Join LILA for our third Sufi Tour in Turkey as we embark on a sacred journey through Anatolia, tracing the footsteps of Rumi, ancient prophets and great Sufi mystics. We will visit Konya and Cappadocia, steeped in Sufi heritage, and journey to Şanlıurfa and Hatay, where ancient traditions and sacred sites hold deep spiritual resonance.

Along the way, we will explore tombs of prophets, mystical landscapes, and centuries-old sanctuaries, where history and devotion intertwine. We will immerse in the living traditions of zikr, poetry, and live Sufi music, experiencing the spiritual and cultural heart of Turkey.

Guided by musicians and spiritual masters, this is more than a journey—it is an invitation into devotion, wisdom, and transformation, culminating in a 3-day Sema retreat, where music, movement, and prayer open the heart to the Divine.

WHAT YOU CAN LOOK FORWARD TO

🌍 Walk in the Footsteps of the Sufi Mystics & Ancient Prophets
Journey through Konya, Cappadocia, Şanlıurfa, and Hatay, tracing the path of Rumi, other great Sufi masters and ancient prophets.

✨ Live Sufi Music & Zikr
Experience the living traditions of Sufi music, poetry, and devotional chanting in sacred spaces.

📖 Sufi Spiritual Teachings
Learn from experienced guides who carry Sufi wisdom from various lineages, including Rumi’s.

🕌 Sacred Sites & Spiritual Heritage

Visit the tombs of saints, historic mosques, and hidden Sufi lodges across Turkey.

Intimacy & Depth

Travel with a small group of like-hearted travelers from around the world. Intimate access to local artists, musicians, hidden locations, and deeper, more personalized experiences.

Traditional Cuisine & Local Hospitality

Savor authentic Turkish meals and experience the warmth of local communities.

GUIDES & COLLABORATORS

CEM BABA

A Sufi teacher based in Turkey, Cem Baba received his ijazet (Master initiation) from Sherif Baba, who comes from the lineage of Pir Ahmed Er Rifai (11th century). He currently resides in Samandag, where he and his community are engaged in earthquake relief service. His teachings, offered both in Turkey and abroad, blend traditional and modern universal Sufi wisdom.

OMAR AENA

A DJ, community organizer, and cultural storyteller based in New York City, Omar is the founder of Dance Beyond, a community that hosts Ecstatic Dance festivals and retreats, and LILA, a project that includes documentary films, spiritual tours, and gatherings celebrating traditional ecstatic music and dance cultures worldwide.

AYNA AYNA
Ayna Ayna is an all-female Sufi music ensemble known for their captivating performances of traditional Sufi music. Their repertoire includes devotional songs and poetry, aiming to convey the spiritual essence of Sufism through harmonious melodies and rhythms.

THE JOURNEY

DAYS 1-3: KONYA

Our journey begins in Konya, where Rumi’s spirit calls us to gather in remembrance and transformation. We’ll share a welcoming dinner, visit the tombs of Rumi and Shams, and immerse in Meshks (musical ceremonies) and Sema sessions, witnessing the whirling dance of the dervishes—a sacred movement where the heart turns toward the divine.

DAYS 3-5: CAPPADOCIA

On Day 3, we travel to Hacı Bektaş Veli, where the Sufi teachings of unity and love come alive. Along the way, we pause in Aksaray, absorbing the energy of this ancient town, before continuing to Cappadocia, a land of otherworldly landscapes and hidden caves. For those who wish, the day may begin with a sunrise hot air balloon ride, offering a breathtaking, meditative view of the terrain.

DAY 5: GAZIANTEP

In Gaziantep, we savor traditional Turkish cuisine and share in the warmth of its culture, continuing our journey of connection and spiritual reflection.

DAYS 6-8: Şanlıurfa

In Şanlıurfa, we walk the land of prophets and mystics, visiting Balıklıgöl, the cave where Hazreti Ibrahim (Prophet Abraham) was born, and the nearby sacred pool filled with great fish, the place where fire was made harmless when they tried to burn him — a story of faith and divine protection. We will also visit the well of Hazreti Ayyub (Prophet Job), a place connected to his endurance and unwavering trust in God, and the ancient city of Harran. We’ll experience Sıra Gecesi, a night of music, hospitality, and Sufi traditions, and explore Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest temple, where we reflect on humanity’s timeless quest for the divine.

DAYS 8-10: Hatay, Samandağ

On Day 8, we travel south to Kırıkhan to visit the Tomb of the Sufi Saint Beyazid-i Bistami, then arrive in Hatay, Samandağ for a three-day retreat by the Mediterranean. Here, we deepen into Sufi music, Sema, and spiritual workshops. We’ll visit the earthquake victim artists’ bazaar, the Tomb of Hızır, and the Titus Tunnel, reflecting on service, healing, and unity. This journey is more than exploration—it is a call to live the path of love, remembrance, and devotion.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

✅ 10 nights accommodations in two retreat centers
✅ All ground transportation
✅ 2 daily meals
✅ Guided visits to sacred Sufi sites, tombs, and historical landmarks
✅ Participation in a 3-day SEMA Retreat

✅ Workshops, spiritual teachings, and cultural experiences

✅ Entrance fees to historical and cultural sites

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED

❌ Airfare
❌ Airport Shuttles
❌ Visa Fees if Applicable
❌ Travel/Medical Insurance
❌ Additional Expenditures / Shopping
❌ Extra Meals

TESTIMONIALS

"During the Sema, participants cultivated a continuous golden portal of transformation by whirling to live spiritual music. I reached a trance-like ecstasy while spinning and experienced pure childlike joy. I intended to open my heart further to Divine Love and returned home with more ease, trust in myself, and a willingness to let go so I can be free to grow."
— Sonia M

"This was, at its essence, pure love manifest — and by the end of our tour my heart was birthed anew! I am grateful and humbled to have been a part of this journey of many lifetimes!"
— Ana F

PRICING

Initial Deposit to Book – $500

Full Amount (in USD):

• $2,900 – Double Occupancy (Room + Private Bathroom)

• $3,650 – Private Room (Room + Private Bathroom)

Remaining Balance Due in Full by September 8, 2025

❗ No exchanges or refunds, except in the event of a force majeure

Arrival & Departure Info:

• Arrival: Please fly into Konya Airport (KYA) on October 8th. From the airport, it’s a short taxi ride to the hotel. Most international travelers will first fly into Istanbul, then take either a short connecting flight or high-speed train to Konya. Check-in to the hotel will be at 2PM so please arrive any time after that. The hotel name will be given to those who sign up.

• Departure: On October 18th, our program will end in the morning after breakfast. Then you’ll fly out from either Hatay Airport (HTY) or Gaziantep Airport (GZT). We suggest taking a flight no earlier then 2pm. You’ll connect through Istanbul before taking your international flight back home

JOIN US FOR THIS ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME EXPERIENCE IN THE MAGICAL LAND OF TURKIYE!

Our journey begins in Konya, where the spirit of Rumi dances through every corner. "Come, come, whoever you are," Rumi calls to us, and here, we heed his invitation. We gather for a welcoming dinner, sharing our hearts and intentions, knowing that we are on a path of transformation. Together, we will visit the Tomb of Shems-i Tebrizi, Rumi’s beloved spiritual companion, the Tomb of Mevlana Jelaluddin Rumi, and other sacred places. We’ll participate in Meshks (musical ceremonies) and Sema sessions, witnessing the whirling dance of the dervishes—a reminder that "the wound is the place where the Light enters you."

On Day 3, we travel to Haji Bektaş Veli, a land where the Sufi teachings of unity and love resonate deeply. "We are not just in the world, but the world is within us," Haji Bektaş teaches, and here, we reflect on this truth. On our way, we’ll stop in Aksaray to experience the beauty and energy of this ancient town. Later, we’ll journey to Cappadocia, a land of surreal landscapes and ancient caves, where the earth itself seems to whisper secrets. For those who wish, an early morning hot air balloon ride offers a breathtaking, meditative view of this mystical land.

In Gaziantep, we nourish not only our bodies with the finest local delicacies but also our spirits. The city offers some of the most exquisite traditional Turkish dishes—each bite a celebration of centuries-old recipes. As we share meals, breaking bread together, we embrace the simple joys that feed the soul. We’ll visit: ● The Tomb of Nesimi, a place dedicated to the great Sufi poet known for his deep spiritual teachings and devotion to truth. ● The Tomb of Hazreti Yusha, the sacred resting place of Prophet Joshua, where the air itself seems to vibrate with ancient energy. Here, we reflect on the powerful truth: "We are not human beings ha

In Şanlıurfa, we walk through a land where prophets were born and mystics once roamed. We will visit: ● Balıklıgöl, where the sacred fish symbolize divine presence. ● Karahantepe and the ancient city of Soğmatar, where the mystical past echoes through time. ● The Tomb of Hazreti Ibrahim, the birthplace of Prophet Abraham, a powerful place for reflection and connection. ● Harran, an ancient city known for its beehive houses, where the spirit of history still lingers. In the evening, we’ll join a Sıra Gecesi (Night of the Sequence), a traditional cultural and spiritual gathering filled with music, hospitality, and Sufi traditions. We’ll also visit Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known temple complex, where we marvel at humanity’s first quest for divine understanding, feeling the echo of ancient wisdom: "We are not separate from the divine; we are its reflection."

On Day 8, we continue south, stopping in Kırıkhan to visit the Tomb of Bayazid-i Bistami, a revered Sufi mystic. We then arrive in Hatay, Samandağ, where we settle into a three-day retreat by the Mediterranean. During this retreat, we’ll immerse ourselves in Sufi music, Sema whirling, and spiritual workshops, deepening our practice and inner connection. We’ll also visit: ● The Earthquake Victim Artists’ Bazaar, a space for healing and community through art. ● The Tomb of Hızır, the spiritual guide of seekers of wisdom. ● The Titus Tunnel, a place of deep reflection on the unity of creation. This journey is not just about visiting mystical places—it is a call to live the path of love, unity, and service. As we walk together, we seek to embody the essence of Sufism: "Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray."