Month: April
Travelers: Up to 18
11 Days
See Dates & Prices
11 Days
Turkey Meetup Tour
Straddling continents, history and culture, Turkey is a unique destination full of contradictions and beauty waiting for you to explore! This all-female Meetup Tour of Turkey offers the ideal mix of history, luxury, and culture all while connecting you with local women.
Dive deep into Turkey’s rich history as your textbooks come alive right in front of you with visits in Antalya and Ephesus. Experience the hustle and bustle of Istanbul, where you’ll want to eat and shop ’till you drop. Relax on the Turquoise Coast and marvel at natural wonders like Cappadocia and Pammukale.
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Highlights
Learn the ancient traditional of pottery making followed by a a lunch cooked by a famous local woman in her cave home.
Sleep under the stars on the deck of a Turkish Gullet Boat while sailing along the Turkish Riviera.
Join a woman from a small fishing village as she teaches us how to embroider her famous scarves before a home cooked lunch in her home.
Visit an NGO focused on giving women a place to work and make an honest wage.
Learn the traditions of Turkish cuisine with a woman-led cooking class.
Get to know the story of a female entrepreneur by visiting her olive grove and tasting local produce over lunch.
Itinerary
Day
1
Arrival in Istanbul
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. Until then, you’re free to go out and explore!
Day
2
Istanbul
Today you'll visit all of Istanbul's most historic and iconic sites with a full day tour of the city. Start with the jewel in the Istanbul crown -- the Blue Mosque. This is one of the most striking sights, with its iconic, blue-tiled walls, 260 windows, and six minarets. Wander across the plaza to the Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture which holds more than 1,500 years of Turkish history. Seek out treasures in the famed Grand Bazaar, which offers up 3,000 shops to explore! We'll meet a few of the local characters, perfect your haggling skills, have a true Turkish coffee, and shop. We'll end the day with a water marbling art demonstration at a female artist's workshop. Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day
3
Ayvalik
After breakfast, we'll hit the road to the quaint town, Ayvalık. We'll be welcomed with a delicious traditional Turkish lunch at a woman-owned olive grove. Our hostess for the day started this journey in 2012 with 800 trees and now she is exporting olive oil all over the world. We'll get to know her initiative for boutique olive oil production and enjoy a taste of the products produced in
the region. The foodie theme isn't over yet, because next up is wine tasting! Once we arrive in Ayvalık, enjoy a walk on the charming cobblestone and if time permits, visit çöp(m)adam. This experimental project in Ayvalık aims to address the issues of women’s employment in Turkey and the importance of recycling/re-using. Meals: breakfast and lunch. | Drive time: approx. 5 hours
Day
4
Ephesus + Sirince
We'll leave Ayvalık in the morning and head to Ephesus. This ancient site is one of Turkey's most important historic attractions and it is an absolute marvel. Explore this beautifully preserved classical city with your local guide who will bring its colorful 1,500 year history to life. Watch in awe as the sophistication of this former metropolis reveals itself: it had running water, public toilets, a renowned medical institute, a theatre and Roman baths. After Ephesus, continue on to the
adorable little village of Sirince. The town's name actually means "cute" in Turkish and it is perhaps the perfect synthesis of a traditional Turkish and Greek village. Join local women for a hands-on cooking class where you'll learn a bit about the traditions of the Turkish kitchen. Meals: breakfast and dinner | Drive time: approx. 3 hours
Day
5
Pamukkale + Kas
After breakfast, a long travel day lies ahead of us today, but the journey is absolutely worth it. We'll be stunned by the unreal landscape of Pamukkale. Plunging from a 700 foot high cliff, the calcite-laden waters have created an incredible scene of mineral forests, petrified waterfalls and a series of terraced basins. We continue to Kaş, where we'll be spending the night. The whitewashed houses adorned with bougainvillea, as well as an ancient theatre, makes Kaş a great place to be explored on foot. Take some time to wander solo or relax and join for an optional dinner at a mother and daughter run restaurant famous for recipes like 'Mamma’s pastry'. If you feel like a walk after dinner, the local handicraft market is open late! Meals: breakfast | Drive time: approx. 7 hours
Day
6
Turquoise Coast
Take some time to unwind and release the stress of the busy city with a morning yoga session or simply sleep in. After a late breakfast, drive to Ucagiz village. This quaint, coastal fishing village lies amid beautiful islands and peninsulas. We'll meet a local fisherman’s wife, who will teach us how to embroider one of her famous village scarves. After a homemade lunch, she helps us board a traditional Turkish Gullet boat which will be our home for the rest of the day! Enjoy a relaxing afternoon sailing along the Turkish Riviera. We'll get to see the ruins of the ancient sunken Lycian city and swim in crystal clear waters. Tonight, we will sleep on deck under the starry Mediterranean sky. Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Day
7
Antalya
After waking up on the water, we say goodbye to our floating home as we continue on to Antalya. We have a guided tour of Antalya Museum, which is considered one of the leading museums in the world. Antalya has been the crossroads of humanity for thousands of years, hosting the magnificent cities of Lycia, Roman and Byzantine civilizations. Our guide will give us a brief walking tour of the old city before checking into the hotel. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. If you like, you can sign up for an optional treatment at a hammam, a traditional Turkish spa. Meals: breakfast
Day
8
Cappadocia
Make sure your cameras are charged, because we are headed to Cappadocia! Over millions of years, rain and wind have shaped the soft white volcanic rock of the plain into an otherworldly landscape of dripping cones, pillars, pinnacles, and fairy chimneys soaring more than a hundred feet into the sky. We'll visit the Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Later in the day, we will learn the tradition of carpet and rug making in Turkey. The afternoon and evening are free with a few optional activities to choose form. You can enjoy a meal at Kadıneli Restaurant, an NGO project focused on giving the women of Uchisar a place to work and make an honest wage. You can also choose to discover the unique traditions and mysticism of Rumi’s Mevlevi Order and watch the devout whirling dervishes act out a hypnotic sema performance. Meals: breakfast
Day
9
Cappadocia
Early birds have the option to take a hot air balloon over the ethereal Cappadocian landscape. The scene at sunrise is sure to take your breath away! The group will reconvene after breakfast for a walk of the surrounding valley to witness the fascinating rock formations and fairytale chimneys.
Then visit Soganlı, a 4th century AD centers of Christianity in Cappadocia. There are thousands of pigeon houses, caves and shelters besides the frescoed churches and monasteries carved into the rock. Later, we will learn about the tradition of pottery making in this region. Tonight we will have a group dinner with a well-known local woman who homecooks delicious Turkish cuisine in her cave home. Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day
10
Istanbul
This morning, we catch a flight back to Istanbul. In the evening, we celebrate all of our wonderful memories with a group farewell dinner. Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day
11
Departure
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
Extend Your Meetup Tour
You’ve already taken the time off of work, booked your flights and made the effort to get to the Middle East. Why not extend your stay to really maximize your experience in the region?
Have you always wanted to visit the Wonder of the World Petra or sleep in the Wadi Rum desert? Now is your chance. This itinerary can be combined with our Jordan Meetup Tour!
If you’re interested in combined tour options, reach out to meetuptours@sofetravel.com for booking assistance and special combined pricing.
Accommodation
Our accommodation is hand-picked to give you the best combination of comfort, location, and style. These are photos from our collection of favorite hotels and resorts to give you a sense of the accommodation you can expect with us.
Nisanyan Houses Boutique Hotel
With a rooftop terrace offering lovely views over the charming town of Sirince, the Nisanyan Houses Hotel has renovated a number of bungalows and village homes to create a boutique hotel experience. This is warm family-run operation that you will fall in love with!
Turkish Gullet Boat
Sleep on deck of a traditional Turkish Gullet boat for a truly unforgettable experience. Enjoy a ‘camping at sea’ adventure as you drift off to sleep under a starry Mediterranean sky.
The boat does have cabins and bathrooms below deck, but the tight quarters make the deck the true hang out space. A mattress, sheet and blanket are provided, and it is up to you to find the best spot-on deck.
Maze of Cappadocia
Experience a few nights inside one of Cappadocia’s infamous cave structures. Converted into a cozy and stylish accommodation, this family-owned and female operated boutique hotel offers 12 charming rooms, as well as a delicious restaurant and lovely views.
Details
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Local guide
- 9 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 dinners
- Local transportation
- Airport pickup on day one
- All entrance fees and activities in the itinerary unless specified as optional
Included Activities
- Istanbul City Tour
- Ebru (Water Marbling) Art Demonstration
- Nermin Hanım Olive Grove Tour + Tasting
- Ma’adra Winery Tour + Tasting
- Ayvalık Orientation Walk
- Ephesus Guided Tour
- Cooking Class
- Pamukkale Tour
- Turquoise Coast Boat Excursion
- Antalya Museum Entrance + Tour
- Antalya City Walk
- Cappadocia Open Air Museum
- Carpet Making Demonstration
- Cappadocia Valley Hike
ARRIVAL: You should arrive in Istanbul (airport code IST) before 18:00 on your Meetup Tour start date.
- Your program fee includes an airport pick up regardless of what time you arrive on the program start date.
- If you plan on arriving a day or two early, the airport transfer is not included. Please let us know if you need early arrival services, and we can add them onto your invoice.
DEPARTURE: The tour ends in Istanbul (airport code IST) at 10:00 am on the Meetup Tour end date. You will be responsible for organizing your own transportation to the airport, or whatever onward travel arrangements you have planned. A return transfer is not provided.
- A deposit of $500 is required to hold your spot.
- Final payment is due 60 days before departure.
- Pay as much as often as you like until the due date.
- If you cancel your spot with at least 60 days notice before departure, you can apply your payment to any new trip.
- No refunds on deposits.
A visa is required for entrance into Turkey for most passport holders, including US citizens.
Thankfully, the process is entirely online 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. We will send you more information about this once you’re enrolled!
- International airfare
- Visa fees if applicable
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Tips for leaders, guide and driver
- Airport drop off
- Covid PCR test (currently mandatory to enter Turkey)
- SoFe Travel requires all travelers be fully vaccinated against Covid-19. Read more about our Covid policies here.
- The itinerary is subject to change due for any reason – weather, unexpected cancellations, impromptu local opportunities, or surprise additions.
- Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory or you may be refused to join the tour. See our guide for help choosing a plan.
- All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.
Peru April 2022
Travelers: up to 16
11 Days
See Dates & Prices
11 Days
Bali Meetup Tour
Think gorgeous tropical beaches and a deep spiritual culture – that’s Bali. With instagrammable views, the freshest fruits you’ll ever eat and relaxing days on the beach, you won’t want to leave!
Start in Ubud for waterfalls and to meet our local friends. Then we will explore rice paddies and volcanoes before hoping on a boat to the Gili Islands! We end in Canggu for shopping and nightlife before you say farewell to your new friends.
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highlights
Enjoy a private Balinese cooking class at a local’s home.
Be blessed on the beach in traditional Balinese fashion by a female priest.
Spend an afternoon with local women learning how to make traditional offerings.
Enjoy solo time in Jatiluwih rice terraces and village.
Spend the day snorkeling past underwater statues and exploring small islands.
Meet the community of KIM, and organization bettering the lives of women and girls.
Itinerary
Day
1
Denpasar Airport Pickup
Welcome to Bali! We will pick you up from the airport and bring you to our villa in Ubud. In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner and get to know each other over a traditional Balinese feast. Meals: dinner
Day
2
Tampaksiring and Ubud
This morning we visit Tirta Empul, also known as the water temple, and has history that can be traced back to 926 AD. It is considered one of the five or six most holy temples in all of Bali and is considered one of the holiest water sources in Bali. Later meet our friends, local women who will show us how to make a traditional offering of fresh flowers, tell us what it means, and why they do it. Offerings have deep cultural meanings and are apart of a Balinese woman’s everyday life. After you make your own offering, we will be invited into a private family temple for a mini-lesson about the symbolism of the statues and alters inside. We’ll then enjoy a traditional Balinese feast with a beautiful jungle view. Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day
3
Ubud
Today, we will start the morning with a walk along Campuhan Ridge overlooking jungle and rice fields that go on for days. The path will bring us to Ubud Center. Afterwards we visit to KIM Women’s Centre has an overall goal to facilitate female empowerment and gender equality to Balinese women and girls in the local area. Most importantly, the women’s centre provides a safe haven for divorced women who are generally highly stigmatized and ostracized in the community. We’ll have lunch with the women and girls at the center before spending some free time in Ubud center. Now is a great time to visit the Monkey Forest and do some shopping! Meals: breakfast and lunch
Day
4
Sumampan
Put your bathing suits on and charge your camera, because we will be going to Sumampan Waterfall, one of Bali’s few hidden gems left. We will spend some time relaxing with the view and swimming at the fall’s base. In the afternoon, we embark on a culinary adventure unlocking the secrets of authentic Balinese cooking in a fully equipped community village kitchen. Our local friend and incredible cook, Puspa, will greet us with a drink and teach us how to prepare a traditional meal, which we will enjoy together at the end. Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day
5
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
Jatiluwih Rice Terraces is a nominated UNESCO World Heritage site, and it’s our first stop of the day! We’ll visit Batukaru Temple, a sacred place to the Balinese. It sits 1300 meters above sea level and is surrounded by cool natural forests, providing a pleasant sightseeing stopover for nature lovers. Enjoy some solo time walking through the village and rice fields.
Day
6
Gili Trawangan
This morning we have a scenic drive to Padang Bai to take a speedboat over to Gili Trawangan. If everything is on time, which depends on the conditions of the water, we will arrive by lunchtime. Once we arrive, the day is yours to explore, relax by the pool or bar, jump into a yoga class, or choose a treatment in the spa. (Note sometimes due to extreme weather, all fast boats can be cancelled. In this situation we may decide to reroute our trip to Candidasa.) Meals: breakfast
Day
7
Gili Trawangan and small islands
Today is all about the sea! We will have a boat for the day to explore the turquoise waters of nearby small islands, snorkel with the fish and turtles, and even see some underwater statues. Lunch will be on board the boat, and you will have the evening free to enjoy the village or hotel. Meals breakfast, lunch
Day
8
Solo day on Gili Trawangan
It’s a beachy solo kind of day where you can rent a bike and explore the island, relax with a good book, choose to snorkel or scuba dive, or whatever you like. In the evening, we will meet back up for a barbecue dinner and cocktails and swap stories of the day. Meals: breakfast and dinner
Day
9
Canggu
We say goodbye to the beautiful Gili Islands and hello to Canggu! We’ll jump on another speedboat back to Bali and check into our resort by the beach around 3pm. Meals: breakfast
Day
10
Canggu
Canggu has it all from beautiful beaches, posh sea side lounges, great shopping, and stellar restaurants. Sleep in this morning and explore in the afternoon. Your leader will be around to show you her favorite spots, but getting a little lost is always fun. In the late afternoon, we will visit a local temple for a blessing ceremony with a Balinese priest (mangku) –everyone will receive a blessing, this involves wearing the traditional sash and sarong and splashed with holy water as the Mangku chants the blessing. Our farewell dinner tonight is at Tugu, one of our favorite restaurants. Meals: breakfast, dinner
Day
11
Goodbye for now
We say goodbye today, but mot before we have made future travel plan with new friends! Check out is at 11am, and the airport is only 30 minutes away. Share a ride with a fellow traveler if you like. Your leader will help you arrange it. Meals: breakfast
ACCOMMODATION
Our accommodation is hand-picked to give you the best combination of comfort, location, and style. These are photos from our collection of favorite villas and resorts to give you a sense of the accommodation you can expect with us.
Blue Karma, Ubud
Hidden in the hillside at a place where heaven and earth blissfully meet, lies Blue Karma Hotel. Each room at this boutique hotel is unique, creating a luxurious experience. With views of the tropical jungle, abundant rice paddies, and our stunning infinity pool, this stay will be like no other.
Resort Ashta, Canggu
Cotton candy skies + rooftop pool views = this gorgeous resort walking distance to the beach and to the center of town. Trendy and spacious inside, this resort is luxe but still comfortable and friendly.
Lily Lane Villas
This place is a handful of villas all on one property with a yoga shall, dining and sitting area under a canopy, every inch decorated in traditional Balinese beauty. Private pools, delicious food, and the kindest staff on the island.
General Inclusions:
- Accommodation in twin rooms
- Local guide
- 10 Breakfasts
- 3 Lunches
- 4 Dinners
- Local transportation
- Airport pickup on day 1
- All entrance fees and activities in the itinerary unless specified as optional
Specfic Included Activities:
- Private family temple
- Campuhan ridge
- Tirta Empul (water temple)
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces
- Balinese cooking class
- Boat tour and snorkeling
- Sumampan Waterfall
- Visit KIM organization for women
- Airfares
- Visa fees if applicable
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Airport drop off
Arrival: Bali Ngurah Rai Denpasar Airport (code DPS) anytime between 8:00am and 5:00pm on tour start date
- We will have an airport transfer waiting for you at the airport, when you arrive during the above arrival window. The transfer will take you from the airport to our group hotel in Ubud.
- If you arrive a day or two early, the airport transfer is not included. Please email us directly if you book flights outside this window so we can assist with the procedure.
Departure: Bali Ngurah Rai Denpasar Airport (code DPS) anytime after 12:00pm (noon) on tour end date
- A deposit of $500 is required to hold your spot.
- Final payment is due 60 days before departure.
- Pay as much as often as you like until the due date.
- If you cancel your spot 60 days before departure, you can apply your payment to any other trip.
- No refunds on deposits.
- All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.
Last Updated April 20, 2022
These are the most current Covid regulations that we have for Bali. Keep in mind these may change on short notice, so please be alert for more communication from SoFe.
On April 6 2022, the Indonesian government allowed a quarantine-free arrival process and a Visa On Arrival (VOA) program for 43 selected countries, including the United States.
Additional regulations include:
- All foreign travelers (foreign nationals) must be vaccinnated against Covid-19 with one of the approved vaccinations.
- All foreign travelers must show a negative PCR test result taken within 48 hours of the international flight.
As part of their Covid regulations, the government of Indonesia now requires that all travelers complete and e-Visa ahead of arrival to Bali. You can find information about that here: Visit e-Visa (B211A).
- The itinerary is subject to change due for any reason – weather, unexpected cancellations, impromptu local opportunities, or surprise additions.
- Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory or you may be refused to join the tour. See our guide for help choosing a plan.
- All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.
What our Travelers say
“[This] trip gave me a renewed since of independence. The travelers where so positive, supportive and also available to lend a helping hand…” Trudy W. | Bali
“One of the best trips of my life! I’ve already booked Egypt with you guys.” Aihee R. | Bali
“There’s a wonderful sense of community that comes from experiencing new cultures with a diverse group of strong women who share a love of travel.” Eileen G. | Bali