Arrivals Istanbul International Airport

We will collect you anytime day or night from Istanbul International Airport.

We will start our morning with Gillian and an introductory session. Getting the best out of your photographs and an introduction to transforming them into your textile travel journal.

Also a primer on what to look for to use images  in her Interchange Appliqué Technique. 

Part of the day’s agenda is to introduce you to Istanbul’s fabulous public transport system. Istanbul, an ancient city spread over hills, offers a diverse and efficient array of transportation options. Once you get the hang of it, navigating the city becomes easy with its ferries, trams, buses, funicular rail, and metro. 

In the afternoon a guide will introduce us to the heart of Istanbul and a little of its history. The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are heart-warming experiences 

Dinner will be in a Fish Restaurant by the Sea.

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The Topkapi Palace Museum is extraordinary, featuring stunning architecture and breathtaking collections. Marvel at the diamond-studded armoury, intricate clocks, and numerous diamond-encrusted objects that will leave you seeing stars for days. The museum also boasts an exceptional textile collection, showcasing rare ancient garments spanning generations of Sultans.   We will take it slow; you need time to fan yourself and say “be calm my beating heart.” Let’s look for inspiration in the collection of Talismanic Shirts and other objects for our art projects. There is a wonderful collection of jugs in the Kitchens that would suit Gillian’s interchange techniques too. 

In the afternoon we will head to the Rustin Mosque and exciting Egyptian Market and dive deep into the beautiful wool shops, threads, haberdashery and fabric areas. 

Be warned - it is a fanastic market - you might need an extra suitcase! 

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In the morning there is time to workshop with Gillian.

Then we will head down to the Bosphorus for a cruise.

Evening will be free to explore our vibrant area.

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Early start to fly to Cappadocia. 

When we land, we will be dropped to our hotel 

You have time to explore Gὒrὒp, if you would like to visit Mazi Underground City we will head off after lunch- it is quite amazing. 

Then in the afternoon Gillian will lead a workshop putting the Interchange Appliqué pieces together, 

There is a lovely restaurant just down the road to visit for dinner together.

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We rise early to watch the balloons take off with the sunrise – an extraordinary and beautiful sight that makes the early start well worth it. 

If you would like to fly in a balloon, there is an extra fee. Note your intention on the booking form. 

It is an amazing experience 😁

Back to the hotel for breakfast and then a slow morning- perhaps a snooze? 

Balloons are totally worth getting up so early for and now we deserve a little rest.

Lunchtime we will go to Nevşehir with a little time to wander the town and check out some of the shops. 

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We will check out of our hotel and spand the day exploring the area.

Houses carved into the rocks, Uchisar Castle, a Byzantine Monastery and Fairy Chimneys – it is a magic place.

In the afternoon we will take a flight back to Istanbul.

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Bright houses, cobbled streets, artists studios and great cafes -  Balat is a treat. 

We will spend the morning exploring and meet for lunch before heading back to the markets .

The Grand Bazaar is calling us.

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Early departure this morning- we want to be first in line for the Basilica Cistern- it will feel like is only Medusa and us there- magic. 

The afternoon is free to explore, revisit your favourite spots or work on your projects. 

We’ll meet again for our Farewell Dinner and show and tell.

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We will arrange individual drop to the Istanbul International Airport for departures.

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Gillian will be teaching her Textile Travel Journal techniques and her Interchange Appliqué 

Istanbul requirements

• iPad or tablet (not essential but if you have one it would be good) -Remember the passwords 

• Small scissors

• Pencil and pencil sharpener

• Small ruler

Gillian will bring - 

• Travel iron, and pressing mat

• a small cutting mat,

• Rotary cutter and ruler

It would be really useful if someone else could bring a travel iron 

In the kit

• Black ink pen for drawing on the tracing paper

• A black Frixion pen for drawing on to the fabric. The lines can be removed using an iron

• A couple of sheets of tracing paper

• I sheet of baking parchment 

• Plain calico fabric for painting on to and to make the pages for the travel journal

• Transfer Adhesive ( we call it, in the UK Bondaweb) I will also bring a small amount of a different transfer adhesive ie Steam a Seam

• For the Interchange Appliqué Gillian will supply materials in your kit

Gillian will have available for you to use - 

• Paintbrushes

• Paint - acrylic and watercolour paints

• Inktense crayons and blocks

• Acrylic pens ( cheap versions of Posca Pens) 

• Transfer adhesive (for fusing small pieces of fabric to our sketch book pages

Physical Fitness for Sightseeing 

This adventure is crafted for enthusiastic, active travellers with a good general level of health and mobility.

To make the most of your experience, you’ll need to be comfortable walking for 3–4 hours a day — sometimes over uneven ground, up hills, and climbing a few flights of stairs.

You may also find yourself getting in and out of local transport and navigating the occasional over-the-bath shower.

If you enjoy a bit of daily movement and love discovering new places on foot, you’ll thrive on this tour.

Just a friendly heads-up: we need to walk at an average pace - it will not be suitable for those who prefer a slow pace or need frequent rest stops.

Etiquette

• Be mindful of people’s privacy when taking photos

• Taking photos of people – how would you feel with a camera in your face?

• A good approach – say hello, perhaps ask for a selfie, show them, then ask for a portrait

• Learn a few local courtesies – always appreciated

• Dress modestly when visiting mosques (shoulders and knees covered; scarf for women when required)

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Workshops

• Materials list will be supplied by your tutor – see webpage

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Food

• Food is an integral part of culture – we are here to try it all

• Group meals are shared, with a range of dishes and local specialties

• In Türkiye, food is often cooked from scratch using fresh ingredients, so it’s easier to know what you’re eating

• Vegetarian – plenty of options, even in this meat-loving culture

• Vegan – more challenging, but possible

• Onion/garlic-free – difficult to manage

• Wheat-free – manageable if you avoid breads and pastries

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Health

• Bottled or filtered water is the safest option

• Istanbul has a good municipal water supply and promotes drinking tap water to reduce plastic use

o Some travellers are comfortable with this, others prefer bottled – make the call that suits you

• Aim for at least 2 litres of water daily

• Visit your doctor or travel specialist before departure

• Bring required medications and prescriptions

• Menstrual products – pads are available; tampons less so

• Bring insect repellent and sunscreen

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Money

• Notify your bank before travel (including transit stops)

• Travel cards can be useful – check they work before departure

• Carry a backup card, stored separately

• ATMs – easy to access

• Cash – useful for markets and smaller purchases

• Credit cards – widely accepted in cities, less so in smaller places

• Additional fees may apply

Currency

• Turkish Lira

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Shopping

• There are treasures to find – textiles, ceramics, spices, carpets

• It supports the local economy

• Bargaining is common in markets and bazaars

• Shops, NGOs and social enterprises may have fixed pricing

• If there’s something specific you’re after, a little research helps

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Suitcase

• Start with a medium suitcase and bring a soft bag for extra purchases

• You’ll be managing your own luggage at times – keep it practical

Recommended size

• Medium: 60–70 cm (H) x 40–50 cm (W) x 25–30 cm (D)

• Approx. 24–28" x 16–20" x 10–12"

• Not always easy to buy luggage on the road

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Weather

• Warm during the day, cooler mornings and evenings

• A cardigan and socks are often appreciated

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Power

• 230–240 volts

• European adaptor plugs required

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Clothing

• Lightweight, loose layers work well

• 3–4 outfits are usually sufficient

• Pack socks and a cardigan for cooler mornings

• For mosque visits – long trousers or skirt, modest top, and a scarf

o Some sites provide coverings, but bringing your own is more comfortable

• Leave expensive jewellery at home

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Shoes

• Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers or strapped sandals)

• Surfaces can be uneven – good footing makes all the difference

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Fitness

• Frequent use of tram, bus, ferry, funicular – on and off throughout the day

• Walking is part of the experience – often 1–2 hours at a time

• Expect steps, hills, and uneven ground

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Begging

• Best not to encourage

• Avoid giving sweets or gifts to children

• If you wish to give, we can pass items to a school

• A small gesture to an elderly or disabled person can be appropriate

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Tipping

• Around 10% in restaurants if you’ve enjoyed the meal

• Guides, performers, or photos – a small tip is appreciated

o Rough guide: 100–200 lira depending on the situation

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Environment

• Step lightly – conserve water and power

• Take rubbish with you where possible

• Say no to plastic

• Bring a cloth carry bag