This tours accommodation is spilt: Simple hotels (11 nts), overnight buses (2 nts), boat (1 nt, multi-share, Nov-Apr spent in a hotel).

On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights.

Overnight Boat:
Overnight on board the boat will take place between May and October only and will depend on weather conditions even then. The rest of the year and when the weather does not permit sleeping onboard, you will stay in a local hotel. This is a multi-share night onboard a typical boat, mattresses will be put on the floor and you will be provided with bedding. There is one passenger toilet and one shower inside and one outside, both are shared. No hot water. No towels will be provided.

For details of your joining hotel please refer to your tour voucher.

Joining Instructions
A metered taxi from Istanbul Airport to the hotel will cost around 160-180 Turkish Lira (USD 25-30). From Istanbul Airport to the Sirkeci area where our hotels are located will take between 1-1,5hr depending on traffic.

It is possible to take the shuttle bus ''HAVAIST'' from the airport to Istanbul Sultanahmet Blue Mosque old city centre. It costs 18 Turkish Lira with transit card called ''Istanbul Card'' which can be purchased at the airport and can be used in the city centre transportation as well. After getting off at Sultanahmet Blue mosque square hotel is only 10 minutes downhill walk to GULHANE tram stop by following the tram line or only one stop by taking the tram from Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Station to GULHANE station. After GULHANE stop you will see Hope-ON big bus company office just on the corner. Take a walk straight through the Ebusuut Street and this time take the third right. You’ll see our hotel.

For tram one ride token is 5 Turkish Lira and you can find machines to buy tokens or Istanbul Card for transit just at stations.

http://www.istanbul-ulasim.com.tr/our-network.aspx

If you have paid in advance for an arrival transfer, Istanbul airport are no longer permitted to present branded/company signs. At the Istanbul Airport (IST) The Supplier has been allocated the characters: 'M55'. Since welcoming staff are not allowed to the airport, to get to M55, you need to exit the airport from GATE 13.

If you are arriving to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) airport G Adventures has been allocated the characters: 'M55''. The holder of this sign will be responsible for transferring you to your first accommodation. If you are unable to make contact for whatever reason, please call the emergency number.

You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. We highly recommend using a backpack or light sports bag, whichever you find easiest to carry, plus a small daypack. Luggage space on public transport is limited. You must be prepared to carry your own bags and be comfortable carrying them between transport and hotels (max. 15-20 mins walking), hopping on and off trains and public buses and up and down stairs.

Packing List
Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)

Essentials:
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Toiletries (Preferably biodegradable)
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Face masks (required)
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Rubber gloves

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provided the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements.

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Visas cannot be arranged upon arrival into Turkey. Passengers travelling to Turkey for tourism or trade must purchase an electronic visa prior to entering the country. This electronic visa has replaced the “sticker” and “stamp-type” visas issued at Turkish points of entry.

This e-visa can be obtained by visiting the website: www.evisa.gov.tr.

Your passport must be valid for 6 months on the date that you enter Turkey. Length of validity of your visa is dependent on your nationality, but is commonly 3 months.

For country specific visa information we recommend the following link: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa

It is customary in Turkey to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service ($1-2). Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers would range from $5-10 USD per week depending on the quality of the service.

DRINKING WATER: It is advisable to drink bottled water in Turkey.

Visit: https://www.gadventures.com/trips/budget-tour-budget/6160/details/