Yoga & Culture Retreat in Istanbul
Yoga & Culture Retreat in Istanbul
A unique yoga retreat that has it all
Istanbul is a long time favorite city for design and inspiration. Housed on the edge of 2 continents, this very European city (living it’s coolest life in Asia) is our haven for other-level interiors, delicious food and drink, epic shopping in the Grand Bazaar, and being pampered by their luxurious hammam spa treatments. Istanbul is filled with hip coffee shops, gorgeous architecture, boutique design studios, and incredible restaurants and nightlife. We are thrilled to share this amazing retreat adventure in the thriving city of Istanbul.
Soulful and deep yoga practices will start your days grounded and open. Find inspiration in the art, design and galleries of Istanbul. Art workshops and so much incredible cuisine await. Join us for inspiration and connection in this incredible city full of culture, art and so much more!
About
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Yoga & Culture Retreat in Istanbul
Istanbul is a dense menagerie of treasures. From delectable cuisine, sweets, teas and coffee to sought after design, textiles and fine arts, Istanbul is a plethora of eye candy and the most fantastic sensory overload. High quality yoga instruction and mindful practices will start your day off feeling grounded, connected and refreshed.
Relax by the waters edge by boat along the Bosphorous, shop til you drop in the city’s coolest neighborhood, pamper yourself with hammam and spa treatments fit for royalty and enjoy the most delicious authentic Turkish breakfasts, meze and Turkish delights in this truly unique city.
Explore the classics like Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace as well as the mesmerizing Blue Mosque. Climb the Gálata tower and check out the world famous Grand Bazaar for treasures. We will ponder our fortunes in the coffee grounds we create and be mesmerized by the whirling dervishes in prayer.
We’ve looked to Turkey for design inspiration and emerging art for years and now we’re taking our Yoga retreat adventures to its shores.
See you in Istanbul!
Includes
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Yoga & Culture Retreat in Istanbul
INCLUDES :
6 nights in charming hotel accommodations
Breakfast & Dinner daily
Three lunches
High quality 90 minute Yoga instruction daily for all levels
Traditional Turkish bath (hammam)
Classic City Sites walking tour of Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque with lunch included
Bosphorus Boat cruise seeing the stunning city highlights from the water
Turkish Coffee & Fortune Telling workshop
Whirling Dervish workshop & Ceremony
Free time to explore as you wish; shop the Grand Bazaar; climb the Galata tower
Expert Y&AWW facilitator to guide you through your adventure
Gift bag from us to you
All local taxes
What’s not included :
Staff gratuities
3 lunches
Alcohol at included meals & any drinking water during the trip
International flights and airport transfers
Travel & Trip Cancellation insurance
Medical insurance
Itinerary
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Yoga & Culture Retreat in Istanbul
ITINERARY :
DAY ONE
3:00pm Hotel check-in; arrive and settle
4:30-5:45pm Opening circle & grounding yoga practice
7:30pm Dinner together as a group
DAY TWO
7am Coffee, Tea & Fruit
7:30-9am Vinyasa Yoga Practice
9:30am Breakfast
12pm-6pm Classic City Sites adventure : Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque with lunch included
7:30pm Dinner together
DAY THREE
7am Coffee, Tea & Fruit
7:30-9am Vinyasa Yoga Practice
9:30am Breakfast
11am-1pm Turkish Bath Experience
Free time to rest, shop or explore; Lunch on your own
4-9pm Authentic Cooking Class w/ dinner included
DAY FOUR
7am Coffee, Tea & Fruit
7:30-9am Vinyasa Yoga Practice
9:30am Breakfast
Free time to explore, rest, shop; Climb the Galata tower
Lunch on your own
2-4:30pm Cruise along the Bosphorus
Free time to relax by the water and enjoy a Turkish tea & delights
7:30pm Dinner together
DAY FIVE
7am Coffee, Tea & Fruit
7:30-9am Vinyasa Yoga Practice
9:30am Breakfast
Free time to shop at the Grand Bazaar; relax; explore the neighborhood; Lunch on your own
4-6pm Turkish Coffee & Fortune Telling workshop
7:30pm Dinner together as a group
DAY SIX
7am Coffee, Tea & Fruit
7:30-9am Vinyasa Yoga Practice
9:30am Breakfast
Free time to take an artistic workshop; rest; spa services; Lunch on your own
5:30pm Whirling Dervish Workshop learning the spiritual practices & philosophies of Rumi
7pm Whirling Dervish Ceremony in Hodjapasha Culture Center
8:30pm Dinner together as a group
DAY SEVEN
7am Coffee, Tea & Fruit
7:30-9am Closing Circle & Final Yoga Practice
9:30am Breakfast
Departures on your own
*This itinerary is subject to adjustments, changes in times, locations, or activities as the retreat leaders and hosts see fit. Any change will be on par with our standards or an upgrade in services or location making for an even more amazing experience for the group and our guests. Thank you in advance for your flexibility and cooperation if any situation were to arise.
Stay
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Yoga & Culture Retreat in Istanbul
ACCOMMODATIONS
Our hotel reprieve located on the European side of Istanbul’s most current neighborhood, Beyoğlu.
Pricing
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Yoga & Culture Retreat in Istanbul
pricing
Superior Suites
Superior Suites can have 1 king bed or 2 individual beds, ensuite bathroom, small balcony and sitting area.
$4,995usd* Private Suite
$4,475usd* Shared Suite per person
*These rates apply when paying via Zelle or a check. To pay with a credit card there is a 3.5% charge added to the total.
We will try to pair single travelers together looking to share a room. If we are not able to book a roommate for you, a private accommodation will be required.
Roommates should book their accommodations together.
Reserve
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Yoga & Culture Retreat in Istanbul
RESERVATIONS
MAKE YOUR DEPOSIT HERE :
Deposits of $1,000usd are due to secure your space in the retreat. Please check availability with us for accommodations before making your deposit.
Roommates should book together. If you would like to share a room and do not have a roommate we will provide one for you if possible. In the case that there is no one to share a room we ask that you take a private room instead.
Please use the form below to submit your deposit.
BALANCE PAYMENTS :
The balance of your retreat (minus your $1,000usd initial deposit*) is due 90 days prior to arrival. All details with instructions for settling up will be emailed to you three months prior to the retreat.
In addition to credit card payments we also accept wire transfers, Zelle and Bitcoin. Please inquire for more details.
POLICIES
CANCELLATION POLICY
All payments are 100% non refundable and non-transferable. We recommend that you buy Trip cancellation insurance immediately upon making your initial deposit to cover any travel hiccups or complications that may arise between now and the time of your retreat. No exceptions are possible so please cover your trip by connecting with an insurance company that offers the right policy for you. Agents are available online to help with your specific needs. Cover your retreat here!
CLIENT RESPONSIBILITY
The acceptance of a verbal or written confirmation from YOGA & ADVENTURES WORLDWIDE (Y&AWW) constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions listed herein. Participants are responsible to be adequately insured, therefore Traveler’s Insurance is strongly recommended*. Y&AWW and its staff assume no responsibility nor liability for any delay, loss, damage, injury or accident with regards to persons or property which may be caused by fault or negligence of any third party vendor. This includes hotels, transportation providers, and local operators participating in part for our services. Y&AWW shall be held harmless for any expense caused by injury or accident, to any participants as well as any loss or damage of personal items while on our tours. We reserve the right to make any changes to services and itineraries, with or without notice, which may become necessary.
Yoga & Adventures Worldwide, its affiliates, retreat facilitators, hotels, third party vendors, and tour providers, the ownership, or staff, of course, cannot be held responsible for events that are outside of our control. There are no refunds as per our cancellation policies. We highly recommend that all of our guests secure a quality travel insurance that will cover them for ANY event which may cause for a change of travel plans, or for ANY unfortunate event including but of course not limited to:
– Transportation delays, cancellations or changes due to strikes, labor disputes, or lockouts from airlines, boats, ferries or any type of transportation.
– Any inconvenience or complication caused by bad weather, storms, and hurricanes : a direct hit, near miss, or significant threat of a hurricane strike
– Government/political actions, events or situations; threats or acts of terrorism, acts of war or declared war.
– Personal health issues or personal situations in general which may affect travel plans
– Any loss, theft or damage of personal items at any stage of your trip
– Any accident causing injury during any stage of your trip
– Travel restrictions or illness associated with COVID-19.
All travelers may join our retreats “at your own risk”, but should continue to take precautions such as wearing masks in public, avoiding crowds, maintaining social distance and washing hands frequently. Any Covid testing will be determined by the countries through which the traveler must pass. All testing requirements are at the travelers expense and are not included in our packages. Please stay up to date with current travel related requirements.
We require that you are covered with medical insurance while on retreat. Please check your health insurance policy regarding treatment outside your home country in the rare case you would need care while away from home. Most policies have coverage for emergencies and we ask that you submit proof of this coverage when prompted. If you do not have a policy that covers travel medical, we recommend that you speak with an agent to see what is best for you. Insubuy has many options for coverage. Please consult with the agent to make sure the plan you choose covers medical care in the country you are visiting. We will ask for proof of medical insurance prior to the retreat.
By submitting payments toward your retreat you accept these Terms and Conditions.
If you have any questions regarding the details of this retreat please feel free to contact us to set up a call or to receive further info via email.
Travel Tips
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Yoga & Culture Retreat in Istanbul
Travel Tips
Arriving into Istanbul :
Options to arrive into Istanbul Atatürk Airport (IST) on the European side OR Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), located in the Anatolia (Asia) side of Istanbul. We HIGHLY recommend arriving into Ataturk (IST) if possible where travel time and expenses are about half.
We will coordinate rides arriving at similar times to share costs into the city where possible. Otherwise, we can plan a private ride for you. If you plan to arrive or depart outside of retreat dates you should coordinate your own transportation to and from your hotel with its concierge. Any arrivals and departures on retreat dates we will coordinate for you with others on similar flight itineraries.
Turkish Airlines is a very reputable airline and has many direct flights into IST.
Travel Basics :
Please plan to sleep well on the plane or arrive a day or two early in order to acclimate yourself to the change in time. If you will stay in Turkey for a few days upon arrival we recommend staying at our hotel if you’ll stay in Istanbul or if you’re up for the adventure, Cappadocia is a unique a gorgeous area of Turkey that is worth the travel.
Bring along your basic toiletries and medicine kit to keep yourself healthy and optimized while you are on retreat. We recommend having probiotics, vitamin C, pain medicine, antihistamines, band-aides, anti-biotic ointment, and the like all within reach just in case any of them become necessary.
The hotel provides bath products but it’s always nice to have what you are accustomed to using handy though this is at your discretion. Please consult with your airline on carry-on limits and make sure you pack what you place into your checked luggage with care to avoid spillage and explosions.
What to Bring & what to wear in Turkey :
We will be using yoga props at the local studio where we will practice during the retreat. Only if you enjoy using your own mat and props should you plan to bring them along.
Istanbul is a VERY modern Muslim city. You will find a pretty even mix amongst the locals of very traditional dress and typical European street clothes like in any major city in the world. As tourists, you can plan to dress as you would at home. For the whirling dervish ceremony modest dress is required. Weather should be quite lovely at this time of year but please check the forecast closer to dates to prepare your suitcase accordingly.
When entering the mosques you should have shoulders and collarbones covered.
When entering the hammams, towels will be provided for you and bathing suits are optional as there are separate rooms for men and women bathing together. Our experience will be quite interesting but please plan to bring/wear whatever you feel comfortable in inside the hammam. Keep in mind it is an exfoliation bath so the less you have on the better for the attendant. Most people find that a bathing suit bottom is enough but you are free to wear more or less of your bathing as your comfort level dictates. Keep in mind that no one is looking 😉 We will discuss more of this in the group email prior to the retreat.
