Essential 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.

This trip is a great way to see a lot in a short period of time and it can be part of a longer itinerary if you have more time to explore. You might like to check out Real Turkey.

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).
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.

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.

Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.

Below are some ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip.

GENERAL PACKING LIST
• 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/ hand sanitizer 
• Travel Towel
• As most of our trips include some walking elements, we highly recommend that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in walking shoes. 
• Camera with spare memory cards and batteries
• Clothing. The staple travel items but consider the time of year. We recommend a fleece/jacket any time of the year and a scarf for women for visiting religious sites
  Cold Weather• Long-sleeved shirts or sweater• Scarf• Warm gloves• Warm hat• Warm layers / thermals
  Warm Weather • Sandals/flip-flops• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)• Sun hat/bandana• Swimwear

LUGGAGE LIMIT
On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and, although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage, we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg. If your itinerary includes a flight, please keep in mind that some domestic airlines have checked luggage limits of 15kg.

CLOTHING & CLIMATE
Please note that as a desert region, the Middle East can have extreme weather. Temperatures are generally hot with little rain. This can become extreme during the summer months of June to August. In the months of December to March, it can be very cold, particularly next to the river or the ocean and out in the desert where night temperatures can drop dramatically. Even in the hot months, it can get cold in the desert at night. Consider bringing a sleeping bag, thermals, scarf, gloves and a warm jacket for travel in this period, especially on itineraries which include camping such as on a felucca, in a desert camp, or at a Red Sea beach camp. A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat is 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 strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary.

BATTERIES/POWER
Most of our trips 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 of batteries is advised before checking out of your hotel rooms. Please bear in mind there may be some nights were electricity may not be as readily available as you might be used to – home stays, beach and desert camps etc.

RESTRICTED ITEMS
Generally, drones are not permitted into any Middle East destination or they require registration and pre-approval please refer to your airline carrier if you are considering taking a drone on your travels or check out drone laws by country on line. We have had some reports of binoculars being confiscated or causing delay in customs if carried in hand luggage.  

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.
19 Apr 2025 (ERYT250419)
10 May 2025 (ERYT250510)
17 May 2025 (ERYT250517)
24 May 2025 (ERYT250524)
31 May 2025 (ERYT250531)
07 Jun 2025 (ERYT250607)
14 Jun 2025 (ERYT250614)
28 Jun 2025 (ERYT250628)
09 Aug 2025 (ERYT250809)
30 Aug 2025 (ERYT250830)
06 Sep 2025 (ERYT250906)
13 Sep 2025 (ERYT250913)
20 Sep 2025 (ERYT250920)
27 Sep 2025 (ERYT250927)
04 Oct 2025 (ERYT251004)
18 Oct 2025 (ERYT251018)
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. TRY700-900.

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.

Hotel Karyatit, Kılınçarslan, Kadir Paşa Sk. No:7, Antalya, TURKEY, Phone: +90 2422440055

Karyatit Hotel puts the best of Antalya at your fingertips, making your stay both relaxing and enjoyable. Rooms at Karyatit Hotel offer air conditioning and guests can go online with free wifi. A pool and on-site restaurant will also help to make your stay even more special. While staying at Karyatit Hotel, visitors can check out Kesik Minaret Mosque, Hidirlik Kulesi, Kaleici, Harbour District/Antalya Marina, and Hadrian's Gate, which are all within walking distance of the hotel.

Alternate Finish Point

For trips departing on the following dates
use this finish point.
15 Mar 2025 (ERYT250315)
05 Apr 2025 (ERYT250405)
19 Apr 2025 (ERYT250419)
26 Apr 2025 (ERYT250426)
17 May 2025 (ERYT250517)
31 May 2025 (ERYT250531)
14 Jun 2025 (ERYT250614)
28 Jun 2025 (ERYT250628)
05 Jul 2025 (ERYT250705)
12 Jul 2025 (ERYT250712)
19 Jul 2025 (ERYT250719)
30 Jul 2025 (ERYT250730)
09 Aug 2025 (ERYT250809)
16 Aug 2025 (ERYT250816)
27 Aug 2025 (ERYT250827)
06 Sep 2025 (ERYT250906)
13 Sep 2025 (ERYT250913)
20 Sep 2025 (ERYT250920)
27 Sep 2025 (ERYT250927)
04 Oct 2025 (ERYT251004)
11 Oct 2025 (ERYT251011)
22 Oct 2025 (ERYT251022)
01 Nov 2025 (ERYT251101)
Argos Hotel
Tuzcular Mah. Balıkpazarı Sok. No:6
Kaleiçi
Antalya
07100
TURKEY
Phone: +90 2422472012
Fax: +90 2422417557

Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer to the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details, at least 14 days prior to your departure.

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. TRY100. Please ask your leader or hotel staff for assistance in arranging a taxi.

Breakfasts included: 9

Lunches included: 2

Dinners included: 

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.