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. £10 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 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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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, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio.
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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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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
We've given each walking & trekking holiday a trek grade to help you decide which one is appropriate for you. This holiday is rated 'Easy'.
Easy: Short walks, around 4 to 5 hours per day. Routes are at low altitude and the terrain is undemanding. Only minor ascents and descents are involved and often the walks are optional. Previous walking or trekking experience is not necessary: you just need to be reasonably fit and active.
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Climate
Evenings and early mornings can be cool in the early and late season (before mid May and after early October). 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 daypack. Total allowance: 44lb/20kg. Remember you are expected to carry your own luggage so don't overload yourself.
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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.
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March / April and late September / October / November tend to be cooler so bring layers and some warmer clothes. A light rainjacket may also be useful.
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Footwear
Walking/hiking boots with good ankle support, trainers and/or sandals for travelling and general wear.
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Equipment
Bring a water bottle, torch, sunblock, sunhat, sunglasses and insect repellent. Light waterproofs may also be useful at the beginning and end of the season. You may also wish to bring binoculars. As the terrain can be occasionally steep and/or rocky underfoot you may wish to bring walking poles for extra stability.
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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
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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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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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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Maps & Books
Recommended Maps: Turkey (Hilderbrand).
Recommended Books: ‘The Rough Guide to Turkey’; ‘Companion Guide to Turkey’ by John Freely (Collins); ‘Lycian Turkey’ and ‘Turkey beyond the Meander’ by George Bean; ‘Crescent and Star’ by Steven Kinzer.
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Toll Free USA - 1 800 715 1746 
Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
This is the North American website
