TURKEY
Double Beds
Please note double bedded rooms can be requested but cannot be guaranteed. In Turkey double rooms are very limited.
Dress Codes
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.
Hotels
On coach tours, hotels in regional areas (i.e Pamukkale) can be of a slightly lower standard than the other hotels on the tour.
Optional Tours
Optional tours offered during coach tours may not be guaranteed (even if pre-booked ex New Zealand) as they are subject to a minimum number of participants.
Porterage
Coach Tours: Porterage for one suitcase is included in the tour price. Due to limited coach capacity the single bag should not exceed the dimensions of 30”x18”x10” and not weigh more than 50lbs (23kg). A charge of US $4 per travelling day is collected by the tour director for each additional piece of baggage or if the suitcase exceeds established weight and/or dimension limitations. Alternatively you might leave your luggage at your Istanbul Hotel storage.
Ramadan
In 2026, Ramadan is 18 Feb - 19 Mar (dates may vary). After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days. The Islamic holy month of Ramadan (called Ramazan in Turkey) is a special time. The holy month, and the 3-day holiday that follows it, can affect travellers’ plans. Being an Islamic holiday, Ramazan begins 11 days earlier each succeeding year.
NOTE: On the Ramadan Feast Day and Kurban Bayrami, the Spice Bazaar & Grand Bazaar are closed all day and all museums in Turkey will be closed until 1pm.
Sightseeing
All sightseeing tours require a moderate amount of walking around historical / cultural sites. This is particularly true in Cappadocia where walks can be up to 1 or 2 km long and where a good level of fitness will ensure you get a maximum enjoyment from your visit. On some tours you may visit a carpet or handicraft shop where the locals will show how their crafts are made. There is no obligation to buy any products at any of these places.
Private Sightseeing tours (if booked): If a private sightseeing tour is booked it is important that you discuss the days arrangements with the guide as the touring programmes have a degree of flexibility. It is important to discuss with the guide so that any specific requirements can be met or addressed at the time.
Istanbul: Topkapi Palace closed Tuesdays | Grand Bazaar closed Sundays
Transfers
Transfers are operated by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.
Istanbul airport transfers: For coach tours: airport transfers are only included on the arrival/departure days of the tour ex Istanbul (IST) Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gocken (SAW) Airport. Transfers from the hotel to the Airport may be on scheduled shuttles. Late Evening or early morning flights may require private transfers at a supplement.
If you are arriving or departing Istanbul on any days other than the arrival and departure days of the tour transfers will not be included in the price of the coach tour.
For independent / private tours: if included, airport transfers are applied ex Ataturk Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gocken Airport.
VIP Meet & Assist at Istanbul Airport
A special VIP meet, and assist is available prior to immigration at Istanbul (IST) Airport; for a surcharge. Please check at the time of booking for full-service information.
GREECE
Athens sightseeing and Greece mainland coach tours
Scheduled tours and sightseeing are bilingual unless specified. Wifi may be available on full day tours to Delphi, Argolis and all multi day tours.
Climate Resilience Tax
The Greek government have established a climate resilience tax for all tourists staying in any kind of Hotel, Apartment, Villa, etc. in any destination in Greece. This tax is applied locally and is payable directly by guests at check-in. The tax is a fixed Euro amount and ranges from EUR2 to EUR15 per room per night, depending on the hotel category.
Double Beds
Please note we can request a double bedded room/cabin but cannot guarantee one will be available. In Greece double rooms/cabins are very limited. Please ask on check-in with the hotel/cruise boat to see what is available.
Ferries
All ferry schedules may be subject to change, due to local conditions (including weather) and/or possible port congestion and the final requirements of the ferry companies. The cancellation or non operation of the ferries is a decision of the shipping company and the Ministry of Shipping. This is outside the control of our operators and Innovative Travel who confirm ferries in good faith.
If certain classes of ferries are not operating for any reason, the next best option will be used whether alternate ferries or flights. Example: If Hydrofoils are non-operational for any reason, clients booked on them may have to use alternative regular ferries in a first class seat. Any additional charges are at the clients expense.
Greek Island ferries are usually quite large, offering restaurant/cafeteria/bar facilities, though normally no swimming facilities. Porters are rarely available at ferry ports, so your luggage should be only as much as you can carry.
Ferry Rhodes / Marmaris: Unlike standard ferries connections between Greek Islands, the ferry between Rhodes and Marmaris is an international one. Our local operator in Rhodes will provide you with a voucher that you will exchange at the port where you will have to queue to receive your boarding pass and pay the Greece departure tax.
Connecting to International Flights from the Islands. We suggest client do not depart from Athens on the same day as they embark on ferries from the Cyclades or beyond. If departures are scheduled for this day we suggest flying directly into Athens airport.
Ferry Tickets
The majority of ferry tickets are paper tickets. A handling fee is included in the price of the tickets when purchased with other arrangements in Athens. If clients are not using the service of our local representative in Athens a delivery and additional handling fee may be charged. ( This applies particularly when an island hopping programme begins on the islands). Ferry tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable once issued. All tickets are issued locally in Greece.
Ferry schedules in Greece are constantly changing. Final ferry tickets are generally issued 2 weeks prior departure. To avoid client disappointment tickets are purchased on the best available scheduled departure at that time. If a client wants to make changes after tickets are purchased a change fees will apply payable locally and clients will be responsible for collecting the tickets from the ferry terminal on the day of departure. Final embarkation timings will be confirmed to clients by our representative in Greece.
The local Greece representatives are available to assist clients in case of emergencies or cancellations of ferries. They will also assist to make changes to a booking – any additions or changes to service may incur charges and these must be paid locally.
Transfers
Transfers are supplied by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.
The Islands
Traditionally the Greek Islands main travel season is from May to October. For clients arriving in April and towards the end of the season, many facilities and hotels may not be operational. The infrastructure on Santorini and Mykonos is well developed the other islands accommodation including Naxos and Paros have less developed infrastructure with accommodation generally a slightly lower standard. This is compensated for by atmosphere and charm.
Egypt
Cruising the Nile
Please use cruise itineraries as a guideline only. The order of sightseeing and overnight destinations may vary and are subject to change due to the operation of Esna Lock, or at the discretion of the cruise company. Should a change of boat be required due to any unforeseen circumstances prior to departure, an alternative of the same standard or better will be offered if available.
There are many river boats that cruise between Luxor and Aswan. They provide accommodation and transportation for the majority of tourists travelling to Egypt. Each night and whilst moored for sightseeing, it is common for 4-5 cruise boats to be parked abreast of each other. The location of your boat will vary from port to port however in many cases your view from your cabin will be restricted to cruising periods only.
Sightseeing on Nile Cruise boats is operated by the cruise company. You will be allocated an English-speaking guide and small group of other English-speaking tourists for sightseeing upon embarkation. The order of sightseeing may vary depending on the local port authorities. If a tomb or temple is unable to be visited an alternative will be provided where possible.
Domestic Flights in Egypt
Flight times will be reconfirmed by the local operator upon arrival in Egypt.
Note: Flights from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor generally involve early morning starts due to flight schedules in the summer season. For flights to Abu Simbel certain flights are allocated to clients travelling for day trips from Cairo and overnight programmes. These flights are set by Egypt air and are outside of the operator’s control.
Dress Code
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites. Women – long skirt or long pants with shoulders and arms covered with a full cover head scarf to enter holy sites.
Hotels
Hotels in regional areas (i.e. Abu Simbel / Siwa / St Catherine) can be of a lower standard than the properties in the main tourist centres, with more basic/less developed infrastructure due to location and surrounding conditions. The options chosen are the best available.
Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain eating in public during the fasting hours. Restaurants and Cafes in Hotels and Cruise boats will be open, however limited alcohol may be available over this time. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 17th February. After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days.
Sightseeing (non-cruise)
All sightseeing unless specified is on a private basis with a driver and guide. Sightseeing generally takes place in the cooler periods of the day i.e. early morning or late afternoon therefore on occasion some early starts may be necessary to avoid the heat
Valley of the Kings
Not all the tombs within the Valley are currently open to the public. Many are closed periodically for resting and renovation. Entrance fees to three tombs is included in cruise packages) plus bonus entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI.
