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.
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.
Clients may pay in cash or with credit cards. On both the Budget and Classic Flights, you will be offered fruit and champagne (or soft drink if preferred) on completion, as well as a Flight Certificate. We would remind you that in the interests of safety and your enjoyment all balloon flights are subject to suitable flying conditions. Please ensure you wear warm clothing and secure footwear.
Accordingly you should allow approx. £25 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.
Back to top
Visa Requirements
Visas ARE required by UK citizens and are obtainable on arrival for £10.00. Make sure that you have an English £10.00 note with you. You must also make sure that you have a full blank page on your passport for this visa stamp. Most other nationalities also require a visa, which can usually be obtained upon arrival in Turkey. Please consult the Turkish embassy website for further details. Please note visa costs and currencies for payment vary.
Back to top
All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
Back to top
Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus,typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio.
Back to top
The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
Back to top
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/
Back to top
Preparing for your tour
Altitude
Parts of this trip are undertaken at a high altitude – the realm of thin, cold, dry air. Whilst this is unlikely to be a problem it is wise to be aware of how it may affect you.
Back to top
Altitude: On Trek
Gradient Chart
Back to top
Climate
In the middle of the day Cappadocia 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). The Anatolian plain is hot and dry in summer. However, much of our journey is at altitudes over 1000m above sea level, so be prepared for colder evenings and early mornings, occasional rain showers and snow on the slopes of Mount Ararat. Eastern Turkey can be subject to extremes in temperature, with daytime temperatures reaching the mid 30s centigrade, dropping down to around 0 and lower at night.
Back to top
Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
Back to top
Packing for your tour
To assist with packing for your tour, we have detailed some of the essential items you should take with you.
Back to top
Luggage
One main piece and a large daysac (recommend 35litres). Please bear in mind that hard suitcases are not suitable for this trek, as luggage needs to be transported in some cases by mules. You may also wish to bring a smaller holdall as items not required on trek can be left behind at various intervals during the tour. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs.
Back to top
Trek Kit Bag
For an exclusively designed Explore Trek Bag, follow the relevant link at www.nomadtravel.co.uk/explore
Back to top
Clothing
A wind and waterproof jacket is essential, as are gloves, scarf (to cover face) and a warm hat or balaclava. You will also need a fleece, long trousers, shorts, down jacket. A tracksuit or thermal underwear are useful items for the cold nights. You may also wish to bring a swimsuit along.
Back to top
Footwear
Walking boots with good ankle support are essential and they must be capable of using with crampons. Trainers are useful for relaxing around camp of an evening. 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.
Crampons can be hired locally for £8 per pair or you may bring your own for familiarity and a better fit.
Back to top
Equipment
3-4 season sleeping bag, torch, water bottle, high factor suncream, good quality sun glasses and a lip salve with sun protection. We highly recommend walking poles to aid you in your trekking.
Back to top
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.
Back to top
General Information
Please note:
Turkey is a secular democratic republic, the population of which is mainly Muslim. Therefore you should dress with respect and appropriately when entering rural areas and more conservative towns / cities - your tour leader can advise when this would be appropriate. Likewise, all passengers should dress appropriately when entering any place of worship. Men and women should be modestly dressed with legs and shoulders covered. Women will also need to cover their heads.
Back to top
RAMADAN 2013 - 9th July to 8th August
Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some restrictions to services and minor amendments to the itinerary. Restaurants may have limited supplies of fresh food available during this period.
Back to top
Country info
Area: 779,452 sq km (483,260 sq mi).
Population: 65.7 million.
Language: Turkish (French, German & English widely spoken).
Religion: Muslim with small Christian minority.
Local Time: GMT +3.
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz.Type C and F plugs.
Back to top
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/
Back to top
Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Kummerley & Frey: Eastern Turkey, Roger Laschelles: Turkey East.
Recommended Books: Diana Drake: Discovery Guide to Eastern Turkey, Footprint Guide to Turkey, William Dalrymple: From the Holy Mountain, Charles Berlitz: The Lost Ship of Noah: In Search of the Ark at Ararat, Lonely Planet Guide to Istanbul, Steven Runciman: The Fall of Constantinople.
Back to top
Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the North American website
Man originally conquered the air with the hot air balloon and it is still possible to recreate that sense of wonder those first aviators enjoyed – and what a location! There can be few places around the world that can rival the incredible, eroded landscapes of Cappadocia as you float almost silently above the strange moonscape below – a wonderful, lighter than air experience! Two different flights are on offer, both bookable through Goreme Balloons.
