Walk the highlights of the Lycian Way
from $2146
Duration: 8 Days
Imagine a magical place where ancient ruins crumble between lush greenery, rocky cliffs tower out of the Mediterranean Sea and quaint towns sit above the southern coastline – this is Lycia, and your chance to explore it all. Spend an unforgettable week walking along the Lycian Way – a path once used by ancient Greeks and Romans – joined by a local leader who will add historical context to all your discoveries. You’ll reach ancient cities like Olympos, Aperlai and Sidyma by foot – your journey through the wilderness, making the ancient ruins that much sweeter to explore. You’ll get your blood pumping and ignite your passion for the outdoors but still enjoy time to rest and rejuvenate between hikes. Think afternoon boat tours on the Mediterranean, cultural activities, traditional meals and sunsets by the water to make sure you're balancing work and play. If you can call scenic hikes to incredible locations work, that is.
  • Spend an unforgettable week walking along the Lycian Way – a path once used by ancient Greeks and Romans – joined by a local leader adding historical context to your discoveries.
  • Unearth thousands of years of Turkey’s history and see how tradition lives on today during visits to Fethiye, Phaselis, Olympos, Adrasan and Aperlai.
  • Your walks will be complimented by a truly spectacular backdrop – the Turquoise Coast. Named for its vibrant waters, you’ll have plenty of chances to marvel at stunning beaches and dazzling coastline.
  • Visit Cirali Bay – home of sea turtles, legendary flames and Lycian ruins. This is a place where history and nature meet!
  • Hike to the ancient ruins of Olympos – one of the major cities of the Lycian union, this important city served as both a centre for trade and a pirate stronghold for many centuries.
  • 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.
  • Alacasu to Phaselis guided walk
  • Yanartaş eternal flames guided walk
  • Çamburnu to Olympos guided walk
  • Cirali beach walk
  • Olympos to Adrasan guided hike
  • Gelidonya Lighthouse
  • Museum of Lycian Civilizations guided visit
  • Alinca to Kabak guided walk
  • Delikkemer Roman aqueduct visit
  • Archaeological site
  • Amyntas Tomb
  • Day 1 Location: Antalya
    Karsilama! Welcome to Turkey. Your hiking adventure begins in Antalya today. This beautiful, ancient city sits atop cliffs that rise dramatically from the sea. Your trip will officially kick off with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening where you’ll meet your fellow travellers and trip leader before being briefed on the adventures that lie ahead. If you arrive in Antalya early, there’s plenty to keep you busy. You might like to wander the old quarter of Kaleici where narrow streets intertwine between wooden houses with plenty of character. There are also a few additional day tours you might like to join – from Turkish baths and Aspendos' ancient city to touring the Side Antique city – there’s plenty of activities to choose from. Simply talk to your hotel reception for best recomendations and help with bookings.
    Day 2 Location: Alacasu to Phaselis
    This morning, you’ll make your way to the starting point of your first hike – Alacasu. A nice and easy introduction to the terrain, today’s hike will take just one to two hours, and will finish in Phaselis. These are beautiful, well-preserved ruins where you’ll be able to wander through the ancient, crumbling street, theatre and baths, each protected by the shade of surrounding leafy pine trees. In the afternoon, you’ll take another stroll around famous rocky mountainside above Cirali village – Yanartaş. You’ll have a chance to explore the place of eternal flames dancing on the side of the Fire Mountain. These flames were used in ancient times by sailors to navigate their way round the coast of Lycia, and even before that time, athletes used to light their torches with what was believed to be a sacred flame and run down to Olympos city. You'll stay in family-run accommodation tonight, surrounded by gorgeous views of the surrounding nature (sunset, anyone?).
    Day 3 Location: Çamburnu, Olympos
    Fuel up on breakfast today and then lace up your walking shoes in preparation for your hike through Olympos and the surrounds. With plenty to see and explore along the way, today’s trek will be broken up into sections. The first section of the trail will lead you directly from your guesthouse to Camburnu. You’ll walk by a medieval tower and rock-climbing route before reaching an intriguing cave that descends into the sea below. From here, you’ll walk back to reach a lovely beach, break for lunch and, if the weather permits, take a refreshing dip in the lapping water. After some time to relax and soak up the scenery, you’ll embark on the next section of your trek to Olympos. This place will take your breath away – an ancient city, built presumably in the 4th century BC. Once ruled by leaders of the past, it’s now only ruled by the wild trees and greenery that surround it. From here, you’ll hike to Maden Bay and Cirali beach to complete your walk for the day before heading back to your accommodation to relax, unwind and stretch your muscles.
    Day 4 Location: Adrasan
    After a hearty breakfast this morning, you’ll embark on the longest trekking day of our Lycian adventure. We'll walk from Olympos to Adrasan – one of the most scenic trails of the Lycian Way. You can expect to cross through the Musa (Olympos) Mountain and wind through the lush greenery and pine trees, perhaps with glimpses of the turquoise beaches below. After combating steep hills (both up and down) along the path, you’ll be rewarded with magical vistas and a delightful stop for a picnic lunch (at your own expense) along the way. You’ll finish today’s big trek in the seaside oasis of Adrasan. Now, it’s time to put your feet up and breath in the sweet ocean air – you deserve it! Tonight's accommodation is also only 5 minutes from the beach, so watching the sunset tonight will be easy breezy.
    Day 5 Location: Simena
    Wake up for a relaxed day of recovery today – after yesterday’s epic trek, it’s time to take things back a notch. After a leisurely breakfast to begin the day, you’ll take a short drive to the starting point of a relaxed hike to the close by Gelidonya Lighthouse. Standing proudly above the Mediterranean Sea, the lighthouse was built in 1934. With captivating sights that extend across the sea below and islands dotted in the distance, you’ll have some time to rest and fill your camera roll before we take the same path back to your vehicle. This afternoon is for cultural experiences – you’ll visit the ancient city of Myra, the Museum of Lycian Civilizations and the ancient city of Simena. Plus, your local leader will take you to a special spot to tuck into lunch (at your own expense) at a famously tasty seafood restaurant in Finike.
    Day 6 Location: Simena
    Today is another fun day filled with the same sense of adventure and excitement you’ve now surely come to expect. We’ll start off with a walk to Aperlai Ancient City. Formerly, Aperlai was significant trading city – now there is little that remains to this once thriving seaside acropolis. You’ll marvel at the crumbling city walls, stone gate that still stands proudly today and the remains of two Roman baths amongst the ruins. After some time here, you’ll retire to lunch at a local restaurant and take the opportunity to snap some photos for the memory bank. After lunch, trace your way back to Simena for afternoon of shopping, or relaxing at the sea side (or both!).
    Day 7 Location: Kabak
    After breakfast today, hit the trails for the final full day of your trekking adventure through Turkey. You’ll begin with a walk to Delikkemer – a magnificent early Roman aqueduct. Then, you’ll enjoy lunch at the local village of Sidyma before exploring Sidyma Ancient City which lies on the southern slope of Mount Cragus. In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a leisurely downhill walk, watching as the sun sets over the Mediterranean Sea and finishing your final walk of the trip at a beautiful turquoise beach, aglow under the sunset skies. Tonight, your accommodation, surrounded by lush greenery, boasts gorgeous views of the sea and if you have time, you can even take up a yoga class! Later, tuck into dinner with your newfound travel buddies and toast to all that you’ve seen and all that you’ve achieved in the last week.
    Day 8 Location: Fethiye
    After one final breakfast together, depart for Fethiye. You can expect a scenic drive with plenty of stops along the way to soak in the last few moments of your trip and briefly explore places like Kayakoy and Oludeniz. Your Lycian trekking adventure comes to an end in Fethiye. You can arrange to be dropped to the airport, city centre or your hotel.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    20APR2024
    Return Date:
    27APR2024
    2655NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    27APR2024
    Return Date:
    04MAY2024
    3070NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    04MAY2024
    Return Date:
    11MAY2024
    2940NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    11MAY2024
    Return Date:
    18MAY2024
    2630NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    18MAY2024
    Return Date:
    25MAY2024
    2705NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    01JUN2024
    Return Date:
    08JUN2024
    2525NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    21SEP2024
    Return Date:
    28SEP2024
    2730NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    05OCT2024
    Return Date:
    12OCT2024
    2730NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    19OCT2024
    Return Date:
    26OCT2024
    2730NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    02NOV2024
    Return Date:
    09NOV2024
    2630NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    07 Feb 2024

    Trip title

    Walk the highlights of the Lycian Way

    Trip code

    ERXL

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2023 to 31 Dec 2024

    Introduction

    Imagine a magical place where ancient ruins crumble between lush greenery, rocky cliffs tower out of the Mediterranean Sea and quaint towns sit above the southern coastline – this is Lycia, and your chance to explore it all. Spend an unforgettable week walking along the Lycian Way – a path once used by ancient Greeks and Romans – joined by a local leader who will add historical context to all your discoveries. You’ll reach ancient cities like Olympos, Aperlai and Sidyma by foot – your journey through the wilderness, making the ancient ruins that much sweeter to explore. You’ll get your blood pumping and ignite your passion for the outdoors but still enjoy time to rest and rejuvenate between hikes. Think afternoon boat tours on the Mediterranean, cultural activities, traditional meals and sunsets by the water to make sure you're balancing work and play. If you can call scenic hikes to incredible locations work, that is.

    Style

    Original

    Themes

    Walking & Trekking

    Transport

    Private Vehicle

    Physical Rating

    3

    Physical preparation

    The walking on this trip is over easy to moderate terrain and distances covered can vary from 5 to 20 km (please check day descriptions for details). Some of the walks are circular but some can be out-and-back walks. Be prepared for daily ascents and descents, sometimes with short, steep sections. Terrain can be rocky with loose gravel, or with roots, which may become slippery when wet. This tour is ideal for nature lovers and the leaders set an even pace, providing time to take photos and to appreciate the beautiful surroundings.

    Joining point

    Aspen Hotel

    Kilicaslan Mah. Mermerli Sok. No25,

    Old town Kaleici,

    Antalya

    07100

    TURKEY

    Phone: +90 2422470590

    Fax: +90 2422413364

    Joining point description

    Featuring views of Yat Limanı marina, the Taurus Mountains and historic downtown Antalya, this subdued hotel is a 3-minute walk from the Antalya Müzesi’s archaeological exhibits. Bright rooms and suites come with free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and minibars. Select quarters have mountain, city and/or marina views. Breakfast and parking are complimentary. There’s a high-end restaurant, a terrace eatery, and a cafe with a fireplace. Other amenities include a lobby bar, and an outdoor pool with a furnished sundeck, as well as a fitness center and a sauna.

    Joining point instructions

    Antalya Airport is located 15kms from the Aspen Hotel. Taxis can be easily hailed from the airport and cost approx TRY 600-800. Private airport transfers are available for pre-booking through Intrepid. Contact your agent for details. Be sure to advise of your flight details when booking. If you have pre-purchased a transfer, please look for your name on the transfer barrier when exiting the customs area. A representative will be there to collect you. If you cannot immediately find your transfer driver please be patient. If you still cannot find your driver after a considerable amount of time, please contact our Istanbul office on either of the below numbers: Office: +90 212 512 7144 Mob: +90 532 641 2822

    Finish point

    Fethiye

    Fethiye

    Mugla

    TURKEY

    Important information

    1. Welcome Meeting starts at 6pm on Day 1. On last day, you will reach Fethiye in early afternoon. If you are flying out on this day, please make sure your flight departure is after 4pm. 2. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 3. Your main luggage/bag will be transferred for you to the next destination while you are hiking. 4. Many included hikes would see us reaching the ancient or archaeological sites but note the entrance to the sites is not included in the price of the trip. There will be time for you to visit those sites at your own cost if you wish so. 5. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Turkey before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - www.intrepidtravel.com/travel-alerts

    Group leader

    All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavour to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders. Your leader will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip. In Turkey, in accordance with local regulations your Leader will also be a registered Guide with the Ministry of Tourism. They will have vast general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, specialized knowledge of the sites visited and provide full guiding services.

    Safety

    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. 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, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. 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. 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: www.intrepidtravel.com/safety-guidelines

    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. BALCONIES Some hotel balconies don't meet western standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm. 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. PICK POCKETING & 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 at night and encourage you to walk in groups 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. WATER SAFETY Please take care when taking part in any activities in the ocean, river or open water, 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. TRAVEL ADVICE & TRAVEL INSURANCE We recommend that you check your government's advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.

    SAFETY IN TURKEY: We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before your departure and that you ensure your travel insurance covers you for all areas in your itinerary. We have links to all major travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting your trip on our safety page (link above). The safety of our travellers and staff is our first priority. We continue to monitor the situation through official travel advisories and our local operations team, and we’re able to quickly change arrangements if for any reason we become concerned. If there should be any changes to the situation you will be advised immediately. Whilst travelling in Istanbul before, after or during your tour we would recommend avoiding crowded areas like Taksim Square, Galatasaray and Kadikoy Meydan after 6.00pm especially on a weekend. If using public transport in the city please refer to http://www.iett.gov.tr/en for the latest updates and announcements.

    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

    Spend an unforgettable week walking along the Lycian Way – a path once used by ancient Greeks and Romans – joined by a local leader adding historical context to your discoveries.

    Unearth thousands of years of Turkey’s history and see how tradition lives on today during visits to Fethiye, Phaselis, Olympos, Adrasan and Aperlai.

    Your walks will be complimented by a truly spectacular backdrop – the Turquoise Coast. Named for its vibrant waters, you’ll have plenty of chances to marvel at stunning beaches and dazzling coastline.

    Visit Cirali Bay – home of sea turtles, legendary flames and Lycian ruins. This is a place where history and nature meet!

    Hike to the ancient ruins of Olympos – one of the major cities of the Lycian union, this important city served as both a centre for trade and a pirate stronghold for many centuries.

    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

    This is a walking trip with daily hikes of up to 15 km or 7 hours per day on rocky ground, steep terrain and possible hot weather. You need to be in a moderate physical shape to complete all hikes in expected time. Where possible, we have tried to plan the walking in the mornings but please prepare for potential hot weather, even in Spring and Autumn months. You will need to pack good walking shoes, a hat, some sunscreen and a daypack. We strongly recommend bringing pair of walking poles. Please note, these cannot be obtained locally. Additionally, don’t forget a jacket and swimming gear.

    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.  DRINKING WATER As a rule, we recommend you don't drink tap water, even in hotels, as it may contain much higher levels of different minerals than the water you are used to at home. For local people, this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally, this isn't serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it's enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Many hotels and lodges provide safe drinking water, while bottled water is another alternative. Water consumption should be about two litres a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhea blockers are available from many pharmacies - please source from home and bring them with you on your travels.

    Food and dietary requirements

    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.

    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

    As well as your underwear, toothbrush and other items you always need to pack for travel, below are some items that you specifically need for this trip. https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list MAIN LUGGAGE You need to bring your main piece of luggage as well as a small to medium backpack for day’s walks (20-25 litres). One with waist strap would be most comfortable for all included walks ESSENTIALS - Day pack: for carrying essentials during activities - Trekking clothing: A mixture covering lightweight clothing and some warm layers is recommended. Your activities will take place in the outdoors, where weather may change quickly. Lightweight, comfortable, and quick drying clothes for the activities are best. Laundry facilities may not be available on every day basis, so make sure you have a few cycles of clothes. - Hiking boots with a good grip, ankle support and waterproof membrane that are comfortable to walk for an entire day - Walking Poles for support on steep uphill sections and longer descents - Comfortable shoes for shorter beach walks or evenings spend around accommodation - Sport sandals - Light jacket, fleece and base layers - Wind and waterproof jacket - Breathable, non-cotton hiking t-shirts - Long hiking pants or zip-offs - Nylon hiking shorts - Water bottle or bladder: you will need water during activities and it’s best to avoid buying unnecessary plastic. - Sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, sunhat or bandana - Torch/flashlight/headtorch - Toiletries RECOMMENDED - Personal medical kit. A larger kit will be on hand with your leader, but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, antihistamine tablets and any personal medication you may need - Ear plugs & eye mask - Walking poles for longer walks and uneven terrain - Camera with spare batteries/power bank: You will have access to power to recharge your electrical items daily - Travel eco-friendly wipes/hand sanitizer OPTIONAL - Swimwear - A good book, a journal and music player VALUABLES Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables. It’s also recommended to bring a copy of 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. If you need some further tips for packing, you can always check out our ultimate packing list. WATER BOTTLE Please bring your own water bottle to refill along the way. 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.

    Climate and seasonal

    WEATHER: Please note that the weather in July and August can be very hot. We will endeavour to hike in early mornings and through shaded areas to minimise the suns effect. 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 or Ramzan in Turkey will be in progress from 23 Mar - 21 Apr 2023 and 11 Mar - 9 Apr 2024, with the Eid ul-Fitr festival (or Bayram in Turkey) 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. Ramadan month can differ from country to country and region to region, it can be a wonderful inclusion in your travels. If you have concerns about travelling at this time, please check with Intrepid or your booking agent before your departure.

    A couple of rules

    We like to think our Intrepid travellers are all connected by a love of adventure and passion for seeing the world in a different way. We've laid down a few non-negotiable rules to ensure everyone feels connected, comfortable and safe on our trips. We ask that you respect your fellow travellers, group leader or local representative, and local people and places we visit in all circumstances. We don't tolerate any forms of violence and expect that you follow the local laws, customs and regulations in any destination we travel to. Any behaviour contrary to the above, including any behaviour that prevents our staff from performing their duty of care or continuing the itinerary as planned, may result in travellers being removed from the trip. If you consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect you to abide by local alcohol laws. To ensure the well-being of everyone on the trip, all decisions made by group leaders or local representatives and ground staff are final. Romantic relationships between travellers and group leader or local representative are not permitted while on trip. By travelling with us, you agree to comply with these rules and the laws and customs of all countries visited. If something is concerning you during your travels with us, please speak to your group leader or local representative immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in your Essential Trip Information’s Problems and Emergency Contact section.

    Feedback

    After your travels, we want to hear from you! We rely on your feedback. We read it carefully. Feedback helps us understand what we are doing well and what we could be doing better. It allows us to make improvements for future travellers. 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: +90 544 463 28 58

    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 When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative and you should dress accordingly. To respect the local culture and for your own comfort, we strongly recommend modest clothing. As a guideline, shoulders and knees at the minimum (and everything in between including midriff and cleavage) should be covered at all times. Wearing shorts and singlet tops is not appropriate and may well restrict your entry into sites of a religious nature, family homes, and will limit your local interaction opportunities in general. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and cool in the predominantly warm climate.

    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

    You will be hosted in a combination of Turkish hotels and guesthouses in most destinations. These locally-owned hotels are chosen for their location, character, cleanliness and comfort.

    Transport notes

    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.

    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 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 travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you 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 travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. SOLO TRAVELLERS The beauty of our style of travel is that it caters to travellers who are travelling solo and who want to meet and share experiences with like-minded people. On our trips rooming is organised on a twin-share basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. As a responsible tour operator, we strive to create a safe and inclusive environment for everyone. In the case that your gender identity differs from what is indicated on your passport, please contact us so that we can discuss rooming options with you. We also have an optional single supplement available on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will be on a single room basis. On a small selection of itineraries some accommodations are booked on an open gender, multi-share basis (for example on a felucca in Egypt or an overnight train in Vietnam). In those instances it will clearly be stated in our Essential Trip Information prior to booking and travelling.

    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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