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
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 Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World
Visit to the Travertines in Pamukkale
Ancient hot springs visit in Pamukkale
Travel along the Silk Road visiting Sultanhani Caravansary
Visit Uchisar Castle, Goreme Open Air Museum and Ortahisar Castle in Cappadocia
Visit to the Pasabag Fairy Chimneys in Cappadocia
Visit cave churches in Cappadocia
Visit Avanos the Turkish Centre for Handmade Pottery
Bellydancing class
Cooking class in Istanbul
Hypnotic Whirling Dervish ceremony
Small group - friends for company!
Inclusions
Fully escorted by a Sisterhood Womens Travel Tour Hostess who is on hand to ensure your holiday is a memorable one
Return economy airfares and taxes departing from Melbourne to Istanbul via Singapore with Singapore Airlines
Inbound and outbound airport transfers as mentioned
Domestic economy flight from Kayseri to Istanbul
Professional English-speaking local tour guide throughout the itinerary
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned non-smoking vehicle (17 seater)
Tips except for driver and guide
Entrance fees as specified in the itinerary
16 nights quality 4 star accommodation
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Willing to share option (subject to availability)
Meet and Greet before departure via ZOOM
Notice
Optional tour- Balloon flight in Cappadocia - cost is approximately USD350 per person (cash) and is subject to change without notice. Balloon flights are subject to change and weather conditions. Please advise Sisterhood Central if you're interested
Türkiye Visa to be obtained before departure on the e-visa portal - https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
The above information can change at any time. For more detailed information on Türkiye please click the following link - https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/turkiye
We recommend VINA Visas to assist with any visa processing requirements for your intended destination.
VINA Visas obtain travel visas on your behalf by submitting a completed travel visa application, and other required documents, to embassies or consulates.
INSTRUCTIONS:
When you are ready to proceed, start by clicking on the red start lodgement button. Complete the required fields for your visa.
To add more than one passport, click on "Number of passports" and select the required number of passports on the list.
Once you have submitted, you will receive 2 emails, one is a lodgement confirmation and another email with your account details to log back in to download the form and upload your documents.
If you have trouble uploading you can also email it to us to upload.
Follow the instructions and complete the e-visa form given on the lodgement.
Sisterhood Central is available to assist with any visa applications by appointment (in person) – fees will apply.
Moderate Fitness Rating - A moderate level of fitness will be required for these tours due to the length and/or overall physicality of our tour 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 luggage. For more information on our physical ratings please click here
Tipping - Local tipping is customary in Türkiye. Sisterhood Womens Travel tipping system on all group tours involves passengers contributing to a kitty which is paid to the tour hostess at the beginning of the tour. She then distributes it daily to service providers on your behalf. The estimated amount for your tour is USD$150 and this will be confirmed in your final documentation.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Thursday 23 October 2025
Melbourne - Istanbul (In-flight meals)
Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel!
Meet your tour hostess and fellow travellers at Melbourne Airport for our flights to Türkiye.
Please sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head northwest towards Istanbul!
Day 2 - Friday 24 October 2025
Istanbul (B, D)
Welcome to Türkiye!
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be met and transferred to a local restaurant to experience the famous local Turkish breakfast feast. It is definitely not a brunch but is full of local ingredients like cheese, tomatoes, olives and much more.
After breakfast, we will be transferred to the hotel, with the remainder of the day at leisure.
This evening we'll enjoy a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant
Accommodation - Sura Hagia Istanbul (or similar)
Day 3 - Saturday 25 October 2025
Istanbul Two Continents Tour (B, L)
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 Bosphorus Cruise (shared with other passengers) and visits to the Spice Bazaar, Rustem Pasa Mosque, Beylerbeyi Palace and Bosphorus Bridge.
Dinner at leisure tonight - your tour hostess will arrange a venue and meet you in the hotel lobby.
Accommodation - Sura Hagia Istanbul (or similar)
Day 4 - Sunday 26 October 2025
Istanbul Classic Tour (B)
Today, we visit Istanbul's most popular sites on a full-day tour.
Visit St Sophia Museum, Byzantine Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.
Dinner at leisure tonight - your tour hostess will arrange a venue and meet you in the hotel lobby.
Accommodation - Sura Hagia Istanbul (or similar)
Day 5 - Monday 27 October 2025
Gallipoli Battlefield Tour (B, D)
After breakfast, we'll depart for the afternoon tour of Gallipoli.
The World War I battlefields of Gallipoli are a serene sight. Visit the Lone Pine Australian Memorial and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, ANZAC Cove, Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, Ari Burnu Cemetery Memorial and Johnston’s Jolly (where a visit will be made to the Allied and Turkish trenches and tunnels), 57th Regiment Turkish Memorial and The Nek. With a guide and driver, we may visit rarely seen areas that are not included on the standard coach tour.
Transfer to Canakkale and check into our hotel.
Dinner in our hotel tonight.
Accommodation - Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, Canakkale (or similar)
Day 6 - Tuesday 28 October 2025
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.
Dinner in our hotel tonight.
Accommodation - Elite World Kusadasi Hotel, Kusadasi (or similar)
Day 7 - Wednesday 29 October 2025
Alacati & Seferihisar (B)
Today we'll have a tour of Alacati and Seferihisar.
Alacati is renowned for its narrow streets, featuring a variety of cafes, restaurants, and art galleries showcasing local artists. We will have some free time to explore the village at leisure.
Following this, we 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, which can be enjoyed with tea or coffee at nearby tea houses. The setting is authentic and community-driven, with the option to bring purchased food to the tea houses.
Dinner at leisure tonight - your tour hostess will arrange a venue and meet you in the hotel lobby.
Accommodation - Elite World Kasadasi Hotel, Kusadasi (or similar)
Day 8 - Thursday 30 October 2025
Ephesus - Bodrum (B, L)
This morning we transfer to Ephesus. Be absorbed in history today with a guided tour of the site of one of the Seven Ancient 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.
Continue to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Türkiye and at the carpet village, we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
Later, we head to Bodrum on the Turkish Riviera
Check into our hotel and dinner at leisure - your tour hostess will arrange a venue and meet you in the hotel lobby.
Accommodation - The Marmara Hotel, Bodrum (or similar)
Day 9 - Friday 31 October 2025
Bodrum (B, L)
Today, after breakfast we will spend the day at sea with lunch included and enjoyed onboard.
Relax as we cruise the turquoise seas of the Bodrum coastline onboard a private gulet. Visit several of the most beautiful bays in which we can swim and snorkel in crystal-clear water or simply relax in the mild breeze, enjoying the stunning views or perfecting our suntan to the sound of gently lapping waves.
At the Black Island, half an hour from Bodrum, we can bathe in the grotto where the warm mineral waters flowing out of the rocks are believed to beautify the complexion. Later we return to Bodrum.
Dinner at leisure tonight - your tour hostess will arrange a venue and meet you in the hotel lobby.
Accommodation - The Marmara Hotel, Bodrum (or similar)
Day 10 - Saturday 1 November 2025
Bodrum (B)
Today is a free day to further explore Bodrum.
This seaside town is well known for its shopping, beaches and a fine range of quality restaurants. A great down day to relax.
Dinner at leisure tonight - your tour hostess will arrange a venue and meet you in the hotel lobby.
Accommodation - The Marmara Hotel, Bodrum (or similar)
Day 11 - Sunday 2 November 2025
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 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 3 November 2025
Pamukkale - Konya - Cappadocia (B, D)
Today, we'll travel the ancient Silk Road visiting Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana Museum in Konya along the way.
We'll arrive late in the day in Cappadocia.
This evening don’t miss the traditional Turkish folklore evening, a great night out where dinner, unlimited beer, wine, Turkish Raki, soft drinks and entertainment are included. The show features belly dancers, traditional folk dancers and traditional Turkish musicians.
Accommodation - Gamirassu Cave Hotel, Cappadocia (or similar)
Day 13 - Tuesday 4 November 2025
Northern Cappadocia Tour (B)
Today we'll enjoy a full-day Northern Cappadocia tour with our first stop being Esentepe, followed by a visit to Uchisar Castle.
Then we'll continue on to visit Goreme Open Air Museum and Ortahisar Castle.
Afterwards, we'll visit the Pasabag Fairy Chimneys followed by Devrent Valley.
Dinner at leisure tonight - your tour hostess will arrange a venue and meet you in the hotel lobby.
Accommodation - Gamirassu Cave Hotel, Cappadocia (or similar)
Day 14 - Wednesday 5 November 2025
Southern Cappadocia Tour (B)
This morning we'll enjoy a Southern Cappadocia tour where we'll head to the Pigeon Valley before continuing to Red Valley.
After visiting the amazing 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.
Dinner at leisure tonight - your tour hostess will arrange a venue and meet you in the hotel lobby.
Accommodation - Gamirassu Cave Hotel, Cappadocia (or similar)
Day 15 - Thursday 6 November 2025
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.
The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Early this evening we will enjoy a 90-minute Belly Dancing Class with a professional belly dancer as the instructor.
Dinner at leisure tonight - your tour hostess will arrange a venue and meet you in the hotel lobby.
Accommodation - Sura Hagia Istanbul (or similar)
Day 16 - Friday 7 November 2025
Istanbul (B, L)
This morning we'll transfer to the venue for a four-hour cooking class. The class is held in a hotel kitchen and features a local chef as the instructor.
During the class recipes are provided for our keeping and we will enjoy a delicious meal of our own creation in the rooftop restaurant at the end of the session. After the class, we will be transferred back to the hotel.
The remainder of the day is at leisure to continue to explore the town at your own pace or do some last-minute shopping.
Dinner at leisure tonight - your tour hostess will arrange a venue and meet you in the hotel lobby.
Accommodation - Sura Hagia Istanbul (or similar)
Day 17 - Saturday 8 November 2025
Istanbul (B, D)
Today is at leisure to explore the town at your own pace.
This evening we'll 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 2005 it was proclaimed as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
The ceremony starts after a 15-minute classical instrumental performance by a traditional Turkish orchestra and lasts for around 45 minutes.
After the show, enjoy a Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation - Sura Hagia Istanbul (or similar)
Day 18 - Sunday 9 November 2025
Istanbul - Melbourne (B, in-flight meals)
This morning following breakfast we will be transferred to the Istanbul Airport for the return flights to Australia.
Say goodbye to Istanbul and Türkiye.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the inflight entertainment as we head homeward.
Day 19 - Monday 10 November 2025
Welcome home!
Welcome Home!
Thank you for travelling with Sisterhood Womens Travel and we look forward to welcoming you to your next adventure.