Tour Description

Complete with endless architectural jewels and fascinating cultural sites, not to mention otherworldly landscapes and glistening seaside towns – this is the best of Turkey. This 9-day Premium journey has been carefully crafted to show you the best spots in the most efficient timeframe; with fewer travel days so you’ve got more time to explore the places you visit. Begin the adventure in the great city of Istanbul, before making your way to Kusadasi and picture-perfect Cappadocia, before returning to Istanbul. You’ll marvel at the world-famous mosques in Istanbul, walk in the footsteps of ancient rulers in archaeological sites like Pergamon and Ephesus and see (almost) every inch of Cappadocia, from subterranean cities to incredible cave hotels.

Priced From:

$ 5917.00pp ^*

Valid From: 01JAN2025

Valid To: 31DEC2025

Start Location: Istanbul

End Location: Cappadocia

Countries: Turkey,

Tour Advisors

Tiffany McCrea-Lennon

Managing Director

Chris McKinnel

Travel Specialist

Gaylyn Murdoch

Administration Manager

Russell Mein

Travel Specialist

Holly Skene

Travel Co-ordinator

Kim Thomas

Broker

Highlights

Cruise the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, on a private yacht and marvel at the Istanbul skyline and artisan palaces, mansions and historical monuments at shore.

Walk in the footsteps of ancient emperors and explore the extraordinary archaeological sites of Pergamon and Ephesus.

Discover the flavours of Turkey, tuck into a traditional home-cooked meal in Cappadocia and get tips from a BBC presenter chef during a cooking class in Kusadasi.

Experience an exclusive carpet weaving demonstration at a social enterprise that’s keeping tradition alive and providing employment for local women.

Explore subterranean cities, whimsical fairy chimneys and stay in some pretty incredible cave accommodation – this trip features some of the best experiences in Cappadocia.

Itinerary

Hos geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure begins in Istanbul – the largest city in all of Europe. When you arrive, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your boutique hotel in the heart of the Old City. From the magnificent mosques to the bustling bazaars, there’s plenty to see and do here if you arrive early. You might like to stretch your legs and visit the 1500-year-old UNESCO World Heritage monument, Hagia Sophia. With incredible architectural beauty and varied history, it was originally built as an Orthodox Christian cathedral, then converted into a mosque, then a museum and has now been turned back into a mosque again. Tonight, join your local leader and small group for a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Then, take a short stroll to a local restaurant for a group dinner of Ottoman and Turkish cuisine.

After breakfast, join your leader to explore Sultan Ahmet I’s Blue Mosque. With six minarets, 260 windows and it’s iconic, blue-tiled walls (made up of more than 20,000 Iznik ceramic tiles), the Blue Mosque is known as one of the most magnificent in all of Istanbul. Then, you'll head out to explore the rest of the city on an orientation walk. Make your way to Sultanahmet (the Old City, formerly Constantinople) and explore the hippodrome and the decorative statues and obelisks. Then, get into some good-natured haggling with local artisans in the Grand Bazaar, packed with over 3000 stalls of handcrafted jewellery, textiles and books. After exploring, it’s time to hop aboard a private yacht and marvel at the Istanbul skyline from sea. This fairy-tale experience across the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, features panoramic views from the waterway dotted with artisan palaces, mansions and historic monuments. Sit back and soak up the vistas after a jam-packed day of exploration.

After breakfast, it’s time to bid farewell to Istanbul and journey to Kusadasi, with a stop in Pergamon along the way. The ancient city of Pergamon, sitting high above the Bakircay Plain in Turkey’s Aegean region, is easily accessible by cable car. At the top of the hill, you’ll discover crumbling ruins, large and small. Some of the most fascinating spots to explore include the well-known library that helped put Pergamon on the map, the colossal Temple of Trajan, 10,000-seat Hellenistic theatre and the Altar of Zeus. After some time walking in the footsteps of ancient emperors, you’ll continue to Kusadasi. Tonight, get comfortable at your boutique hotel on the edge of the Aegean Sea – this will be your home away from home for the next three nights.

After breakfast today, you’ll explore the ancient city ruins of Ephesus. This is one of the best-preserved cities in the Eastern Mediterranean and arguably the greatest Greco-Roman site in the world. As you walk in the footsteps of Cleopatra and Mark Antony, you’ll get a glimpse into how the ancient Romans lived. Stroll the marble streets surrounding the ancient theatre and explore the gymnasium, baths and beautifully restored Library of Celsus. From ancient ruins to ancient traditions, you’ll be treated to a carpet weaving demonstration and learn about the art of traditional carpet weaving from local social enterprise, Sultankoy. This organisation provides local women with employment while protecting and developing the ancient tradition. After a picnic lunch here, you’ll learn all about Turkish recipes and flavours with a hands-on cooking class. Get to know the local chef as you prepare a traditional meal and feast on your creations together.

Wake up without an alarm today and enjoy this coastal paradise with a free morning. Kusadasi is the perfect springboard to see some Turkey’s most incredible ruins and natural wonders, so why not take advantage and book an optional tour to explore Pamukkale and the Hierapolis Ancient City. Pamukkale’s mineral springs have become well-known for their turquoise waters framed by a snow-white mineral build-up cascading over the cliffs. Now a UNESCO World Heritage site, the hot springs were believed to hold therapeutic healing properties by ancients Greeks and Romans. If you’d rather skip the optional tour and stay closer to town, why not stroll the seafront promenade and grab a bite to eat by the harbour or banter with the locals at the main bazaar. However you choose to spend your day, you can swap stories with your fellow travellers over your group dinner this evening.

Today, catch a flight to Kayseri and be swept away by the mystery of Cappadocia, where you’ll stay in specially restored cave suites in the Old City centre. After checking in, you’ll be welcomed into a local home for home-cooked Turkish lunch. Next, it's time to explore Goreme Open Air Museum. Another UNESCO World Heritage site to check off the list, you’ll find richly decorated rock-carved churches, monasteries and chapels here. After getting to know Goreme, it’s time to get to know Cappadocia on a panoramic sights tour. Discover the region’s highlights like Imagination Valley where rock formations, known as fairy chimneys, stand amid the orange-coloured landscape. With your local leader by your side, you’ll learn how these unusual formations came to be.

This morning, say goodbye to Cappadocia and return to where it all began – Istanbul. When you arrive, you may wish to join your leader for a trip across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city. Here you’ll find lively, close-knit communities and jumbles of cute cafes, markets and restaurants. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of the many charms of this enthralling city. This evening, consider rounding off your adventure by joining your group for an optional farewell dinner at one of Istanbul’s excellent waterfront restaurants.

This morning, say goodbye to Cappadocia and return to where it all began – Istanbul. When you arrive, you may wish to join your leader for a trip across the Bosphorus to the Asian side of the city. Here, you’ll find lively, close-knit communities and jumbles of cute cafes, markets and restaurants. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore more of the many charms of this city. This evening, consider rounding off your adventure by joining your group for an optional farewell dinner at one of Istanbul’s waterfront restaurants.

After breakfast, our Turkish adventure comes to an end. If you would like to extend your stay in Istanbul, we would be happy to arrange additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Dates & prices

Dates

Prices

Availability

Departure Date :

16MAR2025

Return Date :

24MAR2025

6575NZD

available

Departure Date :

20APR2025

Return Date :

28APR2025

6840NZD

available

Departure Date :

11MAY2025

Return Date :

19MAY2025

7385NZD

available

Departure Date :

24MAY2025

Return Date :

01JUN2025

6575NZD

available

Departure Date :

15JUN2025

Return Date :

23JUN2025

6575NZD

available

Departure Date :

29JUN2025

Return Date :

07JUL2025

6575NZD

available

Departure Date :

20JUL2025

Return Date :

28JUL2025

6575NZD

available

Departure Date :

16AUG2025

Return Date :

24AUG2025

6575NZD

available

Departure Date :

06SEP2025

Return Date :

14SEP2025

6575NZD

available

Departure Date :

14SEP2025

Return Date :

22SEP2025

7100NZD

available

Trip Notes

Trip title

Premium Turkey

Trip code

ERPI

Validity

Validity: 01 Jan 2025 to 31 Dec 2025

Introduction

Style

Premium

Themes

Explorer

Transport

Private vehicle,Boat,Plane

Physical Rating

Joining point

Meroddi Barnathan Hotel

Şahkulu Mahallesi Tımarcı Sokak No: 1 34421 Beyoglu

Istanbul

TURKEY

Phone: +90 2123406434

Joining point instructions

An airport arrival transfer is included. Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport in Istanbul, at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre trip accommodation booked through Intrepid. There are two international airports servicing Istanbul. Istanbul Airport (IST) is 50kms/30miles northwest of central Istanbul, on the European side. Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is 50kms/30miles southeast of central Istanbul, on the Asian side. From either airport you can take a metered taxi to the joining point hotel. The taxi fare will cost approx. TRY700-900. We recommend screenshotting or printing the below details as wifi in both airports is unreliable. If you cannot find your transfer representative, or if your flight is delayed, please call the number listed below in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section. Arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST) If you have advised your flight arrival details, you will be met outside the Arrivals Hall. After collecting your luggage, proceed through the Arrivals Hall and exit through Gate 8. On the left hand side, you’ll see a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. Due to airport regulations, drivers have to wait offsite so you will need to wait for a short period of time before they arrive at the pick-up area. Once the driver arrives, the transfer representative will escort you to meet the driver (two floors down). The journey from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour but can increase to 90 minutes or more during rush hour. Arriving at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) If you have advised your flight arrival details, you will be met outside the Arrivals Hall. After collecting your luggage, proceed through the Arrivals Hall, exit, and cross the road between columns 9 and 10 to Simit Sarayi bakery. You’ll find a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign. Due to airport regulations, drivers have to wait offsite so you will need to wait for a short period of time before they arrive at the pick-up area. The journey from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes but can increase to 2 hours or more during rush hour.

Alternate Joining point

For trips departing on the following dates, use this joining point.

16 Mar 2025 (ERPI250316), 20 Apr 2025 (ERPI250420), 11 May 2025 (ERPI250511), 25 May 2025 (ERPI250525), 15 Jun 2025 (ERPI250615), 29 Jun 2025 (ERPI250629), 20 Jul 2025 (ERPI250720), 17 Aug 2025 (ERPI250817), 07 Sep 2025 (ERPI250907), 14 Sep 2025 (ERPI250914), 28 Sep 2025 (ERPI250928), 05 Oct 2025 (ERPI251005), 19 Oct 2025 (ERPI251019), 15 Mar 2026 (ERPI260315), 19 Apr 2026 (ERPI260419), 10 May 2026 (ERPI260510), 24 May 2026 (ERPI260524), 14 Jun 2026 (ERPI260614), 28 Jun 2026 (ERPI260628), 19 Jul 2026 (ERPI260719), 16 Aug 2026 (ERPI260816), 06 Sep 2026 (ERPI260906), 13 Sep 2026 (ERPI260913), 27 Sep 2026 (ERPI260927), 04 Oct 2026 (ERPI261004), 18 Oct 2026 (ERPI261018)

Meroddi Barnathan Hotel

Şahkulu Mahallesi Tımarcı Sokak No: 1 34421 Beyoglu

Istanbul

TURKEY

Phone: +90 2123406434

Alternate Joining point instructions

An airport arrival transfer is included. Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport in Istanbul, at least 14 days prior to your departure. If you plan to arrive earlier, this arrival transfer can only be offered in conjunction with pre trip accommodation booked through Intrepid. In case of flight cancellations, changes, if you experience severe delays at immigration, baggage collection or customs, or if you are not able to find the driver, please contact the emergency number: +90 850 309 68 76. There are two international airports servicing Istanbul. Istanbul Airport (IST) is 50kms/30miles northwest of central Istanbul, on the European side. Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is 50kms/30miles southeast of central Istanbul, on the Asian side. From either airport you can take a metered taxi to the joining point hotel. The taxi fare will cost approx. TRY700-900. Arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST) For your confirmed arrival transfer, please collect your luggage and proceed to Gate 8 in the arrival hall. Exit through Gate 8 and on the lefthand side you’ll see our representative holding an Intrepid sign. Our representative will then advise the driver to come and meet you . Due to airport regulations, drivers have to wait offsite so you will need to wait for a short period of time before they arrive at the pick-up area. Once the driver arrives, the transfer representative will escort you to meet the driver (two floors down). If you have trouble locating our airport representative, please call our local emergency number: +90 850 309 68 76. The journey from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour but can increase to 90 minutes or more during rush hour. Arriving at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) For your confirmed arrival transfer, you will need to exit from the international terminal and cross the road between Column 9 and Column 10 to “Simit Sarayı” bakery. where you’ll see our representative holding an Intrepid sign. Our representative will then advise the driver to come and meet you. . Due to airport regulations, drivers have to wait offsite so you will need to wait for a short period of time before they arrive at the pick-up area. If you have trouble locating our airport representative, please call our local emergency number: +90 850 309 68 76. The journey from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes but can increase to 2 hours or more during rush hour.

Finish point

Aya Hotel

Karağandere, Sucuoğlu-1. Sk. No:6,

Cappadocia

Nevsehir

TURKEY

Finish point instructions

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer to the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight details, including which airport in the region, at least 14 days prior to the start of your trip. If you have pre-booked a departure transfer your leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends. Taxi fare from your hotel to the airport will cost approx. TRY1500-2000. Please ask your leader or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi. Departing from Kayseri Airport (ASR) or Departing from Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport (NAV) There are shuttle services available to the airport from your hotel.

Important information

1. A complimentary airport arrival transfer is included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room?on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip?and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.? 3. This trip includes domestic flights. The luggage allowance is 15kg for check in luggage and 8kg for carry on. You can store excess luggage at the start point hotel. 4. This is an updated version of the itinerary for 2024 and 2025, featuring an additional internal flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul and an extra night’s accommodation in Istanbul. Please see the link in the Itinerary section above to the original 8 day itinerary which is no longer available for sale.

Group leader

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Premium leaders are Intrepid’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. 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 places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialised information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.

Safety

Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your 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 group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative 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 judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

FIRE PRECAUTIONS Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. BALCONIES Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. PICK POCKETING & PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking at night and encourage you to walk in groups and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. WATER SAFETY Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water. TRAVEL ADVICE & TRAVEL INSURANCE We recommend that you check your government's advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.

SAFETY IN TURKEY: We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before your departure and that you ensure your travel insurance covers you for all areas in your itinerary. We have links to all major travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting your trip on our safety page (link above). The safety of our travellers and staff is our first priority. We continue to monitor the situation through official travel advisories and our local operations team, and we’re able to quickly change arrangements if for any reason we become concerned. If there should be any changes to the situation you will be advised immediately. Whilst travelling in Istanbul before, after or during your tour we would recommend avoiding crowded areas like Taksim Square, Galatasaray and Kadikoy Meydan after 6.00pm especially on a weekend. If using public transport in the city please refer to http://www.iett.gov.tr/en for the latest updates and announcements.

Visas

PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here: www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

Why we love it

Cruise the Bosphorus Strait, which separates Europe and Asia, on a private yacht and marvel at the Istanbul skyline and artisan palaces, mansions and historical monuments at shore.

Walk in the footsteps of ancient emperors and explore the extraordinary archaeological sites of Pergamon and Ephesus.

Discover the flavours of Turkey, tuck into a traditional home-cooked meal in Cappadocia and get tips from a BBC presenter chef during a cooking class in Kusadasi.

Experience an exclusive carpet weaving demonstration at a social enterprise that’s keeping tradition alive and providing employment for local women.

Explore subterranean cities, whimsical fairy chimneys and stay in some pretty incredible cave accommodation – this trip features some of the best experiences in Cappadocia.

Is this trip right for you

Just as a heads up before you book: this trip is new to our range this year. And while we have thoroughly researched every detail of the logistics, new destinations can sometimes throw us some unexpected surprises. More often than not, it’ll be a great surprise. But every now and again there might be a hiccup. We like to think that’s what puts the ‘adventure’ in ‘adventure travel’.

Health

GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. DRINKING WATER As a rule, we recommend you don't drink tap water, even in hotels, as it may contain much higher levels of different minerals than the water you are used to at home. For local people, this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally, this isn't serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it's enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Many hotels and lodges provide safe drinking water, while bottled water is another alternative. Water consumption should be about two litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhea blockers are available from many pharmacies - please source from home and bring them with you on your travels.

Food and dietary requirements

While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. 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. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure. Your group leader or local representative will endeavour to cater to specific dietary requirements where possible, and vegetarianism and gluten intolerance will be catered for in most instances. There are, however some meals and activities that are fixed in advance and therefore cannot be modified to suit dietary requirements. Please notify your booking consultant of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader or local representative will endeavour to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.

Money matters

SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. TURKEY The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency in Turkey. Most goods and services can be paid for using the local currency. Given the fluctuating value of TRY, we recommend reviewing the exchange rates as your trip approaches. The EUR is also acceptable as is the USD. For the supply of everyday services like meals and general shopping we recommend the local currency. You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Turkey. Smaller venues take cash only. We recommend taking cash out in major cities before travelling to regional areas of Turkey. Before leaving home, check with your bank regarding fees you may be charged for using your card overseas. Turkey is often misjudged when it comes to costs you might have as a tourist, eg dining out and shopping. Prices can also vary considerably between regions. Cities like Istanbul and Antalya are very European and as such the standard of restaurants and cafes is very high and the cost equivalent to its European counterparts. Eating in local restaurants, roadside stalls and markets is still inexpensive and lots of fun. Budgets are a personal choice but please bear in mind that you should not expect Turkey to be a budget destination. COMMISSIONS Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference however as a guideline 4-7 USD or EUR per person (in a currency relevant to your destination), 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 and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip.

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. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Help will be on hand in most locations, but there may be times you need to handle your own luggage, for example in airports and train stations. A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this trip. It is recommended that you keep your main luggage weight around 15kg and certainly no more than 20kg. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, jacket, etc. when you’re exploring during the day. Below is a link to our ultimate packing list, a guide to get you started:

https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list

Climate and seasonal

Turkey is a large country split into seven regions. As a rule of thumb the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have typical Mediterranean climates with hot summers and mild, wet winters. In the east it is more mountainous with warm summers and very cold, snowy winters. Central Turkey (Cappadocia), has low rainfall, very dry, hot summers and very cold winters. Istanbul and coastal centres can experience very high humidity. Winter (November to March) can be very cold. Not all of our hotels have heating so consider bringing thermals, a scarf, gloves and a warm jacket for travel in this period. Summer (June to August) can be very hot. Not all of our hotels have air-conditioning, and in those that do it's not always functioning. Please consider the seasons when planning your trip. RAMADAN The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 1 March to 30 March 2025 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

A couple of rules

Intrepid won't tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams or local communities. To ensure the wellbeing of everyone on the trip, decisions made by your group leader are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. Any behaviour that prevents your leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines may result in Intrepid denying your booking or removing you from the trip. If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your group leader immediately. Alternatively, you can contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact Information section of this Essential Trip Information.

Feedback

Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

Emergency contact

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 local representative 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 or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to 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. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time. For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below: Intrepid Turkey Office: 0850 309 68 76

Responsible travel

Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

The Intrepid Foundation

We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $14million dollars and supported more than 160 communities worldwide. Now, with over 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ Contemporary Life Support Association (CYDD) provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey. Donations fund a program where young scholarship awardees undertake outreach workshops with marginalised children in regional villages. Workshops include information sessions on gender equality, health, law, culture, and other human rights topics. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation: https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/CYDD

Accommodation notes

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, 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 sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

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. 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. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

Itinerary disclaimer

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. HOT AIR BALLOON CAPPADOCIA: Please note that the optional activity of the Hot Air Balloon is weather dependent. In the case of bad weather we will be unable to fly. Your trip leader will co-ordinate this with our local supplier and the Civil Aviation Authority in Cappadocia.

Accommodation

Comfortable hotel (6 nights),Feature Stay (2 nights)

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