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.
While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route as printed below, a degree of flexibility is built into the itinerary. Places visited and routes may vary depending on local road and weather conditions.
In Fethiye where there is an afternoon by the beach, on the boat trip travelling to the bays and islands off Dalyan’s coastline and the natural pools of Iliac.
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.
Accordingly you should allow approx. £15 for gratuities for local staff.
Local Costs
| |
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.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
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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Visa Requirements
Visas for Turkey 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.(Turkish authorities will not accept Scottish or Irish bank notes)
Most other nationalities also require a visa, which can be obtained upon arrival in Turkey. Visa costs vary: please check with your consular office or your travel agent. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. Other nationalities may also have to pay their visas in their home currency - ie Irish 15Euro, American US$20 please check before arrival.
All nationalities that require a visa will need a blank page in their passport for the visa and stamp.
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, we recommend protection against malaria, typhoid, tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria.
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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.
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Lone Parents
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel
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Know before you go
We 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/
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Preparing for your tour
Walking Grades and Fitness
Grading is a somewhat difficult topic as much depends on the individual’s own perception of his or her abilities. The following is intended as a general guide to our walking grades. This tour is rated Easy to Moderate
Easy: Short day walks at low altitudes. Walks can be enjoyed by anyone who leads a reasonably active life.
Moderate: Involves some longer walks at low altitudes. (4-6 hrs/day, below 3000m). Some previous hillwalking experience is beneficial, but walks should be within the capabilities of those who lead a normal active life. Tours may contain optional strenuous days, and we would advise that you tone up your fitness before you travel.
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Climate
Walking in Cappadocia is possible all year round, but the spring and autumn months are best. In the middle of the day it is usually warm and sunny (temperatures in mid-20’s) but evenings and early mornings can be chilly in early or late season (March & October). Winter in Cappadocia (October to March) is cold with highs of around 10°C and lows down to -4°C: you should dress accordingly. Turkey’s Mediterranean coast meanwhile enjoys some of the most favourable climates in the region, with mild to hot weather most of the year and off shore breezes that can make evenings temperatures particularly pleasant.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
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Luggage
Unfortunately 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
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One main piece of baggage and daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Clothing
Pack essentially for ’All Tours’ plus ‘Hot Conditions’. It is essential to bring some warm clothing including a wind and waterproof outer layer even though you will be travelling in summer. Overnight temperatures can be cold any time of the year, but early and late season departures may be especially cold so please ensure you bring adequate warm clothes and waterproofs, including gloves and hats.
Please note: that Moslem people can be offended by brief clothing or shorts.
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Footwear
Walking boots and comfortable trainers/sandals. We suggest that on international flights you either carry your walking boots in your hand luggage or wear them – should your luggage be lost or delayed, your well broken in boots are the one thing that will be irreplaceable.
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Equipment
You need to bring your own sleeping bags (3-season, temperature –5°C to 0°C)), a torch, water bottle, insect repellent, suncream (at least factor 15), good quality sunglasses and a lip salve with sun protection are all essential. You will also need to bring a towel for camping and you may wish to bring a camping pillow if desired.
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Personal First Aid Kit
For an exclusively designed Explore Medical Kit, visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
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Need help on Clothing or Equipment?
Then 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.
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General Information
Trip Summary
This spectacular family adventure takes us through some of Turkey’s most incredible natural and cultural landscapes, from the surreal ‘Fairy Chimneys’ of Cappodocia, to the bustling streets of Istanbul. Basing ourselves amongst the breathtaking landscapes of Central Anatolia and the Taurus Mountains affords an opportunity to truly capture this most captivating of regions, where ancient rock-cut churches and underground cities vie for our attention against dramatic mountains and raging rivers. We’ll also raft along the Kopru River and visit the sacred heartland of the Whirling Dervishes, explore ancient Roman ruins and sunken cities, on a journey that takes us from the central highlands to the Mediterranean coast and onto the very gates of ancient Constantinople.
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Please note:
RAMADAN 2010 11th August – 9th September
Please note that 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.
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Water-based activities: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including whitewater) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
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Country info
Area: 780,000 sq km.
Population: 64 million.
Language: Turkish (French, German & English are all widely spoken).
Religion: Muslim with a small Christian minority.
Local Time: GMT +3.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz. Type C and F.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Turkey (Hilderbrand).
Recommended Books: Footprint, Lonely Planet and Rough Guides to Turkey, Laurence Kelly: Istanbul: A Traveller’s Companion, Eyewitness Travel Guide: Turkey, Steven Runciman: The Fall of Constantinople.
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Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the North American website
