Turkey Highlights

You will need to carry your bags on and off local trams and trains during this trip. The distances aren't far, and it's possible to do this with a wheelie bag – but be aware of cobblestone streets.

This trip uses a combination of public and private transport, and all vehicles are modern and have air-conditioning and most are fitted with seat belts. Some journeys can be long in order to maximise the areas visited, but this gives you a chance to interact with the local community and see more of the country and you'll have plenty chances to stop on the way to stretch your legs.

This is a relatively fast paced trip which will allow you to see the iconic highlights in Turkey in a short period of time. There's very limited time in Istanbul on the trip so we highly recommend spend more time in this incredible city. Please consult with your booking agent if you wish to book extra accommodation before or after the trip in Istanbul.

1. This trip starts in Istanbul on Day 1 at 1 pm. This allows time after the welcome meeting to explore Istanbul.
2. There is an internal flight on this trip and most internal flights in Turkey have a luggage restriction of 15kg checked and 8kg cabin.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 5 (Overnight train) where you will be in shared accommodation and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs. Our travellers usually find the smaller their luggage is, the more they enjoy the trip not having to worry about carrying heavy bags! Aim to keep your main luggage under 15kg.

Many travellers carry their luggage in a compact smaller suitcase or backpack with wheels. We recommend your bag has carry straps or handles so it is easy to lift and carry for the times you are unable to wheel it (ie. on rough surfaces or up steps).

If you are taking overnight trains, or primarily using public transport then the smaller your luggage the easier it will be to store under or above bunks. Large suitcases may not be able to be taken on board. A lockable bag or small padlock for your bag will be useful especially when travelling on public transportation as well.

You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, camera, swimming suit, waterproof pouch/bag for phone, hiking shoes and jacket etc. when you’re exploring during the day.

Below we have listed the essentials for this trip:, https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list, WATER BOTTLE
Please bring your own water bottle to refill. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please use the water dispensers which are provided on some of our vehicles and at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water, it is better to buy the largest available and distribute it into your smaller bottle for the day. Some travellers like to bring a bottle with its own filtration system or water purification tablets. If you are walking or trekking as part of your trip, you will need to carry at least 2 litres of water with you.

It's an action packed trip with a lot of ground to cover. A lot of the destinations are best explored on foot, so at least a moderate level of fitness an being able to walk on uneven ground is required to fully enjoy the trip. You'll also need to be able to handle your luggage on and off public transport and in the stations.

Manesol Galata Hotel, Arap Cami, Billur Sk. No:1, 34421 Beyoğlu İstanbul, Istanbul, 34421, TURKEY, Phone: +90 2122450000

Manesol Galata Hotel is located in Karaköy, a happening harbourside area where modern cafes and stylish restaurants mix with small family owned businesses bringing a comfortable, local atmosphere to the neighborhood. Ottoman-era buildings with a splash of street art, some of the best coffee in the city and just a short 15 min walk to the historical peninsular make for an excellent base for your exploration of Istanbul. There is good access to public tram and ferry services.

Alternate Joining Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
25 Apr 2025 (ERSK250425)
23 May 2025 (ERSK250523)
Weingart Hotel
Hacımimi
Necatibey Cd. No:69
Istanbul
TURKEY
Phone: +90 212 945 60 20
For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
04 May 2025 (ERSK250504)
04 Sep 2025 (ERSK250904)
05 Sep 2025 (ERSK250905)
Opale Hotel
Muzeyyedzade
Maliye St. No:1/1 34425 Beyoglu
Istanbul
TURKEY

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport in Istanbul, at least 14 days prior to your departure.

There is two international airports servicing Istanbul. Istanbul Airport (IST) is 50kms/30miles northwest of central Istanbul, on the European side. Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is 50kms/30miles southeast of central Istanbul, on the Asian side. From either airport you can take a metered taxi to the joining point hotel. The taxi fare will cost approx. TRY1500-2300.

We recommend screenshotting or printing the below details as Wi-Fi in both airports is unreliable.

If you cannot find your transfer representative, or if your flight is delayed, please call the number listed below in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section.

Arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST)

If you have pre-booked an arrival transfer, you will be met outside the Arrivals Hall. After collecting your luggage, proceed through the Arrivals Hall and exit through Gate 8. On the left-hand side, you’ll see a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign.

Due to airport regulations, drivers have to wait offsite so you will need to wait for a short period of time before they arrive at the pick-up area. Once the driver arrives, the transfer representative will escort you to meet the driver (two floors down).

The journey from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour but can increase to 90 minutes or more during rush hour.

Arriving at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)

If you have pre-booked an arrival transfer, you will be met outside the Arrivals Hall. After collecting your luggage, proceed through the Arrivals Hall, exit, and cross the road between columns 9 and 10 to Simit Sarayi bakery. You’ll find a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign.

Due to airport regulations, drivers have to wait offsite so you will need to wait for a short period of time before they arrive at the pick-up area.

The journey from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes but can increase to 2 hours or more during rush hour.

Manesol Galata Hotel, Arap Cami, Billur Sk. No:1, 34421 Beyoğlu İstanbul, Istanbul, 34421, TURKEY, Phone: +90 2122450000

Manesol Galata Hotel is located in Karaköy, a happening harbourside area where modern cafes and stylish restaurants mix with small family owned businesses bringing a comfortable, local atmosphere to the neighborhood. Ottoman-era buildings with a splash of street art, some of the best coffee in the city and just a short 15 min walk to the historical peninsular make for an excellent base for your exploration of Istanbul. There is good access to public tram and ferry services.

Alternate Finish Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
25 Apr 2025 (ERSK250425)
23 May 2025 (ERSK250523)
Weingart Hotel
Hacımimi
Necatibey Cd. No:69
Istanbul
TURKEY
Phone: +90 212 945 60 20
For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
04 May 2025 (ERSK250504)
04 Sep 2025 (ERSK250904)
05 Sep 2025 (ERSK250905)
Opale Hotel
Muzeyyedzade
Maliye St. No:1/1 34425 Beyoglu
Istanbul
TURKEY

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer to the airport - enquire with your agent. Please 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 leader will advise your pick up time the day before your trip ends.

Taxi fare from your hotel to the airport will cost approx. TRY1500-2300. Please ask your leader or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi.

Departing from Istanbul Airport (IST)

There are express bus services available to the airport from Taksim, 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 which there are express bus services available to the airport.

Breakfasts included: 6

Lunches included: 1

Dinners included: 1

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. There are, however some meals and activities that are fixed in advance and therefore cannot be modified to suit dietary requirements.

Please notify your booking consultant of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader or local representative will endeavour to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.

Turkey is a large country split into seven regions. As a rule of thumb 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 of our hotels have heating so consider bringing thermals, a scarf, gloves and a warm jacket for travel in this period. Summer (June to August) can be very hot. Not all of our hotels have air-conditioning, and in those that do it's not always functioning. Please consider the seasons when planning your trip.

RAMADAN
The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 1 March to 30 March 2025 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, 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 unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also 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.

While we always endeavour 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.

We recognise that 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 the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.

You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do 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 give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.

For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us

In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:

Intrepid Turkey Office: +90 850 309 68 76

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation.

Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available.

There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from main tourist routes. Windy roads, rough surfaces and cramped conditions make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort.