RecommendationsISTANBUL

CLOTHING

Pack your most comfortable clothes and shoes, we will be out and about exploring the city and visiting the many stunning sites so, wearing comfy clothes and shoes is highly recommended.

WEATHER

Istanbul's rainfall is highest from November to February; July and August have the least rainfall. Humidity follows the same pattern, with the lowest humidity in July, August and September, and the highest - a bone-chilling damp - in December and January.
Temperatures in July and August peak at around 30°C (86°F), with lows around 20°C (68°F). In December and January, temperatures fall as low as 2°C (36°F) and even below and snow tends to make an appearance this time of year. Daily highs reach about 9°C (48°F). April, May, September and October are the best times to visit, with daytime highs usually around 16°C to 25°C (61°F to 77°F), and lows from around 9°C to 18°C (48°F to 64°F).

MONEY

The currency in Turkey is the New Turkish Lira (YTL), you can change money in any Bank or bureau de change.
You will need to carry with you a small amount of cash during our tour, you may need to buy some refreshments or something to eat. Please be aware that if we decide to stop for refreshments, it is normally not accepted, specially in bars, to pay separately, so plenty of small change will be very handy.

SAFETY

Although Istanbul is a very safe city, as in every big city, pickpockets do exist and they particularly target tourists. Provided that you follow some common sense recommendations you should have a hassle free time.
Make sure if you are carrying a bag that you wear it across your shoulder to avoid temptation.
Do not flash money or credit cards around. Leave your valuables securely locked in your hotel room safe. It is always better to just carry one cash or credit card and a small amount of money with you. Never leave your bag unattended, like at the back of the chair or next to you, or on the floor by your feet, keep it always on sight and with you.
Having said that, it is our experience that Istanbul is one of the safest cities we have visited.

INSURANCE

As we will be travelling to a Country that is outside the European Community we won't be able to enjoy the benefits of our European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) which comes in so handy when getting free emergency medical treatment.
It is therefore essential that you take out sickness and injury insurance if you are booking one of our tours (insurance against cancellation and theft is also very highly recommended). The odds of you feeling unwell or suffering an unwelcome setback are minimal but, for your peace of mind and to ensure that should anything happen you are looked after without incurring exorbitant costs, travelling insured is necessary.

You can book your travel insurance here

FLIGHTS

We strongly recommend that you book your Women On Tour Istanbul visit as soon as possible. The sooner we can confirm the group visit, the sooner you will be able to book your flight and take advantage of lower flight prices. The longer you leave it the more you'll have to pay for your flight, sometimes even twice as much.

If you are flying from the UK :

The flying time for a direct flight from London to Istanbul is 3.55 hours. Istanbul's clock is 2 hours ahead of GMT.

The following airlines fly direct regularly to Istanbul from various UK airports. Please, ensure that your flight is for Ataturk Airport, there are two airports in Istanbul and we provide airport pick-up exclusively from Ataturk which is the main airport and the one closer to the city.

* Turkish Airlines – Flying from:

London Heathrow
Stanstead
Manchester

website: http://www.thy.com/

* British Airways – Flying from :
(These are some of the airports but please check others if nearest from you)

London Heathrow
Manchester
Newcastle
Edinburgh
Glasgow

website: http://www.britishairways.com/

These are some of the online companies providing cheap offers, please, do confirm before buying the ticket that the flight is bound for Ataturk Airport. Bear in mind that it will be very likely that these flights involve stopovers; lengthening considerably the journey time.

http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/

http://www.lastminute.com/

http://www.expedia.co.uk/