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Save $1,000 per couple | $500 solo

Turkey Through the Ages

11 days

Never More than 16 Guests or Privately Guided

Our Distinctive A+R Style

  • Meet the merchants and sample their delicacies at the Spice Market in Istanbul, once the last stop on the Silk Road. 
  • Your private cruise on the Bosphorus is the best way to see the wooded hills, soaring minarets, and old mansions that line the shores on both the European and Asian sides. 
  • Experienced traditional Turkish hospitality when you dine in the home of a village family. 
  • An early-morning hot air balloon ride offers breathtaking views of Cappadocia’s honeycombed hills and towering rock formations. 
  • Admire the Byzantine frescoes that adorn the 1,000-year-old cave churches of Goreme and descend into the remarkable Kaymakli Underground City, built by early Christians to hide from the Romans. 
  • With 10 nights deluxe and luxury hotels; 20 meals; in-depth, comprehensive sightseeing; all transfers; all 3 internal flights, and all gratuities except your Trip Leaders. 

Visit 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites c

Show all itinerary details

Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to our charming and luxurious hotel, The Four Seasons Sultanahmet. The balance of this day is yours to relax and enjoy as you wish.

Day
2

Heralded throughout the ages as Byzantium, Constantinople and now Istanbul, this bustling city on the Bosphorus straddles the European and Asian Continents and presents an intoxicating blend of cultures and traditions. Setting out after breakfast with your expert native Trip Leader, today’s sightseeing begins at the Hippodrome, a handsome public square that stands on the site of the ancient Byzantine stadium. Nearby at the 17th Century Blue Mosque c, you’ll marvel at its lavish interior decorated with more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. Next up is St. Sophia c, the Church of Divine Wisdom that was dedicated in 537 by Emperor Justinian, now once again a mosque.
 
Take a break from sightseeing at Giritli. Set in a restored residence in the heart of the Old City, this inviting restaurant is known for its blend of Turkish cuisine and the chef’s favorite dishes from her home island of Crete. After lunch, you’ll descend into one of the city’s subterranean cisterns. The one you’ll visit, the Basilica Cistern, is the largest - famed for its 336 marble columns! Our day ends with a private cruise along the Bosphorus. With Europe on one shore and Asia on the other, the scenery is captivating – punctuated by the towering minarets of the city, charming century-old wooden homes built at water’s edge, erstwhile summer palaces, and the impressive sight of Rumeli Hisari, the 15th-century fortress of the great Sultan, Mehmet the Conqueror. This evening, we’ll dine at Ali Ocakbasi Oligark with its creative cuisine and a spectacular view overlooking the Bosphorus.  Meals B+L+D

Day
3

Topkapi Palace + Grand Bazaar + Egyptian Market

Four Seasons Sultanahmet - Istanbul, Turkey

After breakfast, another enriching day begins with a privately guided tour of the Topkapi Palace c – fabled residence of sultans, courtiers, concubines and eunuchs for more than 400 years since its founding in the 15th century. In addition to its pavilions, kitchens, barracks, audience chambers and sleeping quarters, you’ll see the Harem that was the exclusive domain of the Sultan and his family. In the Treasury, you’ll discover a glittering collection including crown jewels, gem-studded daggers and even a hair of The Prophet. Then in the heart of the bustling Old City, you’ll explore the labyrinthine passageways of the one-and-only Grand Bazaar, where colorful shops and vendor stalls overflow with a bewildering variety of items including jewelry, spices, leather goods, textiles, carpets and ceramics.
 
Then continue to the Egyptian Market. Dating to the 1600’s, this was once the last stop for merchants and laden camels traveling the fabled Silk Road from China, India and ancient Persia. Originally built with money from taxes that were levied on goods coming from Egypt, this landmark building is still a busy commercial center overflowing with fragrant spices, tantalizing displays of Turkish Delight and myriad other delicacies from farm-fresh cheeses and Turkish Coffee to dried fruits and caviar. Explore its bustling corridors and experience its timeless rhythms as you mingle with other visitors as well as the many city residents who still come here to do their shopping. With our in-the-know resident guide, you’ll also engage with friendly vendors, pausing to sample some of their tempting treats.  Meals B

Day
4

Cappadocia’s ‘Fairy Chimneys’ + The Whirling Dervishes

Argos Inn - Cappadocia, Turkey

We’ll be chauffeured to the airport this morning for our included flight into central Turkey. On arrival in Kayseri, we head to the Goreme Open-Air Museum c. Here in a picturesque valley, you’ll discover a complex of painted cave churches that were carved and decorated by monks nearly 1,000 years ago. Walking along a well-maintained path, you’ll visit a number of these ancient churches as your expert guide offers illuminating insight into their ancient history. The Cappadocia region is also famed for its remarkable scenery of unusual rock formations and tuff cones – fondly referred to locally as “Fairy Chimneys” for their whimsical silhouettes; exploring the Pasabag and Devrent Valleys with your engaging guide offers a chance to experience some of these dramatic landscapes. You’ll also meet skilled carpet weavers and pottery artisans in the village of Avanos.

This evening will begin with the 700-year-old music and dance ceremony of the Mevlevis, followers of the Sufi poet Rumi, who demonstrate through spinning how one can approach the union of all mankind to the love of God. We’ll follow this experience with dinner in the home of a Cappadocian family before our first of two nights at the Argos, an enchanting boutique hotel in the hilltop village of Uchisar.  Meals B+L+D

Day
5

Above and Below Cappadocia

Argos Inn - Cappadocia, Turkey

Arise early this morning for our hot air balloon adventure over the remarkable rock formations and remote valleys of Cappadocia. Floating silently above these amazing landscapes is singular experience you will long remember. Back on the ground, we’ll return to the Argos for breakfast before a visit for morning tea with a local family whose cave home is in one of the ‘Fairy Chimneys.’  Then, we’ll spend time in the tranquil village of Ayvali and explore the amazing scenery of the Rose and Pigeon Valleys.
 
Of course, no visit to the region would be complete without descending into the tunnels, passages and rooms that comprise Kaymakli Underground City c. As we explore living quarters, community kitchens, storage areas and even subterranean stables that descend far below ground, we’ll learn about the early Christians who built this city to protect themselves from Roman soldiers and the later Ottoman conquest. This evening, you’ll dine at Elai. Set in a historic building partially carved into the sandstone, this inviting and stylish restaurant is known for its distinctive fusion of Turkish, Mediterranean and European cuisines.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, we’ll return to Kayseri for our included flight to Izmir on Turkey’s Aegean coast. On arrival, you’ll be met and chauffeured to the 5-star Marriot Izmir. The balance of this day is at leisure to relax, enjoy and explore as you wish.  Meals B

Day
7

Excursion to Ephesus

Marriott Izmir - Izmir, Turkey

Following breakfast, we’ll visit one of the most renowned cities of the ancient world - revered in antiquity for its Temple of Artemis, one of Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. With jour expert Trip Leader, our exploration of Ephesus c begins as we enter through the grand Magnesia Gate and walk along an ancient marble-paved roadway that still shows evidence of ancient chariot wheels. Among the excavated ruins that will astound you are the expansive Forum, the steam-heated Baths of Scholastica, and the magnificent façade of the Library of Celsus. The highlight of our visit may well be the great amphitheater where Paul preached to the Ephesians.
 
From Ephesus, we’ll travel into the forested hills to visit the house where some believe the Virgin Mary had spent the last years of her life. After lunch, your afternoon continues at Urla Vineyards where we’ll enjoy a tour of the vineyard and a tasting of their fine wines. This evening, we’ve made arrangements for us to dine at Adabeyi. Set in a waterfront building designed by Alexander Gustave Eiffel, architect of his Paris tower, this inviting restaurant is famed for its traditional meze small-plates and fresh seafood.  Meals B+L+D

After breakfast, enjoy the coastal scenery as we travel south to Bodrum. On arrival in this inviting coastal town, set on a peninsula that extends into the Aegean, our guided sightseeing will include the ancient amphitheater, originally built in the 4th century BCE during the reign of King Mausolus of Halicarnassus and later expanded during the Roman era nearly 600 years later! We’ll also visit the evocative windmills of Bodrum, built in the 1700’s of stone and wooden planks. They were used for centuries to grind flour but now stand as scenic reminders of the region’s rich heritage. Enjoy two nights here in Bodrum at the luxury Kempinski Barbaros Bay.  Meals B

We’ve privately chartered a gulet today for a relaxing exploration of Turkey’s spectacular Turquoise Coast. With a full crew and a delightful lunch served onboard this traditional Turkish wooden sailing yacht, we’ll visit remote bays and quiet coves where you can go for a swim, if you like. It’s the best way to experience the magnificent beauty of Turkey’s Aegean shores.  Meals B+L

After breakfast, we’ll fly back to Istanbul and will return to our luxury hotel on the shores of the Golden Horn. The balance of this day is yours to do as you wish – a bit of independent sightseeing or some shopping might be a great way to spend your final day in the city. Our Farewell Dinner this evening is at one of our favorite restaurants in town. Set on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn, Firuze Meyhane is a stylish restaurant loved by locals for its distinctive blend of modern Mediterranean style and traditional Ottoman cuisine.  Meals B+D

Day
11

Depart Istanbul

We’ll be chauffeured to the airport today for onward flights.  Meals B

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DepartureReturnFromAvailability
22 April 202502 May 2025$9,599Available
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20 May 202530 May 2025$9,599Available
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09 September 202519 September 2025$9,899Guaranteed
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07 October 202517 October 2025$9,599Guaranteed
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21 April 202601 May 2026$9,999Available
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12 May 202622 May 2026$9,999Available
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14 July 202624 July 2026$9,999Available
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08 September 202618 September 2026$10,199Available
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06 October 202616 October 2026$9,999Available
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Prices are per person, double occupancy, and may vary during holidays and trade shows.

Pay-In-Full

Save $1,000 per couple + $500 solo on all of our Small Group, Small Ship and Private Journeys when you book and pay-in-full within 7 days of booking and prior to the final payment date listed in our published terms and conditions. Book by December 31, 2024 for travel any time in 2025 or 2026.


 

Family + Friends

Travel is one of  life's most rewarding experiences, perhaps even more so when it's shared with those you love! Take advantage of our Family & Friends offer and Save $100 per person anytime you book 4 or more people on the same A+R program.

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Date RangeFrom
01 May 2025 - 30 June 2025$17,499
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Deluxe and Luxury Hotels$17,499
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01 July 2025 - 31 August 2025$14,499
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Deluxe and Luxury Hotels$14,499
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01 September 2025 - 23 October 2025$13,999
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01 May 2026 - 31 May 2026$13,899
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Deluxe and Luxury Hotels$13,899
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Prices are per person, land only.

Family + Friends

Travel is one of  life's most rewarding experiences, perhaps even more so when it's shared with those you love! Take advantage of our Family & Friends offer and Save $100 per person anytime you book 4 or more people on the same A+R program.

Pay-In-Full

Save $1,000 per couple + $500 solo on all of our Small Group, Small Ship and Private Journeys when you book and pay-in-full within 7 days of booking and prior to the final payment date listed in our published terms and conditions. Book by December 31, 2024 for travel any time in 2025 or 2026.


 

About Your Journey

Your Health
Visitors coming from the United States to Turkey do not require any specific vaccinations or inoculations. However, recommended inoculations for travel may change and you should consult your practitioner for current recommendations before your upcoming journey. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all health entry requirements, obtain the recommended inoculations, take all recommended medication, and follow all medical advice in relation to your trip. Inoculation requirements can be found on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/. Also check the World Health Organization (WHO) website http://www.who.int/ith/en/ before you travel internationally.

Each country has different health regulations and requirements. If you are taking a prescription medicine, especially those containing narcotics, such as sleeping pills or tranquilizers, please have a copy of your doctor’s prescription with you.

Medical supplies, such as CPAP machines for sleep apnea can be brought as an additional carry-on with most airlines.  If you are traveling with a CPAP machine, please let us know in advance and consider bringing a backup battery in case of inconsistent electricity supply. Distilled water may be easily obtained in most destinations but all machines will work with filtered or bottled water in a pinch. Make sure you have all appropriate adaptors although newer machines have universal power supplies that can adapt to various voltage. Bring extra supplies (especially cushions) and pertinent replacement parts as repairing the machine while travelling may not be possible.

Physical Activity
Ancient sites worldwide were constructed well before building codes or the existence of safety and accessibility standards. And in order to maintain the architectural and historical integrity that attracts visitors in the first place, many of the sites have been intentionally left in their natural state. As such, you will encounter uneven terrain, irregular steps, and a lack of handrails, barriers, ramps and cautionary warning signs where you might expect them back home. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to take great care and caution when exploring these sites. Pay attention to all instructions and do not wander away from your guide, especially off designated paths into unmarked terrain. When exploring on your own, heed all regulations, be extra mindful of your surroundings and note any conditions that could increase the risks (poor visibility, wet slippery surfaces, etc).

For travelers with mobility issues or physical challenges, be prepared for less accessibility than we enjoy in the United States. Hotels may be limited in the provisions made for such travelers and some do not have elevators. Airports are not always fully equipped with modern jetways, and ramps for wheelchairs are often absent.

We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance for guests who need mobility assistance.  Nor can we ensure that local vehicles will be wheelchair-equipped. For these reasons, a qualified companion must accompany guests who need such assistance.
 
Physical limitations requiring any special attention and/or equipment must be reported when making reservations. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate special needs but cannot provide individual assistance.  Should issues become apparent on tour that impact other guests, we may require individual assistance be obtained or require the guest to return home early at the guest’s expense.  

Your International Flights
If you have not already made your international flight arrangements, you should consider taking advantage of our excellent relationships with outstanding international carriers including Lufthansa, British Airways, United Airlines and Emirates. We can book your air in Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class with advice on seat availability - and even advance seat assignments on many carriers and routes. Booking your international air with A+R will allow us to directly assist you with any flight disruptions, delays or cancellations while on-tour.

A Word about Hotels
As in other parts of the world, check-in time for most hotels is around 3:00PM and check-out time is typically 11AM. Should you arrive early to find that your room is not yet ready, the hotel will likely be more than happy to store your luggage securely for a few hours. That leaves you unencumbered to explore a bit at your own pace - or to relax with a cup of tea or coffee either in the lobby or at a nearby cafe.

Similarly, if you have a late departure flight, hotels will store your luggage after you’ve checked-out, leaving you free to explore and relax until it’s time to go to the airport. Depending upon how busy they are, hotels may allow you to occupy your room for another hour or two without charge; check with the front desk to determine if this is possible for your day of departure.

If early check-in or late check-out is required, advance arrangements can usually be confirmed for the cost of an additional night. Please notify us or your travel agent if you wish to confirm either.

Climate…What You Can Expect
Turkey encompasses several climatic zones - from the continental climate in central/eastern Turkey to balmy Mediterranean along the seashore. The Anatolian Plain has hot summers and cold (snowy) winters; the Black Sea coast is mild and humid; the Mediterranean coast is warm and sunny with an average summer temperature of upper 80s. We suggest that you consult international weather listings for actual temperatures prior to your departure. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.

Money Matters
The currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira. New banknotes have been issued in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 “lira” denominations, and coins have been minted for 5, 10, 25 and 50 “Kurus” and 1 “lira”.  As exchange rates fluctuate, please stay informed about the current value of local currency.

US dollars, major credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted in Turkey. If you bring cash, bring smaller denominations ($1 and $5) for tipping. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are good for any large purchases you may make but a commission is taken on credit cards. Money can be exchanged at all hotels, exchange offices and banks. Most street vendors and shops accept payments in US dollars and Euro.  

We recommend contacting your bank and credit card companies prior to departure to alert them to your upcoming international travels to avoid issues abroad.

Tipping
For your on-tour convenience, we have included all gratuities except for your Guide. This includes drivers, baggage porters and restaurant staff for all included meals; certainly, if any of these services are exceptional and go above-and-beyond, then feel free to tip additionally.

For your Guide, many of our guests find it helpful to have some guidelines; in that spirit, we recommend tipping them $10 to $15 per person, per day.

When you’re out enjoying meals and activities that are not part of your A+R itinerary, here are tipping guidelines in accordance with local practices:

•    Upscale restaurants: A tip of 10%-15 is typically expected but be sure that this has note already included on the bill.
•    Bell hops: $1-$2  
•    Taxi's: It’s typical to round the fare up.
•    Private Drivers: $2-$5 per trip
•    Spa services: add 10%-15%

For any gratuities, we suggest you tip in the local currency. But if you only have US Dollars, they will be graciously accepted.

About Electricity
Electric current in Turkey is 220 volts, 50 cycles and outlets with two round pin plugs. An adapter and a converter will be necessary to charge your electronic devices, and are usually available from the front desk. For more information on plugs and sockets, review the information at: www.iec.ch/worldplugs/map.htm

Internet and Phone calls
If you plan to bring your cell phone when you travel, please check with your carrier to ensure that your plan covers international calls and/or mobile data from the countries you will visit on your trip and whether there may be money saving plans available from your carrier that can be arranged in advance. Alternatively, local prepaid SIM cards for your phone are usually available at the airport where you arrive and can be used to tap into local service providers. Wi-fi is available at many hotels either complimentary or for a fee; you can find Wi-Fi information on your itinerary and hotel list, or check with the front desk upon check in regarding access details.

If making an international call from your hotel room, please check the rates first.  Hotels often contract with outside companies to provide direct-dial telephone services for guests calling overseas from their rooms, and the rates can be unexpectedly high.

To contact a Turkish phone number, you must dial 90 to prefix the number. 001-90 if you are calling from the US.  

Local Time
Local time in Turkey is 7 hours ahead of New York, and 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Is the Water Safe to Drink?
Tap water is OK for brushing your teeth. However, for drinking we recommend you use bottled water only that can be purchased in local supermarkets, restaurants and in your hotels.

Meal Time
For many travelers, dining in Turkey turns out to be one of the best and most memorable parts of their journey. Turkish cuisine today reflects the country’s rich Ottoman legacy and is essentially a mixture and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines. A classic meal will often start with a variety of tapas-style hot and cold appetizers, called mezes. Popular mezes include dishes such as eggplant salad, potato salad, roasted eggplant with ground beef, calamari, meatballs and stuffed grape leaves. The main course might then include grilled fish, Kebaps (grilled meat on a skewer – often lamb or beef) or Köfte (ground meat, usually lamb, which is also grilled). Roasted vegetables, rice and bread are typical accompaniments for the main course. Popular vegetables include eggplant, peppers, zucchini and tomatoes. Flavors are rich and deep, but rarely hot and spicy.

A few other popular Turkish dishes to be on the lookout for include:

Lahmacun: A pizza-like dish with finely minced meat, onions and spices on a flaky thin crust. It is often topped with parsley, onions and tomatoes and then baked in a wood-fired oven. It’s a popular fast-food snack throughout Turkey and locals will often roll it up to eat on-the-go.

Manti: This Turkish-style dumpling is most often filled with ground beef or lamb along with onion and simple spices like salt and pepper. They are often served with a yogurt-based sauce.

Mücver: Looking somewhat like a potato pancake or other vegetable fritter, this pancake-like dish is made from grated zucchini, eggs and flour. Many recipes also include cheese, green onion and mint. It is quickly fried in vegetable or olive oil and usually served as a side dish.

Cacik: This refreshing salad combines shredded cucumber, garlic and mint with a yogurt dressing. On a hot summer day, some restaurants will serve it with some ice cubes in it – making it an even more refreshing meze or side salad.

Packing Advice to Get You Started
Generally, the attire is casual with the emphasis on comfort and convenience. Easy-to-care-for clothing with mix and match separates are ideal to prevent the need to bring a lot of clothes. To accommodate the variable weather, you should pack an all-weather jacket, a hat and a scarf.  Hotel and local restaurant dining rooms are casual; along the coast, lightweight, casual clothing is most practical. You will want to bring a swimsuit, sun hat and comfortable shoes for strolling around.

We kindly ask you to respect the local culture and do not wear shorts or attire with bare shoulders during the sightseeing tours that visit places of worship, i.e. working mosques and churches. It is customary for women to cover their shoulders (and in some areas also their heads) with a scarf when visiting the mosques. Scarves are available for use at the major mosques in Turkey.  If wearing shorts, men will be asked to cover their legs as well.  

Note: your sightseeing tours include moderate amount of walking so please pay particular attention to footwear – bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles and firm arch support. Note that cobblestone streets are common in the old towns in Turkey; some of the sights included on your program are accessible only on foot; therefore, be prepared for walking. Consult international weather listing for actual temperatures, but be prepared for rainy days no matter the season. Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen, sun hat and swimsuit.

Consider an easy-to-carry traveling bag…  It’s good to have a small bag to carry your daytime needs with you while traveling and a backpack is used by many travelers for this purpose. A water bottle is always handy to have in your traveling pack.

The Essentials… Hotels are well-equipped with tissues and toilet paper; however small packets of facial tissues and a small bottle of hand-sanitizer can be handy. Please bring your own lotions, contact lens solutions, cosmetics and feminine hygiene products. Bring extra prescriptions (packed partially in your hand luggage) as well as cold medicine, aspirin and cures for intestinal troubles. You should also bring a good sun block lotion with you since high temperatures can intensify the impact of the sun. We recommend 30+ SPF.

Seeing + Capturing your Experiences…  Make a complete check of your camera equipment before you leave and make sure you have replacement or rechargeable batteries and additional memory cards.

Camera drones are not allowed for use on our tours as they can detract from the experiences of your fellow travelers. If, however you plan to bring a drone for use in your free time, please pay close attention to the local aviation laws.  Most historic sites and national parks explicitly prohibit the use of personal drones, so it is your own responsibility to acquire any necessary permission and adhere to local laws should you plan on traveling with a drone.  

On-Tour Hunger Pangs…  High protein snacks are good for both the air trip as well as for your activities while traveling: nuts, raisins, granola bars and peanut butter are popular with many of our travelers.

A Few Final Tips… Some handy items we recommend include: an extra pair of glasses, zip-lock plastic bags, and a bottle opener.

Reminders about your Baggage
Baggage restrictions vary by airline, and we ask you to review the airlines on your itinerary and review baggage restrictions on their website to determine the maximum number of bags and weights that are allowed.  In Economy, passengers are limited to one bag.  Keep in mind that the flights that are included on your tour are in Economy and are limited to one checked bag with weight limits.  So when packing for your trip, consider the bag and weight restrictions on all of your flights, not just your international arrangements.

Most airlines charge travelers for additional bags and excess weight so we advise you to pack as lightly as possible. Most of our hotels offer laundry services.

TSA Packing Tips
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) publishes a comprehensive list of items that are Permitted and Prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage. You can find the complete list online at https://www.tsa.gov/travel.

For vacation travelers, the important thing to remember is that only one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes can be in your carry-on bag when you pass through security. Each item is limited to 3.4 ounces (100ml) - and all containers must fit inside a clear, 1-quart sized, zip-top bag. If you have containers that are larger than 3.4 ounces, they must go inside your checked baggage.

Medications, baby formula/food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding the 3.4-ounce limit, and they do not have to be in a zip-lock bag. You should declare these items at the checkpoint, and keep in mind that TSA Officers may need to inspect them.

Other Recommendations:
•    Jewelry, cash, tablet devices and laptops should be in your carry-on baggage. Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop for easy identification if it gets separated for inspection.
•    Avoid accessories and jewelry that contain metal as they may set off the metal detector at the check point. This saves having to take them off and put them back on as you pass through security.
•    Wear slip-on shoes that can be easily removed and placed on the conveyor built to be x-rayed at the security check-point.
•    If you wish to place a lock on your checked luggage, it must be of a make and model approved by the TSA.
•    Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrap gifts to the security check point.

A Note about Traveling with Minors
Many countries currently require documentary evidence of a relationship between minors traveling with an adult. We strongly recommend that parents traveling alone with a minor carry a notarized letter from the absent parent authorizing the trip, regardless of whether the parent is married or divorced. Never-married parents, parents whose spouse has died, and parents who have been granted sole legal custody of children are encouraged to carry notarized proof of their status. Grandparents traveling with grandchildren and adults traveling with children who are not their own should carry letters of authorization from both parents of the children. It is wise to also carry the child’s birth certificate with the original seal.  We strongly recommend that you review the complete details at the state department’s website travel.state.gov if you are travelling with a minor.

And a Few Words about Safety + Security
Turkey is a safe country and violent crime involving travelers is quite rare. But petty crime is a reality no matter where in the world you travel.  Traveling abroad is no different than visiting a new city in the United States: Use common sense precautions to safeguard your person and your possessions at all times. Remember to wash your hands frequently and use hand-sanitizer.
•    Do not go out and about with your passport unless specifically instructed to do so by your local guides.
•    Keep your extra cash and passport in the in-room safe of your hotel. In the few instances where they are not available, then store these items in the safety deposit box at the front desk.
•    Always make a copy of your passport, credit cards and e-tickets and keep them separate from the originals so that they can be more readily replaced if lost or stolen. Leave extra copies with someone at home that you can reach while traveling. Or consider scanning these documents and emailing them to an address which you can access while abroad.
•    If you don’t already own one, consider investing in a money belt that can be concealed under your clothing. This is a good place to keep the cash and credit cards that you need for personal expenses while sightseeing, shopping and touring.
•    Do not display large amounts of cash in public.  Carry your purse with the strap across your chest, not dangling from your shoulder or arm.

These measures will save you countless time and trouble should your credit cards, airline tickets or passport be lost or stolen.  
 
Some Helpful Web Links

U.S. Department of State
www.travel.state.gov
Travel documents and tips; State Department Travel announcements; Consular Information for countries you will visit
 
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
General health information for travelers and health information on specific destinations

Transportation Security Administration
www.tsa.gov (select Traveler Information)
Tips for travelers going through security at the airport

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
www.cbp.gov (select Travel)
Helpful information for returning U.S. citizens travelling abroad

Calling the U.S. from Abroad
www.att.com/traveler
AT&T’s USADirect service offers convenient telephone access to the U.S. from around the world

Currency Converter
www.oanda.com/currency/converter

Alexander+Roberts
www.alexanderroberts.com
For information about your tour: itinerary, customer reviews, visas, Travel Protection Plan, payment and cancellation details

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