Andrew Harvey is an author, spiritual teacher, and founder of the Institute of Sacred Activism, dedicated to creating a new world founded in universal compassion and sacred passion for all life.
MOREJoin author and mystic Andrew Harvey on a sacred pilgrimage through Turkey, exploring Sufi mysticism, the Divine Feminine, and the transformative wisdom of Rumi.
This extraordinary journey through Turkey offers an opportunity to explore sacred sites that pulse with millennia of spiritual devotion, mystery, and cultural richness. Guided by spiritual teacher Andrew Harvey, you will encounter the heart of Sufi mysticism and the Divine Feminine through visits to Rumi’s tomb, the ancient city of Ephesus, Neolithic shrines and the famous Rumi Wedding Night Festival. With teachings, ceremony, and moments of deep reflection woven throughout, this pilgrimage invites you to awaken the sacred within and walk the path of love, longing, and living connection. READ MORE
Andrew Harvey is an author, spiritual teacher, and founder of the Institute of Sacred Activism, dedicated to creating a new world founded in universal compassion and sacred passion for all life.
MORE
Tour Description
Travel with internationally acclaimed author, mystic, and sacred activist Andrew Harvey on a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage through the soul-stirring landscapes of Turkey. This spiritual journey culminates in Konya for Rumi’s Wedding Night—the annual Sufi celebration of the great mystic poet’s death, marking not an ending but his ecstatic union with the Divine. As the whirling dervishes turn in sacred remembrance, and the air hums with poetry and longing, you’ll be immersed in a living current of love, devotion and mystical transformation.
Our journey begins in the vibrant and ancient city of Istanbul, the gateway between East and West. Here we will visit key spiritual and cultural landmarks—from soaring Byzantine cathedrals to exquisite Ottoman mosques—and immerse ourselves in the historical richness of this sacred crossroads. Amidst the call to prayer, winding bazaars, and shimmering waters of the Bosphorus, we begin to orient ourselves to the depth, beauty, and mysticism that will shape the days ahead.
From Istanbul, we travel to the otherworldly region of Cappadocia, where fairy chimneys and ancient cave churches form a natural sanctuary for inner silence and reflection. In these early Christian sites carved from stone, we’ll explore the intersection of mysticism across traditions, setting the foundation for the deeper initiatory path to come. In guided meditations and teachings, Andrew will invite us into the presence of the sacred that still breathes through these landscapes—helping us attune to the divine feminine and the eternal wisdom held in the land itself.
From there, we journey to Konya, the beating heart of Sufism and home to Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi. Here, we will visit Rumi’s tomb at the Mevlana Museum and walk the very streets where he once taught, danced, and poured out the divine poetry that has stirred souls across centuries. Andrew, who began his lifelong study of Rumi and Sufi mysticism in 1984 under the guidance of Eva de Vitray-Meyerovitch and French Sufi masters, will offer a series of powerful teachings and readings on Rumi’s vision of divine love, longing, and union. His profound insight—drawn from decades of study and personal experience—will illuminate the deeper meanings behind Rumi’s verses and the sacred significance of his death as a return to the Beloved.
In Konya, we will also have the rare privilege of witnessing or participating in the ceremonies marking Rumi’s Urs—the Wedding Night celebrations—where Sufi dervishes whirl in remembrance, and the atmosphere pulses with the longing of lovers for the Divine. This is not simply a cultural event but a doorway into mystic revelation, and Andrew will help us prepare to experience this celebration with the open heart and sacred presence it calls for. Together, we will explore how Rumi’s teachings invite us into a path of radical love, humility, and service—not as abstract ideals, but as living practices to meet the world’s crises with courage and compassion.
Our journey concludes with a visit to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world and a key site of early Christian and goddess worship. We will visit the Temple of Artemis, once a magnificent center of the divine feminine, and explore the sacred home of the Virgin Mary nestled in the hills nearby. These holy places provide a powerful container for reflection on the sacred marriage—the alchemical union of masculine and feminine, human and divine—a central theme in both Sufi and Christian mysticism. Andrew will lead contemplative sessions weaving together these traditions, drawing from his pioneering work on sacred activism and divine embodiment.
Throughout the journey, there will be space for personal reflection, community sharing, and spiritual practice. Andrew’s presence as a guide is both scholarly and deeply heart-centered—a living bridge between East and West, ancient and modern, poetry and activism. As the author of The Way of Passion, Perfume of the Desert, and founder of the Sufi Conferences, his understanding of Sufi mysticism is rooted in decades of communion with great teachers in India, Africa, America, and Europe. With Andrew’s teachings, the sacred sites we visit are not only historical wonders—they become portals to inner awakening. This is a pilgrimage not just through Turkey, but into the deepest chambers of the heart—an invitation to fall in love with the Divine as Rumi did, and to return home transformed.
Upon arrival you will be greeted at the airport and taken to your hotel. Located in the center of Istanbul, this four-star hotel is the perfect base for the next three nights of our pilgrimage. Enjoy a peaceful evening and dinner with your fellow pilgrims.
(Overnight in Istanbul at the Yasmak Sultan Hotel or similar)
Today we delve into the spiritual and cultural heart of Istanbul, beginning with one of the most iconic sacred structures in the world, the Hagia Sophia, or Church of the Holy Wisdom. Once a church, later a mosque, and now both a mosque and a living museum, this architectural masterpiece has served as a bridge between faiths and civilizations for over fifteen centuries. Dedicated to Sophia—divine wisdom—it continues to inspire awe with its soaring domes and celestial mosaics.
From there, we descend into the mysterious Basilica Cistern, the ancient underground water reservoir supported by hundreds of marble columns. Hidden within its cool, shadowy depths lies the striking Medusa head—an enigmatic symbol of feminine wisdom and power. Here, we pause for quiet reflection on the sacredness of the unseen and the potency of the divine feminine.
Next, we walk through the Hippodrome, once the vibrant center of Byzantine social and political life, where echoes of chariot races and imperial pageantry still seem to linger in the stones. We then visit the Archaeological Museum, home to countless treasures including the powerful Sarcophagus of the Mourning Women, a stunning 4th-century BCE relic that offers a poignant glimpse into ancient rites of grief and reverence.
As the day concludes, we gather for dinner at one of Istanbul’s finest Ottoman cuisine restaurants, savoring the flavors of tradition before retiring to our hotel for rest and integration.
(Overnight in Istanbul at the Yasmak Sultan Hotel or similar)
This morning, we begin our exploration with a visit to the magnificent Topkapi Palace, once the beating heart of the Ottoman Empire. Within its vast courtyards and opulent chambers lies the sacred and secluded Harem—a world unto itself, where generations of royal women lived, loved, and wielded quiet power. Home to the Valide Sultan (queen mother), daughters, and wives of the sultan, the Harem was both sanctuary and seat of influence. Here, the echoes of figures like Hurrem Sultan—wife of Suleiman the Magnificent and one of the most powerful women in Ottoman history—still linger in the gilded walls, reminding us of the vital role of the feminine in shaping empire and legacy.
Next, we visit the elegant Blue Mosque, a masterpiece of Islamic architecture built by Sultan Ahmet I. With its six minarets, cascading domes, and exquisite blue İznik tiles, it remains a vibrant place of worship and a symbol of spiritual devotion.
We then follow the scent of saffron and rose to the Spice Bazaar, a lively and colorful market where the senses are awakened and tradition lives on in every stall. Our final visit is to the Galata Mevlevi Lodge, once home to the Whirling Dervishes. This Sufi site offers a profound glimpse into the mystical heart of Islam and the transformative power of devotion, music, and dance.
Tonight, we gather for dinner at one of Istanbul’s finest kebab restaurants.
(Overnight in Istanbul at the Yasmak Sultan Hotel or similar)
After breakfast we will make our way to the airport for our journey to Cappadocia. Upon arrival we will be transferred to the hotel where you can relax on the terrace and watch an unforgettable sunset, take a dip in the pool or unwind in the spa. We will enjoy a shared dinner together in the evening.
(Overnight in Cappadocia at the Alden Hotel or similar)
Begin your day with an optional sunrise hot air balloon ride — a once-in-a-lifetime experience that gently lifts you above Cappadocia’s dreamlike landscape. As you float in harmony with the breeze, you’ll witness panoramic views of deep canyons, fertile valleys, and the region’s iconic “fairy chimneys,” all bathed in the golden morning light. This ethereal journey offers a breathtaking perspective of Cappadocia’s otherworldly terrain, unreachable by any other means.
After breakfast, we’ll explore Cappadocia’s rich cultural traditions with a visit to a local municipality-run carpet cooperative. Often referred to as a “carpet farm,” this is where generations-old weaving techniques come alive. You’ll gain insight into the artistry, symbolism, and significance behind these intricate masterpieces that are central to Anatolian heritage.
Our journey continues to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Göreme. This open-air museum reveals a lunar-like landscape sculpted over millennia by wind and rain, forming the surreal spires known as fairy chimneys. Within these natural formations lie hidden churches and dwellings, carved directly into the stone. Many are adorned with vivid frescoes depicting scenes from the life of Christ, offering a moving glimpse into the region’s early Christian communities. Walking among these ancient cave sanctuaries, you’ll feel deeply connected to the sacred and the sublime.
(Overnight in Cappadocia at the Alden Hotel or similar)
This morning, we journey to Avanos, a charming village nestled along the Kızılırmak River, renowned for its ancient ceramic traditions. Dating back to the 12th century BCE, the pottery of Avanos carries forward millennia of artistry. You’ll witness master artisans at work, shaping red clay from the riverbanks into delicate forms, connecting you to a craft as old as the land itself.
From here, we descend into the mysterious world of the Kaymakli Underground City. First carved in the 6th century, this astonishing subterranean network once sheltered thousands of early Christians fleeing persecution. Stretching as deep as 275 feet with eight levels connected by narrow tunnels, it once held living quarters, kitchens, stables, and even chapels. As you explore its winding passageways and hidden rooms, you’ll feel the resilience and devotion of those who once called this underground sanctuary home.
In the afternoon, we drive to Konya, the spiritual heart of Anatolia and the city where the great mystic poet Rumi spent much of his life. After escaping the Mongol invasions of Central Asia in the 13th century, Rumi settled here with his family and founded the Mawlavi Order—the Sufi path of divine love and spiritual whirling. Konya’s atmosphere still hums with the energy of devotion and the legacy of Rumi’s teachings (driving time approx. 3 hours 15 minutes today).
(Overnight in Konya at the Hilton Garden Inn or similar)
Today, we step even further back in time with a visit to Çatalhöyük, one of the most important and best-preserved Neolithic sites in the world. Dating back over 9,000 years, this ancient settlement offers a rare glimpse into early human civilization. With its densely packed, interconnected homes—many entered through the roof—Çatalhöyük reveals a community that lived in close communion, with daily life and sacred ritual deeply intertwined.
Archaeological discoveries suggest that this was no ordinary village; it may have served as a City of Shrines, a central spiritual hub for surrounding communities across the Anatolian plain. Walls adorned with symbolic murals, sacred figurines, and evidence of goddess worship hint at a society where feminine power and fertility were revered. The site stirs the imagination and invites reflection on how spirituality, art, and daily life were seamlessly woven together in early human culture.
Walking among these ancient foundations, you can feel the presence of something enduring—a deep-rooted sacredness that speaks to humanity’s eternal quest for meaning and connection with the divine. Çatalhöyük’s profound energy continues to inspire archaeologists, mystics, and seekers from around the world.
Return to Konya for the night, carrying with you the resonance of this powerful ancestral place.
(Overnight in Konya at the Hilton Garden Inn or similar)
This morning begins with a soul-nourishing teaching from Andrew Harvey, offering insights into the mystical poetry and path of Rumi, preparing us for a day steeped in devotion, longing, and divine remembrance. With hearts attuned, we make our way to the Mevlana Museum, home to the mausoleum of Jalal ad-Din Rumi — one of the world’s most beloved mystics. As we enter the museum complex, once a Dervish lodge, we are immersed in the serene atmosphere of Sufi life, where sacred music, calligraphy, prayer beads, and whirling robes bear witness to centuries of spiritual devotion.
Here, at Rumi’s tomb, you may feel the powerful presence of love that transcends time — an invitation to listen deeply for the music of the heart. We continue to the nearby Sems-i Tebrizi Mosque and Tomb, the resting place of Rumi’s spiritual companion and the catalyst of his transformation. This site offers a quiet, intimate moment to reflect on the mystery of spiritual friendship and the fire of divine union that burned between Rumi and Shams.
Throughout the day, allow the teachings and sacred spaces to open you to the deeper current of love that flows beneath all things — the very essence of Rumi’s path.
(Overnight in Konya at the Hilton Garden Inn or similar)
Our morning begins with a sacred teaching from Andrew Harvey, deepening our journey into the mystical path of Rumi and the heart of Sufi devotion. These sessions offer a space to explore the inner landscapes of divine love, sacred longing, and spiritual awakening — grounding us in the wisdom that flows through the sacred sites we continue to visit.
Following this, we explore the Karatay Medrese, an exquisite 13th-century Islamic school that once served as a center of learning during the Seljuk Empire. Its striking turquoise tilework, intricate geometric patterns, and calligraphic designs stand as a testament to the sacred marriage of knowledge and beauty in Islamic art. Wandering through this historic site, we are invited to reflect on the legacy of seekers who pursued both outer knowledge and inner truth within its walls.
During our time in Konya for the Rumi Wedding Night Festival, we will attend at least one Whirling Dervish Ceremony - a spiritual performance that transcends dance, expressing the soul’s longing to return to the Divine. As the dervishes whirl in sacred rhythm, they embody the mystical journey of surrender, remembrance, and union. This is not a performance, but a moving meditation — an invitation to witness the turning of the heart toward Love itself.
(Overnight in Konya at the Hilton Garden Inn or similar)
Today is the (solar) anniversary of the death of Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, who died in 1273 in Konya, Turkey. The observance of the anniversary of a Sufi saint is called (in Arabic), `urs, which means “wedding” because the saint is believed to have attained “union” with the Beloved.
To celebrate, we return to the heart of Konya’s sacred landscape for a second, deeper encounter with the Mevlana Museum and the Sems-i Tebrizi Mosque and Tomb. At Andrew Harvey’s request, we revisit these profound sites — not merely to see them again, but to meet them anew, having been internally changed by the journey thus far. This return allows us to move beyond first impressions and open to subtler layers of insight, remembrance, and mystical presence.
Rumi taught that the path of love is a spiral — ever deepening — and so we walk once more through these hallowed places, listening with new ears, seeing with expanded hearts. Andrew will offer a reflective teaching later in the day, guiding us to integrate what has been stirred by these sacred encounters and how they might continue to live within us.
(Overnight in Konya at the Hilton Garden Inn or similar)
This morning, we set out through the enchanting Anatolian countryside, where rolling hills, fertile plains, and traditional villages paint a picture of timeless rural beauty. As we travel toward Kusadasi, you’ll have the chance to soak in the serene landscapes that have inspired countless travelers and locals alike, feeling the gentle rhythm of this ancient land unfolding around you. Upon arrival, we’ll settle into the comfortable and welcoming hotel, perfectly situated to offer stunning views of the Aegean Sea and easy access to the vibrant town center, ensuring a relaxing and memorable stay. (driving time is approx. 7.5 hours today)
(Overnight in Kusadasi at the Elite World Hotel or similar)
Our journey continues with a visit to the remarkable 6th-century Basilica of St. John, a majestic site believed to be the final resting place of John the Apostle. This historic basilica stands as a testament to early Christian architecture and spirituality, offering a profound glimpse into the religious heritage of the region. Nearby, we will explore the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered pilgrimage site believed to have been the last residence of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Nestled on a lush hillside, this humble stone house is surrounded by peaceful gardens and is famous for its sacred spring, whose waters are said to possess healing properties, drawing visitors seeking spiritual renewal and solace. This serene location invites quiet reflection and connection with a rich tradition that spans centuries.
(Overnight in Kusadasi at the Elite World Hotel or similar)
On the way to Ephesus, we will stop at a renowned leather factory, where you can browse a curated selection of exquisite, handmade jackets and unique leather pieces crafted with exceptional skill and care.
We’ll then enjoy a guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the world and once a major center of commerce and culture. Highlights include the majestic Library of Celsus, the grand Great Theater with seating for 24,000, the beautifully decorated Temple of Hadrian, and the bustling Marble and Curetes Streets, once lined with statues, fountains, and shops. We’ll also visit the Odeon, a smaller theater used for council meetings and performances, offering a glimpse into daily life in this once-thriving metropolis.
Our day continues with a visit to the nearby Temple of Artemis, built around 650 BC and dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Constructed on a site already sacred to the Anatolian Mother Goddess, Cybele, this ancient sanctuary is celebrated as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.
After this enriching day, we will transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
(Overnight in Istanbul at the Yasmak Sultan Hotel or similar)
After sharing one last breakfast together, we will be transferred back to the airport for our onward journeys home.
(B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
Note: This itinerary is subject to change due to conditions beyond our control.
