Istanbul & Cappadocia: Alumni Exclusive

Complete Your Checklist Before heading to the airport, complete the tasks below and check them off in your Online Account Checklist. If you have any questions, give us a call at 617-619-1411. We’re available 24/7 to make sure you have the Best. Trip. Ever.

Important Documents

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months past the end of your travels     
  Visa: U.S. and Canadian citizens can enter Turkey without a visa for tourism purposes and stay for up to 90 days. If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact your country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.       
• Travel Insurance: While travel insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers, here.
• Health Insurance: You will need to carry your primary insurance card with you while overseas. This is a critical item in the event of a medical emergency.

Tour Preparation

• Talk with your doctor: It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.
• Traveling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.
• Request a roommate: Double-check with us and your Tour Director that they have your rooming status on file. We will assign a roommate for you if you do not submit a specific request.
• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.
  • Wi-Fi will be in some hotels, restaurants, and bars, though charges may apply and it may be slower than in the U.S.
  • Wi-Fi is not available on the bus.
• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

When preparing for your international flight to Turkey, check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. With this information, you can check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

• If your flight is cancelled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancellations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time
• If you slept in and missed your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.
• Long Flights: Travel from the U.S. to the Middle East a can be a lengthy process (10-20+ hours travel time total). Bring a book, watch a movie (or five), and drink plenty of water!

Arriving in Istanbul Congratulations! You’ve landed in Istanbul, a bustling city sandwiched between Europe and Asia with equal representation of both cultures. Before you arrive, your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app! If you booked flights with EF Ultimate Break, your transfers to and from the hotel when you arrive in and depart from Istanbul are included.

If you have difficulty finding your group or representative to bring you to the hotel, just give our team a call at 617-619-1411.

Transfers and Transportation On this trip, you’ll take a private bus and internal flights between cities which can take anywhere between 2-8 hours depending on distance, local traffic, and bathroom or photo-stop breaks. The beauty of travel is that you get to explore a new place, but note that it takes time and energy to see everything worth seeing.

• Prepare to walk between 2-5 miles per day, especially when sightseeing. We’ve packed a lot into this trip, so be ready for a fast-paced adventure!
• We recommend you bring a book or download music ahead of time for transfer days. Or, catch up on sleep during those early morning departures!

General Recommendations Fact: Travel is exhilarating. And FOMO is real. So, we understand why you don’t want to miss a second of the action. But there’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Flying across the globe, changing time zones, and being constantly on the move can take a toll on your body. Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon nap, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Be Prepared: We recommend bringing a small first aid kit including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a few mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • MindShift: Focused on anxiety management, this app has an array of cognitive behavior therapy features including journaling, goal-setting, calming audio, and a community forum.
  • Ten Percent Happier: Filled with videos and guided meditations intended to help with everything ranging from sleep to stress reduction.

Destination-Specific Information There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Turkey, but we strongly recommend you consult your physician or local travel clinic, and the CDC (Center for Disease Control) at lease 60 days prior to departure for the latest updates and entry requirements. See more tips below for staying healthy in Turkey:

• Do not drink the tap water. In some smaller cities tap water may be clean to drink, but certainly not in larger cities like Istanbul. To be safe, always drink bottled water, even for brushing your teeth.
• Take proper care with sun exposure, the sun is very strong in some of the areas you are visiting
• Bring a small first aid kit, including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Certain medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) are banned in foreign countries. Consult your physician at least four weeks prior to departure to make sure any medications you want to bring with you are legal.
• Public restrooms in Turkey can be quite bare. We suggest carrying bathroom tissue and hand sanitizer with you.

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. But, it’s equally important for you to maintain your health and safety while abroad. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, drink plenty of water, get sleep when you can, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart:

• Remember you are subject to the laws of the country where you travel. In some countries, consensual same-sex sexual activity, public gathering, or dissemination of pro-LGBTI material may be illegal.
• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later.
• At the end of a night out, consult your Tour Director and stick with your group to use trusted transportation back to the hotel
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Female travelers should be prepared for some degree of cat-calling and harassment from local young men in Turkey. EF Ultimate Break and the Tour Director will do everything in our power to prevent and preempt this kind of behavior. We understand it’s easier said than done, but ignoring most verbal harassment is usually the best policy. Act confidently and keep walking forward, but always exercise caution and stay with a buddy or group.
• Always carry small bills for taxi rides, as some drivers may claim they don’t have change for large bills. You should also keep your GPS on during the ride so your driver knows you know where you’re going.
• Avoid local bars if you’re just with one other person. Instead, try to go with a small group of 2-3 travelers, and always make sure everyone knows how to get home.
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411

For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.

• The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! Your international airline ticket does include a checked bag, but years of customer feedback tells us a carry-on is the way to go. You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
  • You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
  • If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
  • Choose your luggage wisely. We recommend a roller carry-on bag and a backpack as your personal item.
  • Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
  • Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
• Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
  • DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
  • Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
  • If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
• Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
• Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
• Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!

Remember that you know your spending habits best and not everyone’s spending habits are the same. These recommendations are based on a traveler who says yes to any and all activities while on tour

The currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TRY or TL), and while the best rates are found in the local currency, U.S. dollars and euros are sometimes accepted as well. In addition to local currency, we recommend you bring a debit/credit card with you to withdraw cash at local banks or ATMs if needed. Read more tips below:

• While better exchange rates are usually found overseas, it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive. After, you’ll find the best exchange rates at ATMs or an exchange office near the Grand Bazaar (Istanbul).
• Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Turkey, but cash is preferred for shopping, markets/souks, and at restaurants.
• It’s extremely useful to have supply of local currency in small denominations for this trip for tips, souvenirs, snacks, and more.
• Budget around $80-$100 per day for meals, drinks, souvenirs, and tips or extra activities
• We recommend tipping your Tour Director $10-$12 per day at the end of the trip
• For local guides, we recommend $2-$3 at the end of that excursion.
• Tipping is an important part of Turkey’s local economy and a common tip at restaurants is between 5-10%. You may also be solicited to tip locals who assist you in public places, including taking photos. We recommend having small bills in USD or local currency for this purpose.

Though more common in touristy areas, English isn't widely spoken throughout Turkey. Even if you can get by without it, it's fun and helpful to try your hand at the local language, Turkish! Here are just a few key phrases to get you started:

• Hello: Merhaba (Mehr-hah-bah)
• Goodbye: Hoşçakal (Hosh-cha-kal)
• Please: Lutfen (Lewt–fehn)
• Thank you: Teşekkür ederim (Teh-sheik-kewr eh-deh-reem)
• Yes: Evet (Ev-et)
• No: Hayir (Hi-er)

Prepare yourself for the electric vibes of Istanbul, the magical landscapes of olive groves, ancient ruins, and mysterious rock formations, and the best cuisine you’ll ever taste. Read on to learn more about Turkish culture and see specific tips to help you make the most of your trip.

• Turkey is a very diverse country. Bring both conservative clothes for when you notice a change in culture and don’t want to stand out, and your more “summery” clothes for parts of Turkey where you feel more comfortable.
• Locals may be quick to ask you about sensitive topics, such as politics. This isn't considered rude, it simply shows interest.
• It can be considered rude to have your hands on your hips or in your pockets when talking to others.
• The idea of personal space may be much closer than you're used to.
• If entering a mosque, you will most likely be expected to remove your shoes, women will be expected to cover their hair, and knees and shoulders should be covered.
• Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
• Stray cats and dogs are very common throughout the country. While they're generally friendly and taken care of by locals, be cautious.
• Haggling is the norm in markets. Remember not to show too much interest and that buying multiple items from the same place can get you a better deal.
• Bazaars are closed on Sundays, so plan your shopping accordingly.

In Turkey, breakfast typically consists of sourdough bread with sheep’s cheese and olives, as well as jam or honey. A midday meal or dinner often starts with a meze, which is a plate of varied appetizers like cheese pastry rolls, pickled vegetables, and potato fritters. The national drink is tea, but don't miss out on the strong and rich Turkish coffee! You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on this trip, but read on for more tips when dining in Turkey, and delicacies you must try:

• Turkish Delight: Sorry, we had to. But this is something you can’t leave Turkey without trying. This sweet treat is a combination of chopped dates, pistachios, walnuts/hazelnuts, and more.
• Kebab: Typically the kebab is thinly sliced lamb served with warm tomato sauce, and traditional bread.
• Mezze: Mezze is a group of small plates usually served with drinks before a meal… Like happy hour apps, but better. Way better. Expect hummus, rice-stuffed vine leaves, meatballs, cheese, and more.
• Baklava: Another sweet treat, this is layers of flaky pastry with chopped nuts and sweet syrup to hold it all together
• Shish Kebab: A Turkish classic! Shish Kebab is usually chicken, beef or lamb grilled and served on a skewer with a side of rice, salad or fries.
• Tea (çay): Tea is a very important part of Turkish culture and hospitality. Most locals drink it black, but apple tea is a popular choice as well!
• Corn on the cob: You’ll find this smoked, steamy treat served along many of the streets you walk in Turkey. Just keep your floss handy
• Karniyarik: Also known as stuffed eggplant, this is great for a filling meal. The eggplant is warm and stuffed with ground meat, onion, black pepper, tomatoes, and parsely.

Vegetarian options will likely be available but let your Tour Director know of any dietary restrictions ahead of time so they can plan accordingly.

If you did not purchase EF Ultimate Break Optional Excursions before the trip began, you can log into your Online Account and do so on tour. You can also talk to your Tour Director on tour and they can help you get enrolled. If you’d like to plan something else during your free time, connect with your Tour Director before doing so; they sometimes arrange extra activities for the group during free time.

Prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour, so please check your online account for available add-ons.