On the Path of the Goddess and Her Symbols in Türkiye
with optional additional Istanbul Tour from 22 May
Yeshe Meryemana Matthews Robles and Ouassima Issrae Touahria are bringing a small group of Goddess researchers and devotees for a 17-day journey (with an extension to 21 days) through Western Türkiye in Spring 2025. We will explore and make ceremonial connections at ancient sites related to Cybele, Artemis, Hekate and Aphrodite. We will enjoy an urban sanctuary at Ephesus, the annual Rose Festival in Isparta, the pastoral beauty of Lagina and Aphrodisias, the holy grave of Rumi and the whirling dance of the Dervishes, delicious, healthy food, and a profound connection with the Goddess and her energies in the magical landscape.
Do you hear the call?
Your Guides for the Journey
Ouassima Issrae
Ouassima Issrae is a Truth-Keeper, Cosmic Ambassador, Keeper of the records, Guardian and Priestess at the Temple of Roses. She moved to Portugal 4 years ago and was amazed by the ancient places that connected her to different aspects of the Goddess and reconfirmed her commitment to Roses’s medicine, as well as the Ocean and the Starry Sky that deepened her connection to the Cosmic Mother and the sacred waters. She shares her journeys, inspirations, and passion through her books and initiations at the Temple of Roses. She is also a naturopath, practitioner of Plant healing, and shamanist, and offers in-depth healing sessions.
Yeshe Meryemana
Yeshe Meryemana Matthews Robles is Mandala Priestess & Sibyl of Tsogyal Lhamo Drayang Ling, the Mount Shasta Goddess Temple. She is avowed and ordained in several different Mystery Traditions, including Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, plant and spirit shamanism, Ifa, Mayan Cosmology, and Goddess Spirituality. With a Master's degree in Women's History from Sarah Lawrence College, she has studied women's mysticism and matriarchal communities for over twenty years and teaches in the Temple’s Priestess and Sibyl Training programs. She co-owns, with her beloved husband Albert, The Sacred Well metaphysical shop where she offers Readings, Ancestor Guidance Sessions, Sibyl Sessions, and more. You can learn more about Yeshe’s projects by visiting www.priestessyeshe.com.
Arrive in Izmir
May 26: When you arrive at the Izmir Airport, you'll be picked up and brought to our first stop: the ancient Agora of Smyrna, to see the remnants of this historic city. Then, onward to our comfortable hotel to rest after your long flight. You can settle in, have a snack, or take a nap before dinner. Over our evening meal, we will debrief about the next 2 weeks.
Ephesus
May 27-29: We will wake up early and make the most of each day, visiting Ephesus's Ancient City and the preserved Houses with their remarkable mosaics and incredible ruins. We will visit the Temple of Artemis, once a wonder of the Ancient World, a single powerful column remains today. We have the option to see a chapel believed to be the last known home of the Virgin Mary. Afterward, we will tour the Archaeological Museum of Ephesus before driving to Isparta
Isparta
May 30-June 1: The annual Rose Festival in Isparta is a celebration of culture, perfume, food, music, and nature’s majesty. The history of the rose in Isparta is rich and deeply rooted. The true essence of this tradition lies in the diligent hands of those working their quiet magic, gathering the precious blooms. At dawn, the air is saturated with the intoxicating scent of roses, and vibrant pink blossoms sail in a sea of lush green foliage.
Konya
June 2-3: We will drive to the gorgeous historic region on Konya to visit the grave of the poet Rumi, who wrote, “Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” We will spend an evening witnessing the breathtaking magic of the whirling dervishes, and take in the majesty of the historic mosques of the region, where mysticism has played such a profound role.
Anatalya
June 3-5: In magical Anatalya we will enjoy two easygoing days, with sightseeing at Perge Ancient City- a jewel of UNESCO World Heritage site, the Myra Ruins with their unique hillside graves, and Hadrian’s Gate. We will also indulge in some shopping, seaside fun, and spa relaxation while in this lovely, warm, historic seaside city.
Aphrodisias
June 5-8: The magic of Aphrodite awaits us at the antique site of Aphrodisias. This is a life-changing place. Steeping in the energy here is a balm for the soul. Our sojourn in Aphrodisias will include visits to the Temple site and Museum, with one day being focused on exploring the site, and one day being focused on personal ceremony, group creative projects, and further examination of the artifacts in the Archaeological Museum. There will also be time for lounging by the pool, enjoying the gardens, and sitting in the open-air restaurant drinking raki.
Hekate at Lagina
June 8-9: We will drive to our hotel in a rural area near Lagina and Stratonikeia, sacred to Hekate. We will visit the unique village of Stratonikeia, where locals still live and work among the ruins, and then we will spend the rest of the day at Hekate’s Lagina Temple site. We will hold a ceremony, make offerings, perform divinations, and have a picnic lunch among the stones.
Priene
June 10: We will begin our journey back to Izmir, stopping en route at the Temples of Apollo at Didyma and the Temples at Priene, to Athena, Demeter, Zeus, and the Egyptian gods. Our tours of these sites will break up our drive and give us a last glimpse at the ancient temple cultures of Anatolia.
Fly Away Home
June 11: Everyone will be taken to Izmir Airport to fly back to Istanbul.
PLEASE NOTE: Our overland journey means you will book a round trip flight between your home and Istanbul, plus a round-trip flight between Istanbul and Izmir. Booking assistance will be offered once you have completed your application and paid your deposit.
Istanbul Option
22-26 May
If you would like to extend your tour and enjoy the sights, sounds, flavors, and atmosphere of Istanbul, Ouassima Issrae will guide you on a perfect four-night, five-day tour of the beautiful, bustling city. This optional addition to your trip includes pick-up at Istanbul Airport on 22 May, and drop-off at Izmir Airport on June 11.
22 May: Arrival in Istanbul
23 May: Rest in the morning, Archeological Museum in the afternoon
24 May: The Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern
25 May: Topkapi Palace and optional visit to the Bosphore in the evening
26 May: Fly with the group to Izmir
Lodgings
Prices for this trip are based on double occupancy, with a maximum of 12 travellers including co-leaders Yeshe and Ouassima, and our drivers Albert and Ayana. Sleeping arrangements feature a bed for everyone. Private rooms may be arranged for an additional fee of €400.
Meals
Your trip fee includes breakfast daily. Every day, breakfast options will be provided including incredible Turkish fare featuring local specialties. It is typically easy for a vegan or vegetarian to find food in Turkey, as well as omnivores.
Lunch will typically occur while we are out sightseeing, and is your responsibility.
For dinners, we will eat at our hotel or eat out at a restaurant. Dinners on the first and last nights of the trip will be covered in your trip fee. Additional meals will be your responsibility.
*Aphrodisias: All meals in Aphrodisias are included in your trip fee.
Price Details
We are delighted to welcome you for this once-in-a-lifetime experience! To reserve your spot, complete the Application and Terms documents below, and schedule your deposit meeting with Ouassima.
Early bird special!
If you book before November 15, you receive a discount of €100 on the total price of your trip!
Fees for 26 May- 11 June are €4140
Fees for the Istanbul extension 22-26 May are €1000
Private room upgrade: €400
+4% International Fee Transfer
Inclusions
Pick-up at Izmir Airport on May 26, and drop-off at Izmir Airport on June 11
3 Preparatory and Teaching LIVE classes Via Zoom before the Pilgrimage:
March-April 2025 with Issrae and Yeshe about:-New Year’s Day Sacred Geometry Vision Board with Yeshe
-Spiritual travelling and Exploration of Turkey’s history and culture, offered by Ouassima Issrae
-The symbols of the Goddess and suggested reading (Book club)
-Sacred Geometry activation and exploration, Online Course offered17 days and 16 nights (4 nights and 5 days in Istanbul extension is available, see below)
English, French and Arabic-speaking Professional teachers offering Rituals and ceremonies
breakfast each day
lodging in a shared room
baggage assistance at hotels
ground transportation across Türkiye
entrance to all museums and sites
meals in Aphrodisias
rituals and ceremonies
goodie bag with items to spiritually support your sacred journey
pre-trip planning assistance
all applicable taxes
Exclusions
flights to, from, and within Türkiye
lunch and dinner expenses (estimate $10-30 per day)
Water, soft/alcoholic drinks
Extra Nights if required before and after the tour
Travel Insurance
E-Visa
spending money
Personal expenses- laundry, toiletries, offerings at sacred sites.
If you are interested in booking a space on this journey, an application, acknowledgement of Terms & Conditions, and a $1000 non-refundable deposit are required. Please use the button below to apply for this trip, accept the Terms, and schedule your deposit meeting with Ouassima. We look forward to a joyful, magical tour with our beloved guests!