Journeys: Discover Turkey - 14 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of the 'Journeys: Discover Turkey' tour?

  The tour highlights include discovering Istanbul’s rich history at landmarks like Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar; exploring the spectacular underground cities of Cappadocia and its iconic 'fairy chimneys' (a UNESCO World Heritage Site); delving into the legendary city of Troy for a history lesson in Greek mythology; and savoring Turkish cuisine with a hands-on cooking demonstration in Şirince.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You can expect to stay in clean, safe, simple, and conveniently located hotels, primarily small family-run establishments or pensions. Larger city hotels are used at the start and finish of the tour. While standards and facilities may vary (some might not have elevators or air-conditioning), all are locally-run with traditional character.

• What meals are included in this trip?

  The tour package includes 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers.

• Who will be leading the group during the tour?

  A National Geographic Expedition Leader will be with the group throughout the entire tour.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation during the tour includes private vans, internal flights, and walking.

• Are local flights within Turkey included in the tour price?

  Yes, all required local flights within Turkey are included in the cost of your tour. It's important to provide your passport information at the time of booking for these tickets. Domestic flights have a check-in luggage allowance of 15 kg (33 lbs) and a carry-on allowance of 8 kg (17.5 lbs).

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have coverage for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation (minimum USD200,000). Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage coverage are also strongly recommended. Proof of insurance will be required by your Expedition Leader.

• What is the local currency and what should I know about money exchange and credit cards?

  The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are available in main cities and accept Visa and Mastercard. It is advisable to carry both Visa and Mastercard if possible. Cash (Euros, British Pounds, or US Dollars) can be exchanged easily, but carrying only cash is a high safety risk; an ATM card and some cash is the ideal mix. US Dollar notes should be new and in good condition (post-1996). Daily exchange rates can be found at www.xe.com.

• Is there an age restriction for joining this tour?

  You must be at least 18 years old to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above may travel if accompanied by a guardian who is 21 years or older.

• What is the policy for solo travelers regarding accommodation?

  Solo travelers are typically paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, without an extra single supplement. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What is the dress code for visiting religious sites and in general for respecting local customs?

  When visiting mosques and other religious monuments, modest dress is required, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered (no short shorts or skirts). Outside of major cities and tourist centers, local dress is generally more conservative. It's recommended that both men and women wear loose-fitting clothes with shoulders covered as a sign of respect. Your Expedition Leader can offer specific advice.

• Are there any specific health considerations I should know before traveling?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water in Turkey. You should consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information and any required inoculations before departure. While there are no specific health requirements for this trip, carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers is recommended. Be aware that the tour may venture into remote areas away from medical facilities, and leaders are prohibited from administering medication.

• What rules should I be aware of regarding conduct during the trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and contravene local laws, posing a risk to the group. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also strictly forbidden. Expedition Leaders have the right to expel any group member found in possession of drugs or utilizing the services of paid sex workers. Safety is a priority; a neck wallet or money belt for valuables is recommended, and valuable jewelry should be left at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. When in cities at night, it's recommended to stay in small groups and use taxis.

• Is tipping customary in Turkey and what are the guidelines?

  Yes, tipping is customary in Turkey. For service providers like waiters, a 10% tip is appreciated if you are pleased with the service. For drivers, a recommendation is €15-20 per week. At the end of the trip, if you feel your National Geographic Expedition Leader (who also acts as a guide for ancient sites) did an outstanding job, a tip of €8-10 per person, per day is a guideline. Tipping can be done individually or the Expedition Leader can collect as a group.

• What optional activities are available during the tour?

  Optional activities include: In Antalya, you can visit Antalya Park or experience a Hammam. In Istanbul, you may visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts (approx. 10 EUR), the Archaeological Museum (approx. 15 EUR), the Basilica Cistern (approx. 900 TRY), Dolmabahçe Palace (approx. 1200 TRY), Galata Tower (approx. 30 EUR), or explore the Spice Bazaar (free) and Blue Mosque (free).

• What is the laundry situation during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge. Alternatively, your Expedition Leader can direct you to the nearest laundromat. It's advisable to bring your own non-polluting/biodegradable soap if you plan to do hand laundry.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, in case circumstances beyond control require a change to the planned route. This is a rare occurrence.

• What are the main highlights of the "Journeys: Discover Turkey" tour?

  This tour delves into the fascinating history of Turkey. Highlights include exploring Istanbul's iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and the Grand Bazaar; discovering the spectacular underground cities of Cappadocia and its "fairy chimneys"; visiting the legendary city of Troy for a history lesson in Greek mythology; and savoring traditional Aegean cuisine with a hands-on cooking demonstration in Şirince.

• What is the travel style of this tour?

  The travel style for this tour is "National Geographic Journeys".

• What is the physical rating for this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 3.

• What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?

  You can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions, with the exception of the larger city hotels at the start and finish. These accommodations are locally-run, have some traditional character, and are in excellent central locations. They are clean, safe, and simple.

• Do solo travelers get their own room, or is there a single supplement?

  Solo travelers are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip, meaning there is generally no single supplement. However, if you have booked the "My Own Room" option, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

• What meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 13 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size for this tour is 16 travelers.

• Are local/internal flights included in the tour cost?

  Yes, if required, all local flights are included in the cost of your tour. It is important to provide passport information at the time of booking to process these tickets. Domestic flights in Turkey typically have a check-in allowance of 15 kg (33 lbs) and a carry-on allowance of 8 kg (17.5 lbs).

• What modes of transportation are used during the trip?

  The modes of transportation include private van, plane, and walking.

• Is an arrival transfer included?

  Yes, an arrival transfer is included from Istanbul International Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on Day 1, or up to three days prior to your tour start date if pre-accommodation is booked through National Geographic Journeys in the joining hotel.

• Are there any health considerations I should be aware of?

  It is advisable to drink bottled water in Turkey. While there are no specific health requirements for this trip, it's recommended to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure. Carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers/antibacterial wipes, along with any personal medical requirements, is also recommended.

• What important safety and security information should I know for this trip?

  It's recommended to check your government's travel advice before departure. Use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables and leave expensive jewelry at home. Many hotels have safety deposit boxes. While the cities are generally safe during the day, it's advisable to stay in small groups and use taxis at night. Your Expedition Leader can amend the itinerary for safety concerns and will accompany you on all included activities. Optional activities undertaken in free time are at your own judgment and risk.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must be covered for medical expenses, including emergency evacuation and repatriation, with a minimum coverage of USD200,000. It is strongly recommended that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage.

• What rules should I know regarding illegal drugs and the exploitation of people?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and contravene local laws and group safety. Smoking marijuana and opium, even if part of local culture, is not acceptable for travelers. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is strictly against the tour's philosophy. Expedition Leaders have the right to expel any group member found with drugs or utilizing the services of paid sex workers.

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

  The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+. They encourage visiting their LGBTQ+ page for useful resources and refer to tools like Equaldex for specific destination information to ensure comfort and safety throughout the trip.

• How should I dress to respect local customs, especially at religious sites?

  When visiting mosques and other religious monuments, you should dress modestly, covering your shoulders and avoiding short shorts or skirts. Outside major cities and tourist centers, local dress is often more conservative, and it's recommended that both men and women wear loose-fitting clothes with shoulders covered as a sign of respect. Your Expedition Leader can provide specific advice.

• Is tipping customary in Turkey, and what are the recommendations?

  Yes, tipping is customary in Turkey. For service providers like waiters, a small tip of 10% is expected if you are pleased with the service. For drivers, recommendations range from €15-20 per week. For your National Geographic Expedition Leader, €8-10 per person, per day, is a guideline for outstanding service, though the amount is a personal preference.

• What currency is used in Turkey, and what should I know about money exchange and credit cards?

  The local currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). ATMs are available in main cities and generally accept Visa and Mastercard. It's advisable to carry both cards if possible. Cash is recommended when ATMs are not accessible, and Euros, British Pounds, and US Dollars are easily exchangeable. Ensure USD notes are new and in good condition (post-1996). Carrying a mix of ATM cards and some cash is ideal for safety.

• How much emergency money should I bring?

  You should have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, for use in unforeseen circumstances like route changes due to natural disasters. This is a rare occurrence.

• What optional activities are available on this trip?

  Optional activities include visiting Antalya Park or a Hammam in Antalya, and in Istanbul, you can visit the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, Archaeological Museum, Basilica Cistern, Dolamabahçe Palace, Galata Tower, Spice Bazaar, or the Blue Mosque.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Some hotels offer laundry facilities for a charge, or your Expedition Leader can direct you to the nearest laundromat. It's suggested to bring your own non-polluting/biodegradable soap for personal laundry if needed.

• Who will be leading the group?

  A National Geographic Expedition Leader will be with you throughout the tour.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact by helping local communities earn income from tourism. They develop and support community-owned businesses (e.g., supporting Indigenous people, empowering women, creating youth employment) and integrate these projects into the tour operator's itineraries globally. The tour operator covers all of Planeterra's operating costs, so 100% of donations directly benefit projects.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. For minors traveling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.