Explore the country on foot, by bike, or by boat, visiting all Turkey’s top sites from a unique perspective. Immerse yourself in the cultures while connecting with other travelers for the ultimate exploration. This women’s-only active group tour follows traces of the Anatolian Mother Goddess Cybele.
The Turkey tour brings together like-minded women who share a passion for discovery. Join other adventurous, discerning women from around the world for an unforgettable shared experience centered around culture, cuisine, and connection.. This itinerary is carefully curated for women travelers, with special experiences focused on empowering women through adventure balanced with culture and relaxation.
This tour isn’t just about exploring the past—it’s about connecting with your own strength in the present. As you conquer new physical challenges and embrace the support of your fellow travelers, you’ll emerge from this journey feeling empowered, energized, and renewed.
Magical lands of Anatolia
A women’s-only active group tour following traces of the Anatolian Mother Goddess Cybele. This tour brings together like-minded women who share a passion for discovery, Starting from the very beginning in the Neolithic settlement of Catalhoyuk (c. 6000 BCE), trace the mother goddess through the ages, from the Phrygians to the Greeks and Romans. Explore the power of femininity and the female figure from prehistory to our modern era while exercising our own power and strength by hiking and biking through the Anatolian landscape.
You’ll be traveling with a group of like-minded, adventurous women from around the world, creating lasting connections as you share moments of discovery. Together, you’ll immerse yourselves in Turkey’s rich cultural heritage, savor local cuisine, and tap into a deeper understanding of the role women have played in shaping history.
Day 1 – Istanbul
Arrive in the legendary city of Istanbul. We’ll begin with our classic Istanbul program: Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia. During lunch, we’ll explore the culinary traditions of the Ottomans at Matbah Restaurant. Visiting the Basilica Cistern, we’ll wash away the day with a traditional Turkish Bath.
Day 2 – Istanbul
Our fast-paced exploration of Istanbul continues with a visit to Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and Spice Market. After cruising the Bosphorus and admiring the historic structures of this grand metropolis, we’ll stop on the Anatolian side of the city and freshen up at our hotel. A Turkish wine expert will accompany us to a local wine bar, where we’ll choose some bottles for our dinner and meet-the-chef experience in Mayko, a small restaurant specializing in Turkish small plates known as meze.
Day 3 – Fly Cappadocia.
Fly to Cappadocia and dive straight into its world-famous valleys, a welcome break from the chaos of Istanbul. We’ll hike the region’s two most famous valleys, lined with stunning rock formations harboring traces of inhabitants past. During dinner, we’ll examine the differences between the cuisine of cosmopolitan Istanbul, and the humble dishes of Central Anatolia.
Day 4 – Cappadocia
Start the morning in an unforgettable way: with a hot air balloon ride over the hills, valleys, and unbelievable landscape of Cappadocia. Later we’ll stop at Ozluce Underground City, a hidden city carved into the bedrock by ancient inhabitants seeking shelter from invaders. Next up is the Ihlara Valley, a stunning gorge full of cool water, bright greenery, and fresco-filled Byzantine churches and finally, a stop at Gelveri Winery, a boutique winery using little-known native grapes and naturally fermenting them in ancient amphora.
Day 5 – Cappadocia
We’ll spend our final day in Cappadocia visiting the must-see Open Air Museum. A hike near sunset takes us along one of the most visual stunning trails in all of Cappadocia. Plop down on a traditional ‘kilim’ and enjoy a cocktail and sunset snack overlooking an incredible view of the houses and rock formations of Cavusin.
Day 6 – Fly Izmir. Ephesus. Bodrum
A morning flight takes us to Izmir, where we’ll visit the grand city of ancient Ephesus. Its terrace houses are one of the finest places to experience the lives of the ancient elite; its other structures incredible examples of Roman architecture and ancient society. Lunch will be in Yedibilgeler, a scenic local vineyard and restaurant, before we head to Bodrum for an evening wandering its seaside streets.
Day 7.
Morning will be spent exploring the Underwater Archeology Museum, its exhibits set within the Bodrum Castle, built by the Knights of St. John. Then, we’ll board the boat and officially kick off the ‘blue cruise’ portion of our trip with a sail to Degirmenbuku, a remote cove on the northern side of the Datca Peninsula. Trace the steps of ancient inhabitants on a coastal path, hiking straight into the ruins of Knidos with views of the sparkling sea all around. Cap off the day with dinner and a starry night in a quiet cove.
Day 8.
The boat will get an early start, sailing to more seaside ruins, this time Bozukkale (Loryma) on the Bozburun Peninsula. After lunch on board, hike over the rocky landscape to Karamaka, a once-thriving village full of Greek-speaking inhabitants that were forcibly moved during the population exchange of 1923. We’ll have the most beautiful sunset hours for a relaxing swim before settling in for the night.
Day 9.
After a quick cruise to Serce Limani in the morning, we’ll disembark to visit the ruins of ancient Phoinix, its structures scattered across rocky-covered hills in a dry, island-like setting. The nearby village of Taslica followed in the footsteps of the ancient settlement, its residents eking out a living dry farming the barren, yet beautiful landscape. It’s here where we’ll enjoy an authentic village lunch and farmhouse experience before hiking down to the impossibly clear waters of Arap Adasi Bay. Hop back on the boat and cruise to Ekincik.
Day 10.
Today begins with a hike through coastal pine forest, the trail’s fresh pine scent leaving as long-lasting a memory as its views. Experience the rock tombs of Dalyan, carved straight into the cliffside, and cruise through its meandering delta, full of turtles, otters, and birdlife. An afternoon cruise brings us to Aga Limani, a perfect location for swimming, water sports, and simply admiring our incredible Mediterranean surroundings.
Day 11.
Hiking along a scenic coastal path, we’ll reach a shepherd’s dwelling. This shepherd is a member of the ‘yoruk’ tribe, a Turkic people with a semi-nomadic lifestyle currently residing in his former winter pastures. Enjoy a cup of Turkish tea or coffee, before continuing the peaceful trek down to the ruins of a Roman bathhouse, now nearly submerged by the sea. It’s then back on the boat for a cruise to and a lovely evening in the yacht hub of Gocek.
Day 12. Departure and Final Goodbyes
Experience the vastness of nature like never before —a one-of-a-kind private hiking and glamping journey that will take you deep into the heart of Turkey’s most breathtaking landscapes. This unforgettable adventure combines the thrill of exploration with the comfort and tranquility of glamping, offering the best of both worlds.
This immersive experience blends history, culture, and culinary exploration, taking you deep into Turkey’s rich food heritage.
On this unique expedition, you’ll not only savor unforgettable flavors, but also gain insight into how Turkey’s regional diversity converges in the kitchen. With each meal, you’ll discover the stories, ingredients, and techniques that have been passed down through generations, making Turkish cuisine one of the most dynamic and rich in the world.
An unforgettable journey combining helicopter transfers, epic mountain biking, and serene boat cruises. Explore the breathtaking islands of Rhodes, Karpathos, and Crete by land and sea, immersing yourself in awe-inspiring landscapes, authentic local culture, and luxurious accommodations.
The ultimate triathlon multisport retreat to immerse yourself in an active and rejuvenating experience set against Turkey’s breathtaking Aegean coastline. Hosted at Six Senses Kaplankaya, this award-winning luxury resort and hotel, has all the amenities for top multisport training.
April 30th – May 4th, 2025 at Six Senses Kaplankaya
Embark on an unforgettable adventure travel journey through the ancient wonders of Turkey, Greece, and beyond with our travel experiences that seamlessly blend historical marvels with modern delights.
2024 © Roots Adventure Travel
Saint Augustine
Our tours are run by Adventure Roots Travel
a member of TURSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies)
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