Turkey Family Holiday with Teenagers
from $1920
Duration: 8 Days
Explore the stunning scenery of Turkey on an eight-day family trip that both you and your teens will love. Wander around ancient ruins in Fethiye, Xanthos and Letoon, learn about the history of Fethiye and the Lycian people, take it easy on the beach and get the blood pumping on a hike. Swim in the clear sparkling waters off the coast and tuck into some delicious local food – including gozleme, which you’ll learn how to make during a cooking class! Take to the ocean on a cruise, swimming in the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, and look out for loggerhead turtles. You’ll then learn about the turtle rehabilitation efforts by local organisation Dekamer, and why Intrepid makes a donation to this rescue centre for everyone on this trip.
  • Cruise between islands and islets around Kekova and marvel at the fascinating submerged ruins on a relaxing boat trip. Enjoy diving off the boat and into the clear waters of the Mediterranean to swim.
  • Squeeze into the steep sided Saklikent Gorge and then scramble over the rocks to cool off with the kids in the melted snow of the Taurus Mountains. 
  • Feel ancient history come to life on the Lycian Coast with a day trip to Xanthos and its surrounds – a site of fierce struggles and great battles from decades past.
  • Visit the eerie ghost village of Kayakoy and discover why it was abandoned in 1923 – this spot might be a favourite for the kids, as it’s a pretty amazing photo spot with an interesting history of religious segregation.  
  • Learn how to make local favourite gozleme for lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy hearty, traditional Turkish breakfasts every day and tour markets to pick up some Turkish sweets – yum!
  • By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey. 
  • Saklikent - Saklikent Gorge
  • Kayakoy - Gozleme Cooking Class
  • Kas - Leader led orientation walk
  • Kas - Full day cruise
  • Xanthos - Archaeological site
  • Patara - Ancient Site & Beach
  • Letoon - Archaeological site
  • Fethiye – Dekamer Sea Turtle Centre
  • Fethiye - Fish Market visit
  • Day 1 Location: Fethiye
    Hos geldin! Welcome to Turkey. Your adventure kicks off in the coastal city of Fethiye with a welcome meeting at 5 pm at your hotel. If you arrive early, get out and explore the town – with Lycian rock tombs carved into cliffs, a beautiful coastline and a renowned market, Fethiye is a gorgeous place to experience Turkish culture. Tonight, why not take the kids out for some traditional cuisine and get to know your group over a glass of raki (the national drink in Turkey made from twice-distilled grapes and aniseed).
    Day 2 Location: Fethiye
    This morning after breakfast, you’ll drive to Saklikent Gorge – a spectacular spot for photos, where steep sculpted walls soar high above. The whole canyon is around 18 km long (with 4 km accessible), and the vertical walls reach up to 300 m in height. Make your way along a suspended walkway through shaded cliffs and scramble over rocks as you explore the area. The shaded areas and swimming holes are a great way to cool off from the heat in summer. The kids can take a dip in the water that’s travelled down to the valley after the snow from the Taurus Mountains has melted while you cool off your feet near a waterfall. Grab some lunch at the cafes and restaurants set up on pontoons over the water. After, head back to Fethiye where you have free time to explore the town or relax by the pool. Maybe grab the kids and race each other up the steps to the ancient Lycian stone temples.   
    Day 3 Location: Fethiye
    This morning, head off to the town of Kayakoy where you can try your hand at making a local favourite – gozleme (a savoury stuffed turnover made with flour, salt and water, usually with a filling of spinach and feta or minced lamb) in a local restaurant. Then, enjoy the fruits of your labour for lunch! After, you will have the option to check out the ghost village of Kayakoy – an eerie town that was abandoned in 1923 after the Greco-Turkish War. Later, head back to your accommodation in Fethiye, where you’ll have a free afternoon as a family to sit back and relax or head to a local restaurant in the town with some of your new travel buddies for dinner.
    Day 4 Location: Kas
    Today after breakfast, make the 2 hour drive to the seaside town of Kas along winding coastal roads taking in the views of the picturesque village, where whitewashed buildings covered in bougainvillea line cobbled streets. When you arrive, head out on a leader-led orientation walk to get your bearings, then enjoy some free time to explore at your own pace. If you’re looking for a swim to cool off, the best places to check out are the waterfront restaurants, which have private water access. In the evening, relax as you watch the sun set over the ocean or perhaps explore the handicraft markets, where you can pick up some beautiful handmade wares with a distinct Turkish flavour. 
    Day 5 Location: Kas
    This morning after breakfast make the short drive to Kekova. When you arrive, you’ll board a local boat for a relaxing cruise through a series of peaceful islands, all with distinctive rock formations. Keep an eye out for the otherworldly sight of the ancient ruins submerged in the water. Sail from large bays to protected inlets, where there’s a chance to take a refreshing dip off the boat. Enjoy a homemade Turkish meal on board for lunch with your group. Later, explore the quaint village of Ucagiz – a township of stone houses drenched in colourful flowers. Return to Kas for the evening, where you’ll have free time to explore further or relax.
    Day 6 Location: Fethiye
    After a hearty breakfast this morning, depart early and drive approximately 1 hour to one of the most spectacular ancient spots in Lycian history – Xanthos. The city dates back to the 8th century BC and includes a pretty sobering (but pretty interesting) history. The city was the centre of culture and commerce for the Lycians, but it was regularly in the path of conquerors – think the Persian Empire, Alexander the Great and the Romans, who all took over the city. There's an ancient theatre, a necropolis and many mosaic floors and temples to explore. After your visit, head to Patara Beach – the nestling place for loggerhead sea turtles, considered one of the best beaches in Turkey. This protected natural area is also ideal for a bit of body surfing! Take a swim and enjoy an included picnic lunch with your group before continuing on to Letoon – the sacred cult centre of Lycia. Here, you’ll visit the temple dedicated to the goddess Leto and her children, Artemis and Apollo, and see the inscriptions that were key to deciphering the Lycian language.
    Day 7 Location: Fethiye
    After breakfast today, you’ll visit Dekamer – a Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center. This organisation rescues and rehabilitates any injured loggerhead turtles (the largest hard-shell turtle in the world) found along the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. You’ll learn all about these turtles and how Dekamer works to protect them and conserve the local environment. You’ll also be directly contributing to rescue and rehabilitation efforts here, as Intrepid contributes a donation to Dekamer for every person on this trip! You'll have the option to grab lunch and explore Fethiye Market at your leisure during a free afternoon. Later, see the town or take the kids to the beach for a swim before meeting your leader and the rest of your group to celebrate a trip well-travelled during an optional final dinner.
    Day 8 Location: Fethiye
    With no activities planned after breakfast, your adventure comes to an end today. If you’d like to spend more time in Turkey, just speak to your booking agent.  
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    06JUL2024
    Return Date:
    13JUL2024
    2400NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    13JUL2024
    Return Date:
    20JUL2024
    2400NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    20JUL2024
    Return Date:
    27JUL2024
    2400NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    27JUL2024
    Return Date:
    03AUG2024
    2400NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    03AUG2024
    Return Date:
    10AUG2024
    2400NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    10AUG2024
    Return Date:
    17AUG2024
    2400NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    05JUL2025
    Return Date:
    12JUL2025
    2520NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    12JUL2025
    Return Date:
    19JUL2025
    2520NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    19JUL2025
    Return Date:
    26JUL2025
    2520NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    26JUL2025
    Return Date:
    02AUG2025
    2520NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    07 Feb 2024

    Trip title

    Turkey Family Holiday with Teenagers

    Trip code

    ERFT

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2024 to 31 Dec 2024

    Introduction

    Explore the stunning scenery of Turkey on an eight-day family trip that both you and your teens will love. Wander around ancient ruins in Fethiye, Xanthos and Letoon, learn about the history of Fethiye and the Lycian people, take it easy on the beach and get the blood pumping on a hike. Swim in the clear sparkling waters off the coast and tuck into some delicious local food – including gozleme, which you’ll learn how to make during a cooking class! Take to the ocean on a cruise, swimming in the crystal waters of the Mediterranean, and look out for loggerhead turtles. You’ll then learn about the turtle rehabilitation efforts by local organisation Dekamer, and why Intrepid makes a donation to this rescue centre for everyone on this trip.

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Family

    Transport

    Private MInivan,local bus

    Physical Rating

    2

    Physical preparation

    These trips are setup to involve and include all the family so no real physical preparation is necessary. The trips all have some degree of physical activity but nothing that is too strenuous. Please check the physical rating on the trip notes and if you need further explanation please contact one of our sales consultants who will provide you with more detailed information.

    Joining point

    Rebin Beach Hotel

    Cahit Begenc Blv. 1450 Sok. Calis Plaji No:1

    Fethiye

    Mugla

    48300

    TURKEY

    Joining point description

    The Rebin Beach Hotel is located a 5 minute walk from the beach and is surrounded by beautiful green gardens. The hotel has an outdoor pool and the rooms are equipped with ensuite bathroom facilities, air-conditioning, private balconies, satellite TV, safe box and a minibar.

    Joining point instructions

    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. TRY500-600. Arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST) If you have booked an arrival transfer with us, please ensure that we have been advised of your correct flight details no later than 14 days prior to travel. The arrival transfer cannot be organized on the day of arrival. Once you get out of the baggage claim, please proceed to the Gate 14. When you come out of the airport, on the left-hand side, there is a board with names of travel companies. Intrepid sign is located at the bottom. Behind the sign there are a few transfer representatives waiting. Please ask for Intrepid and they will allocate and inform the driver which will take you to the hotel. Due to the airport regulations, the drivers have to wait outside the airport area and it might require short period of time, before your driver arrives. Once the driver will arrive, transfer representative will escort you to the designated area (-1 level) where the vehicle will be waiting for you. Approximate time from Istanbul airport to the city is from 45min to 1h. If you are arriving during rush hours the arrival time to your hotel can increase. If you have any trouble locating your transfer representative, or if your flight is going to be delayed, please call the following number: +90 (850) 309 68 76. ** For the information, representatives will not be holding an Intrepid sign or your name due to the airport regulations. Arriving at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) Once you get out of the baggage claim, please proceed to the Exit and Column 13. You will find an Intrepid sign. There will be transfer representatives waiting, please ask for Intrepid. They will allocate and inform the driver which will take you to the hotel. Due to the airport regulations, the drivers have to wait outside the airport area and it might require short period of time, before your driver arrives. If you have any trouble locating your transfer representative, or if your flight is going to be delayed, please call the following number: +90 (850) 309 68 76. ** For the information, representatives will not be holding an Intrepid sign or your name due to the airport regulations.

    Finish point

    Rebin Beach Hotel

    Cahit Begenc Blv. 1450 Sok. Calis Plaji No:1

    Fethiye

    Mugla

    48300

    TURKEY

    Finish point description

    The Rebin Beach Hotel is located a 5 minute walk from the beach and is surrounded by beautiful green gardens. The hotel has an outdoor pool and the rooms are equipped with ensuite bathroom facilities, air-conditioning, private balconies, satellite TV, safe box and a minibar.

    Finish point instructions

    The nearest airport to Fethiye is Dalaman Airport (DLM), which is 45kms/28miles west of Fethiye. Intrepid can assist with pre-booking a departure transfer to the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight 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. Alternatively, your leader can advise on public bus options.

    Important information

    1. Please note that these trips are for adults and children travelling together and there must be at least one child under 18 with you. 2. Minimum age for children on this trip is 10 years old. Please note that anyone aged under 18 must be accompanied by (and share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian. 3. A discount of 10% applies on this trip to children 17 years and under at time of travel. 4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

    Group leader

    All Intrepid Family trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to assist your family to take the hassle out of your travels and help you have the best trip possible. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for fun things to do and see - for both kids and parents, recommend great local eating venues that will even get the kids trying new things, and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. Our leaders are not babysitters on this trip - we leave that to you (the experts), but they will make sure that group members of all ages are able to explore their destination safely and with as much fun as possible. Our group leaders are not responsible for looking after children at any time and children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times throughout this itinerary.

    Safety

    Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your group leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your group leader or local representative will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes 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. Please also note that your group leader or local representative has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Intrepid's operational safety policies can be viewed on our website at the link below. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how safety is being managed on our trips.

    https://www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.

    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 and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Though obvious please don't allow your children to carry their own passports while on tour. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes 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. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns. For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us/safety FIRE PRECAUTIONS: Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms. TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD: Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware! SEAT BELTS: Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in your home country and not all the transport which we use is able to provide seat belts. When travelling in private mini vans or trucks all children (and adults) must wear a seat belt. No children are allowed to sit in the front seat of a vehicle. PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY: While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair or on the floor and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing. LIFE JACKETS: While life jackets are generally available on water craft, there may be occasions where they are not provided and child size life jackets are not always readily available. If travelling with children and this safety issue concerns you we will be able to advise alternative methods of transport (where available) for you to travel to the next destination. You can choose to travel independently for this leg of the journey. This would be at your own expense. WATER SAFETY: Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water with your children, where waves and currents can be unpredictable. It's expected that anyone taking part in water activities is able to swim and have experience in open water. All swimmers should seek local advice before entering the water.

    Visas

    PASSPORT You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date. We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so it’s important that the information on your booking matches your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while travelling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends. VISAS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our page here:  www.intrepidtravel.com/visa-entry-requirements

    Why we love it

    Cruise between islands and islets around Kekova and marvel at the fascinating submerged ruins on a relaxing boat trip. Enjoy diving off the boat and into the clear waters of the Mediterranean to swim.

    Squeeze into the steep sided Saklikent Gorge and then scramble over the rocks to cool off with the kids in the melted snow of the Taurus Mountains. 

    Feel ancient history come to life on the Lycian Coast with a day trip to Xanthos and its surrounds – a site of fierce struggles and great battles from decades past.

    Visit the eerie ghost village of Kayakoy and discover why it was abandoned in 1923 – this spot might be a favourite for the kids, as it’s a pretty amazing photo spot with an interesting history of religious segregation.  

    Learn how to make local favourite gozleme for lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy hearty, traditional Turkish breakfasts every day and tour markets to pick up some Turkish sweets – yum!

    By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey. 

    Is this trip right for you

    There are some short, moderate hikes on this trip, with visits to the ancient cities of Xanthos and Letoon, broken up with some beach time. A moderate mobility and fitness level is recommended to enjoy this trip to its fullest.  You'll need walking shoes, hats, sunscreen and a day pack for each family member to explore some of the historic sites. 

    Health

    GENERAL HEALTH All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell prior to travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the assessment of our group leader or local representative a traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. 

    Food and dietary requirements

    While travelling with us you and your family will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you and your family more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though. If you or a member of your family have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.

    Money matters

    SPENDING MONEY When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling. TURKEY The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency in Turkey. Most goods and services can be paid for using the local currency. Given the fluctuating value of TRY, we recommend reviewing the exchange rates as your trip approaches. The EUR is also acceptable as is the USD. For the supply of everyday services like meals and general shopping we recommend the local currency. You can use your credit/debit card in ATMs, which are common throughout Turkey. Smaller venues take cash only. We recommend taking cash out in major cities before travelling to regional areas of Turkey. Before leaving home, check with your bank regarding fees you may be charged for using your card overseas. Turkey is often misjudged when it comes to costs you might have as a tourist, eg dining out and shopping. Prices can also vary considerably between regions. Cities like Istanbul and Antalya are very European and as such the standard of restaurants and cafes is very high and the cost equivalent to its European counterparts. Eating in local restaurants, roadside stalls and markets is still inexpensive and lots of fun. Budgets are a personal choice but please bear in mind that you should not expect Turkey to be a budget destination. TIPPING Tipping can be an appropriate way to recognise great service when travelling. While it may not be customary in your home country, it is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many of our destinations and is greatly appreciated by the people who take care of you during your travels. It is always best to avoid tipping with coins, very small denomination notes, or dirty and ripped notes, as this can be regarded as an insult rather than the goodwill gesture it is intended to be. OPTIONAL TIPPING KITTY On Day 1 of your trip, your group leader or local representative may discuss with you the idea of operating a group tipping kitty, whereby everybody contributes an equal amount and your group leader or local representative distributes tips for drivers, local guides, hotel staff and other services included on your trip. This excludes restaurant tips for meals not included in your itinerary. The group leader or local representative will keep a running record of all monies spent which can be checked at any time, and any funds remaining at the end of the tour will be returned to group members. We have found that this is easiest way to avoid the hassles of needing small change and knowing when and what is an appropriate amount to tip. Participation in this kitty is at your own discretion, and you are welcome to manage your own tipping separately if you prefer. Please note the tipping kitty excludes tips for your group leader or local representative. YOUR GROUP LEADER OR LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE  You may consider tipping your group leader or local representative for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference however as a guideline 4-7 USD or EUR per person (in a currency relevant to your destination), per day can be used. Of course, you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length and involvement of your group leader or local representative on your trip. COMMISSIONS Intrepid understands that the receipt of commissions in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. For this reason, we have established a centralised fund for contributions from recommended suppliers so these can be collected and distributed back into the business. Actively managing the receipt of commissions helps us maintain the level of quality you expect on one of our trips. Travel is always an adventure so Intrepid cannot explicitly guarantee the quality of a product but we aim to provide the best value trips in the market. Please let us know via the feedback form completed after your trip if we are successfully meeting - or exceeding - this objective. CONTINGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.

    What to take

    CLOTHING, CLIMATE & EQUIPMENT: Please note that Turkey can have extreme weather! Winter (approx. November to February) can be very cold. Not all of our hotels have heating so consider bringing thermals, scarf, gloves and a warm jacket for travel in this period. Summer (approx. June to August) can be very hot. Not all our hotels have air conditioning, and in those that do, it is not always functioning. You and your family should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage, although you won't be required to walk long distances with it (max 15minutes). Many travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are also 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. • 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 • Insect repellent • Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses • Warm clothes including hat and gloves - When travelling in cooler climates • Wind and waterproof rain jacket • Toiletries/travel wipes • Closed in, comfortable walking shoes. • Swimwear * A laundry service may be available in some hotels, but we recommend taking biodegradable travel detergent clothes can be washed as you wish. WATER BOTTLE: Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. 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.

    TECHNOLOGY With the modern world you may want to bring along tablets of smartphones for the children to document their adventure - there are a wide variety of apps out there which we suggest downloading before you depart. There will be opportunities to charge ( just make sure you bring the correct adapter) and there will be wi-fi available on your trip, although it will probably not be at the speeds you are used to at home and it won't be available everywhere.

    Climate and seasonal

    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.

    Feedback

    Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travellers like you. Share your experience with us at: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/feedback/

    Emergency contact

    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: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/ 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

    Responsible travel

    Our Responsible Travel Policy outlines our commitment to preserving the environment, supporting local communities, protecting the vulnerable, and giving back to the places we travel. All our trip group leaders or local representatives, suppliers, and staff are trained on these principles and are core to us delivering sustainable, experience-rich travel. Explore the different parts of our Responsible Travel Policy by visiting: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/responsible-travel

    The Intrepid Foundation

    We created our not-for-profit, the Intrepid Foundation because you – our travellers – told us you wanted to make an even greater impact in the communities you visit. The Foundation works by teaming up with partners around the world so that together we can deliver greater positive impact at scale. Partners are identified by our local staff who live and work in our destinations. They harness their powerful community connections to determine the issues that matter most and select local partners who can deliver real solutions. Since 2002, the Intrepid Foundation has raised more than $14million dollars and supported more than 160 communities worldwide. Now, with over 40 partners all over the world, your donations are helping to restore forests in Kenya, empower women in Honduras and promote elephant welfare in Laos, to name just a few. For more information about the Intrepid Foundation, please ask your group leader or local representative or visit our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/ This trip supports CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği), who provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey. Donations fund a program where young scholarship awardees undertake outreach workshops with marginalised children in regional villages. Workshops include information sessions on gender equality, health, law, culture, and other human rights topics. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation. To find out more or make a donation, visit https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/t/CYDD

    Accommodation notes

    GENERAL ROOMING CONFIGURATIONS: Family of two: All family groupings of two will be accommodated in a twin room. Family of three: Wherever possible we will put you in a triple room. Please be aware that in some places triple rooms are in short supply. This means that a triple room will often be a twin room with a rollaway bed or mattress on the floor. Where triple rooms aren’t available it will be at your discretion which of your family takes the single room. Family of four or more: You will most likely be accommodated in two twin rooms. Where possible, we will accommodate your family in a quadruple room. While we do our very best to ensure that family groups are roomed close together (in some cases, we can arrange adjoining rooms), we can’t guarantee this. Most family holidays occur during peak season and we sometimes have little to no control over the exact placement of rooms within a hotel. Please be understanding if we are unable to room your family in immediate proximity of one another.

    Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory on all our trips for those travelling internationally. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are travelling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your group leader or local representative. If you have credit card insurance your group leader or local representative will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country. For travellers who reside within the European Union, Switzerland or USA the requirement to purchase travel insurance cannot be compulsory. However the purchase of travel insurance is still highly recommended, and travellers from these regions who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting, recognizing personal responsibility for emergency medical and repatriation costs should they arise. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/booking-resources/our-services

    Your fellow travellers

    As you and your family travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow families will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too (for both parents and children). We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow  families is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you and your family have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part. Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow families booked on your trip prior to departure.

    Itinerary disclaimer

    ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

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