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Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code
Fly into Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB). Fly out of either Istanbul Airport (IST) on the Europe side or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW) on the Asia side.
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What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?
We recommend arriving by 3 pm.
Your welcome meeting with your Flash Pack guide and group will begin around 5-6 pm, although we suggest getting to Izmir earlier to enjoy some free time to explore.
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What time should my flight depart on the last day?
There are no activities planned for the last day, so leave any time you wish. The airport is approximately 45 minutes away from the hotel. Your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.
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Do you include airport transfers?
If you arrive on Day 1 of your adventure, or you’ve booked yourself a pre-night at the same hotel the adventure starts from, your airport arrival transfer will be included. Arrival transfers are private to Flash Pack and in groups depending on flight times, so you may have to wait in the airport for a short while.
However, if you’ve booked alternative pre-trip accommodation or are arriving by another mode of transport, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Please also note: in order to secure your place on the private transfer, you’ll need to provide your flight details to our Customer Experience team no later than 30 days prior to your adventure’s departure date. You’ll get automated email reminders about this, but the team won’t be chasing you. That’s why it’s key to get this information over in good time. If the details are provided later than 30 days pre-departure, you’ll have to arrange your own arrival transfer.
Departure transfers are typically not included due to travellers leaving at varying times. That said, your Pack Leader will happily help arrange departure transfers for you if required.
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Do I need a visa?
Up-to-date visa and entry information can be found using our official partner, Sherpa, who can help you arrange a visa if needed.
You can also find essential travel advice – including security and local laws, as well as passport and visa information – on the government website of your home country:
Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.
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What vaccinations and medication will I need?
While we are not medical professionals and cannot offer personalised medical advice, we want to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable adventure. Here are some tips to help you prepare.
1. Consult with a healthcare professional
We recommend scheduling an appointment with your travel nurse or doctor at least eight weeks before your adventure. This will give you ample time to receive any necessary vaccines or medications.
2. Up-to-date medical advice
3. Government travel advice
4. Medication tips
If you take prescription medication, ensure you bring enough to last the entire adventure, plus a few extra days in case of travel delays. Carry a copy of your prescription with you in case you need to visit a clinic while abroad.
We hope this information will help you prepare for a safe and healthy adventure.
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Are tips included?
Please note that tips are not included in the cost of this adventure. Suggested amounts per person are:
- Pack Leader: 25 USD per day
- Driver: 15 USD per day
- Local tips: your Pack Leader will be able to advise on how much to tip local guides, porters, waiters, etc. Some Pack Leaders will collect a tipping kitty at the welcome meeting to take care of local tips.
However, all tips are at your discretion depending on what you feel comfortable with.
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How much luggage can I bring?
The luggage allowance for the internal flights is 15 kg. You can pay locally for extra luggage at a cost of 80 Turkish lira (approximately USD 5) for each additional 5 kg.
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What fitness levels do I need for this trip?
This adventure is fast-paced, however, the activities aren’t too strenuous so it is a fantastic trip for those with a normal level of fitness who want to see a lot in their time here.
We recommend having a read through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness here.
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Will the hot air ballooning go ahead in bad weather?
Unfortunately the hot air ballooning excursion on Day 7 will have to be cancelled if the weather conditions are poor. As an alternative, you will be offered a one-hour package at the Hurrem Sultan Hammam in Istanbul where you will enjoy the full Turkish bath experience.
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What can I expect from my stay at Nisanyan Hotel?
At Nisanyan Hotel you can expect a charming, rustic stay in a historic Turkish village setting. As one of the first boutique hotels in Turkey, it offers unique, authentic rooms with varied sizes and bed arrangements; some rooms may have a smaller “Turkish” style bed rather than a standard double. The property features beautiful, though occasionally slippery, stone pathways and requires walking uphill, so trainers with good grip are recommended. Its rural location means you may encounter insects despite the provided nets and sprays. While the experience is more rustic, many Flashpackers find it a memorable highlight of their trip, offering a true taste of village life.
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What can I expect from the pottery and carpet weaving activities?
During your adventure, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in pottery and carpet weaving demonstrations. These activities offer a unique insight into local craftsmanship and culture, and many Flashpackers highlight them as memorable experiences. Please note that there is no obligation to make any purchases, and our Pack Leaders will ensure that you feel comfortable. If you do choose to buy something, rest assured that these are reputable, ethical vendors who help support local communities.
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Will this itinerary change?
Please be aware that the itinerary, activities, and hotels are subject to change. These changes are rare but can happen with little notice due to availability, poor weather, seasonal changes, or other circumstances beyond our control – but we’ll always do our best to ensure it has little impact on your experience. From time to time, we may also make changes to your itinerary to try out new ideas and keep things fresh and exciting which we will always try and communicate to you.
