Days 1-3: Konya
Days 1-3: Konya
Exploring Konya - 'The City of Hearts'
We will start our journey in Konya, also known as “The City of Hearts” and the burial place of the great Sufi mystic & poet Rumi.

For the first three days, we will experience the spirit of Sufism in this city by visiting the tombs of Rumi, his teacher Shams Tabrizi, Sadreddin Konevi (the stepson of Muhyeddin ibn Arabi), and many other places. We will participate in Meshks (musical ceremonies) and Sema sessions (whirling dervish ceremonies) at local venues. Additionally, we can wander around the local bazaar to shop for traditional items.
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Day 4: Sagalassos
Day 4: Sagalassos
Visit Yunus Emre + Stay at a Mountain Spa
We will begin our journey south to the Mediterranean coast. First, we will travel Sagalassos, an ancient city from the Roman period located high in the Taurus Mountains of southwestern Turkey. Along the way, we will visit the tomb of Yunus Emre, who is referred to as "our Yunus," and whose hymns are most frequently sung in musical gatherings and semas, guiding and accompanying dervishes in their spiritual journey. A significant portion of the lyrics in Turkish Sufi music comes from Yunus Emre's divan.

Upon reaching Sagalassos, we will find a breathtaking archaeological site that offers a glimpse into the lives of its ancient inhabitants. As we stroll through the city, we will hear the continuous sound of water flowing from the Roman era to the present day. The mystical atmosphere around the city makes one feel as if they are stepping back in time. While sitting at the agora, we will listen to what history tells us and respond by performing a meshk to convey our message of love to the universe. We will be staying at Sagalassos Lodge, a mountain spa hotel.
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Days 5: Pamukkale
Days 5: Pamukkale
Visit the Cotton Castle + UNESCO World Heritage Site Hierapolis
On this day we will drive to Pamukkale, which means 'cotton castle'. It is famous for its stunning white terraces of travertine, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters cascading down the hillside. The site includes the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis, renowned for its well-preserved theater and necropolis. It is also a very important center for early Christianity due to the arrival of St. Philip, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus, who came to Hierapolis around AD 80 to spread Christianity, and was crucified here. Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its natural beauty and historical significance. We will enjoy the ancient thermal pools of Pamukkale before heading to our thermal spa hotel to continue enjoying the healing waters.
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Days 6-10: Yenice Valley
Days 6-10: Yenice Valley
5-day, 5-night Sema Retreat
After a short drive to the southern coast, we will begin our 5-day, 5-night Sema gathering at the Yenice Valley Retreat Center, a corner of paradise in the southwest of Turkey, where Sufis from all around the world will come together for the sake of love and whirling. During the retreat, we will also have daily workshops, spiritual discourse and walks in nature.
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Day 11: Departure
Day 11: Departure
Retreat Ends
On the last day of our journey, the Sema ends and we can return to Istanbul from Dalaman Airport.
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Days 1-3: Konya

Exploring Konya - 'The City of Hearts'

We will start our journey in Konya, also known as “The City of Hearts” and the burial place of the great Sufi mystic & poet Rumi.

For the first three days, we will experience the spirit of Sufism in this city by visiting the tombs of Rumi, his teacher Shams Tabrizi, Sadreddin Konevi (the stepson of Muhyeddin ibn Arabi), and many other places. We will participate in Meshks (musical ceremonies) and Sema sessions (whirling dervish ceremonies) at local venues. Additionally, we can wander around the local bazaar to shop for traditional items.

Before embarking on this journey, Cem Baba said this Sufi tour will be like a laser cutting through the ego. “Be ready to be.” If these words resonate with you, I highly recommend this 10-day retreat! I feel blessed to have participated in this unique dervish immersion with beautiful souls who consciously maintain a connection with the divine. Every site we visited became more sacred with Turkish Sufi music, spiritual stories, thoughtful discussions, and true presence. The 3-day Sema in Yenice Vadi was the highlight of the trip. During the Sema, participants cultivated a continuous golden portal of transformation by whirling to live spiritual music. I reached a trance-like ecstasy while spinning and experienced pure childlike Joy. I intended to open my heart further to Divine Love and returned to New York City with more ease, trust in myself, and a willingness to let go so I can be free to grow. Thank you, Omar and Amira!

By Sonia M for Sufi Tour & Rumi Retreat in Turkey on Oct 02, 2024

Where would I begin… I’m often left speechless after experiencing a gathering that Omar & Amira curate. Luckily, I have my fingers to do the talking here. This trip was, at its essence, pure love in manifest. A few bunches of seemingly random humans gathered in a place on Earth, Türkiye, and magic ensued! We danced and sang our way through the cities, burial sites of Sufi saints, ancient ruins and delicious restaurants of Southern Türkiye. As a guest, I found no need to worry about a single thing which is such a blessing while exploring a new land. Omar, Amira, Cem Baba and Kadriye guided us with such grace and compassion. We learned about the rich history embedded in the culture and the land. And I can’t say I had a meal that wasn’t delicious. I loved the way we sat and cherished each meal. Everyone treats each other kindly when we meet with open hearts… and by the end of our tour my heart was birthed anew! I am grateful and humbled to have been a part of this journey of many lifetimes! MAŞALLAH.

By Ana F for Sufi Tour & Rumi Retreat in Turkey on Sep 26, 2024

I didn't quite know what to expect when I first signed up for the Trip since I'm not really a 'Tour person'. And what unfolded was nothing short of magic and THAT magic is still fully revealing itself weeks after the trip ended. Such a pilgrimage filled with kindred spirits travelling through magical spaces surrounded by music- pure divinity. A perfect way to explore a new culture and country- from within its core. The group synergy allowed for a beautiful flow to this special journey where it was obvious that we were delving deep within ourselves. In this regard it was not just a tour with random strangers and one felt quite comfortable to enter this process surrounded by a lot of mutual love and support. If you are at a crossroads or seeking inspiration then I can not recommend this enough! Everything was beautifully organized and even though there was an overall set itinerary, it never felt like anything was forced or rushed. I appreciated the flexibility. Looking forward to the next one.

By Manreet D for Sufi Tour & Rumi Retreat in Turkey on Sep 26, 2024

This was an incredible trip full on inspiration, warmth and discovery. The organizers managed the whole tour really well, and provided a warm and fun atmosphere for everyone. We explored places together, had time to meditate, had time to laugh with one another and form new friendships. It was a wonderful experience and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone wanting to explore Turkey.