TURKEY
WOMENS EXPEDITION

Yes. At Adventuress in the Wild we work with tour operators who are providing trips for anybody who identifies as a woman. We have found that women are more likely to step out of their comfort zone and try new activities when they are surrounded by other supportive women. All of the tour operators we work with believe that adventure is for every woman no matter your background, ability, body type, or orientation.

The temperature from May to October can be very hot in Turkey and some of the more traditional hotels will not have air-conditioning. Evening temperatures are usually very pleasant and an open window with a breeze should do the trick. This expedition covers a lot of ground in 12 days as there is a lot to see and do in Turkey. There are a few one-night stops along the way, but you will be travelling in the comfort of a private vehicle.

If you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip there is a single supplement available, subject to availability. Please enquire with us for further information. One internal flight is included in this trip. Checked in luggage is restricted to 15kg checked-in and 8kg for hand luggage. It is possible to store a small piece of luggage at the starting and ending point guesthouses in Istanbul.

WHEN IS THE FINAL PAYMENT DATE?

This adventure can be booked with a £200 deposit. The remainder of the balance will be paid 70 days prior to departure. If booking within 70 days prior to departure then full payment will be required.

WHERE DOES THE TRIP START?

No.11 Hotel & Apartments

Balyoz sok no 11 Asmalı Mescit beyoglu Istanbul 34430, Turkey

Accommodation:

Guesthouse (5 nights), Hotel (6 nights)

Description

No:11 Hotel is located within walking distance of Istanbul’s most famous historical sites and surrounded by restaurants, shops, boutiques, cafes, and bars. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, kitchenette and a garden area. Rooms have television, air-conditioning, fridge, hair dryer, and tea and coffee amenities. 

The hotel was awarded the green key award in July 2020 as one of Turkey’s first small independent hotels with an international eco-label. The hotel uses new waste reduction measures, green cleaning and recycling and measures the carbon footprint of each guest in alignment with international eco-labeling standards in tourism and hospitality.

Instructions

We can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport. Please enquire with us and advise your flight details, including which airport in Istanbul, at least 14 days prior to the start of your trip.

Two international airports serve Istanbul. Istanbul Airport (IST) is 50 kms/30 miles northwest of central Istanbul, on the European side. Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is 50 kms/30 miles southeast of central Istanbul, on the Asian side. A metered taxi can be taken from either airport to the joining point hotel costing approx. TRY 500-600.

Arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST)

For your transfer, collect your luggage and proceed to Gate 8 in the arrival hall. Exit through 

Gate 8 and you’ll see a representative on the left holding an “Intrepid” sign. Due to airport regulations, drivers must wait offsite so you will need to wait briefly before they arrive at the pick-up area. Once the driver arrives, the representative will escort you two floors down to meet with your driver.

In case of difficulty locating the representative at the airport, please call the local emergency number listed in the Essential Trip Information.
Travel to the hotel will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour but can take 90 minutes or longer during rush hour.

Arriving at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)

For your transfer, you will exit from the international terminal and cross the road between 

Column 9 and Column 10 to “Simit Sarayı” bakery. Once there you will see a representative holding an Intrepid sign. Due to airport regulations, drivers must wait offsite so you will need to wait briefly before they arrive at the pick-up area. The representative will then advise the driver to come.

In case of difficulty locating the airport representative, please call the local emergency number listed in the Essential Trip Information.
Travel to the hotel will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes but can take 2 hours or more during rush hour.

WHERE DOES THE TRIP END?

No.11 Hotel & Apartments
Balyoz sok no 11 Asmalımescit beyoglu Istanbul 34430 TURKEY

Description

No:11 Hotel is located within walking distance of Istanbul’s most famous historical sites and surrounded by restaurants, shops, boutiques, cafes, and bars. Facilities include free Wi-Fi, kitchenette and a garden area. Rooms have television, air-conditioning, fridge, hair dryer, and tea and coffee amenities. The hotel was awarded the green key award in July 2020 as one of Turkey’s first small independent hotels with an international eco-label. The hotel uses new waste reduction measures, green cleaning and recycling and measures the carbon footprint of each guest in alignment with international eco-labeling standards in tourism and hospitality.

Instructions

We can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer to the airport. Please enquire with us and advise your flight details, including which airport in Istanbul, at least 14 days prior to the start of your trip.If you have pre-booked a departure transfer your group leader or local representative will advise you of your pick up time the day before your trip ends.

Taxi fare from your hotel to the airport will cost approx. TRY 700-900. Please ask your group leader or local representative or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi.

Departing from Istanbul Airport (IST)

Express bus services are available to the airport from Taksim which is a short taxi ride from your hotel.

Departing from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)

We recommend taking the ferry to Kadikoy on the Asian side of the city. From here there are express bus services available to the airport.

Problems and emergency contact information

While your operator endeavours to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.

There may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction – if this is the case, please ask to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will allow us to resolve the issue in real time.

ITINERARY DISCLAIMER

Itinerary changes

Itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may differ from when you first booked your trip. We advise that you review this information to have the latest updates. Due to local conditions changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway.

Optional activities

Popular activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn’t an exhaustive list and prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available, so some pre-planning is advised. When pre-booking is recommended to look for a note in the Special Information section of the itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested in the Welcome Meeting.

Where activities are considered medium or high risk, the operator works with operators whose safety and credentials they have sighted and assessed. Medium and high-risk activities not listed have not been assessed and as such the group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with these activities. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own risk.

Add on activities: 

• Istanbul – Water Marbling (Ebru) Art – EUR40
• Cappadocia – Kaymakli Underground City – EUR13
• Cappadocia – Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight – EUR260
• Cappadocia – Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight – EUR330
• Goreme – Whirling dervish performance – EUR30
• Konya – Visit to Mausoleum of Rumi – Free
• Pamukkale – Cleopatra Ancient Pool – TRY200
• Selcuk – Meryemana (Mary’s House) – EUR15

PASSPORTS, VISAS AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS 

Passport

Most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. We will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you and leave another copy at home with family or friends.

Visas

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change frequently so check for the latest information. Visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. We can point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so allow yourself plenty of time for processing.

Turkey Visa

Most nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey which must be obtained through the e-Visa system. Please go to https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ at least two weeks before you arrive in Turkey.
Passport holders from New Zealand, Argentina, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland do not require a visa for stays up to three months. We recommend all nationalities check with their local consulate for current visa requirements.

Turkey Covid-19 Entry & Exit Requirements

For the latest update of what is required to enter Turkey, check your government’s foreign travel advice and monitor for any changes as they may change without notice.

MEDICAL HEALTH & INFORMATION

Drinking Water

As a rule, we recommend you don’t drink tap water, even in hotels. For visitors drinking the tap water, the higher levels of minerals can result in illness. Generally an upset stomach is the only symptom, but it can spoil a day or two of your holiday. Many hotels and lodges provide safe drinking water, while bottled water is another alternative. Water consumption should be about two litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhoea blockers are useful, please source from home and bring them with you.

Food and dietary requirements

Your group leader or local representative will endeavour to cater to specific dietary requirements where possible, and vegetarianism and gluten intolerance will be catered for in most instances. 

However, some meals and activities are fixed in advance and cannot be modified.

Please notify us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. For those suffering from food allergies, your group leader or local representative will endeavor to disclose the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not consume anything to which you are allergic.

Transport

Private Vehicle, Boat, Plane

There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from main tourist routes. Bendy roads, rough surfaces and cramped conditions can make for some challenging travel experiences. Some days involve early starts in the morning to ensure optimisation of time at the next destination. We recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort if you suffer from travel sickness.

MONEY MATTERS

Spending money
You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget accordingly for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for on top.

TURKEY

Most goods and services can be paid for using the local currency, Turkish Lira (TRY). Given the fluctuating value of TRY, we recommend reviewing the exchange rates as your trip approaches. The EUR is acceptable as is the USD. For everyday services like meals and shopping, we recommend the local currency.

You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Turkey. Smaller venues take cash only. We recommend taking cash out in major cities before travelling to regional areas of Turkey. Check with your bank regarding fees as you may be charged for using your card overseas.

Turkey is often misjudged when it comes to costs you might have as a tourist. Prices can also vary considerably between regions. Cities like Istanbul and Antalya are very European and as such the standard of restaurants and cafes is very high and the cost equivalent to its European counterparts. Eating in local restaurants, roadside stalls and markets is still inexpensive and lots of fun. Budget is a personal choice but please bear in mind that you should not expect Turkey to be a budget destination.

TIPPING

Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult.

Optional tipping kitty

On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount, and your group leader or local representative distributes tips. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. 

The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned. This is the easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation is at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately. The tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative.

Tipping your group leader or local representative 

You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference however as a guideline 4-7 USD or EUR per person (in a currency relevant to your destination), per day can be used. Of course, you are free to tip as you see fit.

COMMISSIONS

Your tour operator understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, a centralised fund has been established for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Travel is always an adventure so your tour operator cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but aim to provide the best value trips in the market. 

CONTINGENCY FUNDS

Our operator reserves the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note they are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred because of the change of itineraries. These include but are not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). The recommended amount is listed in USD for ease of understanding however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

CLIMATE AND SEASONAL INFORMATION

Turkey is a large country split into seven regions. Generally speaking, the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have typical Mediterranean climates with hot summers and mild, wet winters. In the east, it is more mountainous with warm summers and very cold, snowy winters. Central Turkey (Cappadocia) has low rainfall, very dry, hot summers and very cold winters. Istanbul and coastal centres can experience very high humidity.

Winter (November to March) can be very cold. Not all hotels have heating so consider bringing thermals, a scarf, gloves and a warm jacket in this period. Summer (June to August) can be very hot. Not all hotels have air-conditioning, and in those that do it’s not always functioning. Please consider the seasons when planning your trip.

RAMADAN

Ramadan (Ramzan in Turkey) will be in progress from 23 Mar – 21 Apr 2023 and 11 Mar – 9 Apr 2024, with the Eid ul-Fitr festival (or Bayram in Turkey) held at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. Business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the fast is broken. Although Eid ul-Fitr can be a fascinating time to travel, it’s a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.

Ramadan month can differ from country to country and region to region and can be a wonderful inclusion in your travels. If you have concerns about travelling at this time, please check with us before your departure.

WHO IS THE TRIP HOST?

The group leader aims to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader. However, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or is training other group leaders.

Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through and offer suggestions for things to do and see. They will recommend great local venues, and introduce you to their local friends. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited.

In Turkey your Leader will also be a registered Guide with the Ministry of Tourism. They will have vast general knowledge of the places visited and specialised knowledge of the sites visited and will provide full guiding services.

SAFETY 

Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas in your itinerary. 

We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safekeeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home – you won’t need it while travelling. Many of the hotels have safety deposit boxes. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.

Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, you will have free time to explore at your leisure and indulge in personal interests. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options please note that any optional activities you undertake that are not part of your itinerary, ourselves and the operator make no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. 

Please use your judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it’s deemed necessary.

Fire precautions

Local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodations have fire exits, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.

Balconies 

Some hotel balconies don’t meet western standards. The width of the balcony fence may be narrower than 10cm.

Traffic and driving on the other side of the road

Please note that cars may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!

Seat Belts

Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which is used is able to provide seat belts.

Pick pocketing & Personal safety

While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. Exercise caution when walking at night and we encourage you to walk in groups and on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce the risk of valuables being stolen or going missing.

Water safety

Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water. Waves and currents can be unpredictable. It’s expected that anyone taking part in water activities can swim and have experience in open water. Seek local advice before entering the water.

SAFETY IN TURKEY & INSURANCE

We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before your departure and ensure your travel insurance covers all areas in your itinerary. 

The safety of travellers and staff is your tour operator’s priority. Your operator monitors the situation through official travel advisories and their local operations team, and are able to quickly change arrangements if they become concerned. If there are any changes you will be advised immediately.

Whilst travelling in Istanbul before, after, or during your tour we would recommend avoiding crowded areas like Taksim Square, Galatasaray and Kadıköy Meydan after 6.00pm, especially on a weekend. If using public transport in the city please refer to http://www.iett.gov.tr/en for the latest updates and announcements.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL & DRESS

Intrepid’s Responsible Travel Policy outlines their commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places they travel. 

All trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel.

Dress standards are conservative and you should pack and dress accordingly. To respect the local culture and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. As a guideline, shoulders and knees (and everything in between including midriff and cleavage) should be always covered. Wearing shorts and singlet tops is not appropriate and may restrict your entry and limit your local interaction opportunities. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly warm climate.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation as a minimum. If you are travelling within your home country or region, please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For tours run by this operator, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been seen.

If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require full  details of the policy including emergency contact number rather than the bank’s name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving.

For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However, the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs.

Who is the guide?

The operator for this trip is Intrepid Travel

Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel light. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient but we recommend your bag has carry straps. You’ll also need a daypack/bag to carry water and a camera etc. for day trips.

The packing list has some helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip.

• Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts and a copy of this document.
  • Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance and air tickets.
  • Personal medical kit. Your guide will carry a large kit but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and bandaids.
  • Daypack
  • Watch/Alarm clock or phone that can be used for both.
  • Power adaptors
  • Insect repellent
  • Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
  • Earplugs and eye mask (you might be sharing with a snorer!)
  • Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.
  • Warm clothes including hat and gloves – When travelling in cooler climates
  • Wind and waterproof rain jacket
  • Toiletries/travel wipes
  • Travel Towel
  • Closed in, comfortable walking shoes. As most of the trips include some walking elements, we highly recommend that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in walking shoes. Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings.
  • Camera with spare memory cards and batteries
  • Swimwear (itinerary dependant)
  • Clothes! Bear in mind that laundry facilities will be widely available throughout this trip. The cost varies in each destination.

LUGGAGE LIMIT

You will be expected to carry your own bag on this trip. Although it is not expected for you to walk long distances with your luggage, we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg. If your itinerary includes a flight, some domestic airlines have checked luggage limits of 15kg.

CLOTHING & CLIMATE

Temperatures are highly variable depending on the time of year and the region you are travelling in. Winters range from freezing in the central and eastern areas, cold in Istanbul and relatively mild on the west coast. Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot all over the country. Spring and autumn tend towards warm days and cooler nights. A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat essential. 

VALUABLES

Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safes to store the bulk of your money, passport, and airline tickets. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We recommend copying all important documents and keeping the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.

BATTERIES/POWER

On this trip you will have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras regularly. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery for your camera just in case. Charging is advised before checking out and there may be some nights where electricity may not be readily available i.e overnight boat.

Let us know if you would like to pay for your trip in instalments. The first instalment will always be the required deposit amount. Instalments are only available if making payments before the trip’s final payment date. The entire balance must be paid on the final payment date. 

Contact us at info@adventuressinthewild.com for more information.

This booking will be subject to Intrepid Travel’s Booking Conditions, and Adventuress in the Wild Booking Conditions.