Are you ready for an adventure?
They left their fingerprints. Shall we find them?
Macrina the Elder, her daughter Emmelia, and her daughter Macrina the Younger formed the Cappadocian Church Mothers. Priscilla shaped the church in Ephesus. Irene, Theodora, Roxelena, and Kosem Sultan left their mark on Istanbul.
Women have shaped Turkish history. How will they shape you?
Join other women to explore the story of women and be ready to find more of your own.
ISTANBUL
We start in one of the most exotic cities in the world, where we'll visit a harem, find female secrets, and eat Turkish Delight in the 1700's shop now run by the great great granddaughter.
CAPPADOCIA
We'll fly to the center of the country and, climbing and crawling, follow the footsteps of the early Church Mothers, belly dance with locals, and shop at a female artisan shop. We'll stay in a cave hotel!
EPHESUS
Lastly, we fly to the best archeologically preserved city of the 7 Churches of Revelations and walk the steps of Priscilla and Hermione and enjoy a 5-star hotel on the Aegean Sea.
I've lived in and traveled to Turkey for 25 years.
I'm Beth Bruno, your guide. My husband and I moved to Istanbul in 1997, before we had kids or knew Turkish. We stayed for a year and then returned in 2001 - one month before 9/11 - with a one year old. 6 years and 3 kids later, we moved back to the States. I've returned every other year since 2007 because Turkey is a part of me now. Trust me when I say I'll take good care of you and show you the country like a local, including all of the stories of women you never hear about on large tours. Let me show you this exotic land in a way few westerners ever see.
Joining us on the Journey...
My friend, colleague, and co-creator of good things, Tracy Johnson, will be with us! As the Storywork Supervisor at ReStory, co-founder of Red Tent Living, and seasoned traveller, Tracy will join me as a story sherpa. As we conclude each evening, Tracy and I will invite you to be curious about your own story as it was stirred by the experiences and stories our day encountered. Using some of the prompts you'll have in your guide, we'll gently facilitate through a storied lens. Your heart will be in good, safe hands.
This trip is for you if...
You are a woman
You love to travel off the beaten path in small groups not large buses (the trip is capped at 10)
You are curious about the stories of forgotten women in history
You would consider yourself a foodie and can't wait to try Turkish cuisine
You want fast paced adventure not long lazy days of rest and relaxation
You are okay with a lot of walking (10k+ steps/day), some climbing, and some tight spaces
You are curious to discover more of your own story as we explore the hidden feminine story
What Women Are Saying...
Stunning. Transported.
It was AMAZING! If you have felt tugged to go to Turkey then this is the trip for you! I would never have had the same experience had I gone on my own. Beth was so organized and made sure we had the full experience. I’d do it all over again!
~ Kate '22
Amazing. Educational. Awakening.
This trip goes beyond sightseeing. This trip challenges you to see history in a new and exciting way. And, it encourages you to acknowledge your place in this world - that you are seen and you matter.
~ Carin '22
Healing. Growing. Fun.
Not only do you learn about the stories of the Lost Women of Turkey, you learn about the lost little girl, woman inside of you. Beth creates an atmosphere for you to tend to the lost parts of yourself while learning the history of these women and see a beautiful country and culture. And you make 9 new friends along the way. It’s so worth it, it’s priceless.
~ Syndey '22
Rich. Delight. Beautiful.
It is worth the time to have a uniquely feminine cross-cultural experience. To walk in places that women walked thousands of years ago and their influence (good and bad). It will lift your eyes from your current reality and give space and perspective.
~ Rachel '22
What's Included?
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9 nights in double-occupancy 4-5 ⭐ hotels
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8 breakfasts, 4 lunches, and 9 dinners (all meals except lunch on travel and free days)
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All travel, including domestic flights and airport transports to and from hotels
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All entrance fees, tour guides and tips, Bophorus boat tour
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Dinner theater & folk dance show in a cave
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If you are able to extend your stay, I'll customize a plan for you. More of Istanbul? Mediterranean Coast?
What's Not Included?
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International air travel to Istanbul and from Izmir, Turkey
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Tourist visa ($50 to be purchased online before arrival)
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Insurance (trip insurance and medical)
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Optional activities such as hot air balloon in Cappadocia, Turkish bath & massage in Istanbul, ATV or horseback ride in Cappadocia, spa services in Kuşadası
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Snacks, water outside of meals, alcoholic drinks, souvenirs, lunches not specified, etc.
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Bargaining for better deals in the bazaar or carpet shops. I know Turkish, but this stresses me out!
Rough Itinerary:
Friday, September 15th - Overnight flight to Istanbul (on your own)
Saturday, September 16th - Meet at Istanbul Airport by 5pm to be transported to hotel for opening dinner
Sunday, September 17th - Istanbul Day 1: Haghia Sophia, Bosphorus tour, Galata Tower
Monday, September 18th - Istanbul Day 2: Topkapi Palace and Harem, Spice Bazar, optional hamam
Tuesday, September 19th - Fly to Cappadocia: Dinner & folk dance show in a cave
Wednesday, September 20th - Underground city, female monastery, optional hot air balloon
Thursday, September 21st - Free day to explore more of the area, take an ATV or horseback ride, shop, rest, etc.
Friday, September 22nd - Fly to Izmir: Afternoon on the Aegean Sea
Saturday, September 23rd - Tour ancient city of Ephesus
Sunday, September 24th - Silent retreat day, closing evening
Monday, September 25th - Depart from Izmir airport
Full Itinerary
ONLY 8 SPOTS Available!
Early Bird Price $3990*
*If paid in full by February 1st. After February 1st, $4290.
APPLY NOW. PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE.
