Detailed Trip Notes
Suitability
Suitability
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.
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Tour Itinerary
Budgeting for your Tour
Other Sightseeing & Activites
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.
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Excursion Prices
Cappadocia - Visit Turkish bath 50YTL - (approx £20); Whirling Dervish ceremony £13. Hot Air Balloon ride – Classic Flight (on average 100 minutes): EUR220 pp. Budget Flight (on average 65 minutes): EUR155 pp.
There is a possibility to do some snow shoeing in December and February but it depends on the weather.
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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.
Classic Flight (on average 100 minutes): EUR220 pp.
Budget Flight (on average 65 minutes): EUR155 pp. 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.
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Tipping
Local Crew: Although entirely voluntary, tipping is a recognized part of life in this region of the world. Some local staff will look to members of the group for personal recognition of particular services provided. In order to make things easier for you, the Tour Leaders may organise a group’s tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the tour.
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Accordingly, you should allow £10.00 for tipping.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Foreign Exchange
Local Currency: Turkish Lira.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Major foreign currencies such as US Dollars, £Sterling and Euros can easily be changed. We advise against travelling with Travellers Cheques as commission rates are high. Other currencies can be exchanged in larger cities. We advise you to change money in Turkey as rates tend to be better.
Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: ATMs are widely available throughout Turkey.
Credit Card Acceptance: In major restaurants.
Travellers Cheques: Not recommended.
Up-to-date information re:global exchange rates can be obtained at https://www.currencyexpress.com/explore/
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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. Malaria protection is not usually necessary for the areas visited on this tour.
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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
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 20’s) but evenings and early mornings are 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. Rain is possible year round but especially in the Spring and Autumn.
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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 medium size rucksack or large holdall and a day sack for the day. Total allowance: 44lbs/20kgs maximum. Suitcases are not recommended.
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Clothing
It is essential to bring some warm clothing including a wind and waterproof outer layer even if 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 and it may snow. In case of snow, snow-shoes will be provided on the walks but please ensure you bring adequate warm clothes and waterproofs.
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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
Sunglasses, sunhat, water bottle, a torch and sun-block. Walking poles may be useful for some people.
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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
Area: 780,000 sq. km.
Population: 63,745,000.
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.
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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: Companion Guide to Turkey by John Freely (Collins).
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Toll Free Canada – 1 888 216 3401
