Turkish Treasures 

Istanbul, Konya, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Bodrum

May 10-23, 2025
with Karen Score, Gina Benson & Lori Thompson

“The garden of the world has no limits, except in your mind.” 

— Rumi

If there’s one word that sums up Turkey it would have to be ENCHANTED and we invite you to find out why! 

Join us in a land of dizzying diversity, epic history, jaw dropping scenery, cultural richness, culinary delights, and warm Turkish hospitality. 

Expose your senses to the fragrant aromas and delicious flavors of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar. Discover the remarkable beauty and grandeur of the Blue Mosque. View Istanbul from a boat on the Bosphorus Strait. Rise into the skies and marvel over sweeping views of Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys in a hot air balloon. Walk in the footsteps of the most famous Persian poet and great Sufi mystic in Konya. Explore one of the world’s most impressive archeological sites at Ephesus. Sail along the Turquoise Coast on a traditional Turkish Gulet and relax on a gorgeous beach in the resort town of Bodrum. 

All of this and MORE awaits you in Turkey! 

We’ll begin our magical journey in Istanbul, Turkey’s largest city and the only city in the world that spans two continents. Sitting at the crossroads between Asia and Europe, and having been occupied by everyone from the Greeks to the Romans, Byzantines and Ottomans, it’s no wonder why it’s such a melting pot of people, religion, architecture, culture and cuisine. 

This city, where East meets West, is perfectly encapsulated by Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya), a building that has been both a Greek Orthodox Church and an Ottoman Imperial Mosque, and is thought to be one of the most impressive and important buildings ever constructed. Along with learning about this historical site, we’ll visit the Blue Mosque, Istanbul’s most photogenic building; Topkapi Palace, once the court of the Roman Empire and the subject of many colorful stories about lustful sultans, ambitious couriers, beautiful concubines and scheming eunuchs; The Basilica Cistern, commissioned in the year 532; as well as more of the fascinating places in Istanbul. 

And don’t worry, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the labyrinth of lanes containing the 4,000 stalls of the Grand Bazaar, a sprawling medieval shopping hub dating back to 1461! Looking for handmade textiles, carpets, tribal rugs, silk scarves, ceramics or gold jewelry? You’re sure to find your heart’s desire here! Maybe you would like to visit the Spice Bazaar too? Here, you’ll savor the aroma of saffron, cloves and so much more! 

A highlight of our time in Istanbul is sure to be the Cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, gliding along the glittering channel separating Europe and Asia. Gazing back at Istanbul’s minarets and Byzantine domes of the Old City from the vantage point of the water will give you a completely different perspective of this enchanting and vibrant city. 

After a fun filled few days in Istanbul, we will take a short flight to Konya. 

Konya is probably best known as the home and final resting place of the 13th Century scholar, poet and Sufi mystic, Jalal-al-Din Muhammad Rumi, known to his followers as Mevlana (“our master”). 

Rumi is famous worldwide for his poetry, which has been described as “the mystery of opening the heart” but many may not realize that he was also the founder of the Whirling Dervishes who symbolize their Sufi beliefs through their ecstatic dance — spinning as a form of meditation. Rumi made claims for a religion of LOVE that went beyond all organized faiths. 

Luckily for us, we will have our dear friend, Lori Thompson, with us on this journey! Lori has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to all things Rumi and she can’t wait to share! I’m sure she’ll be able to provide us with some great tid-bits of information as we visit the Mevlana Museum, the former lodge of the Whirling Dervishes and home to the tomb of Rumi. The Mevlana Museum is one of the biggest pilgrimage centers in Turkey and the building’s fluted dome of turquoise tiles is one of Turkey’s most distinctive sights. 

Konya was already an important city, dating back thousands of years, as one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities before the arrival of Rumi. There is so much to see and do here, including Karatay Madrasa, which is now the Tile Works Museum, housing an extraordinary collection of brilliant turquoise glazed ceramics reflecting the importance of the tiles dating back to the 13th century when they were exported to various parts of the world. We’ll also visit the Alaeddin Mosque, commissioned in 1116 and finally completed a century later! 

Not to be missed, rising 20m above the flat Konya plains, the East Mound at Çatalhöyük is one of the largest and most important Neolithic settlements on Earth! About 9,500 years ago, about 8,000 people lived here and the mound comprises 13 levels of buildings each containing about 1000 structures. There are interesting, albeit controversial, theories about mother-goddess worship having taken place here, which actually caused the Turkish government to close the site for 30 years.

And, obviously, one of the most immersive ways to truly experience Konya is through its delicious food and bustling bazaars which we are all going to love! 

The next stop in our journey is Cappadocia, famous for spectacular hot air balloon rides at sunrise and characterized by its captivating landscape of whimsical rock formations and awe inspiring canyons. Here, you’ll find centuries old underground cities, cave churches, and dwellings built into the caves. And, yes, our hotel is a cave hotel! 

We’ll go on a Jeep Safari allowing us to experience all of the hidden corners and special places within the lunar-like landscape of Cappadocia, and you’ll also have the opportunity to take to the skies at sunrise for a spectacular hot air balloon ride! 

The highest point in the region, Uchisar Rock Castle, offers spectacular panoramic views of the valleys of Cappadocia. 

If hiking is your thing then this is the place! The spectacular landscapes make the Cappadocia region ideal for hiking enthusiasts. You can explore Pigeon Valley or see the sunset from the Red Valley, or do a guided hike through Rose Valley or Love Valley. Maybe you’ll get the chance to crawl into a Crusader Church to view the detailed ceiling fresco or attend a musical performance inside an ancient cave church lit by candles. As for the nocturnal perspective of Cappadocia, there’s one word to describe it: Surreal.

We will take a flight to Izmir from where we will be picked up and driven to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus, the best preserved ruin in the Mediterranean. 

This famous ancient archeological site has been under excavation for more than a century and is considered to be Europe’s most complete classical metropolis — with only 20% of the site unearthed to date! As the capital of Roman Asia Minor, Ephesus was the 4th largest in the empire with a population of over 250,000 inhabitants. Its Temple of Artemis was the biggest on earth and one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. The house where the Virgin Mary is said to have lived along with the Grotto of the Seven Sleepers are also found here. 

After touring this significant site, we will have about a three hour drive via private coach to Bodrum, a glittering jewel on the Turkish Riviera where the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean meet. This resort town abounds in stunning beaches and exquisite bays, along with a charming Old Town, legendary ancient sites, award winning restaurants and a vibrant night life. 

Bodrum’s magnificent water front castle built by the Knights Hospitaller dates back to the 15th Century and houses the Museum of Underwater Archeology, considered to be the most important museum of its type in the world. 

Bodrum is certainly the perfect place for us to conclude our journey through some of the most impressive sights in Turkey! We’ll have the chance to practice yoga daily (optional), rest and relax on the beach or poolside at our resort hotel, chill over a cup of Turkish Coffee at a lovely cafe, hone your haggling skills at the bazaar, or go for a sunset stroll along the Bodrum Marina Promenade… Just do whatever you want! 

We’ll celebrate our adventure together by enjoying an unforgettable full day private voyage on a Turkish Gulet (a traditional wooden sailing ship), taking in secluded coves, bays and islands with plenty of time to rest and unwind followed by dinner in the harbor overlooking the castle. 

And the BEST part of this magnificent journey will be the joy of sharing it with YOU! 

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*All retreats are for ages 18+ unless otherwise specified.

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