TURKEY HIGHLIGHTS
From Ephesus’ ancient street and Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys to Istanbul’s skyline, embark on an unforgettable adventure and build memories with fellow diabetics who get it.
October 18 - 24, 2026
Group size: up to 12
OVERVIEW
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights
Group size: Max 12 travelers
Dates: October 18-24, 2026
Activity level: Moderate
Arrival airport: Izmir (ADB)
Departure airport: Istanbul (IST)
WHY THIS TRIP IS EPIC
Thrilling bucket-list experiences: Hot-air balloons, ancient wonders, secret valleys
Immersive cultural moments: Private workshops, village lunches, sunset cruises
Small group of people living with diabetes: Travel with people who get it and build lifelong friendships
Luxury through it all: 4-5 stars accomodations
HIGHLIGHTS
Sunrise Hot-Air Balloon Ride: Float over Cappadocia’s fairy chimneys
Ephesus Exploration: Walk marble streets of one of the Seven Wonders
Family Lunch in Şirince: Seasonal, authentic Turkish feast
Pottery Workshop with a Master Artisan: Hands-on creativity in Cappadocia
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise: Sail between continents as the city glows
Secret Valleys & Astonishing Views: Discover landscapes few travelers see
T R I P I T I N E R A R Y
DAY 1. WELCOME TO TURKEY!
You’ll be picked up by a private driver from Izmir Airport (ADB) and transferred to our hotel in the heart of the city. Take some time to settle in, unpack, and relax after your journey before meeting your new travel friends for a welcome dinner.
Meals included: Dinner
DAY 3. FLY TO CAPPADOCIA & UNDERGROUND CITY
Catch a morning flight to Cappadocia, where surreal landscapes await. Descend into a labyrinthine underground city, a world of tunnels, chambers, and hidden history. In the evening, get hands-on with a pottery workshop led by a master artisan and create your own Turkish keepsake.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 2. ANCIENT EPHESUS & LOCAL LUNCH
Explore Ephesus, one of history’s greatest ancient cities, walking along the marble streets once traveled by kings and emperors. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch in the charming village of Şirince with a local family. As the sun sets, take a leisurely stroll through olive groves and feel the history and beauty of the region.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4. SUNRISE BALLOON & ENCHANTING VALLEY
Rise early to witness the sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the iconic fairy chimneys of Göreme. Spend the day exploring secret valleys on gentle hikes, taking in panoramic views few travelers ever see. Visit a women’s cooperative and enjoy a local lunch in a historic Turkish bathhouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5. FLY TO ISTANBUL & SUNSET BOSPHORUS CRUISE
Fly to Istanbul in the morning and immerse yourself in the legendary city energy. In the evening, board a private yacht for a sunset cruise along the Bosphorus, sailing between Europe and Asia as the skyline glows in golden light.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6. ISTANBUL INSIDER TOUR & FAREWELL DINNER
Discover Istanbul like a local, wandering through the Spice Market, the bustling Grand Bazaar, and marveling at the Blue Mosque. Opt for a traditional hammam visit to unwind. Celebrate the end of your journey with a grand farewell dinner, reminiscing over the week’s epic experiences.
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7. SEE YOU SOON!
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Istanbul International Airport (IST) with your group. Say goodbye to your new lifelong friends, share memories of your epic week, and take home stories, photos, and experiences you’ll never forget. See you on the next adventure!
Meals included: Breakfast
D E T A I L S
INCLUSIONS:
Accommodation in shared or private rooms
Guide when applicable
Balanced healthy meals
6 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
6 Dinners
Local transportation
Diabetes support = includes a 30 mins group zoom call pre-departure with Julie K. to make sure you packed everything, know exactly what to do and are ready!; meals are all diabetes friencdly and set at regular time to help with diabetes management
Group airport pickup and drop off at the set time - see arrival and departure details for group transfer time
All entrance fees and activities in the itinerary unless specified as optional
EXCLUSIONS:
Airfares
Visa fees if applicable
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Tips for guide, drivers, etc
Diabetes supplies
Alcohol and soft drinks other than water
ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DETAILS:
ARRIVAL: You should arrive in IZMIR (airport code ADB) on the tour start date before 4:00pm. Group airport transfer schedule tbc
Your program fee includes an airport pick-up as long as you arrive before the scheduled shuttle. If you plan on arriving later or a day or two early, the airport transfer is not included. Please let me know if you need early services, and we can add them onto your invoice.
DEPARTURE: You should depart from ISTANBUL (airport code IST) on the tour end date after 12:00 pm. The airport transfer will be at 10 am and it takes approx. 45 mins to go to the airport
Your program fee includes a return transfer in the morning. If you plan to leave earlier or after the transfer time, the airport transfer is not included. Please let me know if you need early services, and we can add them onto your invoice.
PAYMENT & REFUND POLICY
All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.
A payment (full or first payment plan installment) is required to hold the spot Final payment is due 90 days before departure. No refunds. If the trip is canceled due to circumstances outside of the control of The Diabetic Travelers Network ltd, a make-up Tour will be guaranteed within a reasonable period of time, not to exceed two years, depending on current global and/or domestic travel restrictions.
VISAS
People from most countries in Western Europe and Americas do not need a tourist visa to enter Spain. Check your country’s entry requirements as it is your responsibility to ensure you are eligible to enter the country.
NOTES
The Diabetic Travelers Network strongly recommends travelers to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
The itinerary is subject to change for any reason – weather, unexpected cancellations, impromptu local opportunities, or surprise additions.
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory or you may be refused to join the tour.
A C C O M M O D A T I O N
Enjoy luxury throughout with our 4- and 5-star hotel selection. All rooms are superior.
We work with the hotels listed below or similar to ensure a premium and comfortable stay every time.
Doors of CappadociaOne of Turkey’s best cave hotels, carved directly into the mountain, with beautiful views of Goreme National Park.
Seven Hills Palace, Istanbul
I N V E S T M E N T
October 18 - 24, 2026 (7 days, 6 nights)
Note: Spaces for the TURKEY HIGHLIGHTS TOUR are limited. There are shared options available, and only a small number of private rooms.
Your full retreat experience, as detailed above, is included in your investment listed below. All prices are in GBP.
Need flexibility? Payment plans are available. You can also book now and pay later. Simply select Klarna as the payment method in the payment information section below.
YOU’RE IN GOOD HANDS
Read what REAL T1Ds are saying!
There is a reason why 37% of participants come back
WHY TRAVEL WITH US
Travel with people who get it. Group trips made by T1D for T1D
At the Diabetic Travelers Network, we believe diabetes should never hold you back from exploring the world and living life to the fullest. Our custom-designed group trips bring together diabetic travelers from all around the world. People who understand what living with T1D really is, share your passion for discovery and your commitment to health.
Each DTN escape is crafted with care and designed so diabetes takes as little as possible space in your mind: combining breathtaking destinations, seamless itinerary, and a community of like-minded diabetics who truly get it. With us, you can travel confidently, connect deeply, and experience the world without limits. Because at DTN, you’re not just traveling, you’re reclaiming your freedom, one destination at a time.
FAQs
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No. Airfare is not included in the package. You'll need to book your own flights to Barcelona International Airport (BCN). We recommend you choose flights that match with the group transfer times as it is included in your package.
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Arrival airport pick up is at 2pm.
Departure airport pick up is at 10am.
If you decide to depart at another time or arrive earlier / leave later, the group transfer is not included. Email info@diabetictravelersnetwork.com and we will organise the transfer for you and add it to your invoice.
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This adventure is specifically for people with diabetes if your spouse is T1D they’re welcome to join altough majority of our travelers come solo.
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While managing your diabetes is your responsibility, we are here to support you along the way and ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience.
When you join you get granted access to our best-selling guide to travel with diabetes. In this ebook, everything you need to know is listed. You also get a 1 hour meeting with me and the group where I will be answering all your questions about the trip.
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Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory or you may be refused to join the tour.
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Our trips are inclusive and there are no age limits, as long as you are 18+ and comfortable with the level of activity.
People who usually join our trips are 30-50
Don’t let age be your excuse to not participate; we’ve had clients in their 60s traveling overseas for the first time. We have women of all ages joining our trips!
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While we intent for the itinerary to stay the same, it is subject to change due to any reason – weather, unexpected cancellations, impromptu local opportunities, or surprise additions. All bookings are subject to our terms and conditions.
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Absolutely! We are happy to coordinate you guys rooming together (up to two friends sharing a room), just email us with who you'd like to room with.
By referring a friend you get a £200 referral discount on your booking.
If the person you’re thinking of inviting is someone you tend to hold a lot of space for/worry about, we recommend heading out on this trip on your own.
Participants before you have joined our trips “alone” and left with new life-long friends.
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Our trips are about YOU and what you want to do. Everyone travels differently and everyone will need something a little different in this experience. While we encourage you to participate, every class, activity, and workshop is OPTIONAL and we encourage you to make this all about YOU and what you want.
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Yes. Our trips are specifically designed for people living with diabetes.
There is beauty in being surrounded by people who have a wild range of experience with T1D and learning from those who are living a fulfilling and healthy life with it.
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Our trips are comfortable and very inclusive with premium accommodation. This means you can pack a little lighter. It might be tempting to take a lot with you but remember that you will be carrying your luggage and diabetes supplies around so make sure you can manage.
IT IS TIME. LOCK IT IN AND GET READY FOR A RETREAT OF A LIFETIME
Simply click the button below to sign up. When you do, you’ll receive a travel agreement to review and sign. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact my team at info@diabetictravelersnetwork.com. I am looking forward to seeing you in Spain!