Book My 2026 Turkey Retreat Here!
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Our Turkey yoga retreat is a perfect balance of old and new, immersion and rest, and city and nature. Daily movement and mindfulness practices will support our bodies and minds. As a result, we will travel deeper, explore more, and leave feeling nourished and inspired. We will start our Turkey retreat in the inimitable city of Istanbul, the only capital in the world split between two continents.
Istanbul
Our time will begin with an immersion into ancient Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Istanbul. Along the way, we will shop, meet artisans, cruise the Bosphorus, and enjoy delicious Turkish meals and breaks for Turkish coffee, tea, and sweets. During our time in Istanbul, we will veer off the beaten path to discover some local hidden gems. Our Istanbul retreat will also include a visit to a charity that empowers women so we can learn more about their impactful work.
Cappadocia
A trip to Turkey would not be complete without a visit to the totally unique region of Cappadocia. Known for its distinctive “fairy chimneys,” underground cities, and enchanting moonscape terrain, its charm and curiosity should not be missed.
During our three day stay in Cappadocia, we will tour the local UNESCO heritage sites, learn about the ancient history and early Christianity of the region, practice yoga on a scenic outdoor deck, appreciate local food and handicrafts, and take an inspiring (and optional) early morning hot air balloon ride.
Daily Mindfulness + Restorative Yoga
Nicole’s has developed her proprietary Explore and Restore practice over the course of 15 years of immersive travel in the MENA region + 10 years of teaching yoga + 5 years of leading retreats.
We will come together intentionally as a group each morning to center and create space for deep and meaningful cultural immersions.
Our evening restorative practices are designed to help us digest and integrate our travel experiences and to support our bodies, minds, and nervous systems as we travel.
Each morning, we will spend about 30-minutes together before heading out for our daily adventures. This time will consist of some gentle mindful movement (example here) as well as intentional breathing and mindfulness practices.
No experience is required, these practices are designed to be accessible for everyone.
Activities
- Tour of the old city (Sultanahmet), including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Cisterns, the Süleymaniye Mosque, the Blue Mosque, Rüstem Pasha Mosque, the Grand Bazaar, and the Spice Bazaar
- Additional tours of Galata Tower, Suleymaniye Mosque, and the Chora Museum
- A visit to the Grand Bazaar for shopping
- A visit to Nahil Dukkan by KEDV Foundation, a social enterprise that empowers Turkish women
- Baklava tasting
- Night Tasting Street Food Tour
- Paint marbling workshop with a local artist
- A stroll off the beaten path to take in the beautiful traditional architecture of the Fener and Balat neighborhoods
- A home-cooked traditional meal in Cappadocia
- A guided tour of Cappadocia
- Optional hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia
Meaningful Cultural Immersion
Nicole lived in Turkey as an undergraduate while she was studying Islamic Art History and fell in love with the country. On her retreats, meaningful cultural immersion and mindful travel are the centerpieces while movement and mindfulness practices provide the container to process the trip.
Nicole has continued to visit and study Turkey and its fascinating cultures for nearly 15 years. This Turkey retreat has been expertly and thoughtfully curated to showcase Turkey’s rich cultural and geographic diversity. Our Turkish retreat will be capped at 8 participants to ensure an intimate and intentional experience.
Read more about my retreat philosophy + general retreat FAQs here.
Social Impact
In attending this retreat you will benefit the local economy of Turkey in many meaningful ways. We are intentionally including opportunities to interact with and support local people, small businesses, and nonprofits.
Our Turkey retreat will also have a social impact as $200 per booking will be donated to a local charity that empowers women.
Want to think about it? Have some Turkish Çay and let’s stay in touch! Şerefe! (cheers)!
“Istanbul, a universal beauty where poet and archaeologist, diplomat and merchant, princess and sailor, northerner and westerner screams with the same admiration. The whole world thinks that this city is the most beautiful place on earth.”
Edmondo De Amicis