Experience the wonders of Turkey on this journey back in time. Travel to ancient ruins such as Ephesus, and the more recent Gallipoli Peninsula, site of the famous WWI battle. Experience the bustling city of Istanbul and the peaceful towns along the Aegean coast. With stunning scenery and a fascinating history spanning thousands of years, you won't want your adventure to end! The Best of Turkey Classic 2009 GPE 7 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Europe Turkey Istanbul Istanbul Turkey Turkey Culture/History 8 2 Standard http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/turkey/turkey_istanbul.jpg Arrive in Istanbul at any time.
Travel to the Gallipoli peninsula to visit the important WWI site and the tragic history this peninsula has to offer. Afterwards, make our way to the sleepy little fishing village of Canakkale.
Before travelling to Ayvalik, visit the ruins of Troy and marvel in the story behind this great site. Making our way down the Aegean coast, arrive in Ayvalik and explore the town at leisure or just sit back in one of the cafes. There is also time to take a relaxed boat cruise to see the magnificent coastline from the sea. After breakfast we travel to Selçuk with a stop at Turkey's third largest city Izmir along the way. Here, explore the ruins of Ephesus. There will also be time to explore Selcuk at leisure. After breakfast we explore the old city of Selçuk with an optional museum visit. We then continue to the inner Aegean region to the well known Cotton Fortress, Pamukkale. This morning we enjoy a guided tour of this world-famous site and listen to stories that will make this Holy City come alive (Pamukkale and Hierapolis). In the Afternoon we travel the short distance to Denizli where we board an overnight train back to Istanbul.
Arrive to Istanbul around mid morning. We check into our hotel and enjoy some free time to discover more of this fascinating city, before one final night as a group.
Arrive in Istanbul at any time.

ISTANBUL: Istanbul has a population of 13,000,000 with its 28 autonomously governed municipalities. The city lies upon two different continents: Europe and Asia. The continents are connected to each other by two bridges. The strait lying between the two continents is called "The Bosphorus" meaning "The Strait of the Cow" in Ancient Greek. According to the myth, God of the Gods Zeus was married to Goddess Hera. However Zeus was not satisfied with only one woman, by using his attraction and power, he was having affairs with different women. Io was one of them. When jealous Hera found out about the affair between Io and Zeus, she turned Io into a cow. She ordered a bee to chase Io. Io was in pain, so she started to run and the path she made as she ran became today's Bosphorus... The Bosphorus Bridge was constructed between Ortakoy(Europe)Area and Beylerbeyi Area (Asia). It's approximately 1.1km (0.7 miles)long and 63m(180 ft) high. It was constructed in 1973 and is the first necklace of the Bosphorus Straits. Fatih Sultan Mehmed Bridge takes its name from the sultan "Mehmed (the Conqueror)" who conquered Istanbul (Constantinople) in 1453 from the Byzantine Empire and was constructed in 1988. Istanbul is a city of mosques and universities. There are over 8.000 small and big mosques which were constructed over the centuries and are still being constructed. The first university, University of Istanbul, was founded in the 15th century with the order of Sultan Mehmed "the Conqueror". Today, there are about 16 private and public universities in the city. Travel to the Gallipoli peninsula to visit the historical WWI site and the tragic history this peninsula has to offer. Afterwards, make our way to the sleepy little fishing village of Canakkale.

ÇANAKKALE: Canakkale is a city of education, culture, natural splendor and History. The history of the region rewinds back to a period, as early as 5,000 years ago. Fortunately or unfortunately, Canakkale had been witness to two of the bloodiest wars in History – the "mythological" war of Troy and the Battle of Gallipoli.

Owing to its strategic position, Canakkale has always been the strongest point in the defense of the Dardanelles; be it the Trojan War or the First World War. Homer immortalized Troy (Truva) and the characters of king Priam, Hector, Pans and Helen, through his legendary depiction in the Iliad. As per the Archaeological excavations, there had been 9 periods of settlement starting from 3,000 BC to 400 AD.

The battle of Canakkale or the Gallipoli War (1915) took place during the First World War when the Turkish soldiers tried to drive out the Allied Forces from the region, under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. The campaign led by Ataturk was a successful one and Canakkale earned its name as “Canakkale: un-passable”. However, 5,00,000 soldiers had to give their lives to achieve the success and in their memory a national park of remembrance has been built here. Before travelling to Ayvalik, visit the ruins of Troy and marvel in the story behind this great site. Making our way down the Aegean coast, arrive in Ayvalik and explore the town at leisure or just sit back in one of the cafes. There is also time to take a relaxed boat cruise to see the magnificent coastline from the sea.

AYVALIK: Today, Ayvalik and the numerous islets encircling the bay area are popular holiday resorts. The most important and the biggest of these islets is Cunda Island (Alibey Island) which was connected to the mainland by a bridge in the late 1960s.

Since September 1998, Ayvalik has had an international music academy (AIMA) which gives master classes for violin, viola and cello. It brings together students from all over the world and gives them a precious opportunity to work with distinguished masters in their field. Ayvalik also has two of the longest sandy beaches in the whole country, Sarimsakli and Altinova, extending as far as the Dikili district of Izmir nearly 30 km to the south. In recent years Ayvalik has also become an important attraction for scuba divers with its diverse underwater fauna. Ayvalik and its environs are also famous for their high quality olive oil production.

Today, the population of Ayvalik is nearly 30,000 and much more during the summer due to its touristic importance. Ayvalik is also close to Bergama (former Pergamon) which is another important attraction for tourists, with its ruins dating back to antiquity.
Travel to Selcuk with a stop at Turkey's third largest city Izmir along the way. Here, explore the ruins of Ephesus. There will also be time to explore Selcuk at leisure.

EPHESUS: The city was established as a port on the mouth of the river Cayster and was one of the foremost cities of the world due to its location on a strategic trade route in Anatolia. The city itself and the ruins are all on the sides of a fertile valley. The extensive ruins including the theatre, library or gymnasium create the special atmosphere of Ephesus, and appeal to every visitor.

Ephesus has been an important centre throughout the ages. Once a trade centre of the ancient world , a religious centre of early Christianity and today, a unique tourism centre attracting visitors from all over the world. Linguists accept that the word "Ephesus" was derived from "Apasas". The town of Apasas under the rule of the Ahhiyava Kingdom mentioned in the written records of the Hittites. Continue to the inner Aegean region to the well known Cotton Fortress, Pamukkale. Depart on a guided tour of the world-famous site and listen to stories that will make this Holy City come alive (Pamukkale and Hierapolis).

PAMUKKALE: Located 20km from the town of Denizli in the Aegean region of Turkey, Pamukkale is one of the most interesting places in the world, justly famous not only for the entrancing beauty of its unique geological formations but also for its historical remains. The calcium oxide-rich waters flowing down the southern slope of Caldag, located north of the ruins, have, over the millennia, built up deposits of white travertine on the plateau thus fully justifying both the site's ancient name of Hierapolis (Holy City) and its modern one of Pamukkale (Cotton Castle).

Ancient Hierapolis appears to have been founded by King Eumenes II of Pergamon and its name is derived from Hiera, the wife of King Telephos, the legendary founder of Pergamon. The city became subject to Rome in 133 BC. In 17 BC, during the reign of Tiberius, it suffered a heavy earthquake that substantially destroyed the city, requiring it to be rebuilt. Preliminary excavations at Hierapolis were undertaken by a German team towards the end of the last century. Since 1957, excavation and restoration work has been going on under the direction of an Italian group of archaeologists from the University of Lecce.

Hierapolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the hot springs of Pamukkale were used as a spa since the 2nd century BC, people came to soothe their ailings here. Many of them retired and died here. The large necropolis is filled with sarcophagi. The great baths were constructed with huge stone blocks without the use of cement, and consisted of various closed or open sections linked together. There are deep niches in the inner section of the bath, library, gymnasium and other closed or open locations. The complex, which was constructed in the 2nd century, constitutes a good example of vault-type architecture. The complex is now an archaeological museum.
In the afternoon we board an overnight train back to Istanbul for one last night on the town.
Arrive in Istanbul and check-in to the hotel. Enjoy a free day to discover more of this fascinating city.
679 639 389 319 839 599 539 819 99.00 99.00 59.00 49.00 129.00 89.00 59.00 89.00 Local Payment 150 EUR 679 639 389 319 839 599 539 819 99.00 99.00 59.00 49.00 129.00 89.00 59.00 89.00 Local Payment 150 EUR 679 639 389 319 839 599 539 819 99.00 99.00 59.00 49.00 129.00 89.00 59.00 89.00 Local Payment 150 EUR 679 639 389 319 839 599 539 819 99.00 99.00 59.00 49.00 129.00 89.00 59.00 89.00 Local Payment 150 EUR 679 639 389 319 839 599 539 819 99.00 99.00 59.00 49.00 129.00 89.00 59.00 89.00 Local Payment 150 EUR 679 639 389 319 839 599 539 819 99.00 99.00 59.00 49.00 129.00 89.00 59.00 89.00 Local Payment 150 EUR 679 639 389 319 839 599 539 819 99.00 99.00 59.00 49.00 129.00 89.00 59.00 89.00 Local Payment 150 EUR 679 639 389 319 839 599 539 819 99.00 99.00 59.00 49.00 129.00 89.00 59.00 89.00 Local Payment 150 EUR 679 639 389 319 839 599 539 819 99.00 99.00 59.00 49.00 129.00 89.00 59.00 89.00 Local Payment 150 EUR 679 639 389 319 839 599 539 819 99.00 99.00 59.00 49.00 129.00 89.00 59.00 89.00 Local Payment 150 EUR Accommodation Hotels (6 nts), sleeper train (1 nt). Departure Departs (Mar-Dec) Sat-Sat Group Leader Tour leader throughout, local guides Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Highlights Istanbul, Canakkale, Ayvalik, Selcuk, Denizli Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow EUR200 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details.
Meals Included 6 Breakfasts. Min Pax 7 Recommendation Have more time at your disposal? Try our Absolute Turkey tour ETAT, for a complete Turkey experience. StartFinish ex Istanbul Transport Local bus, train. What's Included Gallipoli Peninsula guided tour, Ruin of Troy guided tour, Ayvalik boat tour, Ruins of Ephesus guided tour, Ancient Hierapolis guided tour. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
About Accommodation Day 6 Overnight Train: Sleeper train (multishare), 4 beds in each compartment (bunk-beds style) bedding provided. Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro Experience the wonders of Turkey on this journey back in time. Travel to ancient ruins such as Ephesus, and the more recent Gallipoli Peninsula, site of the famous WWI battle. Experience the bustling city of Istanbul and the peaceful towns along the Aegean coast. With stunning scenery and a fascinating history spanning thousands of years, you won't want your adventure to end! Checklist •Fleece top
•Windproof/waterproof jacket
•Small towel and swimwear
•4 shirts/t-shirts
•Sun hat
•1 pair of shorts
•2 pairs of long trousers
•1 pair hiking pants/track pants
•Hiking boots/sturdy walking shoes
•Sport sandals
•Sunblock
•Sunglasses
•Toiletries (biodegradable)
•Watch or alarm clock
•Water bottle
•Purification tablets or filter
•Pocketknife
•Money belt
•First-aid kit (should contain lip salve, Aspirin, bandaids, anti-histamine, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, insect repellent, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)

Optional Items:
Camera and film, reading/writing material, binoculars, cover for backpacks.

Documents:
•Passport (with photocopies)
•Travel insurance (with photocopies)
•Airline tickets (with photocopies)
• EUR cash
•Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
•G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
•Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Experience the wonders of Turkey on this journey back in time. Travel to ancient ruins such as Ephesus, and the more recent Gallipoli Peninsula, site of the famous WWI battle. Experience the bustling city of Istanbul and the peaceful towns along the Aegean coast. With stunning scenery and a fascinating history spanning thousands of years, you won't want your adventure to end! Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local G.A.P Adventures operator - Dijon Travel. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures Operator :

Dijon Travel
Mandacilar ishani, Kat 3, No: 5
Ahi Pasa Mah. Yeni çarsi,
51100 Nigde TURQUIE

Office telephone number - +90 388 232 21 12 Fax: +90 388 232 21 13
Office Hours Monday Friday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM / Saturday : 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM / Sunday: closed
Emergency telephone number – Ozcan Ecemis : +90 533 422 20 05 – Adem Odabsi : +90 542 350 27 51

G.A.P Adventures Europe Office
Emergency Cell Phone: +34 637 181 791 / +34 627 357 664

If you are unable for any reason to contact Dynamic Tour or our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
FIT A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts our local staff and others at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our local representatives / offices have the right to refuse service to anyone if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes. FIT Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact the emergency local contact details provided in this dossier. If an arrival airport transfer is included in your tour and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs. FIT Dossier Disclaimer The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. FIT Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips - it is the passengers responsibility to ensure they have the correct coverage. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Contact your Insurance company / bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number. FIT Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. FIT Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Please note that local representatives/offices have the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While our local representatives/offices will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay together and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions. Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description This G.A.P Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health There are no specific health requirements for this trip. However, you should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements . Please be aware that we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities for some time during this trip, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc Important Notes Drinking water: It is advisable to drink bottled water in Turkey.

Day 6 Overnight Train: Sleeper train (multishare), 4 beds in each compatment (bunk-beds style) bedding provided.

RAMADAN 2009:
August 22nd - September 21st. Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to nonmuslims throughout the day.
Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel Hotel ERSU
Ebussuut cad.
Erdogan Sk. No:10
34410 SIRKECI
ISTANBUL
TEL: +90 (0)212 526 96 15
FAX: +90 (0)212 522 30 16
Joining Instructions A taxi from the airport to the hotel will cost around 25 Turksih Lira ( USD 20 ).

It is possible to take the METRO from the airport to Istanbul. Stop at “AKSARAY”.
Catch the tramway at “YUSUFPASA” point; going to SIRKECI ; Stop at “GULHANE”.
One ticket for Metro is 1,30 YTL
One ticket for Tramway is 1,30 YTL


METRO & TRAMWAY INFORMATION
http://www.istanbul-ulasim.com.tr/en/default.asp?menu_id=1&sayfa_id=2
http://www.istanbul-ulasim.com.tr/en/default.asp?menu_id=1&sayfa_id=4

Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your Tour Leader where the closest laundromat is. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local Dress While visiting Mosque, people should cover their shoulders and shouldn´t wear short shorts Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This is the final payment of your tour price, paid locally. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our cost savings onto you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for Local Payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On truck trips in Africa, aboard the expedition ship Explorer or our Galapagos yachts, while trekking in remote regions etc. food is included, plentiful and made of fresh local ingredients. The above information applies to G.A.P Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical ratings in this Trip Details document for more information.
Please note that all passengers traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa and Master cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Turkey. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros, travellers cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

The currency in Turkey is the Turkish New Lira (TRY).
Approximate exchange rates:
1 EUR | 1.75 TRY
1 USD | 1.2 TRY

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities Ayvalik:
Baot trip: 40 Euro Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G.A.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Turkey to tip service providers such as waiters, at approximately 15%, depending on the service. Tipping is expected - though not compulsory - and shows an expression of satisfaction with the people 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 or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from $2-$4 USD per person per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture. Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $15-20 USD per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety Like anywhere in the world, major cities have areas safer than others, use common sense, be aware of your surroundings and mind your personal belongings. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2009 - December 31st 2009. Visas 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'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION. We Want Your Photos If you've got some great photos form your G.A.P Adventures travels, then post them online in our community! You can share photos - and videos - with our travellers from around the world. Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/community to check out what other people have shared! We often have photo and video contests running too, so be sure to check our website often!
What to Take You will be on the move a lot, so our advice is to pack as lightly as possible. Your baggage should be clearly labeled and restricted to one soft compact suitcase, or sports bag, maximum 15kg, plus a daypack. Luggage limits on airlines are strictly enforced and space on vehicles is limited. Porters are not often available, so be prepared to carry your own bags. It is important to pack clothes for warm days and cool evenings, as well as a warm jacket for early morning game drives. A set of smart casual clothes is also advisable. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.