Cappadocia Experience – Independent
from $1515
Duration: 3 Days
Cappadocia is literally a land of hidden layers. This short adventure in Turkey’s Central Anatolia region takes you to not only some of the earth’s most impressive natural rock landscapes, but the labyrinthine world that exists below them ­– some 36 ancient underground cities dating back as far as four millennia. Independent Experiences Independent travel, without the stress. Peregrine’s Independent Experiences are a range of short ‘mini tours’ that you can add to other Experiences or as an extension to a longer tour, to craft your perfect holiday itinerary. Independent Experiences are for 1-3 travellers, come accompanied by a local Peregrine guide and depart daily.
  • Fully discover Cappadocia, an extraordinary region that has bewitched travellers for centuries with its strange and fantastic spires, domes, pinnacles and gorges
  • Explore the Ihlara Valley with a local guide and uncover thousands of dwellings and hundreds of cave churches that were carved directly into the rock
  • Be part of an artistic expression that dates back over 3,500 years with a pottery demonstration in Avanos
  • Marvel at the incredible Byzantine rock-hewn churches and their frescos in the ancient monastic settlement of the Goreme Open Air Museum
  • Cappadocia - Kaymakli Underground City
  • Cappadocia - Goreme Open Air Museum
  • Cappadocia - Uchisar Castle
  • Cappadocia - Ihlara Valley walk
  • Day 1 Location: Cappadocia
    This Independent Experience begins around 10:30am this morning from your hotel – so perhaps arrive a day early if you will not be there in time. You will be greeted by your guide and driver and driven to your first stop – a majestic vista point overlooking Goreme, where you will receive information about the rich history of Cappadocia and the unique rock formations. From the panoramic viewpoint, continue on to the biggest underground city, Kaymakli. Your guide will explain how locals carved these incredible multi-level underground cities around the 7th century BC to hide from enemies. You can also see traces of their daily lives in the stables, wineries, temples, living quarters, and airshafts. After exploring the deepest caves of Cappadocia, you will climb to the highest ones: Uchisar Castle. Uchisar is the biggest rock-cut castle in the region, built during the Byzantine Empire. After lunch you’ll visit the highlight of Cappadocia – the Goreme Open Air Museum. Your guide will explain the meanings of frescoes that cover the walls of thousand-year-old cave churches as you explore this spectacular World Heritage site. The tour concludes in Avanos, a picturesque town on the banks of the Kizilirmak River. Famous for its pottery since Hittite times (more than 4,000 years ago), you’ll see a kick-wheel pottery demonstration, and perhaps try your own hand at this traditional craft. After Avanos, you will arrive back at your hotel around 6pm. The rest of the evening is free for your own leisure. Perhaps experience a unique traditional ritual with a performance by the Whirling Dervish. The Mevlevi Sema Ceremony represents the mystical journey of man’s spiritual ascent through mind and love to perfection.
    Day 2 Location: Cappadocia
    This morning you have the option of taking a very early hot air balloon ride over Cappadocia to see this otherworldly scene at sunrise. Those who are interested in this optional extra will have a truly awe-inspiring experience. ‘Fairy Chimneys’ is a fitting nickname for the rock formations of Cappadocia. The odd shapes and caverns of this otherworldly landscape, former from the lava of volcanic eruptions in ancient times, often appear more like surrealist sculptures than the work of nature. Your guide will then meet you today around 9:30am, with your first stop the Red Valley. Here you’ll see the variously coloured rock formations in a place whose name is said to derive from the Old Persian for ‘land of beautiful horses’. Drive further south to the magnificent verdant Ihlara Valley, another places where centuries old dwellings and caves have been discovered. Walk alongside the Melindiz River for about an hour, winding your way through the Ihlara gorge, then stop for lunch in a restaurant on the river in the village of Belisirma. After lunch, continue to the incredibly impressive Selime Monastery, the largest rock-cut monastery in Cappadocia, which has a large cave cathedral and breath-taking views over the area. On your way back to Goreme you will also stop at a spectacular vista point overlooking Pigeon Valley. Return to Goreme for your final night. Perhaps choose to experience a special evening of Anatolian folklore. Notes: Please note the balloon ride activity can only be booked locally. Please speak to your trip guide on Day 1 to organise this.
    Day 3 Location: Cappadocia
    Your independent experience ends after breakfast this morning.
    Dates
    Prices
    Availability
    Departure Date:
    01JAN2022
    Return Date:
    03JAN2022
    1590NZD
    1730NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    02JAN2022
    Return Date:
    04JAN2022
    1590NZD
    1730NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    03JAN2022
    Return Date:
    05JAN2022
    1590NZD
    1730NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    04JAN2022
    Return Date:
    06JAN2022
    1590NZD
    1730NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    05JAN2022
    Return Date:
    07JAN2022
    1590NZD
    1730NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    06JAN2022
    Return Date:
    08JAN2022
    1590NZD
    1730NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    07JAN2022
    Return Date:
    09JAN2022
    1590NZD
    1730NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    08JAN2022
    Return Date:
    10JAN2022
    1590NZD
    1730NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    09JAN2022
    Return Date:
    11JAN2022
    1590NZD
    1730NZD
    available
    Departure Date:
    10JAN2022
    Return Date:
    12JAN2022
    1590NZD
    1730NZD
    available
    Last modified (date)

    23 Aug 2021

    Trip title

    Cappadocia Experience - Independent

    Trip code

    PEGEX

    Validity

    Validity: 01 Jan 2020 to 31 Dec 2021

    Introduction

    Cappadocia is literally a land of hidden layers. This short adventure in Turkey’s Central Anatolia region takes you to not only some of the earth’s most impressive natural rock landscapes, but the labyrinthine world that exists below them ­– some 36 ancient underground cities dating back as far as four millennia. Independent Experiences Independent travel, without the stress. Peregrine’s Independent Experiences are a range of short ‘mini tours’ that you can add to other Experiences or as an extension to a longer tour, to craft your perfect holiday itinerary. Independent Experiences are for 1-3 travellers, come accompanied by a local Peregrine guide and depart daily.

    Style

    Peregrine

    Themes

    Independent Experiences

    Transport

    Private airconditioned bus

    Physical Rating

    2

    Physical preparation

    This trip can be enjoyed by just about anyone with a reasonable level of fitness.

    Joining point

    Mosaic Cave Hotel

    Aydınlı Orta Mahallesi Çakmaklı Sokak, no:22/A

    Goreme

    Nevsehir

    50180

    TURKEY

    Phone: +90 5055013351

    Joining point description

    Mosaic Cave Hotel is situated in a unique spot surrounded by fairy-chimneys. This family business offer first class boutique style cave and stone rooms designed in a warm and authentic style. All rooms have flat-screen satellite TV, electric kettle, free wireless internet access and tea and coffee facilities. The rooms have a private bathroom with shower or spa bath. The bathrooms are equipped with free toiletries, slippers and a hairdryer. A breakfast buffet is served every morning at the terrace, accompanied by a spectacular sunrise and balloons rising over the valley

    Joining point instructions

    The closest airports to Goreme are Neveshir Cappadocia Airport (40kms west of Goreme) and Kayseri Airport (70kms east of Goreme). Complimentary arrival and departure transfers are included in this tour. Please ensure that Peregrine has been advised of your correct flight details into Cappadocia and the correct airport. Please look for your name on the transfer board held by our local representative when exiting the terminal building. If you cannot find your transfer driver, please kindly ask the information counter to call the emergency contact number listed below. Office: +90 212 512 7144 Mob: +90 532 641 2822 The transfer time to your hotel will be between 1 and 1.5 hours.

    Finish point

    Mosaic Cave Hotel

    Aydınlı Orta Mahallesi Çakmaklı Sokak, no:22/A

    Goreme

    Nevsehir

    50180

    TURKEY

    Phone: +90 5055013351

    Finish point description

    Mosaic Cave Hotel is situated in a unique spot surrounded by fairy-chimneys. This family business offer first class boutique style cave and stone rooms designed in a warm and authentic style. All rooms have flat-screen satellite TV, electric kettle, free wireless internet access and tea and coffee facilities. The rooms have a private bathroom with shower or spa bath. The bathrooms are equipped with free toiletries, slippers and a hairdryer. A breakfast buffet is served every morning at the terrace, accompanied by a spectacular sunrise and balloons rising over the valley

    Finish point instructions

    A private departure transfer is included on this tour. Be sure to advise of your flight details and which airport you will be flying from at the time of booking: Neveshir or Kayseri. Your Local Peregrine Guide will confirm this service for you. If you have any problems with departure transfers please contact our Istanbul office on +90 212 512 7144.

    Important information

    INDEPENDENT EXPERIENCES Independent travel, without the stress. Peregrine’s Independent Experiences are a range of short ‘mini tours’ that you can add to other Experiences or as an extension to a longer tour, to craft your perfect holiday itinerary. Independent Experiences are for 1-4 travellers, come accompanied by a local Peregrine guide and depart daily. SINGLE SUPPLEMENT A single supplement is available on this Independent Experience if you are travelling with a friend but prefer your own room - please ask your booking agent. TRANSFERS Complimentary airport arrival and departures transfers are included; valid if you are arriving on Day 1 or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation through us. You must provide your flight details to your booking agent at least 14 days prior to travel. These transfers are available from either of the regions two airports; Kayseri or Neveshir. Be sure to ask which airport customers are using and load correct transfer TURKEY: 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 - http://www.peregrineadventures.com/en-au/travel-alerts

    Group leader

    INDEPENDENT EXPERIENCE This is an ‘independent’ trip. You will have a local Peregrine guide for each activity (but not while on transport between each Experience if you booked several). As the name suggests, this is not a group trip, so it is just you (and your travelling companions if you booked with a friend). You will have 24/7 support from your guide and our local office.

    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 travel alerts page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip. PERSONAL BELONGINGS: 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. FREE TIME: 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. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.

    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 As a general rule most countries expect that your passport has a minimum of 6 months validity remaining. Please ensure the name on your passport matches the name on your booking and airline tickets. Your passport details are required to complete your booking. Your consultant will contact you when this is required. Take a copy of the main passport pages and other important documents with you, and leave another copy at home with family or friends. VISAS Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information. Please visit the relevant consular website of the country or countries you’re visiting for detailed and up-to-date visa information specific to your nationality. Your consultant will also be happy to point you in the right direction with acquiring visas. Visas can take several weeks to process, so familiarise yourself with any requirements as soon as you have booked your trip to allow for processing time. TURKEY VISA Most nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey. Visas must be obtained through the e-Visa system. To apply for an e-visa, please go to https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/ at least two weeks before you arrive in Turkey. Passport holders from New Zealand, Argentina, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland do not require a visa for stays up to three months. We recommend all nationalities check with their local consulate for current visa requirements TURKEY COVID-19 ENTRY & EXIT REQUIREMENTS For the latest update of what is required in order to enter Turkey, please check your government's foreign travel advice and keep monitoring for any potential changes as they may change without notice. All passengers arriving in Turkey (except the transit passengers) at the moment are required to fill out “Travel Entry Form” at “http://register.health.gov.tr” within the last 72 hours before their flights.

    Why we love it

    Fully discover Cappadocia, an extraordinary region that has bewitched travellers for centuries with its strange and fantastic spires, domes, pinnacles and gorges

    Explore the Ihlara Valley with a local guide and uncover thousands of dwellings and hundreds of cave churches that were carved directly into the rock

    Be part of an artistic expression that dates back over 3,500 years with a pottery demonstration in Avanos

    Marvel at the incredible Byzantine rock-hewn churches and their frescos in the ancient monastic settlement of the Goreme Open Air Museum

    Is this trip right for you

    Goreme can be quite cold during the cooler months (October - April). Please pack appropriate clothing (including layers) in preparation. Some of the hiking trails on this trip are on uneven, rocky and sometimes slippery ground. Please bring sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.

    Health

    All travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any 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 and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. 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 diarrhoea blockers are available from many pharmacies.

    Food and dietary requirements

    Your group leader or representative will endeavour to cater for 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 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

    When it comes to money matters on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget a sensible amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, tipping and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. Also make sure you’ve read your trip details thoroughly so you know what’s included in the trip price and what isn’t. This should make budgeting a little easier. You’ll find this info in the Inclusions section of your Essential Trip Information (that’s this document). CURRENCY The Official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). Most goods and services can be paid for using the local currency. 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. BANKING ATMs are widely available in all major towns and cities throughout Turkey. Credit and debit cards are the best way to access money throughout most trips (note though that charges are made for each transaction). Credit cards are generally available in tourist shops and restaurants. Visa and MasterCard are generally preferred over American Express, Diners, etc. Smaller venues take cash only. TIPPING Tipping in Turkey, although not compulsory, is a widespread practice. Tips for good service are appreciated, if not expected. The amount depends on your resources, tipping philosophy and the circumstance. You may wish to consider tipping your Tour Leader or Local Guide and Driver for outstanding service throughout your trip. Tips are greatly appreciated as a gesture of thanks for their professionalism and leadership during your holiday. We are often asked what a reasonable amount might be. The amount is at your discretion, but a sum of €2-4 per person/per day is a general tipping standard. You may also wish to put aside some money for your own tipping, such as when you are doing your own optional sightseeing or an activity that involves local guides, drivers, when joining in optional groups meals or dining out on your own, or for porters, bellboys and other hotel staff, including room-cleaning staff. If you are paying for taxis, round up to the Lira on the fare (maximum 10 percent. Use common sense! If you feel like you're being driven in circles or otherwise ripped off, skip the tip. Also, If you stop at a public WC, you may have to tip the attendant usually 2 TRY If you're not sure whether (or how much) to tip for a service, ask your tour leader for advice. If you're not sure whether (or how much) to tip for a service, ask your tour leader for advice. . EMERGENCY FUNDS We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. Please make sure you bring an extra USD500 for emergencies (e.g. natural disasters or civil unrest). Sometimes these things necessitate last minute changes to our itineraries, and we can’t guarantee there won’t be some extra costs involved. TRAVELLERS TO TURKEY PLEASE NOTE: Turkey is often misjudged when it comes to the cost of goods and services and prices can 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, road

    What to take

    What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible and make sure that you are able to carry and lift your own luggage, and walk with it for short distances. Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips. Below are some ideas and helpful tips on what you specifically need for this trip. ESSENTIALS: - Closed in shoes. As most of our trips include some bush walking we highly recommend that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in walking shoes. Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings from dangerous animals in this environment. - Lightweight clothing. You will need to bring a mixture of lightweight clothing, some warm items for the evenings, and long shirts and pants for protection against mosquitoes in the malaria areas. Clothes should be easy to wash and dry. Some people like to take jeans for evenings out but they can be tough to dry and should not be used for trekking. Avoid nylon and other synthetics, which can be very uncomfortable in hot weather. Ex-military or military style clothing and equipment is NOT recommended. - Sun protection - hat, sunscreen, sunglasses RECOMMENDED: - A good quality, high-beam headlamp or torch for around the lodges and permanent tented sites at night. Some of these properties have limited lighting and are powered by generators that switch off at a certain time. - Waterproof/windproof jacket is a good idea for wet days, and early morning or evening activities when it can be cool. - Warm fleece and beanie for morning and evening activities including game drives where applicable. - Personal medical kit. Large kits will be on hand at the lodges and from your leader (on trips that have a dedicated trip leader) but we recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and bandaids. - Insect repellent. - Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. - A camera with good zoom. - Binoculars OPTIONAL: - Sleep sheet. If you are travelling during the hot season you may wish to also pack a sleep sheet so you will be comfortable no matter what the weather. - A good book, a journal or music playing device for the long drives. LUGGAGE LIMIT: Please keep your luggage to a minimum. One small soft-sided bag plus a day pack (no more than 15-20kgs in total per person) is essential.We recommend against bringing hard/externally framed suitcases as they are difficult to store and can damage equipment and other travellers' belongings. If your trip is beginning and ending at the same location, excess luggage can usually be stored at your arrival/departure hotel and can be collected after your trip. VALUABLES: Please try to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables, and use your hotel safe. It’s also a good idea to purchase a money belt or pouch that is easily hidden. We strongly recommend that you photocopy all important documents e.g. air tickets, passport, vaccination certificate, etc. and keep the copies separate from the originals. While not valid, a photocopy makes it very much easier to obtain replacements if necessary. BATTERIES/POWER: Most of our trips have access to power to recharge phones and cameras every couple of days. We always recommend that you carry a power bank or extra battery for your camera just in case. Hotels and lodges have electricity and charging of batteries is advised before checking out the following day. CONSERVATIVE DRESS FOR WOMEN: In many parts of Africa women travelers should dress modestly as there is a wide range of cultural differences. Wear skirts or shorts that reach just above the knee and tops that cover shoulders at a minimum. If visiting coastal areas wear a cover-up when you step off the beaches.

    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 February) 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 12 April - 12 May 2021 and 2 April - 1 May 2022, 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

    Everyone has the right to feel safe when they travel. We don’t tolerate any form of violence (verbal or physical) or sexual harassment, either between customers or involving our leaders, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a customer are strictly forbidden. Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. If you choose to consume alcohol while travelling, we encourage responsible drinking and expect that you’ll abide by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption. The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, patronising sex workers will not be tolerated on our trips. By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines. The decision of the group leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a group leader, or interfere with the well-being or mobility of the group, the group leader may direct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund. We may also elect not to carry you on any future trips booked. If you feel that someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your tour leader or local guide immediately. Alternatively, contact us on the emergency contact number detailed in the Problems and Emergency Contact section of this Essential Trip Information. For additional Conditions of Carriage regarding COVID-19, see here: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/conditions-carriage

    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: https://www.peregrineadventures.com/feedback

    Pre-departure checklist

    Before you travel please download our pre-departure checklist to make sure you are fully prepared for your trip: http://www.peregrineadventures.com/pre-departure-travel-checklist

    Emergency contact

    ISSUES ON YOUR TRIP: While we always endeavor to provide you 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/specialist guide or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem. We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader/guide to speak to their direct manager. BOOKING ENQUIRIES / ISSUES For general enquiries or questions about your booking, please contact your agent or adventure specialist, or visit us at: www.peregrineadventures.com/contact-us CRISIS AND EMERGENCIES In case of a genuine crisis or emergency please contact our local ground representative on the number below: Peregrine's Local Operator: 90 532 641 2822

    Responsible travel

    Travelling responsibly is all about making good choices. It's about ensuring you have an incredible trip while also having a positive impact on the local environment, community and economy you're travelling in. How can you be a Responsible Traveller? See our tips below: - Choose to travel with a responsible travel company like us! We've already offset the main carbon emissions of your trip, so your footprint is already lighter. - Consider offsetting your flights when you book your trip/flights with us or your travel agent. - Bring a refillable water bottle and some water purification tablets (or a Steripen) to cut down on plastic bottle waste. - Be an animal-friendly traveller. Only go to venues that respect animals by allowing them to live normally in their natural environment. Steer clear of venues that use animals for entertainment or abnormal activities and/or keep animals in poor and unnatural conditions. - Eat at local restaurants, buy from regional artists and support social enterprises so you can contribute directly to locals and their economy. - Always be respectful of local customs and ask permission if you want to take a photo of someone. - Learn a few words of the local language and engage with the people around you. - Carry a cloth or re-usable bag so you can avoid plastic bags. - Give back by making a donation to a local project via The Intrepid Foundation. Share your thoughts with us by completing your feedback form after your trip. This helps us to continue to improve our commitment to responsible travel.

    The Intrepid Foundation

    Help us change thousands of lives by creating meaningful work and supporting skills training in communities around the world. The Intrepid Foundation is the not-for-profit for Peregrine Adventures, a brand of the Intrepid Group, and works with local organisations around the world to improve the livelihoods of vulnerable individuals and communities through sustainable travel experiences. With our travellers’ help, we’ve contributed more than AU $6 million to over 100 community organisations since 2002. Did you know that tourism is one of the biggest contributors to the global economy, making up 1 out of every 10 jobs? That’s why we support local projects that create meaningful jobs and give people the skills they need to work in the destinations we take you to. And it’s why we exist – to make it easy for travellers to give back to the communities and places they’ve been in an effective and meaningful way. Intrepid Group covers all administration costs, every cent goes directly to the projects. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your leader for information about the projects we support through The Intrepid Foundation or visit our website: Organisations and projects currently supported by The Intrepid Foundation in Turkey include: Small Project Istanbul (SPI) Small Projects Istanbul (SPI) is a grassroots NGO operating in Istanbul. They provide skills development training, livelihood support, and educational and language support.  SPI offers 40+ programs a week that aim to improve the skills of women and their children toward brighter futures in which they will be the decision makers. Children participate in childcare, language and psychosocial support to better cope and integrate into mainstream Turkish schools. Meanwhile, their mothers take part in the Women's Skills Development Program which transfers entrepreneurial, leadership, and technical handicraft skills in conjunction with their social enterprise, in which the participants gain a livelihood. Donations to SPI through the Intrepid Foundation will support the Women’s Skills Development Program. All donations made via https://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/small-projects-istanbul will be matched. "Drop Earrings Not Bombs" is one of the initiatives of the women's social enterprise at SPI https://dropearringsnotbombs.org

    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 leader. If you have credit card insurance your group leader 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. Travellers who reside within the European Union or Switzerland receive basic international health insurance, so travel insurance is not mandatory under European Union Law. However, as this does not cover situations such as emergency rescues, private health care, or repatriation to their home country, comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended. European Union or Swiss travellers who decline travel insurance when travelling outside of their home region must sign a Travel Insurance Waiver Form at the Group Meeting. For assistance with travel insurance or other services, please visit the link below:

    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 is 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, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.

    Accommodation

    Comfortable hotel (2 nights)

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