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A Taste of Turkey - Istanbul to Cappadocia

Turkey - Trip code XTU Food and Drink
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519Kg of CO²e
Average carbon footprint per person
Carbon Footprint
You deserve to know everything about your holiday, from what is included, what to expect and every kilogram of CO2 emitted on average per person along the way.

We've partnered with ecollective to measure the carbon footprint of this tour based on an average group size. Find out more about how we calculate this and why we think it's important here.

 

Immerse yourself in the foodie and historical delights of Turkey on this ten-day trip through the Marmara, Aegean, and Central regions, each with their own culinary identity. From bustling Istanbul to the ancient sites of Pergamon and Ephesus, the travertine terraces of Pamukkale and the fairytale landscape of Cappadocia, journey through the country's fascinating history. Along the way, take a tour for the senses, sampling local dishes, street foods and wines.

Why we love this trip
  • Tick off Turkey's icons - Visit vibrant Istanbul, ancient Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis and marvel at the rock formations in Cappadocia.
  • Sample street food - Try balik ekmek grilled mackerel, chewy ice cream and gozleme as you explore markets and street-side stalls.
  • Try local staples and wines - Enjoy delicious mezze, baklava, pide and pottery kebab, as well as local wines.
  • Included meals

    Breakfast: 9

    Lunch: 3

    Dinner: 2

  • Trip staff

    Explore Tour Leader

    Driver(s)

    Local Guide(s)

  • Transport

    Bus

    Boat

  • i

    Accommodation

  • i

    Trip pace:

    Moderate

  • i

    Group Size:

    10 - 16

Itinerary

Trip information

Climate and country information

Turkey

Climate

April, May, late-September and October are generally pleasantly warm, with temperatures between 20 and 30 degrees centigrade. Summers, June through to mid-September can be very hot with temperatures reaching mid-thirties or above. On especially hot days we try to avoid the heat as best we can with earlier starts. In late-October, November and March shoulder seasons, temperatures are cooler with an increased chance of rain. Despite these cooler temperatures it can be a perfect time to visit Turkey's amazing ancient sites and Istanbul as visitor numbers are lower. In winter you can expect cold weather and more rainfall. Temperatures inland on the Anatolian Plateau, in places such as Cappadocia, are always cooler than the coast thanks to the altitude up to 1000masl; and as a result temperatures are slightly cooler in the heart of summer and it isn't unusual to get snow in winter and cold days in shoulder seasons.

Time difference to GMT

+3

Plugs

2 Pin Round

Religion

Islam, Christian

Language

Turkish

Budgeting and packing

Optional activities

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 tour notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations. Please note: These activities are booked and paid for locally and do not form part of your Explore holiday contract.


Cappadocia:
Turkish Bath, Approx. £25.00 per person.
Cappadocia
Hot Air Balloon - approx 220-230 € (April - June), 250-270 € (September - November). Please note that Balloon trips happen year round and the price is set by the balloon operators and can vary in accordance with supply and demand, and at times of high demand the price could reach 300 € or above.
We advise you book this for the first morning in Cappadocia in case of cancellation to maximise chance to rebook on subsequent days. Trips normally return to hotel before 8am and in time for breakfast.
This balloon excursion does not form part of your included Explore holiday package.
We recommend you call the provider in advance to book your space Kaya Kapadokya Balloons -+90 384 341 46 48 or Istanbul Balloons - +90 384 271 30 62 - or alternatively ask your leader to request a representative of these companies come to the hotel so you can book and pay directly with them. September and October tend to be the busiest months, sometimes filling up a few weeks in advance, so it is advisable to pre-book before travel to avoid disappointment.
http://www.kapadokyakayaballoons.com/
https://www.istanbulballoons.com/

Clothing

The long Turkish summer can be hot, time spent on the coast will be freshened by sea breezes. In the spring and autumn, a warmer sweater is recommended for the evenings, as is lightweight rainwear.

When visiting mosques, women should cover their head, shoulders and knees, so it's handy to pack a scarf. Men should also ensure their knees are covered.

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes will be useful for exploring some of the ancient sites and sandals for general wear. We advise walking shoes or shoes with a good grip for the walking in Cappadocia.

Luggage

20Kg

Luggage: On tour

One main piece of baggage and daypack.

Equipment

Sunscreen, sunglasses and a sun hat are advised and a water bottle is recommended. A power bank may be useful if you'd like to use or charge your phone whilst travelling.

Tipping

Explore leader
Tipping isn't compulsory, and we work hard to ensure that our leaders all receive a fair wage. You may however, want to recognise a leader that has done a great job or really added to your trip by giving them a tip. We're often asked about the recommended amount. It is a tricky one, and down to personal preference, but we would recommend £20 to £25 per person per week as a guideline.
Local crew
Although voluntary, tipping is a recognised 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. Accordingly, you should allow approximately £30 of local currency for tipping. This includes a tip for your driver.
In order to make things easier for you, the Explore Leader may organise a group's tips kitty and if this is the case, they will account for it throughout the trip.

Turkey

Food and drink

The costs for meals may vary depending upon location, type of restaurant and number of courses eaten and so the prices given are an average guide. Local restaurants located off the beaten track may be less expensive, whereas an upmarket restaurant located in the centre of a major city may charge more.


Lunch price
£10
Dinner price
£16
Beer price
£4
Water price
£1
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. To avoid large queues at the airport exchanges, you may wish to xchange some lira before arriving.
Credit Card Acceptance
In major restaurants.
Transport, Accommodation, Food & Drink

Transport Information

Bus, Boat

Accommodation notes

During this tour of Turkey, we'll stay in mostly in premium accommodation with one night in Konya at a hotel we have graded as comfortable.

Our starting hotel is conveniently located in the Sirkeci area of Istanbul, close to metro and tram stops and ten minutes walking distance from the highlights of Sultanahmet district. Rooms are well-appointed and there is an excellent on-site restaurant and terrace bar with great views (seasonal). We have graded this four-star property as premium.

For our comfortable hotel base in Selcuk we have chosen a small, characterful hotel located in the winding maze of narrow streets in the old quarter of Selcuk, located right next to Apostle St. John Cathedral, the Medieval Byzantine Fortress and Archaeological Museum. The rooms are large and well-appointed and facilities include a small swimming pool and restaurant. We have graded this boutique hotel as premium.

In Cappadocia we'll spend our final two nights in a traditional-style, stone-built hotel on the outskirts of Goreme. The hotel has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a sauna, terrace bar, restaurant and beautiful mountain views - if you're up early enough in the morning, you'll be able to see hot air balloons filling the sky. We have graded this hotel as premium.

Food and drink

The cuisine of Turkey includes a lot of meat and seafood. Vegan options will be very limited and whilst there will be vegetarian options in some locations we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip.

Turkey

Food and drink

Can you drink the water? 
It is generally possible to drink the local tap water, therefore to reduce the need for single-use plastic bottles we recommend you bring a refillable water bottle with you. Your leader will advise you on refill points each day. 

Essential Information

Government Travel Safety Advice

We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination's safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. Relevant government website links for UK, US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand citizens are available on our Travel Safety page.

If you'd like some inital information on country-specific entry requirements, such as visas or any health declaration forms, please refer to our Entry Requirements page.  The services and information on this page are provided by a third party, and so we will still recommend that you cross check this against your government website for the latest advice.
 

Under 18 immigration guidance

Please note that some countries require proof of parental consent when travelling overseas with under 18s. Please check requirements with the relevant embassy or consular office well in advance of travel if this applies to your party.

Price Guarantee

Once your booking has been confirmed we guarantee the price will not increase, whatever the circumstances. However, please note that if you voluntarily make any changes to your booking including changing your trip or departure date, any additional costs or charges incurred will not be covered. Before booking please ensure you have read our important tour pricing information.Booking Conditions
 

Visa and Passport Information

Turkey:
Citizens from the UK, USA, Canada New Zealand and the EU travelling to Turkey for tourism purposes do not require a visa for visits of up to 90 days.
Citizens of Australia require a visa that will last for up to 90 days. You can apply via - https://www.evisa.gov.tr

Visa rules change, sometimes suddenly and without notice, so we always advise you to check this information is still valid through the local embassy or consular office before travel. Other nationalities should consult their local embassy or consular office.


If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
 

Booking conditions

Before booking your Explore trip, please ensure that you read both our Essential Information and Booking Conditions.
 

Minimum age restrictions

For our group tours, the minimum age is 16. The minimum age on Family trips varies between 7 and 11 - please check the 'Family information' section of the trip page for more information. 


Your safety and enjoyment on tour

We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable holiday, so we ask you to confirm when booking this trip that you are fit and able to fully participate in all elements of the itinerary. If you have any concerns about your fitness or ability to complete any of the activities, please get in touch with our Customer Relations team at cr@explore.co.uk as soon as possible. Our tour leaders are trained and experienced in managing differing abilities within a group, but if they have concerns about a group member’s ability to safely participate in any element of the itinerary or believe someone’s presence could affect the safety or enjoyment of the holiday for others, in accordance with our Booking Conditions our tour leaders have the authority to ask an individual to miss an activity or activities. This decision would never be taken lightly, but on the rare occasions our tour leaders ask someone to sit out part of the tour, refunds will not be offered and individuals may be liable for additional costs incurred. 
 

Your Tour Leader

All tours aside from extensions, Galapagos cruises and polar expeditions will be led by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. We believe that our Tour Leaders are the key to the success of our tours; they are local experts who are bursting with first-hand knowledge which they love to share, and their unique insights will bring the destination to life. Your Tour Leader will be on hand throughout your tour to make sure arrangements run smoothly, to organise all the local logistics and to keep you safe. Your Tour Leader should be your first point of contact if you encounter any difficulties or disappointments in country – please raise any concerns, however small, with your Tour Leader as they are best placed to assist you.

Transfers

Find out more about Trip Transfer Terms and Conditions before you book.

Booking a land only package with Explore

Customers who have chosen to book on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements of our tour, please ensure that you have checked your tour specific ‘Joining Instructions’ prior to booking your own travel arrangements. Your joining instructions can be found below in the dates and prices information. 

You may also be eligible for the Free Explore Transfer.


Joining Tour Abroad

Customers booked on the ‘Land Only’ arrangements will receive a Free Transfer, provided you arrive and depart on the tour only itinerary start and end dates. The complimentary transfers will be arranged from the Explore designated airport or train station to your trips joining point, and then back from the ending point to the designated airport or train station. Generally the airport or station that Explore have selected will be the one that is closest to the town or city where the trip starts, or the one nearest to the joining point. It will be either an airport or train station but not both.

The exception to this rule is customers who are booked on a tour where the joining and ending point is at the designated airport or train station.  

Free transfers are not available for Polar customers.

If you are not eligible for the Free Transfer then you will need to make your own way through to the joining and ending point. On a majority of our tours Explore will be able to provide a private transfer at an additional cost. Please ask for a quote at the time of booking.  

For more information regarding the Explore Free Transfer click here

Insurance

It is a condition of booking with Explore that you have adequate valid travel insurance. It is your responsibility to arrange appropriate travel insurance and ensure you have read and understood the full terms and conditions of your travel insurance policy to ensure that you are covered for all activities you intend to undertake whilst on the tour, including all optional activities. Your Insurance Policy must fully cover you for medical expenses and emergency repatriation to your home country. Please ensure your policy includes medical emergency helicopter evacuation in the event of illness or injury and covers the entire duration of your holiday. If you are trekking at altitude please ensure that there is no upper altitude limit which may limit or exclude cover for your trip. The cost of many of our Polar Voyages will exceed the capped amount covered by standard insurance premiums and you will be required to pay an additional premium to cover the full value of your trip. Please ensure that you are covered for the full amount of your holiday cost, as insufficient cover could invalidate a claim under the policy. Medical and repatriation insurance cover is not mandatory for UK residents who are travelling on trips within the United Kingdom.
Read more information about what travel insurance is required.

Flight information

Explore can arrange your flights for you, to make joining and leaving our trips easy. Read more about them here.


Flight Information

You are able to book this tour on a 'land only' basis or as a ‘flight inclusive’ package. Your flight inclusive package will be fully protected by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) ATOL protection scheme.

 

Booking a flight inclusive package with Explore

We have a good selection of flights not only from London but from many regional airports around the UK allowing us to compare fares between scheduled carriers as well as low cost and charter airlines. Our dedicated flights team will match the best flight options to your arrival and departure airport.

On our website we display the price of the tour only. Please call us or select the flight option during the online checkout to receive a quote for a flight inclusive package. To avoid paying supplements or to secure your preferred flight option, we recommend booking as early as possible, especially for peak travel dates.

Turkey

Vaccinations

Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, typhoid, infectious hepatitis and polio. The above is not an exhaustive list. Information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by on the NaTHNaC website and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.

Food and Drink information
Award Winning Explore Leaders
Find out more
Price Guarantee Promise
Find out more
Airport Transfers
Find out more
Print Trip Notes

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