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We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Cappadocia - Whirling Dervish Ceremony £13; Turkish Bath 50YTL (approx £20). Hot Air Balloon ride – Classic Flight (on average 100 minutes): EUR220 pp. Budget Flight (on average 65 minutes): EUR155 pp.
Antalya - Boat trip to Duden Waterfalls £8-10.
Istanbul - Ferryboat rides on the Bosphorus £10.00; Aya Sofia £7.00.
Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon
Man originally conquered the air with the hot air balloon and it is still possible to recreate that sense of wonder those first aviators enjoyed – and what a location! There can be few places around the world that can rival the incredible, eroded landscapes of Cappadocia as you float almost silently above the strange moonscape below – a wonderful, lighter than air experience! Two different flights are on offer, both bookable through Goreme Balloons.
Classic Flight (on average 100 minutes): EUR220 pp.
Budget Flight (on average 65 minutes): EUR155 pp.
Clients may pay in cash or with credit cards. On both the Budget and Classic Flights, you will be offered fruit and champagne (or soft drink if preferred) on completion, as well as a Flight Certificate. We would remind you that in the interests of safety and your enjoyment all balloon flights are subject to suitable flying conditions. Please ensure you wear warm clothing and secure footwear.
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Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
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Accordingly, you should allow £15 for tipping.
Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Local Currency: Turkish Lira.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Major foreign currencies such as US Dollars, £Sterling and Euros can easily be changed. We advise against travelling with Travellers Cheques as commission rates are high. Other currencies can be exchanged in larger cities. We advise you to change money in Turkey as rates tend to be better.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: ATMs are widely available throughout Turkey.
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Not recommended.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currencyexpress.com/explore/
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| UK | Turkey | |
|---|---|---|
| Tea/Coffee | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Soft Drink | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Bottled Water | £1.50 | £1.00 |
| Bottle of Beer | £3.50 | £2.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* | £15.00 | £7.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** | £20.00 | £13.00 |
| Bottle of Wine | £14.50 | £12.50 |
| Breakfast | £5.00 |
*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visas ARE required by UK citizens and are obtainable on arrival for £10.00. Make sure that you have an English £10.00 note with you. You must also make sure that you have a full blank page on your passport for this visa stamp. Most other nationalities also require a visa, which can usually be obtained upon arrival in Turkey. Please consult the Turkish embassy website for further details. Please note visa costs and currencies for payment vary.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to topNB. Please make sure you obtain your visa at Istanbul airport before heading through to the domestic terminal. Visas must be picked up on port of entry not at final destination.
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Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus,typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio.
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to topWe strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topThere is considerable climatic variation between the Anatolian plateau and western coast, ranging from very cold to sub-tropical. Summers are hot and humid; spring and autumn Mediterranean temperatures are incentive enough for swimming. At altitude sharp contrasts exist and temperatures are likely to drop suddenly especially when the sun goes down. Winters can be very cold - well below freezing, especially on the Anatolian Plateau.
Back to topSeasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to topTo assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to topOne main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
Back to topUnfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThe long Turkish summer can be hot, although much of our route follows the Mediterranean coastline and is freshened by sea breezes. If you’re travelling early or late in the season lightweight rainwear is advisable and a warmer sweater is recommended for the evenings. In the winter months the temperatures may drop below freezing at night.
Back to topWalking boots or trainers with ankle supports are recommended for walks. Comfortable walking shoes will be useful for exploring some of the ancient sites and sandals. Plastic sandals are useful for protecting your feet against sea urchins on the rocks and you can also swim with them on.
Back to topFor those who are keen, we recommend a mask and a snorkel for the time spent on the coast. Also recommended are a waterbottle, torch, sunhat and sunscreen, towel and swiss army knife for picnics.
Back to topFor an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to topThen we suggest you contact Nomad Travel, our equipment partner, who specialise in kitting people out for adventurous travel. You receive a special 10% discount in-store or online. Visit one of their stores, phone 0845 260 0044, or visit their website www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore for further information.
Back to topTurkey’s size often surprises visitors. Given the area covered on this tour we would remind you to be prepared for some lengthy bus journeys, necessary to fulfill the itinerary. Bus is a great way to see the changing countryside of Turkey. However you may wish to bring music, a neck pillow,etc to ensure you have as relaxed journeys as possible.
Back to topTurkey is a secular democratic republic, the population of which is mainly Muslim. Therefore you should dress with respect and appropriately when entering rural areas and more conservative towns / cities - your tour leader can advise when this would be appropriate. Likewise, all passengers should dress appropriately when entering any place of worship. Men and women should be modestly dressed with legs and shoulders covered. Women will also need to cover their heads.
Back to topRAMADAN 2013 - 9th July to 8th August
Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary. Restaurants may have limited supplies of fresh food available during this period.
Please note: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including white-water) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
Back to topTurkey: Area: 779,452 sq km (483,260 sq mi).
Population: 65.7 million.
Language: Turkish (French, German & English widely spoken).
Religion: Muslim with small Christian minority.
Local Time: As Turkey operates daylight saving time is it always 2hrs ahead of UK time
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz.Type C and F plugs.
Back to topFor comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
Back to topRecommended Maps: Turkey (Hilderbrand).
Recommended Books: ‘The Rough Guide to Turkey’; ‘Companion Guide to Turkey’ by John Freely (Collins); ‘Lycian Turkey’ and ‘Turkey beyond the Meander’ by George Bean; ‘Crescent and Star’ by Steven Kinzer.
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