TURKEY
ANATOLIAN MYSTERIES TOUR
Goddess Sites along the Ancient Silk Road in Turkey

April 6 - 22, 2025

From Istanbul to the Sanctuary of Asclepius at Pergamon, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the healing thermal springs of Pamukkale and Hierapolis, the whirling dervishes of Konya, and the hidden underground cities and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, this journey explores the sacred sites and enduring presence of the Great Goddesses along the Western Silk Road, with Ian Baker, Nithya Ekata, and Tiffani Gyatso.

ANATOLIAN MYSTERIES TOUR

Goddess Sites along the Ancient Silk Road in Turkey

This seventeen-day, curated adventure in Anatolia, Turkey, focuses on ancient goddess sites, particularly those related to the Earth Mother Cybele, and sacred and historical locations along the western reaches of the Silk Road, where multiple civilizations intermingled for millennia. Each day will include cultural experiences and activities amidst spectacular landscapes and world-renowned archeological sites. Beginning and ending in Istanbul, highlights of the trip include the ancient wellness and dream incubation center of Pergamon, the Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, the healing thermal springs of Pamukkale and Hierapolis, the whirling dervishes of Konya, and the hidden underground cities and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Accommodations will be at specially selected boutique hotels and expert guides will accompany the group throughout the trip. The journey will be personally led by Nithya Ekata, Ian Baker, and Tiffani Gyatso, and offers an opportunity to reconnect with ancient spiritual practices at the interface of Paganism, Sufism, Christianity, and Buddhism that flourished along the Silk Road, and traditions associated with primordial goddesses who embody the nurturing power and creativity of Earth and Heaven.

Embark on a transformative adventure in Anatolia, Turkey, a cradle of ancient civilization where the echoes of history resonate through sun-drenched landscapes and mystical ruins. This enchanting region, known as the land of gods and goddesses, invites you to explore its profound spiritual heritage and breathtaking scenery. As you traverse the hills and valleys, you will uncover remnants of ancient cultures that revered powerful, goddesses–Hygieia, Cybele, Ishtar, Inanna, Aphrodite–each symbolizing different aspects of life, fertility, and wisdom.

Feel the energy surge through you at the lion-flanked sanctuaries of Cybele, the Phrygian Mother Goddess revered for her nurturing power and expression of the five elemental energies of Nature. Each sacred site whispers secrets of the past, inviting you to connect with the spirit and beauty of those who shaped the world around them through art, ritual, and celebration. This journey is not just about visiting historical sites; it is an opportunity to re-ignite your own spiritual path in places where the divine feminine flourished in union with the history of humankind.

Stand amidst the towering columns of ancient cities, meditate in ancient temples, and witness the stunning rock formations of Cappadocia, where early Christians sought solitude in caves and fresco-lined hermitages. Engage with local traditions such as Sufi Dervishes, participate in ancient rites, and discover the stories that bind us to our ancestors and the elements of Nature. Join us as we delve into the myths and legends that weave through this land, celebrating the power of the goddesses who have inspired countless generations and civilizations. As you explore breathtaking landscapes and timeless architecture, you will not only learn about the past but also forge a deeper connection with your innate creativity and innermost nature.

This is more than just a trip; it’s a pilgrimage to the heart of spirituality and feminine power as expressed in art and nature. Experience the magic of Anatolia and let its ancient wisdom light your path. Your journey awaits!

“What you seek is seeking you.”
― Mawlana Jalal-al-Din Rumi

Travel with:

Nithya Ekata

Yoga Instructor & Designer

Nithya Ekata is a dedicated yoga practitioner, researcher, and teacher specializing in ancient yogini practices that activate and unite the inner and outer dimensions of body, mind, and Nature. Her interdisciplinary studies and nomadic spirit have taken her around the world–from the jungles of India and the high Himalayas to deepest Amazonia–where she has engaged with diverse wisdom traditions and ceremonial practices. A native of Istanbul, one of her primary areas of study has been the shared goddess ideologies of ancient Anatolia, the Indus Valley, and India and their manifestation of divine feminine power. Ekata is also a multidimensional designer whose ethnically inspired jewelry and clothing designs aim to expand awareness and empower deeper levels of creativity and wellbeing.

Ian Baker

Anthropologist & Writer

Ian Baker, PhD holds degrees in English Literature, History, Anthropology, and Buddhist Studies. He is the author of seven critically acclaimed books, including Tibetan Yoga: Principles and Practices, Buddhas of the Celestial Gallery, The Tibetan Art of Healing, The Dalai Lama’s Secret Temple, and The Heart of the World. He was designated by National Geographic Society as one of seven ‘Explorers for the Millennium’ for his field research concerning ‘hidden lands’ (beyul) in the Buddhist Himalayas. He currently leads study tours and travel seminars around the world that explore the interface of diverse philosophical, spiritual, and yogic traditions. Further information is available at www.ianbaker.com.

Tiffani Gyatso

Sacred Iconography Artist

Tiffani Gyatso is an artist from Brazil, specialized in traditional Tibetan Thangka painting at Norbulingka Institute in India from 2003 to 2006. She undertook subsequent studies at the Prince’s School of Traditional Arts in London in the field of Sacred Geometry. She later graduated from Dulcina de Moraes University in Brasilia with an advanced degree in Visual Arts. Sine 2016 she is part of the Danza Duende Network. She currently runs her own art retreat center at the Atelier YabYum in the mountains of Brazil and leads contemplative art programs in India, Bhutan, Morocco, and Turkey. She is the author of the book, Life and Thangka. For further information about her life and work, please visit www.tiffanigyatso.com.

Short itinerary:

Download the detailed Itinerary PDF here

*The itinerary outlines our daily travel plan and is subject to change.

Day 1 - April 6: Meet at Istanbul Airport and fly to Izmir. Stay in Manisa.

Day 2 - April 7: Agai Sanctuary of Apollo and Asclepieion (healing temple) of Pergamon.

Day 3 - April 8: Mount Spil and Ephesus Museum and Archeological Site.

Day 4 - April 9: Temple of Artemis at Sardis; Kuladokya Fairy Chimneys; Tasyaran Canyon.

Day 5 - April 10: Blaundus, Anatolia’s “Stonehenge”; Hierapolis, cult center of Goddess Cybele; healing water terraces of Pumakkale.

Day 6 - April 11: Afyonkarahisar Kalesi, the ‘Black Opium Castle’; Tashan Spice Market; Afyon Archeological Museum; Afyonkarahisar Ulu Mosque.

Day 7 - April 12: Explore the ancient metropolis of Ayazini, in the historic heartland of Phrygian culture.

Day 8 - April 13: Lake Emre and the nearby archeological sites of Üçler Kayası and the Ottoman-era Döğer Caravanserai; hilltop Temple of Zeus.

Day 9 - April 14: Göynüs Valley, famed for its Phrygian monuments and an ancient open-air Temple to Cybele. Arrive in Yazilikaya, also known as Midas City.

Day 10 - April 15: Explore the Yazilikaya Valley, including the spectacular Midas Monument, the largest Phrygian rock-cut structure ever discovered.

Day 11 - April 16: Visit Pessinus, an 8 th –century BCE cult center of Goddess Cybele. Continue to Konya, renowned for its whirling dervishes.

Day 12 - April 17: Visit Mevlâna Museum, dedicated to the teachings of the 13th-century Sufi poet, Rumi. Continue to the Neolithic City of Çatalhöyük and Binbirkilise, the ‘One Thousand and One Churches’ that once thrived in the central crater of an extinct volcano.

Day 13 - April 18: Travel from Konya to Cappadocia and explore the UNESCO World Heritage
Göreme Open-Air Museum.

Day 14 - April 19: Visit Kaymakli and Derinkuyu Underground Cities, carved from soft volcanic rock. Continue to the fresco-rich Gümüsler Monastery.

Day 15 - April 20: Explore Çavuşin, a Byzantine-era settlement, and ride horses amidst the world-renowned Fairy Chimneys of Pasabag, the ‘Valley of the Monks’, the Red Valley, Devrant Valley, and Rose Valley, where multiple faiths converged.

Day 16 - April 21: Hike through Love Valley to Uçhisar Castle, and continue to Selimiye Monastery, Cappadocia’s largest religious structure. Farewell dinner in Göreme.

Day 17 - April 22: Morning flight from Kayseri Eriklet Airport to Istanbul.

Conditions

INCLUDED:

- Flight from Istanbul to Izmir and back

- Ground transportation AC van

- 16 nights in selected Boutique hotels

- Breakfast

- 1 day Horse ride

- 1 special traditional pick nick

- Local guides

- International specialists

NOT INCLUDED:

- International flight to Turkey

- Travel insurance

- Visa fees (if needed)

- Lunch and dinner are not included

Contribution

Payment is via bank deposit only.

For single accommodation rates and banking details,

please e-mail us at:

Hiddenlandstravel@gmail.com

Early-bird until February 1st:

Total: US$ 3.900 (shared twin room)

After February 1st:

Total: US$ 4.200 (shared twin room)

*Small group up to 10 people.

Cancelation policy

Before March 1st, 50% reimbursement. After March 1st no reimbursement.

Highlights of the Anatolia Mysteries Tour:

Morning beauty in Cappadocia

Stunning travertine terraces in Pamukkale.

Cappadocia with historic dwellings carved into soft volcanic rock formations

Ride horses and enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the world-renowned Fairy Chimneys of Pasabag, the ‘Valley of the Monks’, while also visiting monuments in the Red Valley, Devrant Valley, and Rose Valley, where multiple faiths, including Christianity and Buddhism, converged.

Ancient byzantine frescos inside carved caves

Monuments of the Yazilikaya Valley, including the spectacular Midas Monument, located at the base of an open-air temple built by the Phrygians in the name of Kibele.

Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing fresco-laden, rock-cut monasteries and churches, including the Dark Church, the Yilani Snake Church, and the Mirror Church.

Ephesus, an ancient city that was first built in the 10th century BC by Attic and Ionian Greeks and later became one of the most important cultural and religious centers in the Roman Empire. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, was a major site of worship for Cybele.

Trekking in the valley of Love in Cappadocia

Derinkuyu Underground City, also known as Elengubu, an ancient subterranean urban complex carved from soft volcanic stone that extends eighteen stories below the ground was large enough to have sheltered as many as 20,000 people together with their livestock and food stores.

Konya, where the poet-saint Jalal al-Din Muhammad Rumi established the Sufi Mevlevi order, known for the Whirling Dervishes, in the 13th century. We will visit his turquoise-domed tomb as well as experience a Sema, or Whirling Dervish Ceremony.

Temple of Artemis in Sadis

Hierapolis, a Hellenistic Greek city built on the site of a Phrygian cult center of the Anatolian mother goddess Cybele. Hierapolis was also the birthplace of the Stoic philosopher Epictetus.