evening we travel to Hodjapacha for the Whirling Dervish Show. The ceremony features a complex musical repertoire called ‘ayin’, and the whirling dance performed by the dervishes represents the mythical journey of man’s spiritual ascent through mind and love to perfection. It is a tradition more than 800 years old, and in 2025, it was inscribed on UNESCO's List of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. The ceremony begins with a 15-minute classical instrumental performance by a traditional Turkish orchestra. It is accompanied by 360-degree video special effects projected onto the walls of the beautiful, historic building, along with some fantastic lighting, adding to the atmosphere of this captivating ceremony.
After the show, we'll enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation: Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel, Istanbul (or similar)
Day 17 - Saturday 7 November 2026
Istanbul - Dubai - Melbourne (meals in flight)
Today, we farewell the vibrant city of Istanbul and beautiful Türkiye. Sit back, relax and enjoy the in-flight entertainment as we begin our journey home, filled with treasured memories and unforgettable experiences with friends for company.
Day 18 - Sunday 8 November 2026
Welcome Home!
Welcome Home! Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you to your next adventure.