Caves, Dervishes & Gulets Tour Itinerary

Caves, Dervishes & Gulets Tour Itinerary
REF: EUF1
VERSION: 14

Duration:	12 days - Istanbul to Dalaman
Countries Visited:	Turkey
Age Guide:	Child 5-11 years Adult 12-65 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Private Vehicle, Boat, Plane, Gulet, On Foot
Accommodation:	Hotels (7 Nights), Treehouse (1 Night), Gulet (3 Nights)
What's Included:	11 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners - All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary - Escorted Tour - Local Tour Leader, Local Crew on Gulet - Airport Transfers - Gulet Cruise - Bosphorus Boat Trip - Domestic Flight Istanbul to Cappadocia
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Turkey - Istanbul - Topkapi Palace - Bosphorus Boat Trip - Cappadocia - Underground City - Avanos Pottery Town - Whirling Dervish Museum - Kursunlu Waterfalls - Aspendos Amphitheatre - Gulet Cruise - Oludeniz - Blue Lagoon Beach
Optional Highlights:	Turkey - Balloon Flight - Paragliding - Oludeniz Boat Trips
Meeting Point:	Sude Konak Hotel Ebusuud Cad. No 24, Sirkeci Istanbul, 34410 Turkey Tel: +212 513 21 00
Introduction:	Turkey – part Asian and part European, is the land of crusaders and whirling dervishes, with foods flavoured with exotic spices, underground cities, and a beautiful Aegean coastline. This family adventure starts in the fascinating city of Istanbul where we explore Topkapi Palace and take a boat ride on the Bosphorus. Next stop Cappadocia, with its stunning scenery and weird rock formations, underground cities and houses built inside caves. We learn the history of the Whirling Dervishes in Konya, and marvel at the Roman amphitheatre at Aspendos. Then on to the coast, where we spend three nights on a traditional gulet, cruising the clear waters of the Mediterranean, with chances to explore Lost Cities and castles, and swim in beautiful bays. The tour ends with more time to relax at the Blue Lagoon Beach.
Day 1:	Istanbul. A joining meeting will be held in the hotel reception area at 6pm. This meeting will give you the opportunity to meet your Tour Leader and fellow travellers. Your Tour Leader will inform you of the tour program for the next few days before you will all enjoy a local Turkish meal. Please note that an arrival transfer is included, if arriving on Day 1, so please ensure that you have provided us with your flight arrival details, so that the necessary arrangements can be made. (D)
Day 2:	Istanbul. This morning there will be a walking tour of Istanbul, exploring the historic sites of what used to be Constantinople. The tour will include Sultanahmet Square, Gulhane Park and the Topkapi Palace, the great palace of the Ottoman Sultans. Topkapi was the centre of the empire for nearly four centuries, and gives a good insight into the life of the Sultans and their many wives. It is thought that the foudations may date back to 1460. Lunch will be at a local restaurant, and in the afternoon we also include a boat trip on the Bosphorus. From the boat, we take in the sights and sounds of this legendary waterway, with the historic villages, imposing fortress Rumeli Hisari and Baroque palaces of the late Ottoman Sultans. Tonight we stay in Istanbul giving you the option to enjoy the impressive Sound and Light show at the Blue Mosque, perhaps shop for bargains in the markets and enjoy one of the many local cafes. (B,L)
Day 3:	Istanbul to Cappadocia. After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir, and then transfer to Cappadocia. We will take lunch in Soganli Village, walk around this typical Turkish village which is famous for its frescoes, and drive to the underground city of Kaymakli. This is a region of unusual beauty even by Turkish standards. The combined forces of man and natural erosion have created many compelling environments with unique rock formations that give the valley a bizarre landscape. Cappadocia is famous for its underground cities. In these underground cities thousands of people lived. The most important underground cities are Kaymakli, Derinkuyu, Ozkonak and Ovaoren. In the evening, there is an optional Turkish folk night show. (B,L,D)
Day 4:	Cappadocia. Today we have another full day exploring this fascinating and beautiful area. In the early morning, there is the option to take a balloon ride over Cappadocia. This will depend on the weather and availability. After breakfast we drive to Dervent Imagination valley and walk there. We will visit Pasabag, and drive to the town of Avanos, famous for pottery making. Maybe you will even see some being made. We also visit the Goreme Open Air Museum. (B,L,D)
Day 5:	Cappadocia to Konya. After breakfast we drive to Konya, the drive taking about 5 hours. Konya is the home of the Whirling Dervishes. We will see the Whirling Dervish Museum in order to learn more of the history of this mystical religious sect. We will also visit the Seljuk monuments. We overnight in Konya. (B,L,D)
Day 6:	Konya to Antalya and Olympos. After breakfast we drive to Antalya and visit the Kursunlu Waterfalls. The coastal town of Antalya, is the largest city in the region with a population of over 600,000. We will visit one of the most well preserved Roman amphitheatres at Aspendos. It has a diametre of 96 metres, and had the capacity to seat 7,000. The theatre was built by the Greek architect Zenon, a native of the city, during the rule of Marcus Aurelius. It was periodically repaired by the Seljuks who used it as a caravanserai. It is still used today for concerts, festivals and events. The theatre's galleries, stage decorations and acoustics all testify to the architect's success. We continue on to Olympos where we overnight in Tree houses. (B,L,D)
Day 7:	Gulet Cruise. Today we begin one of the highlights of the tour as we drive along the coast and embark on a gulet (traditional Turkish boat) for 3 days sailing on the Mediterranean. We visit Pirates Cave, the sunken City of Kekova (this Lycian-Roman archaeological site is protected, so only looking!), Simena, a traditional Turkish fishing village with no car access and a Byzantine/Ottoman castle. In Gokkaya Bay optional water sports are available. (B,L, D) Please note that the gulet cruise itinerary may be modified depending on weather conditions. The gulet is not exclusive to Kumuka clients, and so there may be other travellers on board with you for the cruise. On the cruise you will be looked after by the crew.
Days 8-9:	Gulet Cruise. For the next couple of days, we travel along the warm coastline and make several stops at idyllic places. There will be plenty of time to catch some rays of sun, swim in the sea and perhaps try your hand at fishing. Please note that there may be optional excursions available on the cruise, which are paid for locally. After breakfast we depart for Kas where we have time for a swim in a nice quiet bay in front of the little town. We stop in the harbour for lunch and to visit this charming fishing village. In ancient Antiphellos, as Kas was once known, only Lycian rock tombs and sarcophagi and the Roman theatre are left. But the charm of the town remains! Near Kalkan we stop in Firnaz Bay to overnight. Around sunrise we depart for Butterfly Valley where we stop (sea conditions permitting!) for breakfast and swimming. This natural reserve hosts 136 kinds of different butterflies and moths. Olu Deniz (The Blue Lagoon) is our next stop, again sea conditions permitting! Here there are options for paragliding available. In a bay near Olu Deniz we have our lunch The last stop of the day is St-Nicholas Island where there are Byzantine ruins, and more chances for swimming. (B,L,D)
Day 10:	Gulet Cruise to Olu Deniz. This morning after breakfast, we depart for Samanlik Bay where we can swim. Later we sail to Fethiye harbour where we disembark the gulet, and say goodbye to the crew. From here we transfer to Olu Deniz with its turquoise waters and beautiful lagoon, and the remainder of the day is free. (B)
Day 11:	Olu Deniz. Today is free for you to relax at Blue Lagoon Beach. There are plenty of optional activities available. (B)
Day 12:	Transfer to Dalaman. The tour ends today after breakfast, but if you are flying out from Dalaman airport today, then there will be a transfer to the airport. (B) Please ensure that we have your flight details.
Finishing Hotel:	Blue Star Hotel (or similar) Belcegiz Mah Olu Deniz Beldesi Fethiye Turkey Tel: +252 617 0069 Fax: +252 617 0128
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs smoothly.
What's Not Included:	All optional excursions, visas, tips and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Pre Departure Meeting:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm on DAY ONE of your tour. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers. In addition the Tour Leader will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: 1. Passport. 2. Vaccination Certificate. 3. Travel Voucher. 4. Travel Insurance Policy.
Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. If you have not already arranged your insurance Kumuka can do this for you.Please call us on the Kumuka freephone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia for further information. No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. It is very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Also, be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance.
Passport:	Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Europe trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.
Medical Information and Vaccinations:	Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in Turkey however we do advise that you are up-to-date with your tetanus and polio vaccines. You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. We also recommend: - A dental check-up prior to travelling. - That you know your blood group in case of emergency. - That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour guide and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Climate:	For information see www.kumuka.com. Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Security:	Turkey, like the rest of the world, is no stranger to theft. You must exercise extreme care with wallets, cameras and other valuables especially in towns or busy tourist areas. We advise that you make copies of your passport, credit cards, airline tickets and your insurance policy and that you keep a careful note of both used and unused traveller’s cheque numbers. At times when you are unable to store your valuables in safety deposit boxes in hotels we recommend that you carry some sort of money belt or hidden pouch for safekeeping of valuable items.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Money:	We recommend an average of US$20-30 per day. This of course depends on your own spending habits, the number of optional excursions you wish to take and the amount of additional snacks, souvenirs and drinks you wish to buy along the way. Be aware that some places are more expensive than others and your expenses will vary enormously. · US dollars cash is more widely accepted than pounds sterling. Euros are also increasingly accepted in Turkey. · Carry most of your money in Traveller’s cheques - small denominations are preferable. · It is often a good idea to have a small amount of the currency of the country you are visiting prior to arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport. · Credit cards are accepted in the larger cities. You can also get money from ATMs. Do not however depend on using your credit card as your major source of funds. · Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful.
Local Customs:	Be aware that revealing bare flesh can cause offence. Covering shoulders, arms and legs can save you a lot of hassle. This is true for men as well as women. Similarly we advise against tight or revealing clothing. Generally on beaches you can wear what you like and in larger cities attitudes towards dress are more relaxed. Be sure to exercise a conservative approach in smaller more remote areas. Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards Travellers Cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour guide will advise where this is possible. Generally conditions will be warm and dry however do account for long sleeves and long trousers in religious or more remote areas. Evenings can be cool so don’t forget to pack a jumper. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen.
Time:	Turkey is 2 hours ahead of GMT. Remember that time is not quite so valuable to the Turks and often tasks that should take five minutes can take an hour. Be patient and consider it as all part of the Turkish experience.
Language:	Turkish is the official language although English is widely spoken as a second language in the larger towns. English will be widely spoken in the major tourist attractions of the main cities. Take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.
Photography:	All types of camera film are readily available in Turkey; however, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free. As a guideline, most people use approximately one to two rolls of 36 per week. Fast film (200-400 ASA) may be useful at times and black & white film is nice to use for portraits of local people. A zoom lens is also useful. Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission. It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations. Most Middle Eastern countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders and in any government buildings. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your film and/or camera confiscated.
Food:	Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs.
Accommodation:	We have put a lot of thought and effort into locating the most appropriate type of accommodation for each tour. It will always be clean, comfortable and of a good standard. Generally accommodation is in superior tourist class hotels (3 star and above).
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation:	All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader, driver and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability). Please be aware that accommodation availability can fill very quickly especially during high season and recommend that you book this as soon as possible. It will NOT be possible to confirm any pre tour accommodation made 2 weeks or less prior to your arrival.
Tipping and Bargaining:	In Turkey tipping is a way of life and very much expected. For many tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. Sales and service taxes are imposed in some restaurants and bars. Bargaining is also expected and in all souq’s and bazaars prices are inflated to accommodate such a practice. Rule of thumb is to cut the offer in half and work upwards. This can sometimes be hard work but so not let yourself be intimidated by stallholders, you can always say no and walk away.
Optional Activities:	Kumuka endeavours to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Whereas, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka can not be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE 40 Earls Court Road, London W8 6EJ Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 4, 46-48 York Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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