The Turkey Trip
Historical • Cultural • Foodie
For the love of spice bazaars, fairy chimneys, and vineyard trails — add beachside lounging, historical ancient-ruins, and epic Mediterranean sunset sails. That’s our Turkey trip.
Welcome to Turkey!
9 Days / 8 Nights
Starting At $4,999
Up To 16
A place where east meets west and Europe and Asia collide, Turkey is a cultural melting pot. From the incredible cuisine and rich history of Istanbul to the magical hot air balloon rides over Cappadocia and the crystal-clear Mediterranean waters of Bodrum, it’s no surprise that Turkey is the 6th most-visited destination in the world.
Our small group trip is designed for solo travelers in their 20s and 30s, ready to fall in love with the energy and diversity of this remarkable country. For those hesitant about solo travel, Turkey is both safe and vibrant—a place we believe everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.
Physical Activity
Nightlife
Foodie Trip
Cultural
Adventurous
Trip Pace
what you’ll Love about this trip
What's Included
Trip Logistics:
8 nights in accommodations in Istanbul (1 night), Cappadocia (3 nights), Şirince (2 nights), and Bodrum (2 nights) (shared twin room with one other traveler, optional private upgrade subject to availability)
8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 group dinners, including a welcome dinner in Istanbul and a farewell dinner in Bodrum
One-way domestic flights from Istanbul to Cappadocia and Cappadocia to Izmir, including one checked bag
Private in-country ground transportation for all included activities
Included Experiences:
Welcome drinks and orientation to kick off the trip and meet your travel crew
Private sunset cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, sailing between Europe and Asia with skyline views of Istanbul
Guided walking tour of Istanbul’s historic Old City, including Süleymaniye Mosque, the Basilica Cistern, Hippodrome Square, and an exterior history stop at Hagia Sophia
Guided visit to the Göreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring ancient rock-cut churches and frescoes carved directly into volcanic stone
Traditional Turkish Night dinner experience with live music, folkloric dance performances, and regional specialties
Pottery workshop learning the centuries-old red clay techniques, followed by Turkish coffee reading experience
Wine and olive oil tasting in Şirince featuring regional varietals paired with local cheeses, preserves, and artisanal olive oils
Traditional Turkish hammam experience with private group access, a centuries-old steam bath ritual rooted in Ottoman bathing culture
Hands-on Turkish cooking class alongside local chefs followed by dinner featuring regional dishes
Guided tour of the UNESCO-listed Ephesus ruins, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world, including the Library of Celsus and the grand amphitheater
Full-day private gulet yacht cruise along the Gulf of Gökova aboard a traditional wooden vessel, with swimming stops in turquoise coves and a freshly prepared onboard lunch
Trip Support & Extras:
Built-in free time to explore at your own pace, from vibrant bazaars and historic neighborhoods to seaside cafés and coastal views
Dedicated FTLO Trip Leader throughout the trip, coordinating logistics and providing local knowledge
Access to our pre-departure hub with detailed trip information, packing guidance, cultural tips, and a space to connect with fellow travelers before departure
All entrance fees, taxes, and activity costs for listed experiences
Certain outdoor experiences, boat excursions, and seasonal activities are subject to weather and operating conditions. In the event an activity cannot operate as planned, a suitable alternative experience will be arranged.
What's Not Included
Flights to and from Turkey (fly into Istanbul and out of Bodrum)
Trip arrival and departure airport transfers
Mandatory trip insurance
Meals not mentioned (budget around $300, depending on consumption habits)
Incidental expenses
Cappadocia hot air balloon tour
Where you'll be going
Trip Dates
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PSA: This is the last year to join FTLO Turkey!
Limited private room upgrades are available at checkout starting from $1,499. If no longer available, you can inquire after booking, and we may be able to secure one.
Standard payments include a $500 deposit + 3 installments. Extended payment plans are available upon request.
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Day by Day
Read through an outline of what’s in store for our Turkey trip. This itinerary may be updated as needed.
Day 1 - Istanbul
Inside of Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul! After checking in and settling into the hotel, you’ll meet your fellow travelers for the first time, unless, of course, you all coordinated a pre-trip hang in the WhatsApp chat (which happens more often than you’d think!). Meeting new people can be a little nerve-wracking, but trust us, by the end of this trip, these strangers will feel like old friends.
We’ll kick things off with a private sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, where golden-hour views of Istanbul’s skyline, a cool breeze off the water, and that electric feeling of adventure will set the perfect tone for the days ahead.
As night falls, we’ll gather for our first group dinner, an introduction to Turkish cuisine, a bold and flavorful fusion of Ottoman, Mediterranean, Central Asian, and Eastern European influences.
Trip Notes
Read through helpful flight details, trip notes and details about our Turkey Trip.
Arrive
Fly into Istanbul (IST)
You'll need to be in Istanbul by 2 PM on Day 1. We do recommend flying in earlier to have some time to explore the city on your own!
Depart
Fly out of Bodrum (BJV)
We recommend taking a domestic flight back to Istanbul (IST) for your international return home.
*Although the trip ends in Bodrum, we recommend booking international roundtrip flights to Istanbul and a domestic flight from Bodrum to Istanbul... or take a boat over to the Greek Islands!
Private Room Upgrades
Private room upgrades are available for an additional amount and can be added during booking. These are available on a first-come basis, so plan to book in advance if you are interested in your own room.
Dietary Restrictions
Turkey offers a variety of vegetarian and gluten-free options, especially in larger cities. However, in smaller towns, choices may be limited. We recommend bringing snacks and informing your trip leader of any dietary needs in advance.
Accommodations
In Cappadocia, you'll stay in a unique cave hotel, offering a truly authentic and memorable experience. Each room is carved into the natural landscape and varies in size, layout, and features, reflecting the one-of-a-kind charm of the property.
Itinerary Changes
This itinerary is subject to change based on the weather conditions and traveler feedback. In the unlikely event that we are unable to run a specific activity, we will have a suitable alternative in place.
Packing Tips
The climate can vary – pack light, modest breathable clothes for summer, and layers for cooler evenings or higher altitudes (e.g., in Cappadocia). A scarf or shaw is useful for covering your head when entering mosques or to block dust.
Passport Requirements
You’ll need a passport with at least one blank page and must be valid for at least six months after your planned departure.
Weather
Expect hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C), especially along the coast. Spring and fall are milder, ranging from 50°F to 77°F (10°C to 25°C), ideal for exploring.
Let's Get Social
#ftloturkey in the wild
How much should I budget for meals and extras?
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Plan to spend around $250 USD on meals and personal expenses not included in the itinerary.
I have dietary restrictions. Will there be options for me?
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Yes, just let us know after booking. Turkey is mostly a meat-rich cuisine culture, but can generally accommodate vegan and gluten-free requests – with some planning and snack packing for day trips.
What are the accommodations like?
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We stay in a mix of comfortable, character-filled boutique hotels – from charming Istanbul inns to scenic, rural lodgings near Cappadocia. All are clean, well-located, and designed to help you recharge and connect with the group.
What should I pack for Turkey?
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Turkey’s climate ranges from Mediterranean warmth to cooler interior nights, so pack layers. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a couple of nice outfits for dinners, and essentials like sunscreen, a light rain jacket, and a hat. You'll also want a warm layer for early mornings in Cappadocia, especially during the sunrise experience.
While Turkey is more liberal, it's best to dress modestly, especially when visiting mosques (cover shoulders, arms, and legs).
Any recommendations if I'd like to extend my time abroad?
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If you have extra time, Turkey connects easily to many nearby destinations. From Istanbul, you can take short flights or ferries to the Greek islands for more island scenery, or fly northwest to Croatia for picturesque seaside towns. Frequent regional flights from Istanbul make both routes convenient options if you’d like to extend your trip!
When’s the best time to go to Turkey?
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We run this trip during the shoulder seasons (April–May & September–October) to avoid peak summer heat and crowds.
These months offer perfect weather – warm but not stifling, clear skies, and lush landscapes in Istanbul and Cappadocia.
When should I arrive and depart, and how do I get to the hotel?
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Our welcome activities in Istanbul begin on Day 1, so plan to arrive at Istanbul Airport (IST or SAW) by 2:00 PM to give yourself time to reach the city and settle in. To get into town, you can take the Havaist express bus, hop on the Istanbul Metro, or book a taxi through Uber or BiTaksi — all are reliable, safe, and easy to navigate.
The trip ends on Day 9 in Bodrum, and you're free to fly out anytime from Bodrum Airport (BJV). You can take a taxi to Bodrum town, then catch a ferry or domestic flight back to Istanbul before your onward journey. These options are simple to arrange and traveler-friendly.
What’s the pace of the itinerary?
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This is a well-balanced itinerary with a mix of movement and downtime. You’ll explore the historic heart of Istanbul, take a domestic flight to Cappadocia, and join guided tours of local markets, valleys, and cultural sites. There are a few early mornings and travel days, but you’ll also have space to relax, wander, or watch the sunset over surreal landscapes.
What’s the vibe of this trip?
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This trip is perfect for solo travelers who want to dive into rich local culture, explore awe-inspiring historic sites, and soak up beautiful landscapes along the way. From ancient ruins and bustling markets to breezy coastal towns and quiet countryside, you'll get a meaningful mix of discovery, connection, and scenic downtime – all with a warm, social group energy.
What’s The Weather Like In Turkey?
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Turkey’s southern and western coasts enjoy a sun-drenched Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild, comfortable autumns.
Early summer (June): Hot and dry, with highs around the high 80s °F (~31 °C). Sea temperatures begin climbing, and rainfall is minimal.
Early autumn (September): Warm and pleasant, with highs near the low 80s °F (~27 °C). The sea remains warm and beaches stay inviting.
Mid-autumn (October): Mild and comfortable, with highs around the low 70s °F (~22 °C). Nights cool down and rainfall begins to increase slightly.
Common Questions about this trip
Trip Reviews
Read through helpful flight details, trip notes and details about our Turkey Trip.
Interested in learning more about our Turkey trip?
We're here to help! Whether you're curious about accommodations, accessibility, group vibe, or dietary needs, fill out the form below, and we'll get back to you ASAP.
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