Straddling continents, history and culture, Turkey is a unique destination full of contradictions and beauty waiting for you to explore! This guide will help prepare you for your incredible adventure. Please read this carefully, and if there is anything we have not addressed, feel free to reach out at meetuptours@sofetravel.com. Can’t wait to show you this amazing country.
What to expect:
Physical level
There may be some uneven walks, but is not difficult to navigate for most travelers. Please be sure to bring supportive shoes.
Inclusions
exclusions
Itinerary
Your general Turkey itinerary can be found here or on the Turkey Meetup Tour webpage. Daily schedules will be given by your guide when you arrive in Turkey. Because the seasons, operating hours of inclusions, traffic, and many factors can affect the daily schedule, specific timing will be determined by your guide to give you the best possible experience. If you have questions about when to wake up, how long you will spend at a particular site, etc. please feel free to ask your guide at any time.
Merhaba! Welcome to Turkey! This women’s only tour kicks off in Istanbul, the continent-straddling metropolis that the Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans have previously all called home. We will pick you up at the airport and bring you to the hotel to meet the rest of the group. Your welcome meeting with the guide starts at 6pm at your hotel. Following the meeting, have dinner together to get to know each other before an incredible adventure! Meals: dinner
Begin your day by exploring the old town of Istanbul. Make your way to Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture that has borne witness to over 1,500 years of Turkish history. After spending some time wandering solo, head to Hippodrome square and listen to the stories of chariots and the monuments decorating the square. Explore the most celebrated place in Istanbul, Blue Mosque, decorated with over 20,000 blue Turkish tiles. To conclude the day, we will join a workshop at a female owned gallery and learn the art of water marbling (ebru), which involves painting designs directly on the surface of water in a shallow tray and transferring them onto paper. Meals: breakfast
This morning we will take a domestic flight to magical Cappadocia. Across millennia rain and wind have sculpted the white volcanic rock into the almost gothic formations we see today, known as tufa. Once we land, we will explore the Goreme Open Air Museum, an outdoor museum with ancient rock-cut churches, chapels, and monasteries adorning Byzantine wall paintings dating to the 13th century. After we have worked up an appetite, we’ll get to enjoy the local delicacies of Turkish cuisine at a cooperative run only by women to create jobs, opportunity, and independence. After lunch, relax in one of a few feature stays of this Meetup Tour, a luxe cave hotel with stunning rooftop views. Meals: breakfast and lunch
Early birds catch sunrise views from a hot air balloon ride! Opt in to fly above the rooftops or sit with blankets and a hot coffee watching the sun fill the sky. After breakfast, we’ll visit one of the oldest underground cities, Kaymakli. It’s believed that underground cities in Cappadocia emerged in the 8th and 7th century BCE. Afterwards, we’ll take an easy hike in Soganli Valley and go off the beaten path for a sweet afternoon with the women of the village. Soganli Dolls are rag dolls made by women for their children for over centuries and today they contribute to their economy. We’ll enjoy what is likely to be a beautiful day outside making ragbags with the experts. Take the rest of the afternoon to relax at the hotel or explore solo before a very special meal. For dinner we are invited into a family home for a home-cooked traditional Turkish meal. Meals: breakfast and dinner
Today, say goodbye to Cappadocia and hit the road for the coast of Turkey. On the way, we’ll stop in the city of Konya for lunch own your own and to see the mausoleum of Rumi, a Sufi mystic who has established the Mevlevi order. Antalya is a beautiful town with ocean views, great restaurants, and tons of shopping. Take the evening to explore solo or with new friends. Drive time: approx. 6 hours | Meals: breakfast
This morning, we will drive to Kas (which means eyebrow in Turkish) and begin exploring on a walking tour. Now primarily a holiday town, Kas is strewn with the remains of Lycian tombs, iconic, white-washed walls covered with climbing bougainvillea and an ancient theatre where you can watch a spectacular sunset. The walk is sure to inspire your appetite and your leader will be on hand to show you where to grab a great gozleme (stuffed Turkish flatbread). The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy this easy-going town. Perhaps sit back with a pomegranate cocktail or check out the local markets. Meals: breakfast
Today is a relaxing day floating slowly on calm, turquoise waters. Our sail boat has plenty places to spread out and relax whether you are a sun worshipper or prefer the shade. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can jump off the side into the water or climb down the side to put your feet in. Our hosts, the family who owns the boat, will prepare a simple and delicious meal (you will be begging for the recipe before we leave!). For the night, we will return to our guesthouse situated right on the water. Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
After breakfast, we head to Pamukkale, known as the “cotton castle” for its stunning travertine terraces created by thermal water deposits over hundreds of years. Mineral-rich waters have overflowed to create cream-colored stalactites with rumored healing properties for the digestive and circulatory systems. We’ll also visit Hierapolis, a Roman bath center founded in 190 BC, featuring ancient temples, holy areas, fountains, baths, basilicas, necropolises, and an impressive theater. The rest of the evening is free to enjoy at our thermal spa hotel. Meals: breakfast and dinner
After breakfast today, we’ll visit the lesser known town of Buldan in Pamukkale known for its handmade textile fabrics and traditional colorful Turkish houses. After a stroll through town, we’ll continue to Sirince. Lunch today is at Hatice’s Restaurant. Hatice is woman entrepreneur who started to cook just for her family and now is being one of the most influential women in the region creating opportunities for the local women and publishing her recipes. Sirince is a charming Greek Orthodox village, where you can taste the local fruit wines, stroll through the cobbled stone streets, and chat with local women selling handmade soups, cream, and ice cream. This evening we’ll join with locals and experience Turkish cooking traditions firsthand in a convivial atmosphere where you’ll have the opportunity to cook, chat, and create priceless memories. Drive time: approx. 3 hours | Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner
In the morning, we’ll make our way to the fabled historic site of Ephesus. One of Turkey’s most significant landmarks, this well-preserved classical city is a UNESCO Heritage site. Accompanied by a local guide, you will explore this well-preserved city and delve into its captivating 1500-year history. You’ll be amazed at the city’s exceptional infrastructure, which included public restrooms, a renowned medical institution, a brothel, and Roman baths. Between our amazing guide and our small group size, we may even be able to see parts of the complex off limits to most travelers. Following the Ephesus tour, we’ll journey on to Ayvalik, and if time permits visit çöp(m)adam. This experimental project in Ayvalık aims to address the issues of women’s employment in Turkey while recycling waste in a creative, aesthetic way. Spend sunset time on our hotel’s private dock into the Mediterranean Sea! Meals: breakfast and dinner | Drive time: approx. 3 hours
Today is your day to spend it however you like! Perhaps starts the day at a hammam, a traditional Turkish bath. Then stroll through the city until you get to Istanbul’s famed Grand Bazaar, featuring over 3,000 shops vying to be explored along 61 quaint streets. Hone your bargaining skills, interact with local personalities, sip on authentic Turkish coffee, and shop to your heart’s content. You could also see the cityscape from the water and take a boat complete with sunset views and dinner. Our incredible guide can help you arrange whatever you like. Meals: breakfast
After breakfast, say goodbye for now but not forever. Your tour guide can help you organize a ride to the airport or transportation for your onward travels. Meals: breakfast
Itinerary Disclaimer
Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this guide may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travelers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour.
Joining Point
Sultanhan Hotel Istanbul
Binbirdirek, Piyer Loti Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Joining Description
Your arrival airport is the Istanbul Airport in Turkey (airport code IST). We have organized an airport transfer for you according to your arrival time on Day 1. Look for a person holding a sign with the SoFe logo on it in the arrivals hall. The driver will take you directly to our hotel to check in. Your welcome meeting will be at 6pm that evening in the hotel lobby!
Check in for the tour is at 6pm in the lobby. You are welcome to check in to the hotel earlier independently. If you arrive before check-in, the hotel will hold your bags while you explore Istanbul. If the majority of travelers arrive after 6pm, your leader may reschedule your welcome meeting. You will be informed of any changes by the hotel staff.
Finishing Point
Sultanhan Hotel Istanbul
Binbirdirek, Piyer Loti Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
Finishing Point description
While we recommend that you stay for breakfast for one last meal with your group, you are welcome to depart any time today. Airport transfer is not included but can be arranged by your leader when in Turkey.
Problems and emergency contact
While we always endeavor to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognize that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction – if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still traveling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For emergency contact while in Turkey, please call or text:
-Merve (operations manager)+90 544 285 9284 OR
-Tour Guide +90 543 905 4808
For general contact details please use the following page: https://thesolofemaletravelernetwork.com/contact-us
Payment schedule
You are required to pay a non-refundable $500 deposit at the time of reservation. This non-refundable deposit confirms your Meetup Tour booking and you will receive a confirmation email detailing the terms of your reservation. Once the confirmation email has been sent to you, a contract will exist between us from the date we issue the confirmation invoice.
Please refer to your booking confirmation for specific dates, deadlines and details regarding final payments for your Meetup Tour. For standard Meetup Tours, the program fee balance payment is due 90 days before the departure date. SoFe’s payment system allows you to input the dollar amount for each payment you submit, so you are welcome to make as many payments in any dollar amount as you prefer before the final payment is due.
The final payment deadline is 90 days before the Meetup Tour start date, with the exception of Antarctica and Polar destinations.
If you have not paid the full balance, requested a cancellation and/or transfer by the final payment deadline, your credit card on file will be automatically charged the remaining balance of the Meetup Tour program cost. A $100 late payment fee will also be levied. Additionally, SoFe reserves the right to treat your booking as cancelled.
Feedback
Can’t stop thinking about your adventure? Tell us all about it! We read each piece of feedback carefully and use it to make improvements for travelers like you. Share your experience with us by emailing meetuptours@sofetravel.com!
Before you leave
Important notes
Food and dietary information
Your group leader or representative will endeavor to cater for specific dietary requirements where possible, and vegetarianism and gluten intolerance will be catered for in most instances. There are, however some meals and activities that are fixed in advance and therefore cannot be modified to suit dietary requirements. We suggest bringing supplemental snacks like protein powders and bars just in case.
Please notify your booking consultant of any dietary requirements at the time of booking. For those suffering from particular food allergies, your group leader or representative will endeavor to disclose to their fullest knowledge the main ingredients in dishes being consumed. It is, however, your personal responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any foods to which you are allergic.
Money Matters
Spending money is a personal choice, and everyone will have different spending habits and needs. It is best to budget a reasonable amount for things like meals not included, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. It’s always better to bring a little more than you think you’ll need. Please have a thorough look at the itinerary and at what is included so you will be prepared for what isn’t included. Our Meetup Tour is very inclusive, however some meals and extras are not included. This guide should make budgeting a little clearer.
There are many opportunities to purchase souvenirs and handicrafts while on this trip, they can be a fantastic memento of your trip, and often these purchases help to support local artisans.
Your Leader may suggest visits to different stores during your tour. Rest assured that these vendors have been selected by our team on ground. They provide good service and good quality products at fair market prices. It also means that after sales service is available should you get home and have a problem with your purchase. Some visits may be included as part of your itinerary where we feel the making of the craft is relevant to the destination and interesting for everyone to visit. If this is the case you are under no obligation to purchase anything, simply enjoy the demonstrations and learning about the local craft. We also encourage you to enjoy shopping in the markets to compare prices and quality.
Turkey is often misjudged when it comes to the cost of goods and services and prices can vary considerably between regions. Cities like Istanbul and Antalya are very European and as such the standard of restaurants and cafes is very high and the cost equivalent to its European counterparts. Eating in local restaurants, road side stalls and markets is still inexpensive and lots of fun. Budgets are a personal choice but please bear in mind that you should not expect Turkey to be a budget destination.
As a general note, bathrooms in Turkey do often charge a fee. This fee can vary but generally 2-3 TL is required, so it is useful to keep some loose change handy.
Tips are included on all SoFe trips, covering hotel staff, included experiences, included meals, and the people who will take care of you during your travels.
This amount does not include a tip for your leader or driver, so you may wish to set aside some funds for this. It may not be customary to you, it’s of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travelers:
Drivers: You may have a range of private drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group however $5-$8 per person per day is generally appropriate.
Your Group Leader/Guide: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline $8- 12 per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip.
Tipping in local currency equivalent is perfectly acceptable and often preferred.
There may be times when you find yourself exploring solo. When you’re out by yourself and you’re happy with the services, providing a tip – though not compulsory – is appropriate.
Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants – leave the loose change. More up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill.
As a general note, bathrooms in Turkey do often charge a fee. This fee can vary but generally 2-3 TL is required, so it is useful to keep some loose change handy.
Climate information
Temperatures are highly variable depending on the time of year and the region you are traveling in. Winters range from freezing in the central and eastern areas, cold in Istanbul and relatively mild on the west coast. Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot all over the country. Spring and autumn tend towards warm days and cooler nights. A light water and windproof jacket is useful and a hat essential.
SEASONAL INFORMATION
Turkey is a large country split into seven regions. As a rule of thumb the Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have typical Mediterranean climates with hot summers and mild, wet winters. In the east it is more mountainous with warm summers and very cold, snowy winters. Central Turkey (Cappadocia), has low rainfall, very dry, hot summers and very cold winters. Istanbul and coastal centers can experience very high humidity.
Winter (November to March) can be very cold. Not all of our hotels have heating so consider bringing thermals, a scarf, gloves and a warm jacket for travel in this period. Summer (June to August) can be very hot. Not all of our hotels have air-conditioning, and in those that do it’s not always functioning. Please consider the seasons when planning your trip.
RAMADAN 2024
In 2024, the important month of Ramadan or Ramzan in Turkey will be in progress from Mon, Mar 11, 2024 – Tue, Apr 9, 2024, and the Eid ul-Fitr festival or Bayram in Turkey will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel, it’s a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.
Ramadan month can differ from country to country and region to region, it can be a wonderful inclusion in your vacation. If you have concerns about traveling at this time, please check us at SoFe before your departure.
passports, visas, and entry requirements
Most nationalities require a visa to enter Turkey. Visas must be obtained through the e-Visa system. To apply for an e-visa, please go to https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/
Passport holders from New Zealand, Argentina, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland do not require a visa for stays up to three months currently. We recommend all nationalities check with their local consulate for current visa requirements.
NEW INFORMATION REGARDING VISAS FOR AMERICAN AND CANADIAN CITIZENS:
Beginning in 2024, citizens from the US and Canada are now exempt from obtaining a visa for Turkey if visiting for tourism purposes less than 90 days.
Here is the official link related to visa information: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
You need a valid passport to travel internationally. Most countries require that your passport does not expire for at least 6 months after the date you enter. We require your passport details 45 days before departure. When booking your Meetup Tour, please enter your name as it appears on your passport and contact us immediately if there are any errors.
We recommend taking copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you as well as leaving copies at home with family or friends.
Upon arrival, we have an escort meeting you at the airport. Just look for the sign with the SoFe logo just after you exit customs and immigration. The driver will take you directly to the hotel.
Packing
On this trip, you must pack as lightly as possible because you will be expected to carry your own bag and, although you won’t be required to walk long distances with your luggage, we strongly recommend keeping the weight under 15kg/30lbs. If your itinerary includes a flight, please keep in mind that some domestic airlines have checked luggage limits of 15/30lbskg.
You are welcome to bring whatever type of luggage suits your needs with the understanding that you will be carrying your bags in transit in many cases, so be sure you can manage.
- Travel documents: passport, visa (if required), travel insurance, air tickets or e-ticket receipts and a copy of this document.
- Photocopy of main passport pages, visa (if required), travel insurance and air tickets.
- Personal medical kit. We recommend you carry items such as mild pain killers, electrolytes and Band-Aids.
- Daypack
- Watch/Alarm clock or phone that can be used for both.
- Power adaptors
- Insect repellent
- Sun protection – hat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- Earplugs and eye mask
- Water bottle. We recommend at least a 1.5litre capacity. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 liter plastic bottle takes 2 liters of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments.
- Warm clothes including hat and gloves – When travelling in cooler climates
- Wind and waterproof rain jacket
- Toiletries/travel wipes
- Travel Towel
- Closed in, comfortable walking shoes. As most of our trips include some walking elements, we highly recommend that you take a pair of comfortable, closed-in walking shoes. Closed-in shoes will help to protect your feet from cuts and scratches when walking through bush/grass-lands, and will also act as a barrier protection in rare cases against bites or stings.
- Camera with spare memory cards and batteries
- Swimwear (itinerary dependent)
- Clothes in layers for various temperatures.
Most of our trips have access to power to recharge batteries for phones and cameras regularly. We always recommend that you carry an extra battery for your camera just in case. Charging of batteries is advised before checking out of your hotel rooms. Please bear in mind there may be some nights were electricity may not be as readily available as you might be used to.
For Turkey there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Turkey operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Generally drones are not permitted into any Middle East destination or they require registration and pre approval. Please refer to your airline carrier if you are considering taking a drone on your travels or check out drone laws by country on line.
We have had some reports of binoculars being confiscated or causing delay in customs if carried in hand luggage.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory on all our Meetup Tours. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. If you are traveling within your home country or region please confirm before travel that you are entitled to access the public medical system easily should an accident occur. We strongly recommend all travelers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company’s 24-hour emergency contact number has been sighted by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your group leader will 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 prior to arriving in-country.
We recommend that you check your government’s advice in relation to the areas you will be visiting for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas your itinerary covers.
on the road
group leader and Guide
All tours with The Solo Female Traveler Network are accompanied by a guide who is with the group for the whole trip. The guide’s role is to be the local expert of the destination and coordinate a lot of the on the ground logistics. Premium leaders are SoFe’s most experienced, with in-depth knowledge and extensive local networks to make it a trip of a lifetime. Your guide will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At SoFe, we aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit. When not already included in your trip, your leader will be able to recommend a local guide service who can share more detailed or specialized information at specific sites should you be interested in delving deeper.
Accomodation
We use a range of accommodation that we choose based on season, group size, and availability and because of this, we can not provide a confirmed list of hotels before the tour. However, here is a list of the accommodation we are most likely to use. Feel free to request a confirmed list of all accommodation from your guide on Day 1.
We do provide the confirmed start and end accommodation to help you plan transportation, pre/post travel plans, or visa needs. You can find this in the “joining point” and “finishing point” sections of this page.
Istanbul: Sultanhan Hotel
Cappadocia: Agarta Cave Hotel
Antalya: Pudding Marina Hotel
Kas: Aqua Princess Hotel
Pamukkale: Hierapark Hotel
Sirince: Nisanyan Houses Hotel
Ayvalik: Bacacan Hotel
Rooms are twin share with an ensuite unless you upgrade to a private room, based on availability. The accommodation indicated on the webpage is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to lack of availability. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
We will be staying in premium 4 and 5 star hotels, guesthouses, and boutique hotels. We have given you a list of hotels that will most likely be your confirmed hotels, but based on group size, availability, and season, these can change. The standard may be less than what you are used to in terms of design, facilities, and inclusions. If there is a problem with your accommodation, always alert your tour leader so it can be remedied, if possible.
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
Check out is any time on the last day, although we do recommend you stay for one last breakfast with your group. Airport transfer is not included, but your leader/guide can help you arrange it.
Extra nights at our hotel may be available. You may have to switch rooms at the beginning or end of the tour. Contact us at meetuptours@sofetravel.com for details.
Optional Activities
A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travelers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn’t an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it’s recommended that travelers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organized independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist.
Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organizing these activities. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.
Transportation
Private Bus, Gullet, Commercial Plane
There are some long travel days and some rough traveling in areas away from main tourist routes. Windy roads and rough surfaces can make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimize our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort.
a few rules
Safety
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while traveling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, flight tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your jewelry at home – you won’t need it while traveling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however, during your trip you’ll have some free time to pursue your own interests or relax and take it easy. While your leader will assist you with the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your SoFe itinerary, and SoFe makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when selecting an activity in your free time. Please also note that your Leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it’s deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
We recommend that you check your government’s advice for their latest travel information before your departure and that you ensure your travel insurance covers you for all areas in your itinerary. The safety of our travelers and staff is our first priority. We continue to monitor the situation through official travel advisories and our local operations team, and we’re able to quickly change arrangements if for any reason we become concerned. If there should be any changes to the situation you will be advised immediately. Whilst traveling in Istanbul before, after or during your tour we would recommend avoiding crowded areas like Taksim Square, Galatasaray and Kadikoy Meydan after 6.00pm especially on a weekend. If using public transport in the city please refer to http://www.iett.gov.tr/en for the latest updates and announcements.
When not with your guide, we recommend the following:
- Do not walk in isolated areas or at night by yourself
- If hotel staff need to enter your room, arrange to be either on tour or in the lobby, so you are not alone.
- Respect the local customs, which may mean dressing more conservatively than you do at home.
- Do not hire a driver or guide for tours from the street. Always go with a reputable company or ask us to help you arrange any pre or post experiences.
- Do not accept any invitations for anything from random people on the street.
- Always carry your tour guide’s contact information and hotel address with you during solo time.
- Alert your guide of any inappropriate behavior or perceived risk to your safety
phone and internet access
medical and health
All travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. Please note that if in the opinion of our group leader or local guide any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves 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 for any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements as they may not easily be obtained while traveling.
As a rule we recommend you don’t drink tap water, even in hotels, as it may contain much higher levels of different minerals than the water you are used to at home. For local people this is not a problem as their bodies are used to this and can cope, but for visitors drinking the tap water can result in illness. Generally this isn’t serious, an upset stomach being the only symptom, but it’s enough to spoil a day or two of your holiday. Many hotels and lodges provide safe drinking water, while bottled water is another alternative. Water consumption should be about two liters a day. Rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, and diarrhea blockers are available from many pharmacies.
traveling with a group
With almost all of our travelers coming on the Meetup Tour solo, we have women from different countries, backgrounds, perspectives, and opinions. This is part of what makes our tours so special and what often leaves our travelers with couches to crash on around the world and even long time friendships. Like any group, especially one consisting of people of different ages coming from all corners of the world, this can also cause clashes in culture and disagreements. We promote an environment of kindness, empowerment, and communication, so certain behaviors will not be tolerated for the benefit of everyone’s 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. Bullying, threatening, and violence of staff, locals, and fellow participants will not be tolerated on our trips.