Solo-ish Turkey

Dive into Turkey’s rich heritage and mesmerizing landscapes on this vibrant eight-day escapade. Become fast friends with your fellow solo travellers with a lively dinner party in Istanbul, sampling local flavours as you wander through the city’s secret lanes. Marvel together at the splendour of the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the historic Hippodrome, then get lost in the endless wonders of the Grand Bazaar. Step back in time at the Goreme Open-Air Museum, venture underground in Kaymakli to explore rock tunnels from the 8th century BC, and wrap up in the ancient city of Ephesus in Selçuk. With new friends and a heart full of memories, this adventure will stay with you long after you’re home.

Travel Style: Solo-ish Adventures
Trip Type: Small Group
Service Level: Standard
Age Requirement: 12+ (Under age 18 must be with an adult)
Physical rating: 3 - Average

Day 1 Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul, the bridge between the East and the West and an incredible place to meet your new
Solo-ish tour mates for a Turkish adventure. Catch an included arrival transfer to the hotel, then join your
CEO for an evening welcome briefing before exploring Istanbul’s culinary scene. Connect with your group
mates while wandering hidden lanes and stopping at street food stalls for samples along the way.

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the
group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the
official time and place to meet up with the group.

Dinner Party: Istanbul Street Food Crawl
Food is a universal language, and there’s no better way to get to know a new friend, or a new
community, than by breaking bread together and digging in to a delicious meal. Join your fellow Solo-ish
travellers and explore Istanbul’s hidden lanes and street food stalls together. Begin under the Galata
bridge and sample Mezze, an assortment of small dishes eaten as appetizers. Next, cross the Golden
Horn into the Karakoy District where your walking dinner party continues with stops at local eateries,
enjoying traditional dishes, before finishing off with dessert and coffee. Learn the local flavours and
witness how food has the power of speaking to the masses and bringing strangers together

Meals included: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Centrum Istanbul (or similar)

Day 2 Mango Day: Istanbul

Set off on an unforgettable day seeing Istanbul’s iconic sites with a surprise Mango twist occurring somewhere
along the way. Begin with a walk through the heart of the city, seeing the Topkapi Palace gardens, the
Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sofia, and the Basilica Cistern - the largest underground wells in Istanbul. Later,
wander through the Spice Bazaar, a bustling hub of activity for centuries, offering an array of exotic
spices, herbs, traditional Turkish sweets, dried fruits, nuts, teas, and other unique culinary delights.
Observe the traditional Turkish Coffee demo, prepared in a cezve- a symbol of hospitality and friendship.
Enjoy the rest of the day free to continue exploring or to try out one of the many local restaurants or
cafes in the area.

Mango Day: A Perfect Day in Istanbul
4-5km
Set out on foot for a walk to visit the highlights of this vibrant, diverse and ancient city. See the Topkapi
Palace gardens, the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sofia and make a stop at the Basilica Cistern, the largest of
the underground wells in Istanbul. Continue to the atmospheric Spice Bazaar, one of the most colorful,
fragrant, and delicious markets which has been bustling for centuries, before returning to the hotel.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Centrum Istanbul (or similar)

Day 3 We Day: Istanbul to Cappadocia

Hop on a morning flight to the Cappadocia region and set off straight away to explore the fascinating
Göreme Open Air Museum, with Byzantine-era churches and chapels caved directly out of the rock. Later
in the afternoon, travel to the nearby town of Avanos for a pottery lesson with a local instructor for a
hands-on introduction into this classic artform. In the evening, join a local family to prepare your own
traditional Turkish pastry called gozleme using mince meat, cheese, potato, and spinach to create a
special and delicious dinner.

Plane
Istanbul – Cappadocia
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.

Göreme Open Air Museum Visit
Göreme2h
Explore the unique Open Air Museum, a site made up of a number of medieval painted cave churches.
Carved out by Orthodox monks, many of the churches are up to 1,000 years old and still retain their
amazing colour and vibrancy.

We Day: Landscapes and Community in Cappadocia
With your incredible CEO at the helm, get to know the local community and your Solo-ish travel mates on
a day packed full of interesting and engaging adventures. Take a flight from Istanbul to the Cappadocia
region and immerse yourself in its otherworldly landscapes. Visit the Göreme Open Air Museum and then
visit a small community to try your hand at some traditional pottery-making. End the day by joining a
local family and learn how to prepare a delicious local delicacy.

Pottery Class
Avanos1h30m
Travel to the town of Avanos to visit a working ceramic atelier where you will get a hands-on introduction
to this classic art form. Famous for the red clays found in the area, these traditional clay pottery designs
date back to 2,000 BC, the time of the Hittites. Put on your apron and take your turn on the pottery wheel
to create your own pottery!

Your Foodie Moment: Gozleme Cooking Class
Drive to Zelve for a Gozleme cooking class with different ingredients. We will learn how to prepare the
dough while using the rolling pins. Choose what ingredients you want, like cheese, mince meat, potato
and spinach. Fill your dough and cook it on a traditional iron plate on the fire.

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: Goreme Inn Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 Me Day: Cappadocia

The day is yours to do as much or as little as you please in the incredible region of Cappadocia. Choose
to join your CEO on a walking exploration through one of the valleys of the iconic rock formations known
as "fairy chimneys" or otherwise set off to explore on your own. Some of the many options include an
early hot air balloon ride, renting a bike, or visit a traditional Turkish bath. In the evening, re-group with
your travel mates for a light dinner and some great views over the landscape.

Me Day: Cappadocia Me Day
Traveling solo alongside your new Solo-ish travel mates means there's always something fun to do and
new friends to explore with. But the joy of travel can also be about taking time to yourself to recharge,
refresh and reflect on the journey. Today, choose to join your CEO for an incredible activity, or take the
time to yourself to enjoy your own company in one of the most incredible places on our planet.

Optional Activities - Day 4

Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon Ride
Göreme
Cappadocia is captivating from the ground, but that’s just the half of it. See the seemingly hand-painted
landscapes of Cappadocia as they deserve to be seen, from the air aboard a hot air balloon. Take to the
skies in one of the most favoured places in the world to experience a hot air balloon ride.

Carpet Demonstration
Free
Enjoy an informative demonstration of one of the oldest art-forms in Turkish history. Gain a greater
appreciation for the labour and workmanship involved in weaving rugs and carpets as you learn about
the process.

Turkish Bath
Göreme
75EUR per person
Take along a towel, soap, and shampoo, and experience a bath like no other. Following your bath, you will
enjoy a traditional foam massage, included in the entrance fee. Get some tips from the friendly locals
they’ll show you the correct protocol. Make sure to check the hours as the bathhouses are strictly
segregated, usually being used by men in the morning and evenings, and women in the afternoons.

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: Goreme Inn Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 Cappadocia/İzmir

Drive to Kaymkali after breakfast to explore the underground city, an expansive Subterranean complex
built between the 8th and 7th Centuries BC, then continue on to Konya with a lunch stop along the way.
Upon arrival in Konya, check out the Mevlana Museum and the mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, a Persian
Sufi mystic, then explore on your own with some free time. Reconnect with your CEO before boarding an
overnight train bound for Izmir.

Kaymakli Underground City
Kaymakl ı1h30m
Visit the ancient and expansive subterranean complex of the Kaymakli Underground City. Thought to
have been built between the 8th and 7th Century BC, Kaymakli was carved out of the rock and consists of
nearly a hundred tunnels with vast amounts of storerooms, ventilation shafts and a church.

Private Vehicle
Kaymaklı – Konya 1h 240km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Mevlana Museum Visit
Konya 30m
Visit the Mevlana Museum and mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi, a Persian Sufi mystic. Learn more about the
mystic Islamic sect known as the Whirling Dervishes.

Free Time
Konya
Explore Konya on your own this afternoon. Perhaps grab some dinner or stock up on drinks and snacks
before boarding the train.

Overnight Train (beds)
Konya – İzmir 13h30m 560km
Experience overnight travel like a local. Sit back and get some well-earned (and likely much-needed) rest
en route to your next stop.

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6 İzmir/Selçuk

Wake up in the coastal city of Izmir and head to the Cornish Cordon area for breakfast at one of the many
shops or quaint restaurants along this popular waterfront street. Next, wander through the Agora or
“Gathering Place” with your CEO towards the Kemeralti Bazaar before taking a bus to Selçuk. Enjoy free
time for the rest of the afternoon and evening with time to explore Selçuk or to relax at the hotel or
nearby cafe. Head out with the group for an optional dinner in the evening at one of the many great local
restaurants serving up fresh and delicious flavours.

Cornish Cordon Visit
İzmir 1h30m
Enjoy breakfast amongst cobbled streets with a backdrop of colourful homes and businesses.

Agora Walk
İzmir 1h30m
Join your CEO on a walk through Izmir's Agora. Explore the Kemeraltı, one of the world's largest open-air
bazaar, boasting everything you could possibly need from local products to food, to high end wares. Gain
greater insight into the Turkish culture and surround yourself with the vibrant colours, bustling sounds,
and delicious aromas that intermingle here.

Private Vehicle
İzmir – Selçuk 1h30m 80km
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time
Selçuk Afternoon
Take some free time to explore this traditional country town. Later, join your CEO who'll point out the best
places for a tasty local dinner.

Optional Activities - Day 6

Şirince Village Visit
Sirince 1h-2h 1-2km
Head out to scenic Şirince, a Turkish-Greek village that was settled when Ephesus was abandoned; it’s
now 600 strong. Wander the narrow village streets filled with people selling handicrafts, olive oil, and
local wine.

Saint John's Basilica Visit
Selçuk
6EUR per person
View St John's Basilica, once a grand basilica in Ephesus. Constructed by Justinian I in the 6th century, it
was built in where John the Apostle is said to be buried.

Mosque of Isa Bey Visit
Selçuk 30m-45m
Free
Visit the centuries-old Isa Bey Mosque on the outskirts of Selçuk to see one of the oldest and most
impressive works of art remaining in this region.

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Akay Selcuk (or similar)

Day 7 Selçuk

Transfer to Ephesus this morning and enjoy a guided walking tour of the sprawling ancient Ruins. Witness
the massive, well-preserved theatre and the two-story library before a stop at the Temple of Artemis, one
of the last remaining wonders of the ancient world. In the afternoon, transfer to the village of Çile for a
hike down to the coast to the village of Ahmetbet, passing by historical landmarks and taking in the
views of the ocean. In the evening, finish off the day a with a fruit wine tasting and enjoy a final dinner
with your CEO and fellow Solo-ish tour mates.

Ahmetbeyli Village Walk
Çile – Ahmetbeyli 1h30m 6-7km
Drive to a Çile where we start our walk down to Ahmetbeyli Village. During the walk we will be go through
Claros, an ancient Greek Sanctuary and oracle from the 4th Century BC. Then we will continue to Notion
which is an important coastal city know for its harbour and where many historical figures, like Pythagoras
the mathematician, once lived here. We will take our time and enjoy these sites away from the throngs of
visitors.

Ephesus Visit
Selçuk 2h-3h
Tour the ruins of ancient Ephesus to get a feeling of what life must have been like during Roman times.
Take in its massive, well-preserved theatre, which dominates the view down Harbour Street. See the two
story library, whose façade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces. Built in AD 125, it
once held nearly 12,000 scrolls.

Meals included: Breakfast | Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Akay Selcuk (or similar)

Day 8 Selçuk

You arrived a solo traveller and are leaving with many new friends. Say goodbye to your fellow Solo-ish
travellers and depart at any time.

Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Meals included: Breakfast

What's Included

• Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
• Dinner Party: Istanbul Street Food Crawl, Istanbul
• Mango Day: A Perfect Day in Istanbul, Istanbul
• We Day: Landscapes and Community in Cappadocia, Cappadocia
• Your Foodie Moment: Gozleme Cooking Class, Zelve
• Me Day: Cappadocia Me Day, Cappadocia
• Complimentary arrival transfer
• Walking tour of the historic heart of Istanbul
• Walk through Istanbul's Grand Bazaar
• Visit the Goreme Open Air Museum in Cappadocia
• Pottery experience in the town of Avanos
• Explore the Kaymakli Underground City
• Visit the Mevlana Museum and mausoleum of Mevlana Rumi in Konya
• Walk through the Agora and the Kemeralti Old Bazaar in Izmir
• Guided walking tour of Ephesus
• Village-to-village hike from Çile to the coast
• Fruit wine tasting and farewell dinner
• All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

International flights