Türkiye: Authentic Istanbul

Adventure FAQs

Which airport do I need to fly in and out of? Plus airport code

Fly into Istanbul Airport (IST), the city’s main international airport, a 45-minute taxi drive from our hotel. From the UK, you can also fly to Sabiha Gökçen International Airport (SAW), which is an hour away from the hotel. 

What time should my flight arrive (in time for the welcome meeting)?

Please try to arrive in Istanbul before 12pm on Day 1. It usually takes around 45-60 minutes to get to your hotel, however in heavy traffic it could take a couple of hours.

The welcome meeting will be at 3 pm starting at the hotel, followed by the cooking class – which you won’t want to miss.

What time should my flight depart on the last day?

There are no activities planned for the final day of the trip, so you’re free to leave any time that you wish. You’ll need to checkout of the hotel by 12 pm. It usually takes around 45-60 minutes to get from your hotel to the airport, however during rush hours, you should expect delays and allow a couple of hours. Your Pack Leader can help you book your transfers the night before if needed.

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.

What should I wear when visiting a mosque?

When visiting mosques on Day 2 of the trip itinerary, women should wear a headscarf that covers their heads and shoulders. As a sign of respect, men are also expected to cover their legs at least down to the knee.

What will the hammam experience be like?

You’ll be divided into same-sex rooms for the hammam. Feel free to bring a swimsuit and slippers, and special underwear is also available if you’d like it. 

A reviving body scrub and massage that opens the pores and gets rid of dead skin is a core part of the hammam experience. You’ll also be bathing and relaxing on heated marble slabs. 

Some products will be provided by the hammam, but you can choose to bring along a bag of your own skincare items or face masks to apply if you fancy it, too. The Day Two hammam ritual will take place as follows:

• 20-minute get ready, lie down on hot marbles
• 30-minute scrub and massage
• 30-minute wash off, shower
• Enjoy complimentary teas and Turkish Delight

What level of fitness will I need?

Overall, this adventure is fairly relaxed with no challenging physical activities. However, there will be lots of walking around the city.

We recommend having a read-through of the itinerary above, and getting in touch if you have specific questions on fitness.

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:

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date travel advice.
• Residents of other countries: refer to the travel advice provided by your own government or local consulate.

Please be aware that passport and visa requirements can change before departure, so it’s important to stay updated with the latest information.

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

• UK residents: visit the NHS Fit For Travel website for the latest medical advice.
• US residents: check the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for specialised health information.
• Australian residents: refer to the Smart Traveler Health website for current medical advice.

3. Government travel advice

• UK residents: review the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice before your adventure.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice for important travel information.
• Australian residents: check the Smart Traveler website for up-to-date 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.

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.