While our intention is to adhere to the day-by-day route as printed, a degree of flexibility is built into the route. The leisurely and informal nature of gulet sailing means that a fixed itinerary cannot be given. Much depends on the elements.
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.
Accordingly, you should allow approx £15.00 per person for tipping.
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 ARE required by UK citizens and are obtainable on arrival for £10.00. Make sure that you have an English £10.00 note with you. You must also make sure that you have a full blank page on your passport for this visa stamp. Most other nationalities also require a visa, which can usually be obtained upon arrival in Turkey. Please consult the Turkish embassy website for further details. Please note visa costs and currencies for payment vary.
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Vaccinations & Protection
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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Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus,typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio.
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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
Additional Information for your Boat Journey
Our gulet has a local skipper plus crew. It has 8 cabins with en-suite facilities, a salon and a sundeck. Delicious Turkish food is prepared on board in the galley kitchen by our local cook. A supply of cold drinks and local wines are carried and these may be bought as required. Our own Tour Leader travels on board the vessel, helping to arrange on shore excursions to visit the local sites and organise optional day walks.
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Tea and coffee will be provided on board the gulet at meal/tea times and water is provided at meal times also. You cannot bring your own drinks on board the gulet but they can be purchased at the following rates:
| |
Approx GBP |
Turkish Lira |
| Wine (70cl) |
£10.00 |
25 |
| Water (small) |
0.40 |
1 |
| Beer (small) |
1.60 |
4 |
| Coke (soft drinks) |
1.25 |
3 |
| Raki |
2.50 |
6 |
| Vodka (spirits) |
3.00 |
7 |
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Climate
Evenings and early mornings can be cool in early season (May). Summers are hot and dry, with refreshing sea breezes.
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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
One main piece of baggage and a daysack for a few personal things. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs. Space is limited in the gulet cabins so luggage should be kept to a minimum. A soft holdall is recommended rather than a hard suitcase.
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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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Clothing
The long Turkish summer can be hot, though much of the Mediterranean coastline is freshened by sea breezes. A warmer sweater or light fleece and long trousers are advisable for the evenings in early and late season. Dress on the gulet is informal.
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Footwear
Footwear is generally not worn on the boat, which is recommended as you get much better grip with bare feet. Bring sandals for general wear and a pair of old or plastic shoes for walking on rocks and wet beach landings. A pair of trainers or a comfortable pair of walking shoes is required for walks and visiting ancient sites.
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Equipment
Useful equipment includes a water bottle, small torch, high factor suncream, insect repellent, sunglasses, and a snorkel and mask for keen swimmers. Whilst towels are provided you may want to bring your own for drying down after swimming. Note: Qualified scuba divers wishing to dive should bring their diving certificate and log book.
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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
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.
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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.
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Country info
Turkey: Area: 779,452 sq km (483,260 sq mi).
Population: 65.7 million.
Language: Turkish (French, German & English widely spoken).
Religion: Muslim with small Christian minority.
Local Time: As Turkey operates daylight saving time is it always 2hrs ahead of UK time
Electric Supply & Plugs: 220v AC 50 Hz.Type C and F plugs.
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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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Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the North American website
