Complete Turkey Trip Notes

At Imaginative Traveller we always aim to provide accurate information for our travellers. Unfortunately information such as the price of optional activities is occasionally subject to change, and this means that we are constantly revising our trip notes. In order to ensure that you have the most up to date information for your trip we suggest that you check the trip notes for your tour around one month before departure.

Trip code: FFTA
Trip length: 11 days

Highlights

• Explore the ancient streets of historic Ephesus
• Fethiye and the Turkish Coast
• Marvel at Cappadocia's unique natural chimney stacks
• Visit ancient and modern Istanbul

Overview

Itinerary

Arrive to Istanbul

Arrive at your Hotel. Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures, with a history that dates back through countless civilizations. After your arrival at the hotel, there is a welcome meeting with your leader and then the rest of the evening is free for you to explore the city, or enjoy some of the delicious food on offer.

Metropol Hotel 1nt, B

Istanbul City Tour

Today take to the streets of this unique city and visit some of its most famous sights. Situated on the Bospherous at the point where Asia meets Europe, Istanbul is a city with a real mix of cultures, from the modern to the ancient, and with a unique style that transcends this diversity. The Blue Mosque, with its minarets that dominate the Istanbul skyline is a must see. The Aya Sofia, now a museum, is a symbol of the multicultural past having once been both a church and a mosque.

After visiting the sights of this great city, there may be time to visit the Grand Bazaar, and spend some time wandering among the market stalls absorbing the sights and smells of this bustling area. You will then be transfered to the airport and fly for 1.30hours to Goreme. (Hotel 3 nts, B)

Into Cappadocia

This morning you transfer to a bus that will take you up into the rugged mountain scenery of Cappadocia. The scenery of peaks and valleys along the way will make this feel much less. Back in Goreme you will visit the open air museum here, where rock cut churches and brightly coloured frescoes are a great introduction to the region.

Walking in Cappadocia

This morning there is time for an optional hot air balloon ride over the rocky peaks of Cappadocia (additional charge). There are few better ways to see the landscape, and as the shadow shorten and the colours change, it is truly a great way to start the day. For the rest of the day, you head out for some walking in the valleys around Goreme. The limestone peaks that shoot out of the ground are an impressive sight, and the walking here is captivating.

You also visit the underground city of Derinkuyu, with its Swiss cheese holes. The city has up to eight different layers, and is still inhabited in parts to this day.

Ankara

Onwards from Cappadocia today, as you transfer to Ankara, the capital of Turkey and its second largest city. You'll spend the afternoon visiting the Ankara luna Park, a landmark in the city and a great afternoon discovering where the locals go for family fun.

( Anit Hotel 1nt, B)

Selcuk and Ephesus

Onwards from Ankara today, as you transfer to Ankara airport and take a flight across Turkey to Izmir. From here its a short drive to Selcuk, where you stay for the next couple of days. The main attraction here is the ruins of Ephesus. Once renowned as one of the seven wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis has been renowned through history. This great Temple no longer exists, but the ruins of this Roman city are impressive enough. You have time here for a guided tour and the chance to visit the museum (additional charge) where you can learn the history of this amazing site.

Amazon Boutique Hotel 2nts, Bx2

Free day in Selcuk

Today has been left free for you to take some time to relax and catch your breath after a few days travelling. Selcuk is a great location, where there are a variety of activities you can enjoy. Head down to the great beaches along the coast, visit the market at Tire and take in the atmosphere, or head up into the hills and visit the former Greek village of Sirince, where you can get a glimpse of how rural life would once have been. See the optional activities list for full details.

Afrodisia and Pamukkale

Your journey continues as you take in more of Turkey's incredible sights. Firstly, you drive to Afrodisias, where the Roman ruins include the huge Temple of Aphrodite. The ruins here are dotted around the town, and you can see statues and a huge auditorium that suggests the powers of this city at the height of the Roman Empire. Named after the goddess of love, there was a cult image of Aphrodite in the city when it was in its glory, built in a similar style to the Lady of Ephesus.

From here you continue inland to the travetine terraces of Pamukkale. The name translates as 'cotton castle', and it is easy to see where this name comes from as the white water filled springs are unlike anything you will have seen so far.

Pamuksu Hotel - 1 nt - B

Fethiye

You head down to the coast today for a change of scenery. The drive from Pamukkale to Fethiye takes between three and four hours as you head for the sea. When you arrrive here the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy this delightful coastal town. Located on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos, and close to the lagoon of Olu Deniz, this is a coastal haven for you to relax.

Villa Daffodil - 2 nts - Bx2

Salikent Gorge or Butterfly Valley

Today there are a couple of options available to you, depending on the weather conditions. Saklikent Gorge is the second largest Gorge in Europe, at 20 kilometres long. Walls of rock tower above you as you walk through the gorge, and the walking here is great, as you can cross the river or even take a paddle in the cool water below you. From here you head over to the ruins of Tlos, one of the principal cities of Lycia. This fortress and acropolis are from another time, and the views from here across the coast are spectacular.

Depending on the weather, you may instead take a boat trip out to Butterfly Valley. This beach is unspoilt and has a relaxed atmosphere which is a great place for you to relax and end your trip.

Tour Ends

This morning your tour ends after breakfast (B)

About The Imaginative Traveller

Our aim has always been to provide exceptional travel experiences. We believe that adventure travel should be stimulating, and that it should give you an authentic experience of a place. We want our travellers to relish the amazing diversity of countries and cultures the world has to offer. Our focus is on innovation, not imitation.

Obsessed with quality

One of our strengths has been our obsession with quality. We've always believed that our commitment to you doesn't end as soon as you've paid for your holiday. On the contrary, it is just beginning. Whilst most operators simply get a local company to handle the day to day operation of their tours, we do it all ourselves. We have managers for each of our key destinations around the world and all our small groups are escorted by our own leaders. Our local teams include guides, drivers, administration staff and contacts in the local community who help us ensure that our adventures are active and involving.

For comparability, all prices in this dossier are quoted in one currency. We use the US Dollar since that is familiar to most. However, once on tour you will need to pay for all goods and services in the local currency. See your Country Dossier for details of exchange rates.

Trip grades

Beach / coastal
Historical Monuments
Cultural

Fitness

Minimum age: 5 years. A cultural trip designed to ensure you see the best of Turkey. We avoid the long journeys by provided domestic flights for your comfort and time saving. Be prepared for hot weather in the summer months.

Included

Transport - Bus, domestic flight, on foot

Accommodation - Hotel (10nts)

Meals - 10 breakfasts

Swimming Opportunities - In the sea and pool at hotels

Single room supplement

A single supplement is available for this trip priced from 260 GBP. This does not guarantee a single room for all accommodation. please contact us to discuss this.

Baggage

Local Costs

Local Costs - Turkey

Approximate average costs are given for guidance only and may vary widely according to location and type of establishment.
Coffee/tea UK£0.85
Soft drink £2.20
Medium beer £3.20
Bottle of water £0.85
Local snack lunch £15.00
Bottle of wine £20.00
3-course dinner £25.00

*reasonable mid-range tourist class restaurant

Visas

Visas & Permits - Turkey

Holders of UK & IRL passports do require a visa which is issued on arrival. Holders of UK & IRL passports may pay their visa fee in GBP (fee is currently UK£10.00 and must be paid in cash). Passports must be valid for at least six months after the end date of the trip. Nationals of all other countries should contact their local embassy or consulate. Information can also be found at ww.travcour.com. This information is given in good faith, but may be subject to change without warning. Please note that, where appropriate, obtaining a valid visa is ultimately your responsibility. Please consult a visa agency or the consular authorities 4-6 weeks before departure for the most up-to-date information.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations - Turkey

The following are recommended:

• Hepatitis A
• Tetanus
• Polio
• Diphtheria

For detailed information and advice concerning vaccinations go to:www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Vaccination requirements change periodically so we advise that you check with your nearest specialist travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure to get up-to-date information.

International rules for carrying medicines vary. Some countries do not allow certain medicines to be imported, or require official documents, such as a doctor’s letter, to prove drugs have been prescribed by a doctor and obtained legally. It is sensible to contact the relevant embassy or high commission of your destination to check what their drug transportation rules are before you travel.

The itinerary and supplementary information has been compiled with care and provided in good faith. However it may be subject to change, and does not form part of a contract between the client and The Imaginative Traveller.

Responsible Travel - Travellers' Guidelines

At Imaginative Traveller we love helping our clients experience the beauty and cultures of the destinations we visit. However, hand in hand with this we have always been aware that we have a responsibility to minimise any negative impacts that tourism can bring.

Responsible Travel is twofold. It’s about taking people to the places they want to go in a safe and responsible manner but also about respecting and maintaining the natural and often delicate balance of the destination. Economic gain from tourism is often fundamental to a country, but should never be at the expense of its culture or the environment.

Our Aims

• It is our aim to provide journeys that have minimal negative and maximum positive impact on the places we visit.
• We do not believe that, as visitors, we should impose our own cultures on others; rather that we should experience foreign cultures and appreciate them for what they are.
• Whilst it is our aim to show destinations and cultures in a positive light, we do not believe in papering over the cracks or shielding visitors from the realities of life. This does not mean, however, that we condone or endorse certain situations or regimes that may be in place.
  Our guidelines are meant not as rigid instructions but rather as suggestions to make our holidays more enjoyable – for everybody. As cultural and environmental sensitivities vary from country to country more specific guidelines can be found in our individual country and trip dossiers.

Travellers' Guidelines

Before you depart try to spend some time familiarising yourself with the destination you will be travelling to – their culture and customs. The country dossiers on our website offer detailed information about all the regions we visit. They also include some useful phrases in the local language for you to use on your trip! A few words of the local language can open up many more opportunities for you to interact with the people you will meet.

Although it is tempting to give out pens, sweets and money to people begging, and particularly tempting to give to children, we feel that this encourages a begging mentality and has a long-term negative impact on communities. If someone begging earns more than someone in the same community who works this can discourage local employment. If children regularly bring home money it may discourage their parents from sending them to school. It is of course your own personal choice but you could consider giving to registered charities or contributing to our Responsible Travel fund instead. Money donated through our fund to our worldwide projects is matched pound for pound by Imaginative Traveller and used to help local grassroots projects.

Always ask permission to photograph local people and respect their decision if they would prefer not to have their picture taken.

Respect local dress codes, especially at religious sites. Our tour leaders are always on hand to give you advice about this.

In many of the countries we visit you might see examples of animal cruelty (for example dancing bears, performing monkeys and snake charmers). Please do not take photographs of this or offer money as it encourages the activity.

Respect the environment you are in. It sounds obvious but do not throw litter, take it with you or use rubbish bins! You may see locals throwing rubbish on the street but do not follow their example!

When shopping in countries where haggling is the norm – enjoy it and only pay what you feel is a fair price for the goods you are purchasing. However, remember that the shopkeeper does have to make a living so do stop once you have reached a price you are happy with. Bargaining should be fun but always remember that a small amount can mean much more to the vendor than to you.

Endeavor to take home souvenirs made locally; the money you spend can be very important to the local communities. However, do use your common sense and don’t buy anything that you think might be made out of endangered animals or plants.

To help keep as much money as possible in the host country - try to eat in locally owned restaurants and order local drinks and produce rather than international brands.

In hotels do be conscious of how much water you are using. Many of the areas we visit regularly have shortages; try not to have hour long showers! Don’t leave lights, air conditioners or fans on when you leave the room – you wouldn’t at home!

Respect the environment you are in, especially when in national parks or reserves. Pay attention to rules about keeping on paths, keeping a distance from animals and not removing any of the natural habitat.

Relax and immerse yourself in the differences of the culture you are in – you’ll be back home in the familiar soon enough (and wishing you were still on holiday!). These cultural differences are part of what makes your experience special.

If you would like to offset the carbon dioxide that will be produced on your flights you can do this on our website (on our Responsible travel page). We work with climatecare, who will reduce the equivalent amount of carbon dioxide that you produce in another part of the World through their emission reduction projects. These projects are low carbon efficient technologies in developing countries and not only serve to reduce emissions but also help to spread the adoption of low carbon technologies and improve the quality of life for local communities. Details of climatecare’s projects can be found on their website.

If you would like to contribute to our Worldwide projects, helping communities all over the World, you can also do this on our website or with a sales consultant. Please refer to our responsible travel page on the website for details of our current projects. Any donation you make will be matched £ for £ by Imaginative Traveller (up to a maximum of £1000).

Have a great trip!

Please do let us know if you have any comments about responsible travel at rto@imtrav.net

The Imaginative Traveller & The Adventure Company. This trip is operated by our partner company, The Adventure Company. They have more than 10 years experience in adventure travel and they share our ethos for offering unique holiday adventures. As this is a codeshared departure you can expect there to be both Imaginative Traveller and Adventure Company travellers on your trip.