Solo Travel and Single Supplement Policy

Our small group tours are perfect for solo travelers. 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.

VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travelers to Turkey, UAE, and Uzbekistan.

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 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.

Currency in Uzbekistan:
The official currency of Uzbekistan is the sum (UZS), Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY)

To avoid unnecessary delays and inconvenience, it's recommended to bring enough sum (UZS) with you upon arrival. You can exchange US dollars at major international banks in the US or at currency exchange offices. While it’s possible to exchange money at the airport in all the above countries, doing so can take time away from your trip and may require waiting in lines. While USD is widely accepted, many daily transactions will require sum (UZS), and you may need to wait for availability at local banks or exchange offices. Additionally, exchange offices often charge a commission and may offer less favorable rates compared to banks.

Exchanging Back to US Dollars:
If you have any unused foreign currency 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 associated country or US as long as it is in paper currency (not coins).

Credit Card Use:

Credit card usage is less common in Uzbekistan compared to Dubai and Turkey, but major hotels, high-end restaurants, and international shops in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara generally accept Visa and Mastercard. Some stores and more local businesses may not accept credit cards, so it’s advisable to carry cash for everyday transactions.

ATMs:
ATMs in larger cities often accept international credit and debit cards, but access may be more limited in smaller towns or rural areas. ATMs may charge higher fees for foreign cards, so be sure to check with your bank for any foreign transaction fees.

Cultural Sensitivity

On our tours, you'll often interact with locals who have unique customs and traditions. We ask that you be respectful and mindful of these cultural differences. Your guides will provide guidance as needed.

All areas visited have  more relaxed approach to Islam compared to some other regions, they are all predominantly Muslim countries and Abu Dhabi tends to be slightly more conservative. While the dress code is generally relaxed in tourist areas, it’s important to dress modestly, especially in public spaces, malls, and religious sites. Women can wear skirts, but it's advisable to choose skirts that cover well past the knee, especially in public places and when visiting mosques or government buildings. Avoid wearing overly short or revealing skirts. When visiting mosques, women are required to cover their arms to the wrists and legs to the ankles. A headscarf is also necessary for women to enter mosques. Disposable headscarves may be available, but it is recommended to bring your own for comfort, photos, and convenience.

It is best to error on the side of modesty, particularly in more conservative or religious areas.

Language & Religion

In the UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi), Arabic is the official language, with English widely spoken. In Turkey (Istanbul), Turkish is the official language, with English commonly used in tourist areas. In Uzbekistan (Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva), Uzbek is the official language, though Russian and Farsi are also understood, particularly among older generations. Islam is the dominant religion in all 3 countries. 

Food and Drink

From Uzbekistan to Turkey and Dubai, you'll have the chance to experience a rich variety of flavors.

Alcohol Rules

While alcohol is available in Uzbekistan and Turkey, it's generally consumed in moderation due to the predominantly Muslim populations. In Uzbekistan, you'll find vodka, beer, and local brandy, though mixers like tonic water can be rare. In Turkey, wine, beer, and spirits are widely available, and raki (anise-flavored spirit) is a local favorite. In Dubai, alcohol is served in licensed venues such as hotels, bars, and restaurants, but public drinking or being intoxicated in public places can lead to fines. Always enjoy alcohol responsibly and within designated areas.

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.