Four Days in Istanbul - 4 Days

Frequently asked questions

• Are international flights included in this trip?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. Please speak to your GCO or booking agent for further details. In addition, check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

• Are there any health considerations I should know before travelling?

  DRINKING WATER: It is advisable to drink bottled water in Turkey.Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc.

• How should I dress to respect local customs during the tour?

  While visiting mosques and other religious monuments you should dress modestly, cover your shoulders and you shouldn't wear short shorts or skirts. Outside of capital cities and the more touristic centres, local dress is often more conservative and as a matter of respect we ask that both men and women are aware of this and recommend loose-fitting clothes with your shoulders covered. Ask your CEO for more specific advice.

• If I choose to purchase My Own Room, are there any exceptions during the trip?

  Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops

• Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?

  We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  Istanbul- Turkish Bath (50-70EUR per person)

• What are the joining instructions?

  For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher, G Account, the the tour operator App or contact your travel agent.If you would like to book an airport Arrival transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, Istanbul Airport is no longer permitted to present branded/company signs. At the Istanbul Airport (IST) the tour operator has been allocated the characters:After collecting your luggage, proceed through Exit Door 13 and look for an individual holding an “M55” sign. This person will transfer you to your first accommodation.If you are unable to locate your transfer, please contact the local transfer company emergency number: +90 539 424 42 48.If you are unable to reach them or require further assistance, please contact the the tour operator Emergency Line: +44 1858 378 000If you are arriving at Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport, the tour operator has been allocated the sign "M55" for your airport pickup. After exiting the terminal, proceed straight across the road to the 10th column. At the end of the walkway, you will find an individual holding an “M55” sign. This person will be responsible for transferring you to your first accommodation.If you are unable to locate your transfer, please contact the local transfer company emergency number: +90 539 424 42 48.If you are unable to reach them or require further assistance, please contact the the tour operator Emergency Line: +44 1858 378 000.Please note that day 1 is an arrival day and no activities have been planned on this day.Upon arrival to your Joining Hotel (note that check-in time will be in the afternoon), look for a note or bulletin board in the reception with a note from your CEO. This note will give the details of your Welcome Meeting on day 1 (usually between 5pm and 7pm), where you will get a chance to meet your CEO and other travellers, as well as learn more about how the tour will run. If you don’t see a note, please ask reception for details!If you are arriving later and will miss the Welcome Meeting, your CEO will leave a note at reception for you with any information you may need, and with morning instructions for the next day.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  Walk through time on a day tour of the Old City, Experience traditional Turkish foods and flavours on a culinary tour, Enjoy an authentic street food dinner.

• What are the mandatory travel insurance requirements for this trip?

  Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

• What are the modes of transportation on my trip?

  Walking, ferry.

• What are the tipping guidelines for this trip?

  It is customary in Turkey to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service ($1-2). Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers would range from €5-10 per week depending on the quality of the service. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your the tour operator CEO or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €6-8 per person, per day can be used.

• What details should I be aware of when planning my departure day?

  If you would like to book an airport Departure transfer for your tour, please contact our Sales Team or your Travel Agent in advance of travel.

• What emergency funds do I need access to on this trip?

  Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

• What general safety tips and free-time guidelines should I follow?

  Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it deemed necessary, due to safety concerns. Your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy and explore at your leisure. While your CEO will assist you with options available in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.Water based activities have an element of danger and excitement built into them. We recommend only participating in water based activities when accompanied by a guide(s). We make every reasonable effort to ensure the fun and adventurous element of any water based activities (in countries with varying degrees of operating standards), have a balanced approach to safety. It is our policy not to allow our CEOs to make arrangements on your behalf for water based activities that are not accompanied by guide(s).Swimming, including snorkeling, is always at your own risk. Read more about travel safety for ways to further enhance your personal safety while traveling.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn an income from tourism. Planeterra connects underserved local communities to the benefits of tourism by developing and supporting small community-owned businesses. These businesses support Indigenous people, empower women, grant youth access to employment opportunities, and protect the environment. Planeterra also works to ensure these businesses have a thriving customer base by integrating their projects into the tour operator’ itineraries globally. the tour operator is Planeterra’s largest corporate donor, covering all operating costs, so 100% of your donation will bring opportunity to people in need.the tour operator Dollar-a-day Program - Make Every Day Count - Turn your travel into impact with Planeterra Foundation.Did you know? Most communities around the world do not benefit from tourism. Give back to the places you visit on your travels by creating opportunities for local people to earn an income, and protect the environment.Make every day count by donating $1/day for the length of your trip, and join us in empowering the communities you will visit when you travel. 100% of your donation goes directly to Planeterra projects.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  3 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

• What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

  The safety and well-being of all of our travelers is a priority at the tour operator and that includes our travelers who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community. We recognize that there are specific concerns and questions you may have about your adventure in terms of safety and security. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip. The Equaldex tool linked on this page can be of particular help when deciding where you may want to visit next.

• What's Included

  Your Foodie Moment: Street Food Experience, IstanbulYour Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group. Old Town Orientation Walk. Street Food Dinner Experience. Hagia Sophia Visit. Old City Underground Tour. Hippodrome Visit. Culinary Walking Tour Of "Cool" Istanbul. Kadiköy Visit.

• Where will we stay during the trip?

  Hotels (3 nts).

• Who do I contact for arrival issues or in the event of an emergency?

  Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the the tour operator Local Representative (if one is listed below) or our the tour operator Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. AIRPORT TRANSFERIf you have purchased an arrival through the tour operator or if an arrival transfer is included in the cost of your tour, please note that:Your arrival transfer has been arranged based on flight information provided to us. If you are advised of a flight schedule change or flight cancellation within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, please call the emergency contact number to advise of your new arrival flight information. If you do not, we will not be able to rearrange your arrival transfer and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel at your own expense. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area please take a taxi to your start point hotel. EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERSthe tour operator Local Representative (Turkey)Emergency number:+441858378000If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307 Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999

• Who will be leading the group?

  1 CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout.