Wander Ancient Paths, Soar Above Fairy Chimneys, and Savor the Flavors of Tradition —
Turkey
Book now with $550. Pay the rest at your pace.
12 days starting at $4,950 USD.
Up to 14 solo female travelers.
Journey through layers of history, hospitality, and heart—from the first call to prayer echoing across Istanbul’s rooftops to the surreal pink light washing over Cappadocia’s valleys at dusk.
You’ll wander spice-laden bazaars bursting with color, sip thick Turkish coffee with a friendly stranger who insists you stay for one more cup, and trace your fingers along the cool marble walls of palaces where sultans once stood. Float above honeycombed rock formations in a hot air balloon, soak in centuries-old hammams, and share homemade gözleme in a quiet village kitchen.
In Istanbul, you’ll feel the thrill of a city where every alley holds a story. In Cappadocia, you’ll watch sunsets that make time stand still. And along the turquoise coast, the rhythm of life slows until it feels like you’ve slipped into a dream.
This isn’t just a trip—it’s an invitation to feel deeply, travel slowly, and be moved by a country that greets you like family and leaves you forever changed.
Table of Contents
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Learn old family recipes
Cook side by side with women who’ve perfected dishes passed down for generations.
Cruise the Turquoise Coast
Spend the day sailing down the Turquoise Coast on a gullet boat complete with a home cooked Turkish feast
Create water-marble art
Make your own water marbled art at a woman owned art studio in the heart of Istanbul
Chat with the women of a small village
Sip tea in the sunshine as you craft traditional dolls with local women and hear stories of life, family, and resilience in rural Turkey
Thermal spas and terraces
Go thermal spa hopping choosing to stop for gorgeous backdropped photos, massages, and saunas
Dine with locals, entrepreneurs, and NGOs
Carefully chosen meals and a sampling of all the best dishes, often at family homes
TRAVELER LOVE
INCLUSIONS
1 domestic flight
Arrival airport pickup on day 1
Hand-picked, extra special accommodations
11 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 5 dinners
All activities listed in the itinerary
Feature stays at a cave hotel, a thermal spa hotel, and a family owned cottage.
Max 14 solo female travelers
Twin share rooms
Expert local guide for the whole tour
MEET YOUR NEW BFF
GUARANTEED SOLO TIME
Spend it with friends or explore on your own, but take time to reflect on your incredible journey.
GET YOUR BEAUTY SLEEP
Enjoy our hand-picked accommodation combining the best of design, location and comfort.
TOUR AT A GLANCE
DAY 1 - Welcome to Istanbul!
Welcome meeting
DAY 2 - Istanbul
City tour & water marbling class
DAY 3 - CAPPADOCIA
Flight to Cappadocia, Goreme Open Air Museum & dinner at women run co-op
DAY 4 - CAPPADOCIA
Optional hot air balloon ride, Soganli Valley & dinner at a family's home
DAY 5 - ANTALYA
Drive to Antalya, Mausoleum of Rumi & solo time
DAY 6 - Kas
Walking tour & solo time
DAY 7 - TURQUOISE COAST
Sail and swim in the Mediterranean
DAY 8 - Pamukkale
Solo time
DAY 9 -Sirince
Lunch at a female owned restaurant & cooking class
DAY 10 - Ephesus & Ayvalik
DAY 11 - Istanbul
Solo day
Farewell for now
Breakfast, goodbyes and check out
Why Choose SoFe Travel?
Built for Solo Women
Every trip is designed specifically for solo female travelers. That means no awkward third wheels, no feeling like the odd one out—just instant community, shared values, and support from Day One.
Real Connection
Almost everyone arrives solo, and 92% of our travelers stay in touch long after the trip ends. It’s not just a tour—it’s a chance to make lifelong friendships in some of the world’s most unforgettable places.
Space to Breathe
We build in solo time, always. Want to wander a market alone or skip a group dinner for some quiet? Go for it. Prefer a travel buddy? There's always someone ready to join you. You do you—with the comfort of community when you want it.
No Forced Single Supplements
Forget the extra fees. Our roommate matching quiz pairs you with a like-minded traveler, or you can upgrade to a private room if you prefer your own space.
Is The Turkey Tour Right for you?
Thoughtfully Full Itinerary
Although there is plenty of solo time to relax and explore at your own pace, this Meetup Tour covers a lot of ground with some very full and fun filled days. All of our accommodation is 4 and 5 star so you can get the rest you need, but come ready to make the most of your time in Turkey.
Moderate Activity, Lots of Variety
This trip includes walking tours on cobblestone streets, exploring ruins, light hiking in valleys, and getting in and out of boats. You don’t need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable on your feet for a few hours at a time.
Cultural Curiosity Required
From learning traditional crafts to dining in family homes and women-run co-ops, this tour is all about connection. Come with an open mind, a sense of curiosity, and a willingness to embrace the unfamiliar.
Your Turkey Itinerary
Day 1 - Merhaba, Istanbul!
Settle into Istanbul, meet the group, and ease into the journey with good food and easy conversation.
Merhaba! Welcome to Turkey! This women’s only tour kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have previously all called home. We will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the hotel to meet the rest of the group. Your welcome meeting with the guide starts at 6pm at your hotel. Following the meeting, have dinner together to get to know each other before an incredible adventure!
Meals: dinner
Day 2 - Minarets, Mosaics & Marbling
Wander through centuries of history, then get hands-on with a local art form in a women-owned studio
Begin your day by exploring the old town of Istanbul. Make your way to Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has borne witness to over 1,500 years of Turkish history. After spending some time wandering solo, head to Hippodrome square and listen to the stories of chariots and the monuments decorating the square.
Explore the most celebrated place in Istanbul, Blue Mosque, decorated with over 20,000 blue Turkish tiles.
To conclude the day, we will join a workshop at a female owned gallery and learn the art of water marbling (ebru), which involves painting designs directly on the surface of water in a shallow tray and transferring them onto paper.
Meals: breakfast
Day 3 - Cappadocia: Land of Fairy Chimneys
Explore ancient cave churches, then share a meal at a women-run co-op doing powerful work.
This morning we will take a domestic flight to magical Cappadocia. Across millennia rain and wind have sculpted the white volcanic rock into the almost gothic formations we see today, known as tufa. Once we land, we will explore the Goreme Open Air Museum, an outdoor museum with ancient rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries adorning Byzantine wall paintings dating to the 13th century.
After we have worked up an appetite, we’ll get to enjoy the local delicacies of Turkish cuisine at a cooperative run only by women to create jobs, opportunity, and independence. After lunch, relax in one of a few feature stays of this Meetup Tour, a luxe cave hotel with stunning rooftop views.
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day 4 - Sunrise Balloons & Village Traditions
Start with sunrise views, explore hidden cities, and end the day with a home-cooked meal shared in a local family’s home.
Early birds catch sunrise views from a hot air balloon ride! Opt in to fly above the rooftops or sit with blankets and a hot coffee watching the sun fill the sky. After breakfast, we’ll visit one of the oldest underground cities, Kaymakli. It’s believed that underground cities in Cappadocia emerged in the 8th and 7th century BCE. Afterwards, we’ll take an easy hike in Soganli Valley and go off the beaten path for a sweet afternoon with the women of the village. Soganli Dolls are rag dolls made by women for their children for over centuries and today they contribute to their economy.
We’ll enjoy what is likely to be a beautiful day outside making ragbags with the experts. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax at the hotel or explore solo before a very special meal.
For dinner we are invited into a family home for a home-cooked traditional Turkish meal.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 5 - From Valleys to the Sea
Road trip across Turkey with a soulful stop in Konya, then settle into the coast with free time to explore Antalya.
Today, say goodbye to Cappadocia and hit the road for the coast of Turkey. On the way, we’ll stop in the city of Konya for lunch own your own and to see the mausoleum of Rumi, a Sufi mystic who has established the Mevlevi order. Antalya is a beautiful town with ocean views, great restaurants, and tons of shopping. Take the evening to explore solo or with new friends.
Meals: breakfast
Day 6 - Coastal Charms of Kaş
Wander ancient ruins, snack on fresh gözleme, and take the afternoon to explore Kaş at your own pace.
This morning, we will drive to Kas (which means eyebrow in Turkish) and begin exploring on a walking tour. Now primarily a holiday town, Kas is strewn with the remains of Lycian tombs, iconic, white-washed walls covered with climbing bougainvillea and an ancient theatre where you can watch a spectacular sunset.
The walk is sure to inspire your appetite and your leader will be on hand to show you where to grab a great gozleme (stuffed Turkish flatbread). The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy this easy-going town. Perhaps sit back with a pomegranate cocktail or check out the local markets.
Meals: breakfast
Day 7 - Sailing the Turquoise Coast
Swim, sail, and slow down—today’s all about soaking up the coast and sharing a home-cooked meal at sea.
Today is a relaxing day floating slowly on calm, turquoise waters. Our sail boat has plenty places to spread out and relax whether you are a sun worshipper or prefer the shade. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can jump off the side into the water or climb down the side to put your feet in.
Our hosts, the family who owns the boat, will prepare a simple and delicious meal (you will be begging for the recipe before we leave!). For the night, we will return to our guesthouse situated right on the water.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 8 - Pamukkale's White Terraces
Soak up surreal views in Pamukkale and unwind at a thermal spa tucked into ancient history.
After breakfast, we head to Pamukkale, known as the “cotton castle” for its stunning travertine terraces created by thermal water deposits over hundreds of years. Mineral-rich waters have overflowed to create cream-colored stalactites with rumored healing properties for the digestive and circulatory systems.
We’ll also visit Hierapolis, a Roman bath center founded in 190 BC, featuring ancient temples, holy areas, fountains, baths, basilicas, necropolises, and an impressive theater. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy at our thermal spa hotel.
Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day 9 - Flavors of Şirince
Meet inspiring women, explore a hillside village, and cook alongside locals in a warm, welcoming kitchen.
After breakfast today, we’ll visit the lesser known town of Buldan in Pamukkale known for its handmade textile fabrics and traditional colorful Turkish houses. After a stroll through town, we’ll continue to Sirince. Lunch today is at Hatice’s Restaurant. Hatice is woman entrepreneur who started to cook just for her family and now is being one of the most influential women in the region creating opportunities for the local women and publishing her recipes.
Sirince is a charming Greek Orthodox village, where you can taste the local fruit wines, stroll through the cobbled stone streets, and chat with local women selling handmade soups, cream, and ice cream.
This evening we’ll join with locals and experience Turkish cooking traditions firsthand in a convivial atmosphere where you’ll have the opportunity to cook, chat, and create priceless memories.
Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day 10 - Echoes of Ephesus
Explore the ancient city of Ephesus, then visit a women-led project making beauty and opportunity from everyday materials.
In the morning, we’ll make our way to the fabled historic site of Ephesus. One of Turkey’s most significant landmarks, this well-preserved classical city is a UNESCO Heritage site. Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore this well-preserved city and delve into its captivating 1500-year history. You’ll be amazed at the city’s exceptional infrastructure, which included public restrooms, a renowned medical institution, a brothel, and Roman baths.
Between our amazing guide and our small group size, we may even be able to see parts of the complex off limits to most travelers. Following the Ephesus tour, we’ll journey on to Ayvalik, and if time permits visit çöp(m)adam. This experimental project in Ayvalık aims to address the issues of women’s employment in Turkey while recycling waste in a creative, aesthetic way. Spend sunset time on our hotel’s private dock into the Mediterranean Sea!
Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day 11 - Istanbul: Your Way
Wrap up your trip with a free day to soak in Istanbul—whether that’s a hammam, a boat ride, or a wander through the Grand Bazaar.
Today is your day to spend it however you like! Perhaps starts the day at a hammam, a traditional Turkish bath. Then stroll through the city until you get to Istanbul’s famed Grand Bazaar, featuring over 3,000 shops vying to be explored along 61 quaint streets. Hone your bargaining skills, interact with local personalities, sip on authentic Turkish coffee, and shop to your heart’s content.
You could also see the cityscape from the water and take a boat complete with sunset views and dinner. Our incredible guide can help you arrange whatever you like.
Meals: breakfast
Day 12 - Farewell for now
One last breakfast together, then hugs, goodbyes, and maybe a few “see you on the next trip” plans.
After breakfast, say goodbye for now but not forever. Your tour guide can help you organize a ride to the airport or transportation for your onward travels.
Meals: breakfast
HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
From a boutique cave hotel carved into Cappadocia’s soft rock to a stylish guesthouse overlooking the Mediterranean, each stay is chosen for charm, comfort, and a sense of place. These are the kind of stays that feel like part of the adventure—quiet courtyards, rooftop views, warm welcomes, and that perfect cup of Turkish tea waiting after a day of exploring.
NISANYAN HOUSES
Located in the mountains, this is a family-run collection of cottages complete with a pool and incredible restaurant with beautiful views. A feature stay for its quintessential Turkish village vibes and warm hospitality.
ADEM PIRA THERMAL HOTEL
We love this hotel for all the ways you can choose to relax. There are pools both inside and out, a couple saunas, a spa, as well as a game room.
DERE SUITES HOTEL
This cave hotel is a perfect balance of ancient Turkish design and modern amenities. Our favorite way to enjoy this hotel is on the rooftop at sunrise with a hot cup of coffee in hand.
We match you with your most compatible roommate
We get it—sharing a room with a stranger can feel like a gamble. That’s why we’ve partnered with a professional matchmaker and psychologist to create a bespoke roommate matching quiz, designed to pair you with someone you’ll actually click with.
Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, a social butterfly or someone who values quiet time, our quiz helps ensure you’re matched with the best possible roommate. And if you prefer your own space, you always have the option to upgrade to a private room.
No stress, no awkward surprises—just a trip made better by great company.
MEET FEYZA
YOUR GUIDE FOR THE TRIP
Licensed Professional Tour Guide, Cultural Ambassador & Ex-Chef
As a tour guide in Türkiye, Feyza has the privilege of showcasing some of the world’s most stunning landscapes and ancient wonders to adventurous travelers. Whether leading hikes through the valleys of Cappadocia, exploring hidden beaches along the coast, or immersing visitors in the vibrant energy of Istanbul, Feyza finds endless inspiration in Türkiye’s unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty.
Leading SoFe travelers is a particularly rewarding experience for Feyza. Guiding women as they step out of their comfort zones, supporting local women, and fostering a sense of trust and camaraderie creates meaningful connections on every trip. From wandering bustling markets and sipping tea in local cafés to watching the sunrise over ancient ruins, every journey becomes a shared adventure.
When not guiding, Feyza enjoys recharging by cooking, playing with her young niece, photographing sunsets and spontaneous moments, or sharing travel stories from Türkiye and solo trips abroad on Instagram. For Feyza, being a guide isn’t just a job—it’s a way of life, deeply rooted in the nomadic spirit of Turkish heritage.
What Our Travelers Say
Join 2,000+ women who’ve embraced adventure, found their people, and taken the trip of a lifetime on a tour with us, the largest global community for solo female travelers.
EMILY L.
“Having the opportunity to learn from like-minded people and share experiences was incredible, whether this was their first solo trip or had been travelling solo for years. It both validated the complex feelings that can occur while travelling alone and inspired me to continue exploring.”
FAYE H.
“The whole trip was amazing and it’s hard to pick just a few favorites bc I loved the whole itinerary. Sleeping on the Gulet boat, hot air ballooning, Pamukkale…Sleeping on the Gulet was a beautiful experience bc I love being on boats and it was so much fun and peaceful. Our group of women were amazing and so much fun!”
LISA B.
“I really enjoyed the balloon ride, plus I personally love the sites like the underground city, Hieropolis ancient city, and Ephesus stuff.
Fayze was awesome. Such a personable and lovely person.”
CRYSTAL B.
“Cappadocia was so magical! I also really enjoyed our tour guide and driver. They made our trip so special.
Our guide was amazing! Very knowledgeable and friendly.”
CAROL B.
“The air balloon ride in cappadocia, the cruise along the Mediterranean, and the cave hotel were all standouts. The amazing and very competent tour guide, Feyza, and the driver, Fatma, were exceptional.”
Dates & Prices
Prices listed in USD
We sell out fast!
Hold your spot with a $550 deposit that goes toward the total cost of your tour.
Flexible payment plans
Pay what you want when up want with a nonrefundable 50% payment due 9 weeks before departure and the balance due 90 days before departure.
Free transfer
Change your dates or your destination one time for free, give us at least 9 weeks notice before departure.
2025 Turkey Tours
October 12, 2025
Arrive on Sunday
October 12, 2025
Arrive on Sunday
October 23, 2025
Depart on Thursday
October 23, 2025
Depart on Thursday
$4,325- Sold Out
with a private room +$1,700
$4,325- Sold Out
with a private room +$1,700
November 16, 2025
Arrive on Sunday
November 16, 2025
Arrive on Sunday
November 27, 2025
Depart on Thursday
November 27, 2025
Depart on Thursday
$4,350- Sold Out
with a private room +$1,700
$4,350- Sold Out
with a private room +$1,700
December 2, 2025
Arrive on Tuesday
December 2, 2025
Arrive on Tuesday
December 11, 2025
Depart on Thursday
December 11, 2025
Depart on Thursday
$4,350- Sold Out
with a private room +$1,700
$4,350- Sold Out
with a private room +$1,700
2026 Turkey Tours
May 17, 2026
Arrive on Sunday
May 17, 2026
Arrive on Sunday
May 28, 2026
Depart on Thursday
May 28, 2026
Depart on Thursday
$4,950
with a private room +$1,600
$4,950
with a private room +$1,600
October 4, 2026
Arrive on Sunday
October 4, 2026
Arrive on Sunday
October 15, 2026
Depart on Thursday
October 15, 2026
Depart on Thursday
$4,950
with a private room +$1,600
$4,950
with a private room +$1,600
December 2, 2026
Arrive on Wednesday
December 2, 2026
Arrive on Wednesday
December 11, 2026
Depart on Friday
December 11, 2026
Depart on Friday
$4,550- Sold Out
with a private room +$1,600
$4,550- Sold Out
with a private room +$1,600
Book now with $550. Pay the rest at your pace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Turkey
WHAT ARE THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE DETAILS?
Arrival:
Istanbul International Airport (IST)
We strongly recommend that you arrive by 3pm to make it in time for the welcome meeting and dinner, but we will pick you top any time today. Your airport transfer will meet you with a sign with the SoFe Travel logo. The transfer will take you from the airport to our group hotel in Istanbul. If fellow travelers arrive around the same time, we’ll bring you to the hotel together.
Departure:
Istanbul International Airport (IST)
Hotel check out is at 10am. You are welcome to leave any time today. Ask your guide to help you arrange a ride to the airport or share a transfer with fellow travelers.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
- International airfares
- Visa fee if applicable
- Travel insurance (mandatory for all travelers)
- Airport drop off
- Driver & guide tips
- Any meals not listed under inclusions
- Any optional activities as indicated in the itinerary
PAYMENT & REFUND POLICY
- A non-refundable $550 deposit is required to hold your spot.
- Final payment is due 90 days before departure.
- Pay as much as often as you like until the due date.
- If you cancel your spot earlier than 90 days before departure, you can apply your payment to any trip within the next year.
- No refunds on deposits.
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
On rare occasions, any domestic flight that we include in this trip may be changed or canceled with little notice. Remember, we cannot control the decisions that airlines make, so sometimes amendments will need to be made to our mode of transportation. Rest assured that if this happens, we will still get you to your destination. Part of the unique experience of traveling in any form is having the flexibility and grace to embrace detours.
DO I NEED A VISA?
A visa is required for entrance into Turkey for most passport holders.
Thankfully, the process is entirely online at this link and you can be granted an e-visa within 24 hours of applying. We recommend applying for the e-visa within 2 weeks before departure to Turkey on the government website.
NEW INFORMATION REGARDING VISAS FOR AMERICAN AND CANADIAN CITIZENS:
Beginning in 2024, citizens from the US and Canada are now exempt from obtaining a visa for Turkey if visiting for tourism purposes less than 90 days.
Here is the official link related to visa information: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
WILL THIS ITINERARY CHANGE?
The itinerary is subject to change due for any reason – weather, unexpected cancellations, impromptu local opportunities, or surprise additions.
All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory or you may be refused to join the tour. See our guide for help choosing a plan.
HOW MUCH LUGGAGE CAN I BRING?
The baggage allowance for our internal flights is 1 check in suitcase that is a maximum of 30lbs/15kg and 1 carryon. An additional fee applies to bags that exceeds this and is payable at the airport.
PHOTOS FROM THE ROAD
We looove to collect and share photos from our Solo Female Traveler Meetup Tours. To see more images from Turkey, check out the stories on our Instagram! @solofemaletravel. When you travel with us, tag @sofetravel so we can find your posts.
