ISTANBUL, ANKARA, CAPPADOCIA, ANTALYA, PAMUKKALE, IZMIR, EPHESUS, CANAKKALE, AND TROY
The spelling of the country’s name was updated in early 2022 to best represent and express “the culture, civilization, and values of the Turkish nation in the best way.” From the unique rock formations and soaring hot air balloons in Cappadocia to the marvelous cities of Istanbul and Ankara to the special women-only experiences woven throughout the itinerary to allow us to truly connect with locals and immerse ourselves in the country’s culture and traditions, our special women-only Treasures of Türkiye tour shows us the heart of Türkiye. On our days in Istanbul, we’ll not only visit the Blue Mosque, Byzantine Basilica, Spice Market, and Grand Bazaar, we’ll visit the “Small Projects Istanbul” center to meet with refugee women and learn more about the support this community provides. In Ankara, we’ll visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk and delve into history at the Anatolian Civilization Museum. We’ll make our way to Cappadocia via the scenic countryside and enjoy a cooking class at a special restaurant supporting and empowering women. Then, travel through beautiful Konya to reach Antalya, where we’ll have time to explore its archaeological wonders and enjoy our seaside resort hotel overlooking the Turquoise Coast. We’ll also visit the incredible Pamukkale hot springs before traveling to Izmir for an Ephesus excursion and a visit to a weaving center where we’ll explore a part of Türkiyenational heritage—carpet weaving. Round out this trip with a lecture about women in Turkey and Asia Minor from a historical and cultural perspective from ancient to modern times and stops at the historical and classical cities of Pergamum, Canakkale, and Troy.
For COVID-19 updates, please scroll down to our Before You Depart section.
Looking for a roommate or to connect with other women before your trip? Join our smarTours Women-Only Facebook group! Visit the group here (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1145762302478350/) and click the + Join Group button!
Did you know that you can make this tour private? Find out about pricing and options for groups of 10 or more travelers.
Itinerary at
a Glance
- 2 nights in Istanbul
- 1 night in Ankara
- 2 nights in Cappadocia
- 2 nights in Antalya
- 2 nights in Izmir
- 1 night Canakkale
- 2 nights in Istanbul
Tour
Highlights
- Blue Mosque (Istanbul)
- Spice Market (Istanbul)
- Grand Bazaar (Istanbul)
- Cappadocia Rock Formations
- Turquoise Coast (Antalya)
- Ephesus Excursion
- House of Virgin Mary (Ephesus)
- Acropolis (Pergamum)
- Dardanelles
Special Women-Only Departure Highlights:
- Visit to “Small Projects Istanbul” to meet refugee women
- Cooking class at a social development project designed to support and empower women
- Visit to a weaving center to learn more about carpet weaving as part of Turkey’s national heritage
- Lecture about women in Turkey and Asia Minor from a historical and cultural perspective from ancient to modern times
Max. Group Size: 20 Passengers
Your Tour
Includes
- Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) (passengers may also book this tour without flights)
- Airfare taxes, fees & fuel surcharges
- Intra-Türkiye ground transportation and transfers
- Accommodations at first class hotels
- 22 meals: 12 full buffet breakfasts, 1 lunch, 9 dinners
- Comprehensive sightseeing tours as indicated in itinerary
- English-speaking tour director throughout
Tour Itinerary
Find your special women-only tour experiences in bold in the itinerary below.
Guided Tour Pricing
Prices and dates below include round-trip airfare from New York (JFK). Travelers may choose to purchase the tour only, and arrange their own arrival in destination.
2022 Tours | Tour Only | With Flights | |
---|---|---|---|
Wednesday
November 9 Monday
November 21 |
From
$2,299
$1,899
|
Flights not available | Select |
Rates are per person based on double occupancy.
Single supplement applies when not sharing a room. Select a date above to see the rates for that specific departure.
For more information on this tour, please contact us here or call us during business hours (Mon-Fri, 9:00am – 5:30pm EST) at 1.800.337.7773.
Reservations and Payments
Reservations can be made by phone (1.800.337.7773) and will be confirmed upon receipt of your non-refundable, non-transferable deposit, which must be received at the time of reservation. Deposits are $300 per person. Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Space and prices subject to availability. Please see the smarTours Terms and Conditions for complete booking information.
Optional Tours Customize your trip with these optional tours.
Enhance your trip with our recommended optional tours. Indicated optional tours are available to pre-book when you reserve your trip and can be added to your reservation up to final payment. This is the best option to guarantee your spot on your preferred optional tour! Optional tours require a minimum number of participants. Optional tours are non-refundable unless they do not operate.
Some optional tours can be purchased in-destination and may cost extra. The payment methods and currency information to purchase tours in-destination will be provided on final documentation.
Featured Accommodations
Before You Depart
COVID-19 UPDATE
Departing the U.S.: For the safety of everyone in the group, smarTours has implemented COVID-19 travel requirements which apply to all tours regardless of destination. To learn more, click here.
Please note destination entry requirements are changing rapidly. smarTours will communicate entry requirements in your Tour Documents 10-14 days prior to departure. For up-to-date information, please click the links below.
- Entry requirements
- State Department Travel Advisory Updates (Turkey)
- Center for Disease Control Updates & Information (Turkey)
FLIGHT INFORMATION
Your flights from New York’s JFK Airport to Turkey and back to JFK are on the following airlines with the corresponding schedules. We recommend that you arrive in JFK at least 3 ½ hours before the scheduled departure.
Departure Date | Airline | Depart | Return |
2022: Nov. 9 | Turkish Airlines | 8:00 PM | 6:30 PM |
ADVANCE SEAT ASSIGNMENT
Please make sure to allow sufficient time for clearing immigration and customs if you are planning a connecting flight. We recommend at least 3 ½ hours. Please note that flight times are always subject to change.
LAND-ONLY TRAVELERS
International flights to/from the U.S. are not included. Land-only travelers are responsible for arranging the entry and exit flights, as well as their arrival and departure transfers. smarTours cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by air schedule changes and delays. Unused land services are non-refundable.
Main Tour: Land-only services start upon independent check in at Istanbul hotel on Day 2 of the itinerary listed on the tour page. Land-only services end after breakfast at Istanbul hotel on Day 14 of the itinerary listed on the tour page.
PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION
You must be in possession of a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of travel. Visas are required to enter Turkey. American passport holders must obtain a Turkey e-visa online prior to entering Turkey at a cost of $50 (subject to change). To obtain an e-visa for Turkey, you can contact the Republic of Turkey Electronic Visa Application System by visiting their website by clicking here. If you have questions, you may reach their call center at (888) 566-7656. Alternatively, we arranged a visa processing service “CIBT” to facilitate the Turkey e-visa for you for an additional handling fee. Please click here to download CIBT’s instructions. Non-U.S. citizens should check with the respective consulates as to the most current visa requirements to all their travel destinations. Please remember that it is your responsibility to obtain the necessary travel documents before the trip.
TICKETS AND FINAL DOCUMENTS
Your airline tickets along with final instruction and some additional travel tips will be sent to you 10 – 7 days before the scheduled departure of your tour.
HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
Immunizations are NOT currently required; however, you may wish to consult your personal physician or local public health authorities as to their suggestions.
CLIMATE
You may expect daytime high temperatures in the 50’s to 60’s in March & November, 60’s to 70’s in April & October and 70’s to 80’s May & September.
NON-INCLUDED MEALS AND SIGHTSEEING
The hotels used on this tour have several dining choices from coffee shop to specialty restaurants. Average cost for dinner (excluding drinks) in the coffee shop is about $20 per meal per person. Optional sightseeing tours and evening activities will be offered. Your hotel will accept credit cards for your non-included meals.
CREDIT CARDS AND LOCAL CURRENCY
Hotels and some stores accept major credit cards. However, for “street shopping” you will need local currency or U.S. Dollars. Your hotels will be able to exchange for you cash to local currency. It is recommended that you bring along cash in small denominations.
BAGGAGE
Each passenger may bring one piece of checked-in luggage (suitcase) max. 44 pounds and one carry-on piece. Carry on must not exceed 18”x10”x8”. We recommend that you do not over-pack and that you take a variety of separates with climate and comfort in mind.