Please note, it is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure they have the correct visas, vaccinations, and meet all other entry requirements before traveling.

Visas for Turkey and Travel Requirements

Visas are required for many of the destinations we visit; visa requirements can change frequently. For the latest advice, we recommend checking with the relevant embassies or consulting a reputable visa agency.

For U.S. citizens traveling to Turkey, an e-Visa is required, which can be obtained online prior to departure. Passports should ideally be valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of your trip to ensure smooth entry.

VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travelers to Turkey.

However, we recommend that you ensure you are up-to-date on standard vaccinations (e.g., MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as advised by your healthcare provider.

For the latest information on vaccination requirements and recommended health precautions, we strongly recommend consulting your healthcare provider or visiting official travel health websites such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at www.cdc.gov.

COVID-19 Testing: As of now, no mandatory COVID-19 testing is required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travelers entering Turkey.

Key Considerations

This tour is designed for individuals in good general health who are open to new experiences and have a sense of adventure. To make the most of the trip, you should be able to comfortably walk across the expansive terrain of Cappadocia and manage tasks like boarding trains with your luggage. If you're active and ready for some physical activity, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy all that the journey has to offer.

Government Travel Advisories

Government travel advisories provide important information about potential risks and safety concerns for citizens traveling abroad. We highly recommend checking the travel advisory from the U.S. Department of State before booking your trip. For U.S. citizens, you can find the latest travel advice and safety recommendations from the U.S. Department of State.

Citizens from other countries should refer to their own government’s travel advisory for relevant information.

The Essence of the Tour: What to Expect

Adventure travel inherently comes with a certain level of unpredictability, and while we make every effort to follow the planned itinerary, changes may occasionally be necessary due to factors like weather, political situations, or religious events. These adjustments can sometimes occur with little or no notice.

For many of our travelers, this spontaneity is one of the most exciting aspects of the journey, often leading to unexpected and memorable experiences as our tour leaders adapt to changing circumstances. However, we understand that this flexibility might not suit everyone. If you prefer a rigid, guaranteed schedule, our tours may not align with your expectations.

Adventure travel is transformative, and once you experience it, the thrill often stays with you. If this is your first adventure tour, or if you have any concerns about how the trip may unfold, we strongly encourage you to reach out to us. We're happy to answer any questions and help you determine if this style of travel is the right fit for you.

Travel Insurance

Emergency medical repatriation coverage is mandatory for all tours. We advise that you purchase comprehensive travel insurance that includes this coverage, as well as any other necessary protections for your trip. Please note that certain geographical areas and activities included in some of our tours may not be fully covered by standard insurance policies. Therefore, we strongly recommend purchasing a policy that provides adequate coverage for all aspects of your journey.

Food and Alcohol in Turkey: 

Turkish cuisine is a feast for the senses, known for its rich flavors and diverse offerings. You'll enjoy everything from succulent kebabs and fresh mezes (appetizers) to hearty stews and delightful desserts like baklava and kunefe. Local specialties vary by region, with fresh seafood along the coast and unique dishes like mantı (Turkish dumplings) and köfte (meatballs) found throughout the country. 

When it comes to alcohol, Turkey offers a wide range of options, though it's important to note that while alcohol is available in most tourist areas, the country is predominantly Muslim, and the availability of alcohol may vary in more conservative regions. The national drink is raki, an anise-flavored spirit often enjoyed with meals, particularly seafood. Şarap (wine) is also produced locally and pairs wonderfully with many dishes, while Turkish beer, like Efes, is commonly found in restaurants and bars.

Culture and Attire in Turkey

Turkey is a mix of modern and traditional influences, and while dress is generally relaxed in urban areas, modesty is important, especially when visiting religious sites. Women are advised to wear dresses or skirts that cover the knee, and tops that cover the shoulders. When visiting mosques, it is expected that arms are covered to the wrists and legs to the ankles. Disposable headscarves are available for purchase at mosques, but it is recommended to bring your own for comfort, better photos, and to save time.

Solo Travel and Single Supplement Policy

Our small group tours are perfect for solo travellers. While the number of solo participants varies, typically more than half of the group will be traveling alone. Enjoy the excitement of exploring new destinations while benefiting from the security and camaraderie of an organized group of like-minded people.

Our standard pricing is based on twin-share rooms, but paying a single supplement is entirely optional. If you prefer not to pay the supplement, we'll try to match you with another traveler of the same gender to share a room.

If you choose to pay for a single supplement, this will cover your room for the entire trip. While most single rooms are similar in size to twin rooms, please note that in some cases they may be a bit smaller.

Currency in Turkey:

The official currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY). To avoid delays and inconvenience upon arrival, it's recommended to bring some Turkish Lira with you. You can exchange US dollars at major international banks in the US or at currency exchange offices. While it’s possible to exchange USD at major international banks or currency exchange offices in Turkey, airport exchange rates are often less favorable, and you may have to wait in line. While US dollars are accepted in some tourist areas, most daily transactions will require Turkish Lira. 

Exchanging Back to US Dollars:
If you have any unused sum when your trip is over, you can exchange it back to US dollars at at major international banks in the US or exchange offices in Turkey or US as long as it is in paper currency (not coins).

Credit Card Use:
In major cities like Istanbul, Ankara, and Cappadocia, credit cards (primarily Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and larger shops. However, smaller businesses and more remote areas may prefer cash, and you might find that smaller vendors (especially in markets or rural regions) may not accept cards.

ATMs:
ATMs are easily available in most cities and accept international credit and debit cards. Be aware of transaction fees when withdrawing cash from ATMs.

Important Note:
While you can use credit cards in many places, it’s recommended to carry some Turkish Lira for local markets, transportation, or smaller shops that don't accept cards.