• > Why go to Turkey with Djoser?
• > I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?
• > How will we travel through Turkey and how long are the bus trips?
• > What kind of accommodations does Djoser use in Turkey?
• > Will I be on my own to find places to eat?
• > Will I be on my own to find activities?
• > What is the difference between the 16-day and the 23-day tours?
• > How will we travel from Ankara to Istanbul by night train?
• > What can I expect with the boat tour (23-day trip only)?
• > What is the main focus of the trips: culture or nature?
• > Is it possible to extend this tour?

Why go to Turkey with Djoser?

We will have a direct flight to Istanbul. You will see many cultural treasures and natural beauty. During the 23-day tour we will go on a unique 3-day boat trip on a “gullet,” a typical Turkish wooden ship, from Dalyan to Fethiye. We will travel through Turkey by air-conditioned bus with a Turkish driver. He will take you to sights such as Troy, Pergamon, Ephesus, Aphrodisias and Goreme. The last part from Ankara to Istanbul we will travel by night train. We will spend the night in comfortable tourist class hotels with breakfast included. During the entire trip a Dutch travel guide will accompany us.

I will be joining a Dutch (International) group. Will I have problems with language?

It is possible that you could be the only North American traveler on the this trip, made up of Dutch travelers from Djoser, Netherlands. Almost all travelers from the Netherlands have a wonderful command of English and are willing to socialize. Many fellow travelers are willing to help with translations. The Dutch tour leader (who is a trip coordinator, not a lecturer) will address the group, first in Dutch. He/she will then repeat the important information to you in English. There is a breakfast meeting with the group and tour leader each day, which is a good time to review materials and to go over plans for the day. At some stops we may also have the assistance of a local country guide will address the group in English. While the tour leader will help you to assimilate, you will not get a word-for-word repeat of all that is said or written in Dutch.

The overwhelming majority of people who book these trips enjoy the international blend but frankly, it is not for everyone. It is inevitable that there will be times when your fellow travelers are speaking Dutch. If you have a travel partner, it is much easier to blend in to conversation, or at least to have a buffer for an English conversation. A flexible and easy-going nature are essential when joining an international group. Single travelers may feel a little isolated at such times. Before booking, you can check with us to see if another North American traveler has booked. Singles who adapt well on these trips are typcially very experienced travelers, have traveled with with international groups (English not the primary language), and have easy-going personalities. Those who require a greater level of attention from the tour leader should book one of the Djoser trips with North American participants only.

How will we travel through Turkey and how long are the bus trips?

We will travel through Turkey on a private air-conditioned bus with a Turkish driver. The total distance is relatively long due to the size of the country, but Turkey has a good infrastructure. On the way we make regular stops in beautiful locations, because there is so much to see that you will forget the time and you will happily get back on the bus.

Click on the following link to view slides of the transportation we use: http://www.djoserusa.com/transportation

What kind of accommodations does Djoser use in Turkey?

Djoser uses cozy hotels that are usually within walking distance of the center of town. All rooms will have air-conditioning, private showers and baths. Breakfast will be included and usually consists of French bread, butter, jam, ham, cheese and coffee or tea.

Click on the following link to view some of our lodgings: http://www.djoserusa.com/hotels

Will I be on my own to find places to eat?

No. The group will usually have breakfast together at the hotels. The guide will suggest safe places to eat for other meals. You are free to join the guide and other group members at meals or you can explore on your own. He/she will give you safe recommendations. You will only pay for the meals that you eat so you have ultimate flexibility. On the 23-day program, meals on the boat are included in the trip price.

Will I be on my own to find activities?

The same applies as for meals. The guide will discuss suggested plans for the day with the group, first thing in the morning. Group members can either join the guide and other travelers for an activity, or they can explore on their own. Again, the guide will give fun suggestions for places to go on your own. Unless otherwise noted in the program, you will pay for your own entry fees for museums or sites, as you go. So you only pay for the things that you choose to do.

What is the difference between the 16-day and the 23-day tours?

The biggest difference is the magnificent three-day boat tour from Dalyan to Fethiye along the coast, which we will take during the 23-day trip. Furthermore during the 23-day trip we will spend the night in Bursa, an attractive old capital of the Ottoman Empire. Instead the 16-day tour will visit Egirdir, which is situated at a magnificent lake. Other than that both trips follow the same route overall.

How will we travel from Ankara to Istanbul by night train?

You will travel first class by night train. You will have a private compartment with two beds and air conditioning.

What can I expect with the boat tour (23-day trip only)?

For three days we will sail aboard a hand-built wooden yacht, a “gullet”, along the magnificent southern shore of Turkey. This cliffy coast has many quiet bays, where you may royally laze away the day at sunny beaches or go snorkeling and swimming. You will spend the night in spacious two-person cabins with showers and baths. The typical Turkish meals, which will be prepared by a cook on board, include many vegetables, chicken and lamb. Meals on board are included in the trip price. Drinks are available for sale on board.

What is the main focus of the trips: culture or nature?

The trips through Turkey will offer an interesting mixture of culture and nature. You will see many Greek temples and ruins from the Ottoman Empire, and we will drive through magnificent landscapes and visit for example the white limestone terraces of Pamukkale. Your stay in the region around Goreme is an absolute highlight, as nice for nature admirers as for culture enthusiasts.

Is it possible to extend this tour?

When you book your trip you can request a layover. The layover cost is $150 for the flight deviation. If you would like an extension you can request an extension when you book for $100 per extension (for flight deviation). Djoser will book these flights subject to availability. Please let us know when you book how many nights and where you wish to extend or layover. Neither hotels or airport transfers are provided for layovers and extensions.