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A Turkey Whirl - Our Turkey Group Departure
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FULLY ESCORTED GROUP FROM CANADA
(Departing on
14-30th September 2010 and May
10-26th 2011 )
Contact Lee Massey at 604 736 6949 or aturkeywhirl@yahoo.ca for further
information.
 Float over sunken cities,
discover surreal mountainous landscapes and
travel through crumbling ghost towns on this fifteen- day foray into
Turkey. Lose yourself in the mysteries and magic of the Ottoman Empire
and sample traditional delicacies sourced from land and sea. Spend a
day sailing the Mediterranean aboard a traditional Turkish boat, and
share a tasty feast with a local family in the Cappadocian Valley. From
sharing fruit wine with villagers in a town that time forgot to
discovering the old capital of the civilised world, this Turkish
delight will do just that.
Itinerary Disclaimer
The itinerary attached is correct at time of posting and may be
updated to incorporate improvements or changes beyond our control.
Day 1:
Depart Canada
Day 2 Istanbul
 Hosgeldinz! Welcome to Istanbul.
Transfer to your hotel, rest of day free.
Day 3 Istanbul
The day is free to either relax or go and explore this vibrant city.
Visit the cobbled Hippodrome which was once the site of ancient chariot
races or the exquisite Blue Mosque, Istanbul's most recognisable
landmark. Whilst entry is free, it is good custom to make a donation of
a lira or two after your visit. This is a working mosque and part of
its role is to look after the less fortunate in the community. Meet
with your tour guide later on in the afternoon for a briefing on your
tour and then off to dinner with your fellow travellers.
Day 4 Istanbul
 Our time is spent discovering
some of the hidden charms of Istanbul,
the city that bridges Europe and Asia, including the areas around
Sultanahmet and Port Eminonu. We take a leisurely walk to explore the
city's dazzling array of cultural and historical sites. We get off the
beaten track possibly discovering the backstreets and visiting
lesser-known sites. We also visit the local spice markets and Bazaar
quarter ending our walk at the busy port of Eminonu. Our leader has
his/her own unique view of Istanbul to show you, an insight that only
someone very familiar to a city can give.
At the end of your walk you might like to visit Topkapi
Palace at your
leisure this afternoon. Like any museum, some people could spend all
day in there and for others an hour or two would suffice. It is up to
you. The rest of our afternoon is free. In the evening we catch a first
class train from the Asian shore to the nation’s capital in Ankara.
For your comfort we travel on the overnight sleeper train
(approx. 10
hours) to Ankara. This is a very comfortable air conditioned, 2 berth
cabin. The beds fold away to become comfortable lounge chairs. The
cabin includes a basin and refrigerator with snacks and drinking water.
The cabins are compact so please consider bringing a soft bag that is
easily stored under the beds. All bedding is provided on board by the
porter and is freshly laundered. The western style toilets are located
at either end of the train corridor. In rare circumstances you may be
paired with a group member of the opposite sex in your cabin dependant
on the group configuration. A freshly cooked dinner or prepared
breakfast as well as alcoholic and soft beverages and snacks are
available on the train in the restaurant wagon. There are vegetarian
options available.
Days 5 Ankara / Goreme
Arriving by train in Ankara, our private transfer (approx 5
hours)
takes us to the fascinating Cappadocia region. Shaped by wind and
water, the otherworldly rock formations have to be seen to be believed.
Rock-hewn churches, cave homes and incredible underground cities await
exploration. In times of peace, the people in this region lived on the
land but in times of war or persecution they took to living
underground. Our hotel during our stay here is styled on local
architecture and enjoys prominent views of the area.
Days 6 Goreme
In morning we take a walk through one of the nearby valleys with a
local guide. Perhaps we'll meander through the Valley of Love where the
rock formations will astound, or take to another equally scenic path.
We then head out to explore the Open Air Museum with its intriguing
cave churches. This wonderful World Heritage site has some of the best
examples of religious frescoes in the region. There is free time this
afternoon to take in the sites of the surrounding area perhaps visiting
one of the fascinating underground cities or ruined villages.
 During our stay, we will enjoy
a meal with a local family in their own
home. This is a unique experience - enjoy the famous hospitality of a
Turkish family and admire the spectacular views of surrounding
landscapes at the same time.
Without a doubt, one of the most amazing memories of this journey could
be of a hot air balloon ride over the majestic landscape. This aerial
tour of the region is guided by our experienced operators and is an
incredibly memorable experience. Note: this is an optional
activity and the cost varies depending on what type of flight you
choose.
Day 7 Konya
 Konya is the perfect
opportunity for you to sample a traditional
Turkish city where mainstream tourism is yet to arrive. The city of
Konya is linked closely with the Whirling Dervish sect of Islam.
Developed by Celaleddin Rumi (or Mevlana) in the 13th century, he is
considered one of Islam's greatest Sufi mystics. We have the option to
visit the incredible Mevlana Museum and tombs of important
dervish leaders. Or get lost in the maze of streets that make up the
sprawling local bazaar filled with many oddities such as felt
handicrafts.
Day 8 Antalya
After a morning public bus ride we reach Antalya (approx. 6 hours). A
fantastic mix of city sophistication and old-world charm makes Antalya
a great place to explore. The relatively unspoilt and restored Kaleici,
the old city area, is now a historical zone and protected from modern
development. With its palm-lined boulevard and
internationally-acclaimed marina, Antalya is a popular destination.
Visit the ancient Roman harbour and watch the world go by from a chic
sidewalk cafe.
 Some options here include the
Antalya Museum, which offers a
fascinating glimpse of history and life in this region. The Suna and
Inan Kirac Kaleici Museum is located in an Antalya mansion and set up
to show ambient life in an Ottoman house. Karaalioglu Parki,
with its lovely flowers and great sea views, is a popular park for
locals to go for a stroll. Otherwise, ask your tour leader how to get
to the ancient Hellenistic cities nearby, particularly Termessos.
Contemplating the past in a theatre set amongst the clouds is an
unforgettable experience. Our hotel this night is a touch of luxury so
be sure to enjoy the amenities.
Days 9-10 Kas
We take a public bus ride past stunning coastal scenery to the town of
Kas (approx. 4.5 hours). With its cobbled streets and whitewashed
walls, Kas has a distinctively Mediterranean feel. The best places to
swim in town are from the waterfront restaurants that have their own
private water access. For the price of the occasional drink, you get
your own deck chair, umbrella and unbeatable views.
When the sun goes down there is the chance to explore the handicraft
markets where you can find beautiful handmade wares with a distinctly
Turkish flavour.
On day 10 we enjoy a luxurious day of cruising around the islands
(lunch included) near Kas, swimming in clear blue waters while also
discovering the sunken city near Kekova - an awesome experience.
Day 11 Kayakoy
A short public bus ride (approx. 3 hours) takes us to Kayakoy. This
small village is our base to explore the many attractions of this
scenic section of the Mediterranean coast, including the resort town of
Fethiye.
 Kayakoy
was initially a ghost village, its ancient stone houses
abandoned after their Greek inhabitants left Turkey during the great
population exchange of the 1920s. Now Kayakoy provides you with the
opportunity to enjoy a quiet, traditional Turkish lifestyle. Enjoy a
glass of tea and game of backgammon in the traditional tree-lined
village square or have a haircut at the local barber shop.
Day 12 Kayakoy
Today we set out on a half day trek along a section of rugged
coastline, following part of the Lycian way to nearby Oludeniz (approx.
6 km) where you can swim in the famous Blue Lagoon. Or perhaps throw
yourself off Mt Baba - attached to a paraglider of course.
Please note that the trek to Oludeniz is rated moderate to difficult
and a good level of fitness is required. The terrain under foot is
sometimes slippery and uneven and there are periods of ascent and
descent. Good walking shoes are certainly required. If you do have a
reasonable level of fitness this will be an extremely enjoyable and
rewarding walk. If you are unsure as to your capability to complete
this walk please discuss with your group leader prior, so that other
arrangements can be made for this day.
During our time here we stay in a Villa run by a local family. Many of
our past travellers have listed a meal with our hosts here in Kayakoy
as a highlight of the trip. It’s some of the best food available on
tour. (Lunch included)
Days 13-14 Selcuk
This morning, we travel by public bus to the town of Selcuk (approx.
5.5 hours), our base for discovering Ephesus, former capital of the
East Roman Empire. Our local guide brings history to life as we wander
through the best-preserved ancient city in Turkey, admiring its
amphitheatre and fascinating laneways.
 There is also the chance to
visit the excellent Ephesus museum located
in the heart of Selcuk for a deeper understanding of the ruins. St John
is said to have written his gospel in this town and the historic
Basilica of St John was erected upon his grave site in the 6th century.
There is also a hilltop citadel, first constructed by the Byzantines in
the 6th century.
For lunch on day 14 we learn how to make a Turkish favourite called
gozleme. Thin, flaky pastry filled with local cheese is how the locals
like their gozleme.
Late in the afternoon on day 14 we head out to the nearby village of
Sirince, where we wander this authentic Ottoman village.
Enjoy a taste-testing of fruit wines produced locally. This old Greek
Ottoman village seems to have been overlooked by modern development and
is a photographer's dream.
Day 15 Pamukkale
A private bus ride (approx 3.5 hours) inland through mountainous
landscapes brings us to one of Turkey's most photographed sites - the
gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. These are created from
limestone deposits, formed when water from the hot springs loses carbon
dioxide. These layers of white calcium carbonate have earned Pamukkale
the nickname 'cotton castles' and the pools, now off-limits,
have been famed for their medicinal qualities since Roman times.
 Though we are not able to bathe
in the world-famous Travertines, we can
still walk through them (no shoes please!) and bathe in healing thermal
springs at the nearby Roman site of Hierapolis. Home to an oracle at
one time, a well-preserved Roman theatre still remains here. Wander the
colonnaded streets and discover the necropolis with its many unique
tombs looking every bit like a scene from judgement day.
IMPORTANT:
As of Tuesday 29th of July 2008, the TCCD - Turkish Railways - have
announced a suspension of all trains on the line between
Denizli and Istanbul. We have replaced this train journey with an
overnight luxury bus (approx 10hrs). The bus stops every few hours at
the company's own rest stops and the entire operation is considered to
be the premier service in Turkey, a country where already bus services
are at a much higher standard than found in most of the rest of the
world.
Day 16 Istanbul
 Upon arrival in Istanbul's
Asian shore in the early morning, we take a
ferry across the waterways and take in the city’s incredible skyline.
This is a great time to do some shopping in the famous Grand Bazaar.
Your day is free to spend how you wish. There is so much to offer in
this incredible world capital. Your leader will help to organise any
arrangements or give ideas to see parts of the city off the tourist
trail.
This evening we have dinner together in a special location on delicious
local cuisine and reminisce about our unforgettable journey through
this land of diversity and culture.
Day 17 Istanbul/ Canada
As there are no activities planned, you are free to depart any time
this day.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home.
If you would like to stay longer in Istanbul there are plenty more
things to see and do. Don't miss the superb Aya Sofya, the home of
beautiful mosaics and an incredible reminder of the city that was once
Constantinople. Visit the Archaeology Museum, which contains an
incredible array of ancient exhibits - of particular interest are the
artefacts from infamous Troy. Head down to the Bosphorus and take a
ferry cruise on one of the worlds most celebrated waterways or grab a
fresh fish roll for lunch. You could travel over to the stylish Taksim
Square area and stroll along the main street with the local
hipsters. Visit the atmospheric underground Cistern, a vast
underwater storage tank built in 532 AD. If all of this makes you a
little tired, then an hour or two spent in a hamam (Turkish bath) will
leave you rejuvenated at the end of your journey.
Tour cost $3989.00 + airport taxes/fuel surcharge+insurance
costs (please see below)
Air
Return airfare Vancouver to Istanbul
Group Leader
This trip is arranged privately and will be escorted by Lee
Massey from Vancouver with a local group leader and local
guides in Turkey.
The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels
and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to
provide the services of an experienced leader. However, due to the
seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is
new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader
will provide information on the places you are travelling through,
offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local
eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being
guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad
general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including
historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
Accommodation
Guesthouses/hotels (12 nts), overnight train/bus (2 nts),
Accommodation: The style of accommodation described in the day to day
itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions alternative arrangements
may need to be arranged due to availability of rooms in our usual
accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in
these instances.
Meals
12 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 2 Dinners
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of
wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able
to suggest favourite restaurants during your stay. To give
you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to
eat generally we do not include all meals in the tour cost. As a rule
our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety
of dishes and enjoy each other's company.
Breakfast is generally a very simple affair and typically consists of
bread, jam, tea/coffee and on occasion tomato, cucumber, &
juice (or similar).
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. We require that, at a
minimum, you are covered for medical expenses including emergency
repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers
personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and
personal effects.. You will not be permitted to join the group until
evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour
emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your tour leader will require details
of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy
number and emergency contact telephone number rather than the Bank's
name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these
details prior to arriving in-country. If you would like to purchase our
insurance:
17days: $4000.00 p.p coverage
Deluxe Package: (Includes trip cancellation, medical, baggage and
flight accident insurance).
For terms and conditions please click here.
Purchase or get a quote
Travel insurance policy
$263.00 up to 59 years
$333.00
60-64 years
$384.00
65-69 years
$615.00
70-74 years
Or
Non Medical Package: (Includes trip cancellation, baggage and flight
accident insurance).
$212.00 up to 59 years
$242.00
60-64 years
$271.00
65-69 years
$308.00
70-74 years
Single Travelers
Our trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a
single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex
for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to
multi-share. If you do prefer to have your own room, the additional
single supplement will be $875.00.
Transport
Overnight train, dolmus (minibus), public and private bus, ferry, gulet
(traditional Turkish boat), tram, taxi, walking
Activities Included
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other
activities are optional and at your own expense. For a list of optional
activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional
activities section below. If you choose not to participate in the
included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Ataturk Airport arrival transfer
Orientation walk in Istanbul led by your group leader
Goreme Open Air Museum tour with local guide
Walk through the Cappadocian Valley with local guide
Dinner at a local Cappadocian family house
Traditional Turkish boat cruise (gulet) over Sunken City, Kas
Kayakoy Greek village
Hike the Lycian Way to Oludeniz beach, Fethiye
Pamukkale rock terraces
Cooking demonstration of local Turkish delicacy gozleme, Selcuk
Guided tour of Ephesus, Selcuk
Visit to village of Sirince for fruit wine tasting
Optional Activities
We list the following optional activities for your information and
should be used as a guide only.
They are not necessarily endorsed or recommended by Intrepid or us nor
included in price of this trip. If you do any of them, you do so at
your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation
is your own decision and does not form part of your contract with
Intrepid or us.
The optional activities listed are suggestions about what is possible
to do in each location. It may not be possible to do all activities
listed in the time you a have at each destination. We recommend you do
some planning in advance to decide what you most want to do in each
location. Your leader can give further recommendations also.
Istanbul:
Aya Sofya - TL20
Topkapi Palace (incl. harem) - TL35
Underground Cistern - TL10
Archaeology Museum - TL10
Islamic Art Museum - TL10
Chora Church - TL15
Dervish show - TL35
Turkish hamam (incl. massage) - TL100
Cappadocia:
Goreme Open Air Museum - TL15
Goreme Turkish folklore night - TL40
Balloon flight - Deluxe EUR230, Normal EUR165
Derinkuyu underground city - TL15
Konya:
Mevlana Musuem - TL 3
Antalya:
Archaeological Museum - TL15
Kayakoy:
Olundeniz paragliding - TL140
Selcuk/Ephesus:
Ephesus Museum - TL10
Ephesus terrace houses - TL15
St John's Basilica - TL5
Pamukkale:
Hierapolis Museum - TL3
Hierapolis Sacred Pool - TL23
Physical Rating
Rated 2/5 rating definitions
You are required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up
hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or bike
rides, but these are on mainly flat ground.
Commissions:
The receipt of commissions or kickbacks in exchange for recommending
particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism
industry. Rather than turn a blind eye to this unavoidable issue in
some areas Intrepid has established a centralised fund whereby
contributions from recommended suppliers are distributed directly into:
The Intrepid Foundation; local Responsible Travel projects (such as
'Say no to plastic' cotton bags for our travelers, Responsible Travel
signage in our hotels and drinking water refilling stations) and
towards carbon off-setting our local office in Istanbul.
A priority in establishing this fund is that the experience of you our
traveller is not compromised in any way. Please let us know via the
feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting
this objective.
Culture Shock Rating
Rated 2/5 rating definitions
The trip includes a range of accommodation with western facilities or
overnight trains. Days of being on the move are well interspersed,
communication with the outside world is ever-present and a wide variety
of food is commonly available.
Important Notes
Turkey is a fascinating mixture of East and West as Europe and Asia
come together. This can, and often does mean that you will discover a
country which is different to those you have experienced before.
Although secular, there are strong Islamic influences and the further
east you travel the simpler the infrastructure and facilities become.
There can be very different attitudes to time-keeping, public
cleanliness and service, calls to prayer at 4:30am, lack of hot water
and little English spoken. Naturally, this can all test the patience
but if you can see this as an exciting new challenge rather than a
setback, and if you are able to travel with a lot of patience
and a sense of humour, then we know that you - like all of us - will
be captivated by everything that Turkey has to offer.
Communication:
Please be aware that telephone calls made from hotel rooms are
extremely expensive. We advise you do not rely on hotel telephones to
communicate while travelling. Use local phones or call shops, or rely
on the internet
Safe Deposit Boxes:
Safety Boxes may not always available at all our hotels.
Visas
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual
traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where
you are from and where you are going. It is not necessary to acquire an
entry visa for Turkey in advance, as visas
can easily be obtained upon arrival in Istanbul. The visa fee for
Canada citizens is US$60 and can change at any time without notice.
Visa windows are conveniently located adjacent to the immigration line
at the port of entry; simply proceed to the visa counter before you get
in the immigration line, and have your money ready. Visas obtained on
entry must be paid in cash in $USD so ensure you have some on hand to
save time. Alternatively there is an ATM/cash machine installed at the
visa window before you pass immigration.
Health
All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to
participate fully in the group travel experience. If in the opinion of
our group leader or company representative any traveller is unable to
complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest
of the group, Intrepid reserves the right to exclude them from all or
part of a trip without refund. We therefore ask that you read the
itinerary in these trip notes thoroughly and then realistically
self-assess your physical ability to complete the trip as described.
Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you
should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information
about before departure. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and
away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for
legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of
drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. While your tour
leader will carry a fully stocked first aid kit recommend that you
carry a basic First Aid kit with any personal medical requirements.
Physical Preparation
You will need to be in good physical health to get the most from this
trip.
The walk along the Lycian way is on a rough track and steep in some
places but suitable for the majority of our passengers.
Money Exchange
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates
please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
The Turkish lira is known as YTL - Yeni (new) Turkish Lira in Turkey,
however on some international conversion tables it may appear as TRY.
Please check the latest exchange rate for the Turkish lira at your
local bank, in the newspaper or on the internet as it can change
frequently. There are ATMs throughout the main Turkish cities and these
are a safe and convenient way to withdraw your money. Credit cards are
also widely accepted. Travellers' cheques of a major brand in a major
currency (USD, GBP and Euro are best) can be changed at selected local
banks but it is very time consuming. There is a minimal fee payable for
the exchange service. The easiest to change is cash of any of the major
currencies - British pounds, Euros and US dollars are favoured. We
suggest you bring some travellers' cheques for emergencies.
Please take into consideration the safety issues of carrying only cash,
though some money should be taken as cash in case of emergencies.
Spending Money
Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements
will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other
travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider
your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks,
shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also
remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not
compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it
is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during
your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature
of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. Please note
we recommend that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient
by a member of your group as our group leaders are prohibited from
collecting cash for tips.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback
from our past travellers:
Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants - leave the loose
change. More up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide
in addition to your leader. We suggest 1-2Euros per person per day for
local guides.
Drivers: You may have a range of private drivers on your trip. Some may
be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for
several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved
with the group however 1-2Euro per person per day is generally
appropriate.
Gulet Boat Trips: If you are travelling through Southern Turkey on a
Gulet Boat trip we suggest 1-2Euros per person per day for the boat
staff.
Your Group Leader: You may also consider tipping your leader for
outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a
personal preference, however as a guideline 2Euro per person, per day
can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit,
depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your
trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when
you receive excellent service.
Departure Tax
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight
ticket.
Emergency Funds
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be
used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control
(eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu)
necessitate a change to our planned route.
Issues on Your Trip
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday
experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit
sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you
are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group
leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their
best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on
the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local
partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction -
if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their
direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we
ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do
ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any
practical help after the trip is complete.
Keeping in Touch
- communication while on the road
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email
cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although
it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on
some itineraries. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency
while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your
local booking agent, or refer to our emergency contact details. We
don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through
hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not
speak English.
Emergency Contact
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency only, Intrepid's
Istanbul's Operations team can be reached on the following numbers:
Office +90 (0) 212 512 7144. Mob +90 532 641 6514 or Mob +90 532 405
2687. For further contact details please use the following page:
http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Your Fellow
Travellers
As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures
and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your
fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and
likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the
various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow
travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel
experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the
group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain
time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have
found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those
where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a
little effort on your part.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you
with contact details and any personal information about your fellow
travellers booked on your trip prior to departure.
Responsible Travel
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism.
Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative
aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit
and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at
www.intrepidtravel.com/responsibletravel for further details and
suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller.
A Couple of Rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. Possessing or using
drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest
of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local
culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for Intrepid
travellers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards
everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our
destinations such special places. The exploitation of prostitutes is
completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right
to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession
or if they use prostitutes.
Laundry
Some of our hotels offer a laundry service which by western standards
is generally inexpensive. Self-service laundries are scarce, but
Laundromats are common in the main towns. If using a hotel or
Laundromat service please note that damage to clothing is occasionally
encountered. Leave your delicate evening wear at home. Consider
bringing some bio-degradable laundry soap and hand wash so that you can
wash any precious items yourself.
What to Take
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have
chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling.
Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast
majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and
although you will not be required to walk long distances with your
luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under
10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an
overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel
lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although
we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day
pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
It is recommended that your bags can be locked, as on local transport
it may be necessary to store your luggage separately from the group.
The smaller your bag is the better, for when it comes to travelling
it's usually only the smaller bags that will fit into the storage
areas. If your bag does not fit in these areas then often the only
place to put it is on your lap. So to get maximum comfort,
pack small and light!
Temperatures are highly variable depending on the time of year and the
region you are travelling in. Winters range from freezing in the
central and eastern areas, cold in Istanbul and relatively mild on the
west coast. Summer (June, July and August) can be extremely hot all
over the country. Spring and autumn tend towards warm days and cooler
nights. A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat
essential.
Although bottled water is available, the sale of bottled water
contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In
addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic
bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end
up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural
environments. Many of our hotels in Turkey have a system where you can
refill bottles with purified water for a fee, generally much less than
a new bottle of water. We recommend you use this service where possible.
Checklist
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not
intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish
to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply
with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Passport
Any visas required
Travel insurance (emergency insurance contact details)
Air tickets
Your vouchers
Photocopy of above documents to be stored in your baggage in case of
theft. Or better still get copies scanned and save to your email
account.
Money: ATM card (widely available and easy to access); credit cards
(widely accepted in big cities); cash
Money pouch
First aid kit
Travel sickness pills
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
Alarm clock
Torch/flashlight
Warm clothes for the cooler nights
Ear plugs can be useful if you are a light sleeper
Lock for your backpack or bag
Hat
Light, weatherproof jacket (especially March, April, May, Oct, Nov)
Good comfortable shoes for long walks
Insect repellent
Sun protection lotion
Tampons (not always easy to find)
Refillable water bottle
Beach towel & swim wear - if your trip includes the coast
Consider bringing some post cards/pins/ of your hometown to give to
local people. Photos of your family to show local people help to get a
conversation and the interaction started.
Local Dress
Turkey is a secular nation but away from the beaches it is very
conservative and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline,
shoulders and knees should be covered at all times for both sexes. The
wearing of shorts away from beaches is not recommended for both men and
women as it will restrict your entry into buildings of a religious
nature, and limit local interaction moments. Loose, lightweight, long
clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly hot climate.
Safety
Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on
safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you
check your government's advice for their latest travel information
before departure. Please refer to www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues
affecting our trips:
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while
travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash
and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you
won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit
boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock
is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however
during your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own
interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While
your group leader will assist you with the available options in a given
location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are
not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes no
representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the
operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when
selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your
group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip
itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can
expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid’s operational safety
policy at www.intrepidtravel.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information
before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it is
being implemented in the field. |
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| A wise traveler never despises his own country. - Carlo Goldoni |
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