I just returned from an incredible 12-day women-only trip across Türkiye with GeoEx, and I’m still buzzing from everything I saw, tasted, learned, and felt. From Istanbul’s vibrant energy to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, rugged Aegean coastlines, and a traditional Turkish gulet cruise, the journey was full of contrast, culture, and discovery. 

Exploring Istanbul

Our adventure began in Istanbul, one of the most exciting cities I’ve been to. After landing from a long international flight, checking into the Park Hyatt Istanbul Maçka Palas offered the perfect reset before exploring. 

We jumped right in with a Bosphorus cruise, (a personal favorite), wandered through local neighborhoods, visited the iconic the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, and explored Topkapi Palace, with its ornate architecture and sweeping courtyards.  

What struck me most was how Istanbul balances the timeless and the contemporary. One minute you’re studying 6th-century mosaics; the next, you’re sipping coffee in a sleek café in Nişantaşı. The city holds both ancient history and modern life in perfect balance.  

Living History in Ephesus

From Istanbul, we flew to Izmir and traveled onward to Ephesus. And truly, Ephesus delivers. Walking its marble streets and standing before the Library of Celsus brought history to life for me, and made it feel tangible.  

We stopped for lunch at a women-run organic farm, where everything, from the produce to the pace, felt wonderfully grounded.  

One of my favorite moments was in nearby Selçuk. Our guide, who had grown up exploring these ruins, invited us to her family’s ceramics shop. The spontaneous detour turned into an hour of learning about traditional craftsmanship and meeting her relatives. It was warm, authentic, and the kind of unexpected highlight that made our trip feel so personal.  

We ended the day with a private dinner and wine pairing at a local vineyard, which was as lovely as it sounds. 

Sailing the Aegean on a Traditional Turkish Gulet

Next came five nights onboard a traditional Turkish gulet, sailing the Aegean. This was where our pace shifted almost entirely! Days fell into a new rhythm: waking to a sea breeze, visiting ruins only reachable by boat, swimming in hidden coves, and returning to the gulet for meze and Turkish hospitality. 

We explored places like Cnidus, with its sweeping sea views, wandered the calm streets of Datça, and stopped at tucked-away archaeological sites. These off-the-beaten-path stops made my experience more intimate and helped me feel more connected to Türkiye. One evening, our chef taught us how to prepare a few Turkish mezes, and we ate them under a sky bright with stars. It was simple and memorable. 

What Stood Out Most To Me:  

• Warm Turkish hospitality: From our guide to the gulet crew, every interaction felt warm and sincere. The impromptu stop at our guide’s family ceramics shop is a memory I’ll always cherish. 

• A balance of experiences: The rhythm of the trip—big-city energy, ancient silence, sea air—made every day feel different and alive. 

• Depth: This wasn’t about checking off landmarks. We immersed ourselves in crafts, cuisine, landscapes, and conversations that revealed the country’s character. 

• The magic of spontaneity: Türkiye (and honestly, most destinations!) shine when you leave space for unplanned moments.  

• Traveling with likeminded women: Some of my favorite memories were the simplest: lounging on the gulet after a swim, sipping wine together as the sun went down, and enjoying easy, honest conversation. The camaraderie among our group made the experience both fun and grounding.

My Insider Tips About Traveling to Türkiye:  

• Bring layers. Türkiye’s microclimates shift quickly, especially in the spring and fall. Expect cool mornings, warm afternoons, and breezy evenings. A light jacket and something cozy for the gulet will go a long way!  

• Pack thoughtfully for the gulet. Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and a couple of swimsuits. Being able to jump into the Aegean while anchored is a joy you don’t want to miss! 

• Taste everything. Try baklava in Istanbul (my favorite), local wines along the coast, and meze everywhere. Food is one of the easiest and best ways to understand Türkiye. 

• Keep a small journal. The days fill with so many impressions—conversations, views, tiny discoveries—that they start to blur together faster than you expect. Jotting down just a few lines each day made it much easier to remember not only where I was, but how I felt in those small moments. 

If I had to sum it up, this trip to Türkiye felt like stepping into a beautifully illustrated storybook—each chapter filled with new colors, textures, and moments that made me pause. I came home with a camera full of photos and a mind full of memories.  

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If you have a question for Ellie about her travels to Türkiye, or a special memory from your own adventures there, please share it in the comments section below. Thank you!

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To find out more about exploring Türkiye with GeoEx, or any of our other Women of the World adventures, inquire online or call our travel experts at 888-570-7108.