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Gone To Istanbul | Between Two Continents

Neighbourhoods, Stories & Local Life

Starts
Turkey
Ends
Turkey
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Secrets of Istanbul 

From £850 if you book now. Only 3 spots left!

We love this iconic city, and it is very safe and fun when experienced together! Istanbul is deeply sensory, cinematic and alive. Europe and Asia meeting in one walkable, intoxicating, mysterious, intense, ancient and oh so hip city! Join our women led women only trip to Turkey in June 2026.

aerial view of buildings and flying birds

TLDR Experiences Welcome dinner with future friends in buzzing Beyoğlu - Luxury hotel - Turkish Breakfasts - Walking tours and iconic site visits with our Girl Gone International guide - Sultanahmet - The Blue Mosque - The haunting beauty of the Basilica Cistern - Grand Bazaar treasure hunting - Rooftop city views - Hagia Sophia in all her layered glory - Ferry crossing from Europe to Asia - Slow wandering cafés and markets on the Asian side - Sunset Bosphorus cruise between two continents - Spice Bazaar colour and Turkish delight - Rüstem Pasha Mosque’s dazzling Iznik tiles - Private Iznik tile painting workshop overlooking the Golden Horn - Golden hour strolls, spontaneous shopping, long conversations - Women only Hammams - Meze, kebabs, fresh fish, Simit, baklava - Real Turkish coffee



Trip Highlights

One Trip, Two Continents

Cross from Europe to Asia by ferry and experience both sides of Istanbul culturally, geographically, and in everyday life. A truly unique experience!

Iconic Istanbul, Local Lens

Step inside Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Basilica Cistern with a professional local Turkish woman who shows you her city - not crowds or rushed commentary. 

Bosphorus at Sunset

Cruise the Bosphorus in the early evening as the city changes light, with Europe on one side and Asia on the other.

Craft & Creativity

Paint your own traditional Iznik tile in a private workshop overlooking the Golden Horn - a hands-on creative experience and a beautiful piece to take home. 

Neighbourhood Life

Explore markets, backstreets, and everyday neighbourhoods on both sides of the city, including time in the Grand Bazaar - the oldest covered market in the world.

Travel Made Easy

Small group of international women, licensed local guide, GGI host, thoughtful pacing, and all key experiences arranged so you can just turn up and have an amazing time.

Safety, kindness, care, ease

Whether this is your first group trip or fifth, we are here to answer all your questions before the trip and look after you during the trip! You can send us a WhatsApp anytime and book a call to talk through the trip before you commit!

✽  The Trip Key Details

Travel with us!




When

 Arrive by Thursday 4 – Monday 8 June 2026 (4 nights, 5 days). Arrive anytime on Thursday. Check-in from 2pm.


Who

Small group of international women. Licensed Turkish guide and GGI host. Women all ages, nationalities.


Where

Istanbul, in Beyoğlu / Taksim. 4★ hotel with breakfast & private in-room hammam-style bathrooms.



Price

Early Bird Price:£850 (€970 / $1,140 USD approx) Deposit £200, with the remainder payable in instalments. Enquire about solo room options.


Included

4★ boutique hotel (shared room, 2 beds. Upgrades poss.). Breakfasts, guide, all listed activities & entrance fees, Iznik  workshop, sunset boat.


Community

Full support at all stages of this trip. Meet and connect with other travellers and guide before the trip in our group chat and pre trip call.



✽  What to expect day to day

Itinerary

Day 1
Welcome to Istanbul

Arrival Day

  • Arrival into Istanbul

  • Relax in your private in-room hammam

  • Welcome dinner

Arrive into Istanbul and make your way to our boutique hotel in Beyoğlu (we will show you how to get there easily). Check in at 2pm. Unwind after travel in your private in-room hammam, a warm, calming space to relax and reset.

In the evening, we’ll gather for a relaxed welcome dinner - a chance to meet your fellow travellers and orientation session.

Day 2 

Istanbul Foundations

Historic Sites & Shopping

  • Blue Mosque & Sultanahmet Square

  • Basilica Cistern

  • Grand Bazaar & rooftop 

We begin with a guided walking exploration of Istanbul’s historic heart with our local guide Selin.

Visit the atmospheric Basilica Cistern before moving into the Grand Bazaar, where there’s time to wander, browse, and take in the energy of one of the world’s oldest markets. We’ll pause on a nearby rooftop terrace to rest and take in sweeping city views.

The afternoon is free to continue exploring, shop, or return to the hotel to relax.

Optional group dinner or casual meet-up in the evening.


Day 3 
Between 2 Continents

Icons, Everyday Life & the Bosphorus

  • Hagia Sophia
  • Ferry to the Asian side
  • Sunset Bosphorus cruise

This morning we visit Hagia Sophia, exploring its layered history before wandering nearby streets and quieter corners to take in the atmosphere.

In the early afternoon, we cross from Europe to Asia by public ferry. On the Asian side, there’s time to explore local streets, markets, cafés, or simply sit by the water.

In the evening, we come together for a sunset Bosphorus cruise, watching Europe and Asia glow as the light fades. Optional group dinner or casual meet-up in the evening.

Day 4
Stories & Craft

Markets, Neighbourhoods & Creativity

  • Spice Bazaar
  • Rüstem Pasha Mosque
  • Iznik tile painting workshop

This morning we explore the Spice Bazaar, followed by a visit to Rüstem Pasha Mosque, known for its exquisite Iznik tilework. There may be time for a gentle walk through nearby neighbourhood streets, seeing everyday life beyond the main sights.

In the afternoon, we take part in a private Iznik tile painting workshop overlooking the Golden Horn. Guided by local artisans, you’ll learn traditional techniques and paint your own ceramic tile to take home .

Late afternoon is free to rest or explore at your own pace. We will meet together in the evening for dinner.

Day 5 

Soft Goodbye

Departure Day

  • Breakfast
  • Check-out and departures
  • Optional final experiences

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before check-out. For those departing later, this morning offers a chance to do anything you didn’t get to earlier.

Optional activities may include a full traditional Turkish hammam experience, last-minute shopping, a relaxed coffee by the water, or a short neighbourhood wander close to the hotel.

Departures from Istanbul.


Home is a 4 Star Boutique Hotel

Located in a renovated 100-year-old historical building, our hotel is located in the heart of Taksim, within walking distance of art galleries, design stores, antique shops, stylish restaurants and cafes. 

Shared twin rooms include private in-room hammam-style bathrooms with heated marble. 

Room upgrades and solo rooms are available at extra cost. Ask us for availability and pricing. 

Together We Go Far!

If you have ever packed a bag and headed out into the world to see what happens next, (Girl) Gone International travel is for you. If you’re craving ease, safety and real connection… if you want to share new experiences with new friends in a new place, this trip was made for you.

What is Included

Girl Gone International Istanbul Trip 2026

4 nights, 5 days 

From £850 / total per person

This is the early booking price. The price will revert to the usual price of £1150 in March.

Book Now by Paying a £200 refundable deposit
  •  4 nights in a carefully selected 4★ boutique hotel in central Beyoğlu / Taksim
  •   Twin-share accommodation with private in-room hammam-style bathroom in every room. Separate beds.
  •  Daily breakfasts at the hotel
  •  Welcome Dinner
  •  Licensed professional female Turkish guide throughout guided days
  •  All guided activities and entrance fees listed in the itinerary
  •  Guided visits to Istanbul’s historic sites (as outlined in the programme)
  •  Europe–Asia ferry crossing (public ferry, local experience)
  •  Sunset Bosphorus cruise
  •  Private Iznik tile painting workshop overlooking the Golden Horn
  •  Your finished 20×20cm ceramic tile, safely packaged to take home
  •  Pre-trip support, planning, and private group chat connection
  •  Optional pre-trip call to meet fellow travellers
  •  Girl Gone International host support throughout the trip
  • Optional Extras : Traditional Turkish Hammam Experience (£100 approx)
  • ExcludedFlights to/from Istanbul. Airport transfers. Lunches and dinners unless specified. Drinks, snacks, shopping, tips, and personal expenses. Travel insurance (required). Hammam.
  • Balance due closer to the trip. Terms and conditions apply. Terms & Conditions

  • A refundable deposit of £200 paid via Stripe secures your spot and supports the event portion of the trip. Full payment is due via at least 30 days before departure via Trust My Travel which protects your money and trip. Deposits are refundable only within 72 hours of paying the deposit unless otherwise agreed or the trip is canceled due to low numbers. Travel insurance is required.

Voices from the Trip

What past travellers said! Read more about what travellers said about one of our trips in December 2025 here


Rating

“Seeing things I’d dreamed of for years and sharing those moments with other women made the experience unforgettable. Every day felt special, surprising, and a little bit magical.”

Viktoria
GI Traveller 2025

Rating

“I loved not having to plan or think ahead — I just showed up each day and everything unfolded perfectly. It made the whole experience more fun, relaxed, and genuinely exciting.”


Danny 
GI Traveller 2025

Rating

“I felt genuinely safe and looked after the entire time, in a way I didn’t even realise I needed. Being surrounded by women who cared about each other made all the difference.”

Julie
GI Traveller 2025



Our Team

Guide

Selin
Selin was born and raised in Cappadocia and has spent her adult life exploring Türkiye from the inside out. A licensed professional guide with degrees in International Relations and Gastronomy, she blends history, daily life, and food culture with warmth and curiosity. Selin has travelled extensively across five continents, often by motorcycle. Her guiding style is thoughtful, grounded, and deeply human, focused on real connection, not just sightseeing.

Host

Vanessa

Vanessa is a long-time Girl Gone International who has led hundreds of GGI events. She co-leads GGI Europe and has lived abroad for over a decade, currently calling Sweden home. Vanessa is there to create the GGI community energy: helping people connect, facilitating friendships, and making sure everyone feels welcome, supported, and at ease throughout the journey.


✽  Have a question before booking? 

Ask Us Anything

Thank you!

Our team will message you back as soon as possible. See you in the world somewhere soon!


Frequently asked questions

Here are some common questions about our Girl Gone International trip to Istanbul!

For more FAQs about travelling with us you can go to our FAQ page. ​

A trip is confirmed when we receive enough bookings (help spread the word about this trip!). As soon as we receive enough bookings we will send an email to tell you the trip is 100% confirmed and then you can book your flights! 

Yes. Istanbul is a large, lively, well-travelled city and women travel here solo every day. We stay in a central neighbourhood, move thoughtfully, and are accompanied by a licensed local guide and GGI host during guided activities.

That’s very common, and completely okay. This trip is designed to feel supportive and grounding, not overwhelming. You’re never rushed, never pressured, and always free to opt out, rest, or do your own thing.

Turkey is culturally diverse, especially in cities like Istanbul. While public attitudes vary, LGBTQI+ travellers regularly visit Istanbul without issue. This is a women-only, respectful group experience, and we focus on safe, welcoming spaces.

Visa requirements depend on your passport. Many nationalities can enter Turkey visa-free or with an e-visa. We recommend checking official government guidance for your nationality.

Fly into Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW). Both airports work. We’ll provide hotel directions once the trip is confirmed.

You can arrive anytime on Thursday 4 June. Hotel check-in is from 14:00.

Depart anytime on Monday 8 June. Check-out is by 12:00.

You’ll make your own way to the hotel. Before the trip, we’ll share clear instructions for taxis, airport transfers, or public transport so you can choose what suits you best.

Istanbul has taxis, private transfers, metro and airport buses. We’ll send step-by-step guidance in advance so this feels easy and stress-free.

Daily breakfast is included, plus a welcome dinner. Other meals are flexible - we’ll recommend great local places and eat together where it makes sense, or you’re free to explore independently.

Yes - most women join our trips solo. Rooms are twin-share and thoughtfully matched, and there’s plenty of support before and during the trip.

Single rooms may be available on request, subject to availability and an additional cost. Just ask.

This trip is open to all women and non-binary people. You do not need to be part of a GGI local group. Many participants join solo, and everyone is welcomed with warmth and inclusion.

Most travellers are between 30 and 55, but we welcome adults of all ages. If you are older or younger at heart and open to connection, you’ll fit right in. We really don't care about age - being an international woman has nothing to do with age and everything to do about moving around the world in a meaningful way!

If you have been an active Girl Gone International volunteer for over 6 months hosting and upholding your promise to the community to host free events / create conversation in the community then you are entitled to a thank you trip gift! Just ask Anne!

Yes. Payment plans are available. Just contact us after booking to arrange a schedule that works for you.

Yes. Travel insurance is required. You’ll be asked to confirm your coverage before the trip and sign a waiver upon arrival.

That’s absolutely okay. This trip is gently paced with rest built in. Please let us know anything we should be aware of so we can support you properly.

Many women in our community are neurodivergent. The trip is structured but flexible, with downtime, clear expectations, and the option to step back whenever needed.

Yes. Please let us know your needs in advance and we’ll do our best to accommodate them.

Yes. GGI is an international community and many of us speak English as a second or third language. You will be understood and supported.

There is walking most days, but at a relaxed pace with breaks. Comfortable shoes are recommended. You can always opt out and rest.

None. This is a city-based trip with walking, ferries, and short transfers.

Comfortable, "modest" clothing works well. Light layers, good walking shoes, and something to cover shoulders when visiting mosques are recommended.

The local currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Cards and Apple Pay are widely accepted. Cash is useful for small purchases.

Early June is warm and pleasant. Expect daytime temperatures around 22–28°C, with cooler evenings.

Istanbul is busy and diverse. You may notice attention in tourist areas, but serious harassment is uncommon. We stay in central neighbourhoods, move as a group when it matters, and you’re never pressured to do anything you’re uncomfortable with.

Yes. Many women choose to explore solo during free time. We’ll share guidance on areas, timings, and transport so you can make informed choices.

That’s respected. You’re always free to step back, skip activities, or spend time alone. This is a supportive group, not a forced social experience.