The ancient land
of Turkey is an exciting centre for any sophisticated traveller
with its exotic blend of vibrant cities, picturesque villages,
bustling bazaars, crystal clear blue seas, and of course the
history of 10,000 years manifesting in a magnificant array
of opulent palaces and priceless art treasures. In Turkey
there is a lot to discover and much to experience.
Passport
and Visa info
Travellers visiting Turkey are required to carry a valid passport.
For some countries a visa is required. Visas can be obtained
easily upon arrival at the airport, just before passport control
for up to a maximum of 45 USD (subject to change) Or apply
at the Turkish Embassy in your country. You will need cash,
preferably dollars, for obtaining a visa upon arrival to Turkey.
Passports must be valid for 6 months following date of entry.
Customs
regulations
You are allowed to bring in almost anything you may need for
your personal use and convenience. Limited items are: 400
cigarettes, 50 cigars and 2 and a half litres of alcohol.
On
departure
Turkey is justifiably proud of its heritage and is extremely
sensitivive to visitors' attemting to export antiques, without
authorisation. Also there is a zero tolerance policy for anyone
caught with illegal drugs, whatever the amount. The penalties
are high in both cases.
Baggage limitations
Transatlantic flights allow two checked bags per person ( neither
to exceed 62 inches - 155 cm. in total of two dimensions ) plus
one carry-on bag, ( not to exceed 39 inches 98 cm in total of
two dimensions ). On flights between European countries and
in internal flights in Turkey, baggage is weighed and limited
to 44 pounds - 20 kilos per person in economy class and 66 pounds
- 30 kilos per person in First Class.
Banking
Hours
Banks are open weekdays from 8.30 a.m to noon and from 1.30
to 4.30 p.m. Branches in major hotels offer additional hours.
Exchange rates at hotels, banks and exchange offices are only
slightly different. USD and major credit cards are widely accepted.
Time
Turkey's standard time is 2 hours ahead of GMT, 1 hour ahead
of mid-European time and 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time,
USA and 5 hours behind of Tokyo and 6 hours behind of Hong Kong.
Electrical Appliances
The electric current in Turkey is 220 volts AC in all parts
of the country. Plugs are different than USA and most major
hotels in the main cities have adaptors and converters available
for guest's use.
Drinking
Water
Bottled water is recommended for drinking; although in the major
cities, the water is chlorinated but use it only for washing,
your stomach will appreciate it.
Weather
April
to end of October
The climate is perfect on the Aegean & Mediterranean coast
and in Istanbul. Nights are somewhat cooler in central Anatolia.
July to August are much warmer, perfect for enjoying the beaches
in the coastal areas.
November
to March
The climate is very changeable in the winter. It never gets
very cold along the Mediterranean Coast, but it can come humid,
rainy or chilly; there may be even dusting of snow in Istanbul,
in Ankara and even in Izmir.
What to Pack
The dress code in Turkey is generally informal. However, Casual
Chic is the dress code for our tours since you will be visiting
some fashionable venues and restaurants. In other words dress
to impress but feel comfortable. On the coast, light cotton
fabrics are best, you won't need to wear much during the day,
so swim wear is essential. Its also wise to pack a good sturdy
pair of walking boots for those adventureous treks inland. While
visiting religious places, especially Mosques, consevative clothing
is preferable.
Don't
Forget to Pack
Sunglasses, sunhat and sun-screen, extra pair of glasses/contact
lenses, medical and eye glass prescriptions, first-aid kit,
comfortable walking shoes, day pack for trips, alarm-clock,
decaffeinated coffee/tea bags, if you are a decaf fan, Turks
like their coffee strong and caffine laden! and sneakers.
Shopping
Shopping is one of the greatest pleasures
and advetures in Turkey, especially at the facinating bazaars.
The rich variety of Turkish crafts, offers endless opportunities
for unusual and unique discoveries and bargains. The best
buys in Turkey are leather and suede, copper, brassware, tiles,
porcelains, jewellery, embroideries, meerschaum pipes, ceramics,
and the renowned Turkish carpets. Turkey is a quality producer
of textiles and fashion items. Most domestic brands offer
the same quality of an Armani designer suit for a third of
the price that you would pay in Western countries, so maybe
you should reserve some extra suitcase space for the new collection!.
Remember to bargain at the Grand Bazaar and in touristic sights,
it's part of the game. In normal shopping malls, bargaining
is never usually the case. Shops are generally open from 9
a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Shops are closed on Sundays. However, in Istanbul, Ankara
and, Izmir and resort areas, the shops and the European style
shopping malls are open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 / 10 p.m.
on Sundays as well.
Food & Wine
Turkey is a delecious gastronomic bridge
between Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Its cuisine reflects
the long history of the people who have emigrated here from
all over the world. The food is healthy, with abundant varieties
of vegetables, grains, fresh fish, meat and wonderful fresh
Turkish yogurt - a basic in the daily diet. The county is
a major food producer and for Turkish people meals are more
like a ritual. The usual menu starts with a wide variety of
'Meze' (an assortment of small appetizers) Main dishes consist
usually of fish, grilled meat, stews or kebabs. The alcoholic
beverages of choice are Raki, the national aniseed flavoured
alcoholic drink and surprisingly delicious local wines. The
popular drink is sweet tea, served in tiny tulip-shaped glasses.
(try the apple tea and the "kusburnu" tea made from
hibiscus) Turkish coffee usually ends the meal, along with
sweet desserts. Turkey plays host to an amazing mixture of
food styles. In Istanbul especially you can find resturants
serving food from the four corners of the world. Here the
service and quality is amongst the finest you will find anywhere.
Ranging from simple Kebap cafes to sumptious designer led
eateries. Eating is not only a nessessity in Turkey, it's
also an occassion, a time to chat, laugh, make new friends
and most of all, sample the mouth watering cuisine.
Tipping
If you are visiting the country with ABSOLUTE
TURKEY all tipping and
gratuities are taken care of. However if you so wish to show
your own appreciation, here is a guide; Though service charges
are included, it is customary to show your appreciation to
hotel staff and to your guide and driver, if you feel satisfied.
We suggest the following tipping scale: (Per person, per day)
Hotel Staff - $ 1 USD, Driver - $ 1-2 USD, Guide - $ 2-3 USD.
Usually 15 % of the bills at restaurants and a round up at
taxis.
Health
Hotels usually have a doctor on site, However the American,
German & French Hospitals in Istanbul and Major hospitals
are located near the hotel areas in case of emergency.
Insurance
We recommend the purchase of adequate and comprehensive travel
insurance before departure or contact us. Please see our General
Conditions.
Transfer
Services
Provided by LUXURIOUS Sedan cars, Limos or luxurious vans according
to the number of the passangers between airports, hotels, ports,
etc.
Passport
and Visa info
On
departure
