Hi,
I'm interested to travel with the imaginative traveller for the first time. I would like to go to Turkey in june (5th), but I still doubting between Turkey Explored or Wild Turkey Adventure. The second has more sports activities. But how hard is the trekking?
Are there other people who did one of those trips or people who are also going to Turkey in june? It would be fun to know some group members in advance, since I'm travelling alone.
Regards,
Clarissa
Re: Turkey Explored or Wild Turkey Adventure
Hi Clarissa,
Thank you for your post. I did the Wild Turkey Adventure in September last year and it was a great tour.
The trekking is classed a trek grade "easy", although bear in mind this is in comparison to all the other treks in our brochure (including Everest Base Camp!), so you do still need to be reasonably active and enjoy walking. The first day of the trek is uphill almost all the way, but it's not too steep. It's steady walking up a small track, and then up a winding fire road on the edge of the mountain. The views are beautiful and sometimes you can take a shortcut as the road zig-zags. The first day's walking is about 6 hours, however this would depend on the group and how fast you go.
You need to carry with you a change of clothes for overnight, and about 2-3 litres of water. Lots of sunscreen, a hat, camera, and plasters in case you get blisters etc. At the overnight stop you can get new water for the next day.
The second day's trekking is different terrain - rockier, shadier, narrower tracks, and going more downhill as you approach the coast. There are some lovely views over the sea as you go towards it. It is less hours trekking then the first day.
I found the trek very manageable and am not ultra-fit in any sense! Anyone who is fairly active could probably do this.
If you like the idea of doing plenty of activities I think you will like the Wild Turkey Adventure - the rafting is great fun and it's a good idea to take a waterproof camera for some action shots.
I hope this helps - have a great trip whichever one you choose.
Re: Turkey Explored or Wild Turkey Adventure
I'm joining the Wild Turkey Adventure of June 5. But I still have a few questions.
Since I'm arriving a day earlier in Istanbul I would like to visit the city. But I would like to avoid that I visit things which we visit also the day later with the group. In the brochure I saw that we probably visit with the group the Bleu Mosque, the underground basilica and St Sophia museum in the Sulthanahmet. And that we maybe do a boat trip on the Bosporus. Does anybody now if this itinerary is fixed or can it change? I would also like to visit the Topkapi-palace, the Suleymaniye mosque and some other things. So maybe I can do that the day before we meet?
I also have a few questions concerning the luggage. Is it a problem that I do not have a backpack, but a sports bag (with wheels)? And do you need a sleeping bag in June? Or is a sleeping sheet enough.
Thanks.
Clarissa
Re: Turkey Explored or Wild Turkey Adventure
Hi have just come back from doing the wild turkey trip in may and had a great time,although only 6 on the trip we had all came solo and we all got on very well and had a lot of laughs u will not be disappointed by Turkey.
The first two days are pretty much up to your self in istanbul and there is lots to see,an dinner under galatta bridge at night is pretty cool.Although it was may it was still pretty hot so you wont need a sleeping bag.
Hope that answers some questions.
Alan
Re: Turkey Explored or Wild Turkey Adventure
Thanks for the info. I think I leave my sleeping bag at home. That safes many space in my bag :-)
What did you visit in Istanbul? I read somewhere else on the forum that the Aya Sophia is closed on monday. So I can better visit it on sunday. Otherwise I probably miss it. Do you know if other places are closed on specific days.
Best wishes.
Clarissa
Re: Turkey Explored or Wild Turkey Adventure
Still have another question :-)
Where did you exchange your money? Did you change all at ones at the airport. Or is it better to exchange some money later at a bank.
Clarissa
Re: Turkey Explored or Wild Turkey Adventure
Hello Clarissa,
You can download a detailed tour itinerary from our website in the form of a [url=http://www.imaginative-traveller.com/destinations/europe/itinerary.asp?country=54&code=TAWT]trip dossier[/url] which will answer your first questions regarding the places we visit whilst on tour. Obviously we provide some free time in the tour where you may choose what to do.
You may exchange monies either at the airport, bank or using your ATM card.
I think your bag will be fine but perhaps also consider taking a small day bag for personal items etc.
Should you have any more questions please post away.
Re: Turkey Explored or Wild Turkey Adventure
Hi again
I used mostly atm machines as they are everywhere but there are also money exchanges.
The albion hotel is very well located and a short walk from a lot of the big sites,visted topkapi palace,blue mosque,hagia sophia is good,the grand bazzar also took trip up the bosphorus stoped of at the end and made our own way back which was fun.It is a friendly city and hassle and mostly hassle free even the carpet sellers are ok if you are polite to them u will enjoy.
alan
Re: Turkey Explored or Wild Turkey Adventure
Hello Alan,
Thanks for the post.