Details
Important
Before you decide to travel with GEEO, it is important that you read all of the program information on this page. Our programs are quite adventurous, and we find that travelers who review the full trip details are happier with their experiences.
Trip Notes & Expectations
ACCOMMODATION
Our program fees are based on double-occupancy accommodation (see "Single Travelers" below if you do not have a travel companion and would be interested in a private room). Our accommodations are chosen to provide a safe, conveniently located place to sleep. While you may be pleasantly surprised, please don't expect luxury, as we prioritize keeping our programs affordable.Below are details on some of our unique accommodation experiences on this itinerary.
Day 6 Village Stay: During our village stay, we aim for you to experience local family life. We use two houses, with a shared bathroom and each bedroom sleeping up to three people. All bedding is provided. In the evening, we gather to enjoy a meal of fresh, local produce, with the menu dependent on what is in season.
Day 12 Ayvalik: Located in a restored Ottoman house, our family-run pension is always a highlight for our travelers. This accommodation has shared bathroom facilities, and some rooms may be multi-share.
TRANSPORTATION
This is a fast-paced trip with a lot of ground to cover. We use a mix of transportation that gets our guests from location to location safely. Be prepared for several long bus journeys, which are necessary to visit all the locations on the itinerary. While this can feel tiring, it is an excellent way to see the diverse landscapes of Turkey.
TURKISH AIRLINES
If you decide to book a flight with Turkish Airlines, make sure that all connecting flights are through a codeshare partner. This means that the connecting airline is in the Star Alliance. We had multiple people have serious flight issues when they bought a flight with Jet Blue to connect with their Turkish Airlines flight on one ticket. These airlines functionally do not communicate with each other, making booking seats difficult, and if anything goes wrong with your flight, neither will take responsibility for rebooking you.
ACTIVITY LEVEL & PACE
This trip includes plenty of walking and some light hiking, and requires at least an average level of fitness. On the more active days, expect to walk quite a bit. While it's not physically strenuous, expect to be on the go, exploring the cities and sites on foot, which may involve some uneven surfaces and stairs. You should feel comfortable walking for extended periods and navigating varied terrain.
In the cities, you can split apart from the group to go at your own pace. Some optional activities, such as exploring an underground city, may involve navigating confined spaces.
Water and Snacks: We recommend always carrying snacks with you. Meals can sometimes be far apart. The tap water is not safe to drink, so bring a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic waste and stay hydrated, as you will need to purchase bottled water frequently.
HEAT & COMFORT
On very hot days, air conditioning on transport may not be able to keep up. In some hotels, A/C may be weak, not functioning well, or not available at all. To stay comfortable, plan to dress in light, breathable clothing, drink plenty of water, and consider bringing small items like a travel fan or cooling towel.
MEALS & DRINKS
Most meals are not included in the trip cost, giving you flexibility to explore. The group often eats together, but you’re free to dine wherever and with whomever you like—your tour leader always has reliable suggestions. While Turkish food is a good value, be aware that recent inflation means it may cost more than you expect.
The local cuisine is delicious, but vegetarian options can be repetitive. A major highlight for many travelers is the authentic, home-cooked meal you will share during the homestay. We recommend budgeting extra for alcohol, as it can be expensive, and remember to always use bottled water as the tap water is not safe to drink.
Foods to try: Don't miss the regional specialties like fresh fish on the coast or the famous kebabs inland. Start your evening meals with meze, a variety of delicious small tasting plates. Be sure to try traditional Turkish coffee and the national dessert, baklava.
LUGGAGE
You will need to be able to carry you luggage from the bus to your accommodations. Some hotels, especially smaller guesthouses, may not have an elevator, so you should be able to comfortably carry your bag up multiple flights of stairs. It is essential, therefore, that you pack light and bring luggage that is compact and easily manageable. Carrying your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.
GROUP LEADER
All GEEO/G Adventures trips are led by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO), whose role is to take the hassle out of travel and help you get the most from your trip. They’ll share information about the places you visit, suggest activities and restaurants, and introduce you to our local friends. While not traditional guides, CEOs have broad knowledge of the region’s history, culture, and daily life. On some excursions, local guides are used for deeper insight—giving you the best of both worlds.
PROGRAM DETAILS
Single Travelers
Traveling solo? You’re in good company—about half of our participants do the same.
Shared room by default. The program fee covers one person in a twin room. We’ll pair you with a roommate of the same gender if you don’t have a travel companion.
Want a private room? Most trips offer a
“My Own Room” (single-supplement) upgrade. Check the price in the
Extra Services section, then email travel@geeo.org to reserve it. You pay the single-supplement only if you request it.
My Own Room Exception: Receive private accommodation every night except night 6 for the local village stay.
Emergency Contacts
If you need urgent help during your trip,
call the local G Adventures office first. If no one answers, leave a detailed message with your name and contact information so they can return your call as soon as possible.
AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased an arrival transfer, it will be arranged based on flight information provided to G Adventures. If you are advised of a flight schedule change within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, they will do their best to rearrange your arrival transfer, but they cannot guarantee this. If your arrival transfer does not arrive within 30 minutes after you have exited the arrivals area, please take a taxi to your hotel.
EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS:
Arrival Transfer Company Viport: 90 544 642 80 66
G Adventures Local Representative (Turkey)
During office hours: + 90 530 153 45 15
After hours emergency number +447817262559 (Yavuz)
G Adventures Turkey Manager - Yavuz (Istanbul Turkey)
Emergency number: +441858378000
If you are unable for any reason to contact G Adventures’ local office, they have a toll-free line which will connect you directly with their Toronto office:
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Packing List
See our blog post of
staff recommended gear to help you pack for your upcoming travels. You must be able to carry your own luggage—up stairs, on and off of transport, and during 15 to 20 minute walks. Bring
one small or medium backpack or rolling bag (22-30lb) and
one daypack for daily items. Space is limited on transportation, so oversized bags cannot travel.
As you prepare your packing list, we recommend checking average weather conditions for your destination on a site like
Weather Spark for the time of year you will be traveling.
SuggestedOptionalDocuments
- Fleece top
- Light windproof/waterproof jacket (chances are it won’t rain much)
- Sun hat
- Personal clothing for mild to hot weather (t-shirts, shorts, etc.); for women, we recommend having at least a few outfits that cover knees and shoulders.
- Daypack
- Sturdy walking shoes
- Bathing suit
- Travel towel
- Sport sandals or flip-flops
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Watch or alarm clock (or use your phone)
- Clothes for religious sites – knees and shoulders must be covered
- Shawl or scarf - needed for mosque visits, but you can buy in Turkey
- Toiletries (your hotels will have soap and shampoo)
- Camera (or use your phone)
- First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Dramamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, electrolyte powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
- Travel pillow
- Light weight silk sleep sheet
- Money belt
- Water bottle
- Phone/tablet for internet – most hotels have WiFi
- Chargers for electronics as well as converters/adapters, if needed
- AirTags or Tile trackers
- Packing cubes
- Earplugs
- Snacks – packing a few granola bars is a good idea; you can also buy snacks when you get there too, so don’t go crazy
- Ziplock bags for wet clothing
- Reading/writing material
- Hand sanitizer/baby wipes
- Passport (with photocopies)
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Travel insurance ID card
- Flight itinerary/boarding pass(es)
- USD/EUR cash
- Credit/debit card
- G Adventures vouchers
- GEEO Classroom action plans for your group – this is sent a few days before departure
: Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. If you want to do your own laundry, we suggest you bring your own non-polluting/biodegradable soap.
Passports and Visas
Travelers are responsible for securing all required travel documents and meeting the entry requirements for every country on their itinerary, including applicable transit/layover countries.
PASSPORT
All travelers must have a passport valid for
at least 6 months beyond your trip dates with enough blank pages for stamps.
Need to apply or renew? Start here.
ENTRY/VISA REQUIREMENTS
Visa rules change frequently—always verify the latest requirements on the
U.S. State Department Country Information Pages. Non-U.S. passport holders should verify requirements with your country's official government resources. Use the tool below to see entry requirements for your specific itinerary.
Entry information below is provided by Sherpa, a third-party service and trusted G Adventures partner. You must search each of your destination countries separately; “Add connection” solely searches transit visa requirements. Additional fees apply if you choose to purchase any services through Sherpa.
Money Exchange
Currency: The local currency in Turkey is the
Turkish Lira (TRY). Almost all local purchases in Turkey (meals, souvenirs, optional activities, etc) will be paid for in TRY. For current exchange rates, visit
www.xe.com.
Credit/Debit Cards: Major credit cards may be accepted in big cities, but it is important to have cash. Ask your bank about international fees before you travel. We recommend that you get cash from ATMs while traveling; they will dispense the local currency.
Cash: For small purchases, tipping, or places that don’t take cards, we recommend using ATMs to withdraw local currency while traveling.
Avoid exchanging money at the airport, as it offers a very poor rate. If you bring U.S. dollars to exchange, the bills must be new, unmarked, and in excellent condition—damaged or older notes are often rejected.
Emergency Funds: Bring
at least $200 USD (or the equivalent in local currency) in cash for emergencies in case of ATM or card issues. Always carry more rather than less to avoid feeling short of funds while traveling.
See the Estimated Trip Costs section at the bottom of this page for budgeting guidance.
For more advice, see our post,
Smart Travel Finances: Your Guide to Money, ATMs, Fees, and Safety Abroad
Tipping
Tipping is optional but appreciated and goes a long way for the people who look after you on the trip. If you are happy with the service, use these ballpark amounts and adjust as you see fit:
- Service providers/Waiters:
$1-2 USD for snacks or
10% of the bill.
- Local guides and drivers:
$15-20 USD per person per week.
- G Adventures tour leader (CEO):
$40-45 USD per person per week.
(We suggest pooling contributions in an envelope and presenting it as a group)
Tipping Kitty: On some trips, your CEO may suggest a
“tipping kitty” where everyone contributes at the start of the tour, and the CEO uses that pooled amount to tip service providers for the group as a whole (not including your CEO). If your CEO doesn’t mention it and you’d like to use a kitty, we recommend asking about it early in the trip. Your CEO will advise the suggested amount and preferred currency for the kitty.
Vaccinations
GEEO cannot provide any medical advice, so it is very important to consult your doctor or a travel clinic about which vaccinations you will need for your trip. We recommend contacting
Passport Health, which has travel clinics located throughout the United States. You can also check the
CDC's recommended vaccinations for your destination. Please take this seriously!
Flights
Wait for official trip confirmation via email from GEEO before booking your flights. Prices tend to be lowest 90–120 days out, but that window varies by route and year. Neither GEEO nor G Adventures bear responsibility for any flights purchased before the trip is confirmed.
This program begins and ends in Istanbul. Check the itinerary for the required arrival date. Aim to arrive no later than mid-afternoon for the 6 p.m. Day-1 welcome meeting, and consider arriving a day or two early to buffer flight delays and see more of Istanbul. You can depart any time on the final day of the program.
Plugs and Converters
Turkey uses European-style
Type C outlets, and the voltage is
230V. To use your electronics safely, you’ll need to consider:
1.
Adapter (plug shape)
Adapts your U.S. plug to fit another type of socket. See our recommended
all-in-one travel adapter in our Gear Recommendations post.
2.
Converter / transformer (voltage)
Steps the outlet voltage down to 120V for U.S. appliances that can’t handle higher voltage.
How to know which you need: Look at the fine print on the plug or power brick. An
“Input 100-240 V” means the device is dual-voltage and works worldwide with only an adapter—phones, laptops, and most camera chargers fall into this category. If the label shows
“Input 120 V” (hair dryers, curling irons, some shavers), it could be damaged on high voltage. Pack both an adapter and a travel voltage converter. Converters are inexpensive and sold online or in the travel aisle of many stores.
Weather
Turkey’s climate varies by region, but summer means hot sunny weather all around. On the Mediterranean and Aegean coasts, temperatures will typically be around 80º F, whereas in Cappadocia and other central parts of Turkey, the highs are typically over 100º F.
Advice From Past Participants
"I wish I would have utilized a SIM card, but have learned how to do that now for next trip. Also, be prepared for it to be hot- flowy dresses were great to have. Bring a neck pillow for long van rides. When using cabs in Istanbul, negotiate a price upfront or use Uber, if available. Try to limit cab usage and use public transport- it will save you hours of time in traffic."
"I worried more about packing than I needed to. Somewhere I had gotten the impression that I should dress conservatively, but that wasn't the case. For almost every day of the trip, I was fine in my typical American shorts/tops and sundresses. Our guide let us know ahead of time the one day we needed to dress more conservatively."
"Something to be aware of in terms of packing: Lots of sidewalks are slippery, as are some of the historic sites. I recommend shoes with good grip, such as Chaco sandals or sneakers. I wore tennis shoes that were sturdy but not grippy, and I slipped a few times. (Not badly, but it could be bad for someone with bad knees or something.)"
