Real Turkey

You’ll get a taste of local life on this trip, with most travel done on public buses. This minimises our carbon footprint and gives you a real chance to interact with the local community. Most Turkish buses have wi-fi, in-seat entertainment and serve refreshments.

Lots of time allocated for optional activities means freedom and flexibility, but it does require a level of independence. Only are few meals are included, so mostly you'll find your own (with plenty of suggestions from your leader of course). This trip puts it in your hands with tonnes of free time. Maybe budget a little extra cash for activities that aren’t included.

The cobblestone streets, narrow steps and tiny bridges of Turkey are very romantic. They’re also another good reason to pack light and leave the wheeled suitcase at home. You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the buses, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the ‘Essential Trip Information’ section.

Summer temperatures can be very high in Turkey (over 40°C), which can make things uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. You’ll need walking shoes and a daypack to explore some of historical sites.The weather can be hot in July and August, but keep in mind that this is the best time to enjoy the clear water of the Mediterranean. It can also get cool in these destinations, particularly from October to April, so don't forget to pack extra layers if travelling at this time.

1. A single supplement is bookable if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip and is subject to availability. The single supplement excludes Day 3 & 4 (multi-share Guesthouse) and Day 13 (Overnight Bus).
2. Some accommodation on this tour is is multi shared. Multishare typically includes triple and quad rooms with shared bathroom facilities instead of ensuite. You may be required to share with group members of same gender. People travelling together may occasionally be separated due to rooming configurations.

Most travellers prefer to take a small to medium wheeled suitcase, which is a great size for the packing capacity in our private vehicles. Whatever you take, be mindful that you will need to be able to carry your own luggage, handle it at airports, take it in/out of accommodation and perhaps even walk short distances. We recommend you pack as lightly as possible.

If your trip includes travelling on overnight trains or primarily using public transport, 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.

When you're exploring during the day, you'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket and activity-specific items like a swimsuit, a waterproof pouch/bag for your phone, or hiking shoes.

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.

Centrum Hotel Istanbul, Hoca Paşa Mh. İbn-i Kemal Caddesi No:14, Istanbul, 34080, TURKEY

Hotel Centrum Istanbul is at the heart of the old city. Rooms are modern and with private bathrooms, in room safes, satellite TV and free Wifi. There are many restaurants and cafes nearby and the hotel is within walking distance to the Sultanahmet district and landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar. The hotel is well-serviced by nearby public transport.

Alternate Joining Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this joining point.
17 May 2025 (ERYOC250517)
24 May 2025 (ERYOC250524)
31 May 2025 (ERYOC250531)
07 Jun 2025 (ERYOC250607)
14 Jun 2025 (ERYOC250614)
28 Jun 2025 (ERYOC250628)
09 Aug 2025 (ERYOC250809)
06 Sep 2025 (ERYOC250906)
27 Sep 2025 (ERYOC250927)
04 Oct 2025 (ERYOC251004)
Ring Stone Hotel Bosphorus
Istiklal Cad. No:182
Beyoglu
Istanbul
TURKEY
Phone: +90 2122380000

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 are 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 wifi 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.

If you’d like to take public transport, you can use the HAVAIST bus service, which is located one level down from the Arrivals Hall. Please enquire at the information booths on the transport level for schedule times and to purchase prepaid tickets (TRY18). You will require the bus for Eminounu; it’s then a short walk to your hotel.

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.

If you’d like to take public transport, we recommend using the HAVABUS bus service to Kadikoy and then taking the ferry to Eminounu. From there, it’s a short walk to your hotel.

Centrum Hotel Istanbul, Hoca Paşa Mh. İbn-i Kemal Caddesi No:14, Istanbul, 34080, TURKEY

Hotel Centrum Istanbul is at the heart of the old city. Rooms are modern and with private bathrooms, in room safes, satellite TV and free Wifi. There are many restaurants and cafes nearby and the hotel is within walking distance to the Sultanahmet district and landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar. The hotel is well-serviced by nearby public transport.

Alternate Finish Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
17 May 2025 (ERYOC250517)
24 May 2025 (ERYOC250524)
23 Aug 2025 (ERYOC250823)
Ring Stone Hotel Bosphorus
Istiklal Cad. No:182
Beyoglu
Istanbul
TURKEY
Phone: +90 2122380000

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. TRY150-200. 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: 12

Lunches included: 2

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.

Turkey - Public Transport
When and where possible we will use public buses to travel between cities on this trip.
However due to weather and seasonal bus schedules we may find it necessary to substitute public buses with private transport on some days.

Public buses in Turkey don't have toilets on board. Breaks are normally scheduled at rest stops every 2-3 hours.