General FAQ’s
Why should I travel with Cultural Folk Tours International?
How many people will there be on my tour?
Is smoking allowed on the motor coaches?
What is the bus like?
Will I have time on my own?
Is there a seat rotation process on the motor coach?
Where will I meet my Tour Director/Guide?
What is the pace?
Are the hotels air-conditioned?
What happens if I travel alone? Is there an extra charge?
Are airport transfers included?
Is Cultural Folk Tours International a reliable company?
Can I select my airline seats before departure?
Can I request special meals?
Can I bring a wheelchair on tour?
How much luggage can I bring? What size can it be?
Is baggage handling included?
Why should I travel with Cultural Folk Tours International?
Company owner and tour leader, Bora Ozkok, founded CFT in 1979 as a vehicle for sharing the historical and cultural treasures of his native Turkey. An internationally renowned Turkish Folk Dance teacher, lecturer and recording artist of traditional Turkish Folk Music, Bora began leading tours 31 years ago for his folk dance students. Specializing in tours of Turkey and Turkic speaking Silk Road countries, the company has expanded to offer comprehensive packages to select locations, focusing on the cultural aspects of places visited. CFT vacation tours are designed for maximum immersion in the richness of history, archeology and culture that is Turkey.
The fact that telephone calls to Cultural Folk Tours offices in California are answered “live,” indicates the individual and caring approach taken by CFT tour specialists in planning your vacation tour package. You will stay in first class hotels conveniently located to historic districts, public transportation, restaurants and shopping. We personally inspect and ensure the quality of the hotels and restaurants patronized on our tours. Your satisfaction is our priority. We aim to provide the highest quality vacation experience for a reasonable cost.
Although there is a detailed itinerary for each tour package, regimentation is kept to a minimum. CFT travelers enjoy many “spur of the moment” opportunities and enjoy periods of free time every travel day. Because of the varied landscapes, colorful villages, and friendly people, CFT packages could easily be called “Photography Tours.” Because of the wonderful and exotic cuisine of this region, we could easily call our tours gourmet dining experiences as well.
CFT allows early arrivals and extra stays, as well as pro-rated partial attendance in most tours. Our travel professionals will work with you to arrange a tour package that meets your needs. You will experience our caring service from your first inquiry until you return home a happy traveler. As tour operators, our motto is to always give more than expected. As a CFT traveler, you can expect a unique and unparalleled vacation tour experience.
How many people will there be on my tour?
On tours of Turkey, the maximum group size allowed is 35 travelers on a luxury bus that has a capacity of 47 persons. For tours of both Turkey and the Silk Road countries, the average group size ranges from 15 to 25 people. Depending on the tour selected, the minimum group size required ranges from six to 10 people.
Is smoking allowed on the motor coaches?
We have a no smoking policy aboard our motor coaches. However, we will stop frequently to allow folks to stretch their legs, take a photograph or enjoy a cup of coffee or tea.
You will ride in brand new Mercedes buses, complete with air suspension and air–conditioning. These buses feature reclining seats, panoramic windows, an on-board stereo system and coffee and tea service. Your driver and your driver’s assistant, if applicable, will be the best of your travel experience. Friendly, reliable and experienced, CFT drivers pride themselves on their helpfulness and on getting you where you need to be safely and on time.
Yes, you will have periods of free time each travel day. You will also have a full free day in Istanbul.
Is there a seat rotation process on the motor coach?
Your Tour Director utilizes a seat rotation process which gives everyone a variety of views and across-the-aisle seat mates. If the group is small enough, with many available seats, then the rotation is self-managed and voluntary.
Where will I meet my Tour Director/Guide?
In all CFT tours, our transfer staff will meet you at the airport, holding a sign that reads, “Welcome, Cultural Folk Tours.” Look for our logo, the drummer!
Cultural Folk Tours itineraries allow about two nights’ stay per location, and spend, with many stops, five to six hours on the bus to get there. In the Silk Road countries, and especially in Turkey, the scenery is so diverse and beautiful, that traveling in a motorcoach is the only way to appreciate the landscape.
On a scale of one to five, with five being the most challenging, most CFT tours would fall in the two to three range of difficulty. There will be two occasions on Bora’s Grand Tours where some climbing is necessary where the level of difficulty would be a four. Please note that everyone’s range of difficulty will be different. Our clients are active, healthy and outgoing, and the pace is not an issue. CFT Tour Directors will adjust the pace to the needs of the group.
On the average, our day begins with a wake-up call at 7:00 A.M., and a departure time of 8:30 A.M. Days usually end between 4:00 and 5:30 P.M. with dinner after 7:00 P.M.
Are the hotels air-conditioned?
The great majority of the hotels we use have air-conditioning, but not all.
What happens if I travel alone? Is there an extra charge?
We try to arrange roommates between single travelers of the same sex before the tour starts. If there is no single to match up with you, we will absorb half the single supplement cost. If a client prefers his or her privacy, a single room supplement will be assessed depending on the tour selected.
Are airport transfers included?
In general, if you purchase a CFT land and air package, then transfers between the airport and hotel are included. Transfers will depend on the tour you choose and the days you arrive and depart. If transfers are not included, they can often be purchased separately. On Bora’s guided tours, all transfers are included any time.
Is Cultural Folk Tours International a reliable company?
Our 31 years of successful tour operation is a testament to the quality and reliability of CFT. We are one of the most favorably reviewed companies. Articles and testimonials are posted on this web site in the Review section.
Can I select my airline seats before departure?
Airlines have different policies when it comes to seat assignments. Seating can be requested in advance through your CFT travel specialist. Please remember that some carriers assign seats within 10 days of departure, and some assign seats at airport check-in.
Meals included on tour are based on local foods and menus. We can generally accommodate passengers with diabetic and gluten free restrictions, or vegetarian restrictions. Please advise this at the time of booking. We are not able to supply meals in accordance with religious requirements.
Can I bring a wheelchair on tour?
Yes, a fully collapsible, non-motorized wheelchair is allowed. Please advise us at the time of booking if you plan to bring one. You must be traveling with a companion who is physically able to provide you with assistance. Cultural Folk Tours staff cannot help with walking, dining, getting on/off vehicles or other personal needs. Motorcoaches, mini-buses or vans are not equipped with wheelchair ramps, and the motorized wheelchairs are not allowed.
How much luggage can I bring? What size can it be?
Due to limited space on the motorcoach, one suitcase per person is allowed. Dimensions are not to exceed 30” x 18” x 10”, and the weight not exceeding 50 lbs. Airlines may have additional luggage restrictions and may impose additional charges if you choose to check any luggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for more information. If you bring a carry-on bag, it should not exceed the dimensions of 12” x 11” x 6”. Wheeled carry-ons are not allowed on motorcoaches. For flights within China, and the Silk Road countries, the maximum weight for your checked luggage is 44 lbs.
Baggage handling of one suitcase per person is included in your tour package. If you bring a second suitcase, a charge of US$4.00 per travelling day will be assessed.
Bora Özkök is a Berkeley educated architect and world-renowned teacher of Turkish culture, music, folk dance and folklore. He has authored several books, produced his own folk music albums, playing a variety of instruments, produced several videos on Turkey and is the only director of a major tour operating company who also leads several of his company's tours. He has appeared numerous times on Turkish national television and has given workshops and lectures on four continents and all over the United States.