Terms and Conditions

Welcome to Turkish Trail, a US-based travel agency offering guided tours of cultural experiences in Turkey. By accessing our website (www.turkishtrail.com) or booking our services, you agree to these Terms and Conditions (“Terms”). If you do not agree, please do not use our services. These Terms supplement our Privacy Policy and apply to all users, including those booking tours to sites like Göreme Open Air Museum or Derinkuyu Underground City.

1. Booking and Payment

• Booking Process: Bookings for tours (e.g., Topkapi Palace, Cappadocia Balloon) are confirmed upon receipt of full payment or a deposit (as specified). You must provide accurate personal details (name, passport, contact info) for international travel.
• Payment: Payments are processed via secure third-party gateways (e.g., Stripe). All prices are in USD unless stated otherwise. Additional fees (e.g., for Dark Church entry) may apply and are not included unless specified.
• Confirmation: A booking confirmation email will be sent within 24 hours of payment. Contact us at reservation@turkishtrail.com if not received.

2. Cancellations and Refunds

• By You:
  • Cancellations 30+ days before tour: Full refund, minus a 5% processing fee.
  • Cancellations 3–29 days before: 50% refund.
  • Cancellations <2 days or no-shows: No refund.
  • Hot air balloon rides (optional add-on): Non-refundable within 3 days due to third-party policies.
• By Us: If we cancel due to unforeseen circumstances (e.g., weather, safety concerns in underground cities), we offer a full refund or rescheduling. We are not liable for additional costs (e.g., flights).
• Changes: We may alter itineraries (e.g., substituting Zelve for Göreme) due to weather, site closures, or operational needs, with notice where possible.

3. Traveler Responsibilities

• Documentation: You are responsible for valid passports, visas, and travel permits for Turkey. We are not liable for entry denials.
• Health and Safety: Tours involve physical activity (e.g., hiking Ihlara Valley, navigating Derinkuyu’s tunnels). Inform us of health conditions or accessibility needs at booking. You assume risks of activities; follow guide instructions.
• Conduct: Respect local laws, customs, and site rules (e.g., no flash photography in Göreme churches). Disruptive behavior may result in tour termination without refund.

4. Liability

• Limitation: We are not liable for personal injury, property loss, or damages during tours, except where caused by our gross negligence. Tours involve inherent risks (e.g., uneven terrain in rock-cut sites).
• Third Parties: We work with local operators (e.g., hotels, balloon companies) but are not responsible for their actions or service failures.
• Force Majeure: We are not liable for delays/cancellations due to events beyond our control (e.g., natural disasters, political unrest).

5. Insurance

• Turkish Trail will provide travel insurance covering medical emergencies for all booked tours.
• For high-risk activities (e.g., balloon rides, jeep safari), ensure coverage for adventure travel.

6. Intellectual Property

• All website content, including images of Cappadocia sites and tour descriptions, is owned by Turkish Trail or licensed. Unauthorized use is prohibited.
• User-generated content (e.g., reviews) grants us a non-exclusive license to use for promotion.

7. Governing Law and Disputes

• These Terms are governed by the laws of California, USA, where we are based. Disputes will be resolved in San Francisco, CA courts, except where prohibited by law.
• For EU/EEA or Turkish customers, consumer rights under GDPR or KVKK apply and are not limited by these Terms.
• Contact us first at support@turkishtrail.com to resolve issues informally.

8. Changes to Terms

• We may update these Terms to reflect legal or operational changes. Updated Terms will be posted with a new effective date. Continued use of our services implies acceptance.

9. Contact Us

For questions or complaints:

Turkish Trail 2231 Fox Boro Ln Naperville, IL 60564

Email: support@turkishtrail.com Phone: +1 (331) 814 0104

Effective Date: October 25, 2025