14 Day Eastern Turkey Unveiled Small Group Tour
This package does not include international airfares from your home airport. Any flights within your tour itinerary are included. If you would like to add international airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available after your booking is made.
Designed to take you to iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a rich blend of must-see sights. Travel with no more than 26 people (on average 16-20), allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience.
This tour is either fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader or guided by experienced local guides at each destination. If your itinerary includes local guides, a new guide will meet you in each location, and any internal flights will be unescorted. For further details, please refer to the Essential Information for this tour.
Our Lively tours are faster paced typically including full sightseeing days, some early starts, longer driving days and a number of 1 night hotel stays - perfect for those eager to maximise each moment and cover more ground.
✓ 13 nights in 3 to 5-star hotels
✓ Breakfast daily
✓ Airport transfers included on the first and last day of your tour
✓ Fully escorted by an English-speaking tour guide
✓ Internal flights as per the itinerary
✓ Dedicated private air-conditioned transportation throughout
✓ In-depth sightseeing including entry fees as per the itinerary
✈ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
Journey across Turkey’s wild east, where ancient worlds collide. Stand before the colossal statues of Mount Nemrut at sunset, walk the ruined Armenian capital of Ani beneath Mount Ararat, and uncover Gobekli Tepe, the oldest temple on earth. Cruise Lake Van to the carved church on Akdamar Island.
Welcome to Istanbul, where your tour of eastern Turkey begins. On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where the rest of the day is yours at leisure.
If you are arriving early in the day, you might take a gentle wander through the old city, sit with a tea by the Bosphorus, or simply rest after your flight. Your fellow passengers will be gathering over the coming day, and there is no set activity this evening.
Special Information
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
This morning after breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Trabzon on the Black Sea coast.
On arrival you will visit the 14th-century Byzantine church of Hagia Sophia, set above the sea, before continuing into Altindere National Park to see the cliffside Sumela Monastery of the Virgin Mary. The walk up to the monastery is on uneven ground and involves steps.
From there the road follows the Black Sea coast towards Hopa, near the Georgian border, before turning inland to Artvin where you will spend the night. Your evening is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Your flight documentation will be given to you on tour by your tour guide.
Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 25kg (55 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed.
After breakfast you leave the coast behind and head south towards Erzurum, travelling through the mountain scenery of Artvin, Ishan and the Georgian Valleys.
This is a scenic day on the road, with the landscape opening out as you climb onto the high Anatolian plateau. You will arrive in Erzurum in the evening, with time to settle in before dinner.
Inspiring Highlights
Ishan - Georgian Valleys
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
This morning after breakfast you depart Erzurum for Kars, following the Aras River valley and passing the First World War battlefield site of Sarikamis.
On arrival in Kars you will explore the ancient Armenian city of Ani, set above the Arpacay River. Once a major capital, Ani is now a vast field of ruined churches and walls spread across the grassland. There is a fair amount of walking on uneven paths to take it in.
You will return to Kars for the evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Ani - ancient city and citadel
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
After breakfast you travel south towards Dogubayazit, passing the snow-capped outline of Mount Ararat, long tied to the story of Noah's Ark.
Here you will visit the Ishak Pasha Palace, an 18th-century hilltop palace looking out over the plain. From Dogubayazit the road continues to the city of Van, on the shore of Turkey's largest lake, where you will stay for two nights.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
This morning after breakfast you visit the 17th-century fortress at Hosap, a commanding stop on the old Silk Road that once linked Persia with the east.
In the afternoon you travel to the shore of Lake Van and take a boat across to Akdamar Island, home to the 10th-century Church of the Holy Cross. The carved stone reliefs on its outer walls are among the finest of their kind in the region.
You will return to Van for the evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast you follow the southern shore of Lake Van to Tatvan. From here you head up to the crater lake of Nemrut, a volcanic caldera holding its own lakes within the rim.
You will also visit the Seljuk monuments at Ahlat, where a large field of carved headstones and tombs marks the area's importance in the Seljuk period. Your evening in Tatvan is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
This morning after breakfast you set out for Mardin, travelling through the Bitlis Gorge and on past the city of Batman.
You will stop at Hasankeyf on the Tigris, an ancient settlement of caves and medieval remains, much of which now sits beside the reservoir formed by the dam. Continuing west, you pause at Midyat to walk through its Silver Bazaar before reaching Mardin, where you visit the Kasimiye Medrese, a historic Islamic college built in honey-coloured stone.
Mardin's old town tumbles down a hillside in tiers, and your evening here is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
After breakfast you visit the Deir-al-Zafaran, or Saffron Monastery, for centuries the seat of the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate. The monastery stands on much older foundations, and its flat-arched stonework and quiet courtyards reward a slow look.
You then travel northwest to Diyarbakir, where you will see the Ten Arches Bridge spanning the Tigris. Your evening is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
This morning after breakfast you explore Diyarbakir, starting at the Ulu Cami, a large and historic mosque in the heart of the walled city.
You then travel towards Mount Nemrut, crossing the Euphrates by ferry on the way to Narlice village in Nemrut National Park. In the late afternoon you ascend the mountain to the tombs and colossal statues of the Commagene kingdom, climbing to the tumulus of Antiochos to watch the sun set from the summit.
The final stretch up to the summit is a steep walk on a loose stone path, and it can be cold and windy at the top even in summer.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
Please bring warm layers and sturdy footwear for the climb to the summit of Mount Nemrut. The summit is exposed and can be cold and windy, and the final ascent is on a steep, uneven path.
After breakfast you travel towards Sanliurfa, stopping at Gobekli Tepe. This is the site of the oldest known monumental religious structures yet found, built some 11,000 to 13,000 years ago, long before pottery, writing or the pyramids.
In the afternoon you continue into Sanliurfa to visit the Pools of Abraham at Balikligol and the cave held by tradition to be the birthplace of the Prophet Abraham. Your evening is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
This morning after breakfast you walk through Sanliurfa's Ottoman bazaar and visit the Archaeology Museum, which holds finds that tell the long story of the region.
You then travel to Gaziantep to see the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, one of the largest mosaic museums in the world, where the floors of Roman villas recovered from the ancient city of Zeugma are displayed. Your evening is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. The rest of the day is yours at leisure to rest or to see more of the city at your own pace.
With the evening free, you might find a restaurant near your hotel for dinner or take a stroll along the waterfront.
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
Your flight documentation will be given to you on tour by your tour guide.
Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 25kg (55 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed.
After breakfast, our tour comes to an end. You’ll be transferred to the airport for your onward flight, bidding farewell to the group and the unforgettable experiences shared along the way.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.
If you choose to extend your stay (e.g., departing after the final tour date) and have booked your additional accommodation independently, this included service will be forfeited and no refund will be issued.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Pre/post accommodation
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Please note: All add-ons, including upgrades, pre/post accommodation, and optional tours, are subject to availability until confirmed by our operators. We recommend waiting for final confirmation of all itinerary components before making irreversible bookings like flights.
Upgrades
Not available
Airport Transfers
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $2,850.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available
Payment Information
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
Cooling Off Period
A refund will be available within the 7-day cooling-off period unless otherwise restricted by the purchased product.
Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days of departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.
Terms and conditions
Please review our terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions
Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation, which will be provided approximately 14–30 days before departure, for your confirmed hotel list.
If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.
Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on the first day of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in; however, this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Note: If you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.
Arrival Details
Airport transfers are included as part of your package, so long as you are arriving as per the purchased itinerary. If you have purchased an extension, either pre or post-tour, the applicable transfer service will be forfeited from your package and you will need to make your own arrangements to the starting hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST)
After passing passport control and collecting your luggage, make your way to Exit #13. Our representative will be waiting opposite the exit door, holding a sign with your name on it. If you have any problems, please call the emergency contact details in your final documentation.
Arriving at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
After exiting the terminal building at Sabiha Gokcen Airport, walk straight outside between pillars 11 and 12. Directly across from you is the TURSAB Meeting Point Building, where the meet and greet takes place. On arrival, let the staff know you are an Inspiring Vacations client.
If you cannot find your representative, stay in one place rather than wandering, and call the emergency contact number on your documentation.
Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice.
Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.
When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider.
Welcome Meeting Instructions
You are welcome to arrive at any time on the first day of your tour, and the day is at your leisure. There are no scheduled activities on arrival, and your fellow passengers will be gathering across the course of the day. Your guide will introduce themselves and the group before sightseeing begins the following morning, so please be ready and on time. If you arrive late, please ask hotel reception for any information left for you so you do not miss the start of the tour.
In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it is essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative so they can take immediate action to address the problem and minimise any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.
If your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction, please request that the matter be escalated to their direct manager for further assistance.
When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour. If this is not included in your documentation, you will receive this information on arrival during your welcome meeting.
Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14–30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list.
If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.
Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am–12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments exploring the area, or speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and may incur an additional cost payable directly.
Departure Details
Airport transfers are included as part of your package, so long as you are departing as per the purchased itinerary. If you have purchased an extension, either pre or post-tour, the applicable transfer service will be forfeited from your package and you will need to make your own arrangements to the airport.
Where the service remains included, your tour guide will confirm the pick-up time from your hotel to the airport, and this will depend on the flight you have booked. As a guide, pick-up from central Istanbul hotels is generally scheduled around four hours before your flight departure time.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Tour Suitability
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 visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
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 the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while traveling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Child Policy
Children must be 8 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Pace
Lively
Our Lively tours are faster paced typically including full sightseeing days, some early starts, longer driving days and a number of 1 night hotel stays - perfect for those eager to maximise each moment and cover more ground.
Activity and Mobility
This tour is categorised as: 3 out of 5 – Balanced
Our Balanced tours involve a moderate level of physical activity and are designed to suit the majority of travellers. Be prepared for walking on varied surfaces, which may include cobblestones, gravel paths, and noticeable inclines common in historic towns and natural areas. You must be confident on your feet and capable of navigating multiple flights of stairs and uneven ground without assistance to fully participate.
Activity level: Moderate. A mix of city and site walking with several long overland travel days, plus one steep summit climb at Mount Nemrut. A reasonable level of fitness is required.
Typical walking: On sightseeing days, expect roughly one to three hours of walking across the day, often on uneven ground, cobbles, steps and steep paths at heritage sites.
Optional longer walks: The ascent to the summit of Mount Nemrut is a short but steep climb (around 600 to 800 metres each way) on a loose stone path, taken in the late afternoon for sunset. It is exposed and can be cold and windy.
Terrain and key walks: Cities and towns involve walking on pavements, cobbles and bazaar lanes, with the old town of Mardin set on a steep hillside. The high country around Erzurum, Kars, Van and the Nemrut Crater sits at altitude with cooler temperatures. Major heritage sites, including Ani, the Sumela Monastery, Hosap Castle, Akdamar Island and Mount Nemrut, involve uneven paths, steps and some climbing.
Mobility and accessibility: This tour is best suited to passengers who can walk unaided on uneven surfaces and steps and who can manage long days of travel. Some sites cannot be reached without walking on rough ground or climbing, and the Mount Nemrut summit cannot be reached by vehicle. Passengers can choose to wait at the lower point rather than complete the final climb. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.
Hotels, transport and climate: Hotels in larger cities generally have lifts; smaller and more remote properties, such as the Nemrut-area hotel, may not. CPAP users should travel with a portable battery pack as a precaution and check plug and voltage requirements (Turkey uses 220 volts and type C and F plugs). Travel between destinations is by private air-conditioned vehicle, with two internal flights and a short boat crossing on Lake Van. Temperatures range from very hot in the southeast to cold at altitude, so pack accordingly.
Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your tour.
Group Size
Minimum: 2 people, Maximum: 14 people
Escorted Style
This tour is fully escorted by a dedicated, English-speaking tour guide who will accompany you throughout the tour. Any internal flights are unescorted.
Tour Type
Our expertly crafted Small Group Tours take you to iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a rich blend of must-see sights. Unwind in premium accommodations after each day filled with sightseeing alongside your dedicated tour leader, leaving you free to explore at your own pace during designated free time. Benefit from smaller group sizes, creating a truly unforgettable travel experience.
Exclusions
Getting Around
Travel between destinations is by dedicated private, air-conditioned vehicle. This is likely to be a minibus or small coach rather than a full-size coach.
Two internal flights are included, between Istanbul and Trabzon at the start of the tour and between Gaziantep and Istanbul towards the end. You will need your passport at check-in for domestic flights, and your flight documentation will be provided on tour by your guide.
There is also a short boat crossing on Lake Van to reach Akdamar Island, and a ferry crossing of the Euphrates on the approach to Mount Nemrut.
The days are long and cover significant distances, with several drives of four to six hours. Comfort stops are made along the way, as facilities are not available on board.
Hotel Ratings
Star ratings can differ between countries, reflecting diverse standards and amenities. To give you the most accurate picture possible, we don't just rely on a single source for hotel ratings. We go beyond by researching various trusted travel websites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com. This allows us to analyse a wider range of genuine customer reviews and experiences, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the hotel's typical star rating.
This means you can book with confidence, knowing the hotel has a strong track record of satisfied guests.
Accommodation Details
Accommodation on this tour ranges from 3 to 5-star hotels, reflecting the standard available in each destination across Turkey’s east and southeast. Properties in the larger cities are generally of a higher standard, while those in smaller and more remote areas are simpler. The hotel near Mount Nemrut is the most basic on the tour, chosen for its location for the summit visit rather than its facilities.
The accommodation listed is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Please refer to your final documentation, which will be provided approximately 14–30 days before departure, for your confirmed hotel list.
Packing Essentials
Suggested items for this tour:
Climate
Eastern Turkey has a continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold winters, and conditions vary widely across the regions you visit. The high plateau around Erzurum, Kars and Van, and the volcanic country around the Nemrut Crater Lake, are cool to cold, with snow in winter and chilly nights even in summer. The southeast, around Sanliurfa, Diyarbakir, Mardin and Gaziantep, is very hot in summer and can exceed 40 degrees Celsius. The Black Sea coast around Trabzon is milder and noticeably wetter.
Departures run from late April to late October. The shoulder months of spring and autumn bring milder daytime temperatures and are generally the most comfortable for the long sightseeing days, while midsummer is hot in the south. Whenever you travel, pack layers and be prepared for cold and wind at the summit of Mount Nemrut.
Currency and ATMs
The official currency is the Turkish Lira (TRY). A mix of cash and cards works best. Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger hotels, restaurants and shops, particularly in the bigger cities, but cash is preferred in smaller towns, markets and bazaars and for taxis, so carry some at all times.
ATMs are widely available in cities and larger towns but can be scarce in smaller and more remote places, so withdraw cash before leaving the main centres. Where possible, use ATMs attached to a bank during opening hours, so that if the machine retains your card you can recover it. Carry smaller denominations for tips and minor purchases.
Optional tours are generally payable locally in cash (Euro or US dollars). Card payment may be accepted for some, but usually with a surcharge.
Food and Allergies
Turkey’s east and southeast are known for some of the country’s finest food. Gaziantep is famous for its baklava and pistachios, Sanliurfa for richly spiced kebabs and mezze, and the whole region for generous breakfasts, fresh bread, grilled meats, seasonal vegetables and strong tea and coffee. Eating locally is one of the highlights of this part of the country.
While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you’ll enjoy iconic sightseeing and the chance to sample the local cuisine. On this tour, breakfast is included daily. All other meals are at your own arrangement, giving you the freedom to choose where and what you eat and to seek out regional specialities along the way. Your guide can recommend places to eat.
Please advise any dietary requirements or allergies at the time of booking. Outside the main cities, the range of options for specific dietary needs can be limited, so carry any essentials you rely on.
Local Customs
Turkey is a predominantly Muslim country, and the east and southeast are more conservative than Istanbul and the coastal resorts. Dress and behave modestly, especially in smaller towns and villages. When visiting mosques, remove your shoes, cover your shoulders and legs, and women should cover their heads with a scarf. You cannot enter a mosque during prayer time unless you are praying.
Turkish hospitality is warm and genuine, and you will often be offered tea. Turkish law requires everyone, including visitors, to carry identification at all times, so keep a form of ID with you. If you are unsure about appropriate behaviour at any point, your guide will be happy to advise.
Dress Code
Dress is generally casual, but modest clothing is recommended throughout this conservative region and is required at mosques and religious sites, where shoulders and legs should be covered and women should carry a scarf for their head. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is best for the hot southeast, while warm layers are needed for cool nights at altitude and the exposed summit of Mount Nemrut. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for the many sites on uneven ground.
Responsible Dining
Avoid consuming endangered species or items harvested unsustainably. Be respectful of local customs and food practices, and always tip fairly to support local workers. Responsible dining helps protect the environment and promotes the well-being of local communities.
Tipping
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping is a customary practice in Turkey and is often seen as a reward for good service. For many locals, tips provide an essential supplement to their income. If you're unsure about how much or who to tip, the following guidelines can help, based on local standards and feedback from previous travellers:
Tipping is a personal decision and should reflect the level of service you feel you have received. By following these recommendations, you can show your appreciation while contributing to the well-being of the local community.
Peak Travel Times
The most comfortable times to travel in eastern Turkey are spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October), when daytime temperatures are mild and the long sightseeing days are easier. Midsummer (July and August) is the hottest period, particularly in the southeast, and coincides with the European summer holidays, so sites can be busier.
Ramadan is an important holy month in the Islamic calendar. Travelling during this time can add to the cultural experience, but some shops and attractions may operate on reduced or altered hours, so it is worth factoring in. The dates of Ramadan move each year.
Safety and Security
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your own government's advice for the most up-to-date travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip.
Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities listed on the itinerary, however, you'll have some free time to explore on your own. While your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide will assist you as best they can with your requests and the options available outside your itinerary, please note Inspiring Vacations makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running the activity.
Please also note that your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
Apps to Download
Some useful apps you may want to consider downloading before your tour include Google Translate, the lens function is especially useful when wanting to read product labels, signs, and menus. Google Maps with offline maps downloaded is great for easy navigation without being reliant on wifi. iTaxi, a popular taxi app in Turkey, allows you to book a ride without needing to speak Turkish, offering the option to pay with a credit card or in cash. Moovit is excellent for navigating public transport in cities like Istanbul, with route planning on buses, trams, metros and ferries. We also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you leave and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour.
Itinerary Changes
Sometimes, unexpected things can happen, like unpredictable weather or higher-than-usual crowds at attractions. In these situations, your tour leader might need to adjust the itinerary slightly to improve your overall experience.
This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your trip! Your tour leader will always keep you informed of any changes and explain the reasoning behind them. Remember, when travelling with a group, sometimes going with the flow can lead to even more amazing experiences.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our trips. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-trip cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
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 be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may 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 before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Health, Wellness & Fitness Requirements
All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before 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 to assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. If we find that you are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself 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 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. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements and we would be more than happy to assist you.
Important Information for Customers with Mobility Limitations
We want to ensure everyone has a fantastic and inclusive experience on our tours. If you require the use of a mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please disclose this information at the time of booking.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire group, our tours are designed with a specific itinerary in mind. This may involve moderate walking, uneven terrain, or stairs. While some itinerary adjustments may not be possible, we'll do our best to find alternative solutions within the planned activities whenever possible.
Open communication helps us ensure your trip is a perfect fit and it allows your local guide or tour leader to assist you where possible.
Information for CPAP Users
If you use a CPAP machine, please let us know at the time of booking. Some portions of our itinerary, like overnight cruises or camping trips, may have limited access to power outlets. In such cases, we recommend travelling with portable battery packs.
Certain activities, like overnight journeys on board smaller vessels, may not be suitable for CPAP use due to space limitations or noise concerns. We can discuss these potential limitations upfront and help you make informed decisions about your trip.
Documentation
Tour documentation is typically emailed to the lead passenger or your travel agent between 14-30 days before your scheduled departure. This will include your final hotel list.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Safety and Security: Current risks and precautions for the country you'll be visiting.
Visa Requirements: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for entry.
Entry and Exit: Up-to-date border regulations and health requirements.
Here are some helpful links to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
Local Expertise: We maintain regular communication with our trusted travel partners in your destination.
Constant Monitoring: We continuously monitor official travel advisories from relevant government websites.
Flexibility and Safety: Should it become necessary, we will make appropriate adjustments to your itinerary to prioritise your health and safety.
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Connect with fellow travellers on Facebook
During your booking journey, you might have received an email inviting you to join a special Facebook group dedicated to your chosen destination. These vibrant online communities are exclusively for Inspiring Vacations travellers headed to the same incredible place. Joining this group unlocks a wealth of information and connections. Swap travel tips, share packing insights, or even see if anyone's interested in travelling together.
We also regularly host insightful webinars featuring travel experts who share their tips and tricks for navigating your destination and maximising your itinerary. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and get even more excited about your upcoming trip!
Travelling in a Group
Travelling in a group means you will experience both the pleasures and perhaps at times, some of the frustrations of travelling with people you don’t know. The good news is you all have at least one thing in common: a love of travel and exploration. Your fellow travellers will probably come from different parts of the world, and fall into different age groups. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group, and patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the overall benefit of the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, please ensure that you respect this request from your tour leader or local guide. 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 before departure.
Community Guidelines
Inspiring Vacations does not tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams (Inspiring Vacations Tour Leaders and local expert guides) or local communities.
Any behaviour that prevents your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines, may result in Inspiring Vacations removing you from the tour.
If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader immediately. Alternatively, when you are on-tour and require immediate support you can contact our Customer Support team and select the “On-Tour” option when listening to the options.
Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader vs Guide
While both tour leaders and local guides enrich your travel experience, their roles differ. Tour leaders, who often accompany you for the entire trip, handle logistics, ensure smooth sailing of the itinerary, and act as your point of contact for any concerns. They might provide general information about destinations, but in-depth historical or cultural knowledge often comes from local guides. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.
Coach Transportation
The size of your coach will comfortably accommodate your group. There's usually room for some extra seats, ensuring a relaxing journey. Your luggage will be safely stored either underneath the coach or in a dedicated trailer.
While the exact coach style may vary depending on the departure, all our coaches offer comfortable seating. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi and charging outlets might not always be available. To stay connected and avoid dead batteries, we recommend fully charging your devices beforehand or bringing a portable charger.
For longer journeys, we'll make sure to include ample restroom breaks along the way, so you can freshen up and recharge at your convenience, as facilities are not on-board the coach.
Staying Connected
If you want to stay connected and access reliable internet while on tour, there are a few options available. It is possible to purchase a virtual sim and we recommend contacting your mobile phone provider for assistance in doing so. You can add a roaming data plan to your existing phone contract is another option, albeit an expensive one. You will need to arrange this before departure. Purchasing a local SIM may be possible as a final option.
We also recommend downloading WhatsApp and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour, and of course, after the tour if you’d like to stay in touch. Our tour leaders may also use this as a means of communicating essential trip information with you, as well as if you choose to add-on transfers to your booking, as your driver may use this to confirm arrangements with you.
Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability.
Furthermore, towards the end of your travels and while you are in your destination, you will receive an email from us with a link to an in-depth trip survey. It is very important to us that we hear from our customers to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed customers' expectations, so this will be your opportunity to let us know how your trip has been, what has worked well and potentially what could be improved.
This is a Land Only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.
New Zealand
United States
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