Frequently Asked Questions
No. You will be traveling independently on the regular transports according to your choice (Plane/Bus) but you will be with a small group only on local tours at the chosen areas this gives you an opportunity to meet different people through your stay in Turkey. Tailor made programs are for individual traveling. This makes the packages flexible to suit your needs and allows you to travel with an organized plan but without being herded around in a group.
Are any vaccinations required for tourists entering Turkey?
There are no vaccination requirements for any international traveler.
The World Health Organization web site, http://www.who.org/, provides vaccination certificate requirements by country, geographic distributions of potential health hazards to travelers and information on health risks and their avoidance (click on "Travelers' Health").
The World Health Organization web site, http://www.who.org/, provides vaccination certificate requirements by country, geographic distributions of potential health hazards to travelers and information on health risks and their avoidance (click on "Travelers' Health").
Yes you can. All you have to do is just letting us know what hotels you would like to stay in while your agent creates your itinerary.
Do I have to pay the full amount to book a package tour?
No. You will need to pay %50 of the total amount of your package tour in order to complete your booking. You will be required to pay the rest of the amount 30 days before your arrival day in Turkey.
Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
U.S. citizens must have a visa to enter Turkey. U.S. citizens may obtain a visa upon entry into Turkey or in prior to departure from one of the five Turkish Consulates in the United States. Please find your state in the Turkish Consulates Jurisdiction List. Business visas must be issued prior to departure by Turkish consular offices.
Visas issued upon entry are valid for three months. Visas for longer stays and for study, research or employment must be obtained in advance.
Passengers in transit through Turkey who do not leave their port of transit do not require visas.
Non-U.S citizens must apply for tourist or business visas before traveling to Turkey. Applicants should contact the relevant Turkish Consulate in person, by mail or by a courier service.
Applicants outside the united States should contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate to learn their visa requirements and procedures. Turkish missions abroad are listed at http://www.mfa.gov.tr/
Visas issued upon entry are valid for three months. Visas for longer stays and for study, research or employment must be obtained in advance.
Passengers in transit through Turkey who do not leave their port of transit do not require visas.
Non-U.S citizens must apply for tourist or business visas before traveling to Turkey. Applicants should contact the relevant Turkish Consulate in person, by mail or by a courier service.
Applicants outside the united States should contact the nearest Turkish Embassy or Consulate to learn their visa requirements and procedures. Turkish missions abroad are listed at http://www.mfa.gov.tr/
By Plane
Virtually every major city in Turkey has air service and Turkish Airlines offers nationwide services. Most flights connect through Istanbul or Ankara, both of which have domestic and international terminals. You can check Turkish Airlines or call them toll-free in the U.S. at 1 800 874 8875.
By Bus
Busses are an efficient and affordable way to travel in Turkey. Private bus companies provide frequent day and night services between all Turkish cities. Local Tourism Information Offices usually have bus schedules for their regions; their addresses can be found at http://www.kultur.gov.tr/ by clicking on "Tourism Information."
The major bus lines have spacious, comfortable coaches, and offer coffee, tea and snacks. The two largest bus companies' web sites, http://www.varan.com.tr/ and http://www.ulusoy.com.tr/, provide routes, schedules, ticket prices, and office addresses.
By Train
The extensive Turkish State Railways network connects most major cities. On some trains, sleeping compartments are available. Detailed train schedules and prices as well as reservation telephone numbers and authorized ticket agents are listed on their web site at http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/.
Transportation From and To the Airport.
Havas airport busses are a convenient and affordable alternative to taxis for transportation from airports to downtown areas or from downtown areas to airports in Turkey. You can find detailed information about the schedules at http://www.havas.com.tr/
Virtually every major city in Turkey has air service and Turkish Airlines offers nationwide services. Most flights connect through Istanbul or Ankara, both of which have domestic and international terminals. You can check Turkish Airlines or call them toll-free in the U.S. at 1 800 874 8875.
By Bus
Busses are an efficient and affordable way to travel in Turkey. Private bus companies provide frequent day and night services between all Turkish cities. Local Tourism Information Offices usually have bus schedules for their regions; their addresses can be found at http://www.kultur.gov.tr/ by clicking on "Tourism Information."
The major bus lines have spacious, comfortable coaches, and offer coffee, tea and snacks. The two largest bus companies' web sites, http://www.varan.com.tr/ and http://www.ulusoy.com.tr/, provide routes, schedules, ticket prices, and office addresses.
By Train
The extensive Turkish State Railways network connects most major cities. On some trains, sleeping compartments are available. Detailed train schedules and prices as well as reservation telephone numbers and authorized ticket agents are listed on their web site at http://www.tcdd.gov.tr/.
Transportation From and To the Airport.
Havas airport busses are a convenient and affordable alternative to taxis for transportation from airports to downtown areas or from downtown areas to airports in Turkey. You can find detailed information about the schedules at http://www.havas.com.tr/
How should visitors dress in Turkey?
Casual wear is appropriate for most tour excursions. Women wear pants or skirts, but when visiting mosques it is recommended that they cover their heads with a scarf and both sexes should not wear shorts out of respects for religious customs.
Is it safe to drink tap water in Turkey?
Turkey practices safe sanitation standards, and tap water is suitable for bathing and regular tasks such as brushing teeth. However, as is customary in most Mediterranean countries, the majority of locals and visitors drink bottled water. We recommend that visitors follow local custom and drink bottled water, which is routinely served with any meal.
As a "general rule" tap water is suitable for bathing and regular tasks such as brushing teeth etc. However, it is recommended that visitors drink bottled water (there is a good selection and it is cheap) in general and with meals, as is customary in most Mediterranean countries.
As a "general rule" tap water is suitable for bathing and regular tasks such as brushing teeth etc. However, it is recommended that visitors drink bottled water (there is a good selection and it is cheap) in general and with meals, as is customary in most Mediterranean countries.
Is it safe to travel in Turkey?
Turkey is one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel, and its crime rate is low in comparison to many Western European countries. Interpol ranked Turkey as the safest holiday destination in Europe for travelers. Naturally, we recommend that travelers to Turkey exercise the same precautions they would elsewhere, and be aware of security concerns that affect all international travelers.
The Turkish Government takes air safety very seriously, and maintains strict oversight, particularly on international flights. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has places Turkey's civil aviation authority in Category 1-in full compliance with international aviation safety standards in overseeing Turkey's air carrier operations. In the days following the September 11 attacks, Turkish Airlines was one of the first international airlines cleared by the FAA to fly into the United States.
The Turkish Government takes air safety very seriously, and maintains strict oversight, particularly on international flights. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has places Turkey's civil aviation authority in Category 1-in full compliance with international aviation safety standards in overseeing Turkey's air carrier operations. In the days following the September 11 attacks, Turkish Airlines was one of the first international airlines cleared by the FAA to fly into the United States.
Should I exchange money before I go to Turkey?
The highly favorable exchange rate makes travel to Turkey extremely affordable. Most banks in the U.S. do not have Turkish Lira. However, Turkish currency is easily obtainable upon arrival in Turkey at any exchange office or bank. Daily exchange rates can be obtained from the Turkish Central Bank web site at http://www.tcmb.gov.tr/. This site is in both Turkish and English, and gives links to all Turkish Banks. Turkish daily newspapers also publish daily exchange rates.
There are ATM machines throughout Turkey, particularly in larger cities and tourist centers. Credit cards are accepted by hotels and most merchants.
There are ATM machines throughout Turkey, particularly in larger cities and tourist centers. Credit cards are accepted by hotels and most merchants.
What are the departure dates of your tours?
There is no specific date! You can just pick-up your own dates to depart your package tour ! In another word, our tours depart everyday all year-round.
What are the most popular travel destinations in Turkey?
From the perfect beaches and ancient ruins of its coast to the pulse of its cosmopolitan cities, Turkey is a study in contrasts. Visitors can lose themselves in the magic of a historic palace before enjoying a world-class meal, or swim amidst Roman ruins before continuing their journey in the comfort of a state-of-the-art yacht.
Whatever your fancy, there are countless things to see and do in Turkey. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, serves as the gateway for most travelers. Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two continents and it offers an abundance of fascinating attractions for visitors. Some of Istanbul's most popular sites include the Bosphorus Strait, the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, the Kariye Museum, the Underground Cistern, Galata Tower, the Tower of Leander, the Princes' Islands and the Grand Bazaar.
From Canakkale Bogazi, also known as the Dardanelles, to the fairytale Crusader castle and sunny beaches of Bodrum, the Aegean shores of Turkey are among the loveliest landscapes in Turkey. The highlights of an Aegean tour are Troy, the site of the legendary Trojan War and its wooden horse; ancient Pergamon, once a great center of culture and now one of Turkey's finest archeological sites; Ephesus, the capital of Roman Asia Minor, dedicated to the goddess Artemis whose temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; Aphrodisias, the center of the greatest school of sculpture in antiquity; Pamukkale, a unique fairyland of dazzlingly white calcified castles; and Bodrum, a charming coastal town with a long, palm-lined waterfront and beautiful beaches.
Whatever your fancy, there are countless things to see and do in Turkey. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, serves as the gateway for most travelers. Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two continents and it offers an abundance of fascinating attractions for visitors. Some of Istanbul's most popular sites include the Bosphorus Strait, the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, the Kariye Museum, the Underground Cistern, Galata Tower, the Tower of Leander, the Princes' Islands and the Grand Bazaar.
From Canakkale Bogazi, also known as the Dardanelles, to the fairytale Crusader castle and sunny beaches of Bodrum, the Aegean shores of Turkey are among the loveliest landscapes in Turkey. The highlights of an Aegean tour are Troy, the site of the legendary Trojan War and its wooden horse; ancient Pergamon, once a great center of culture and now one of Turkey's finest archeological sites; Ephesus, the capital of Roman Asia Minor, dedicated to the goddess Artemis whose temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; Aphrodisias, the center of the greatest school of sculpture in antiquity; Pamukkale, a unique fairyland of dazzlingly white calcified castles; and Bodrum, a charming coastal town with a long, palm-lined waterfront and beautiful beaches.
What is a Turkish bath (Hamam)?
Communal baths were used in Roman and Byzantine times, but as the name "Turkish Bath" suggests, they played a significant role in Ottoman culture. At a time when the concept of cleanliness was not yet accepted in Europe, the Turks were very fastidious due to Islam's emphasis on cleanliness. Countless baths were built in the typical Ottoman architectural style throughout the empire. Unfortunately, few have survived to the present. Cagaloglu Hamami and Cemberlitas Hamami, both in Istanbul, are very popular with tourists.
A classic bath usually has three sections: changing rooms, a hot room and a cold room. After entering the hamam and exchanging one's clothes for a "pestamal" or towel, you then proceed to the "gobek tasi", a large heated stone where you perspire and are rubbed down by a bath attendant. If the heat proves too much, you can retire to a cooler room. This method of bathing is the most refreshing.
A classic bath usually has three sections: changing rooms, a hot room and a cold room. After entering the hamam and exchanging one's clothes for a "pestamal" or towel, you then proceed to the "gobek tasi", a large heated stone where you perspire and are rubbed down by a bath attendant. If the heat proves too much, you can retire to a cooler room. This method of bathing is the most refreshing.
What is the best way to travel to Turkey from the U.S?
Most American visitors arrive in Turkey by flying directly into Istanbul or aboard cruise ships, which dock in ports including Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Izmir. Visitors may arrive in Turkey by land at border crossings from neighboring countries. There are also ferry connections from several Greek islands to ports in mainland Turkey.
By Air: Turkish Airlines operates the fastest non-stop flight from New York to Istanbul and the only non-stop service from Chicago. Thanks to a code sharing agreement with American Airlines you can connect to these flights from 15 major US cities. Passengers can call Turkish Airlines at 1-800-874-8875 or visit their new North American web site at http://www.flyturkish.com/ for reservations. Delta Airlines is the only US-based carrier with non-stop service to Turkey. Most European-based airlines fly from North America with stopovers in Europe.
By Sea: Many cruise ships sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean dock in Turkey. Cruise ships arrive at customs entry points where it is easy to obtain a visa and satisfy entry requirements. Major ports are Istanbul, Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Marmaris and Antalya. For a complete list of cruise lines which sail to Turkey, contact the Turkish Government Tourism Office in Washington D.C.
Passenger and automobile ferries between Turkey and neighboring countries also provide entry by sea.
Ferry Lines between Turkey and the Greek Islands run between Marmaris - Rhodes, Bodrum - Cos, Kusadasi - Samos, Cesme - Chios and Ayvalik - Lesbos. These ferries run regularly from April through October, and operate on a reduced schedule in winter. Ferry schedules can be found at http://www.tourismturkey.org/ in the facts for visitors section.
Turkish Maritime lines operates passenger ferries between Turkey and Italy (Cesme-Brindisi) and between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (Mersin-Magosa).
By Air: Turkish Airlines operates the fastest non-stop flight from New York to Istanbul and the only non-stop service from Chicago. Thanks to a code sharing agreement with American Airlines you can connect to these flights from 15 major US cities. Passengers can call Turkish Airlines at 1-800-874-8875 or visit their new North American web site at http://www.flyturkish.com/ for reservations. Delta Airlines is the only US-based carrier with non-stop service to Turkey. Most European-based airlines fly from North America with stopovers in Europe.
By Sea: Many cruise ships sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean dock in Turkey. Cruise ships arrive at customs entry points where it is easy to obtain a visa and satisfy entry requirements. Major ports are Istanbul, Izmir, Cesme, Kusadasi, Marmaris and Antalya. For a complete list of cruise lines which sail to Turkey, contact the Turkish Government Tourism Office in Washington D.C.
Passenger and automobile ferries between Turkey and neighboring countries also provide entry by sea.
Ferry Lines between Turkey and the Greek Islands run between Marmaris - Rhodes, Bodrum - Cos, Kusadasi - Samos, Cesme - Chios and Ayvalik - Lesbos. These ferries run regularly from April through October, and operate on a reduced schedule in winter. Ferry schedules can be found at http://www.tourismturkey.org/ in the facts for visitors section.
Turkish Maritime lines operates passenger ferries between Turkey and Italy (Cesme-Brindisi) and between Turkey and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (Mersin-Magosa).
What to buy in Turkey and where to buy it?
Shopping is one of the great pleasures of a trip to Turkey and the rich variety of Turkish crafts makes it impossible to resist buying something. Fine apparel of silk, cotton, leather and wool; artful jewelry; leather accessories; brilliant faience (colored tiles); vessels of copper, brass, marble, meerschaum and alabaster worked by master artisans; and of course heirloom-quality Turkish carpets and kilims, are among the most popular purchases. Great value and an enjoyable shopping experience can be found everywhere, from small towns to big cities. Visit the "What to buy" section at http://www.kultur.gov.tr/ to discover shopping opportunities in each province.
Unique regional handicrafts make shopping that much more enjoyable. Traditional Turkish handicrafts crafts including carpets, ceramics and pottery, tiles, copper items, woodcarvings, decorative glass, and embroidery are a major component of Turkish culture. They are a stunning reflection of Turkey's diverse cultural heritage and thousands of years of history. For more information on Turkish handicrafts visit http://www.kultur.gov.tr/ (click on Culture, then Handicrafts).
The Turkish Ministry of Culture's Revolving Capital Administration (DOSIM) promotes production of Anatolian handcrafts. DOSIM markets those products through its 13 Cultural Products Sales Centers located throughout the country. Please visit http://www.kultur.gov.tr/ and click on "DOSIM Shopping" to find out more about DOSIM and the locations of their Sales Centers.
The Touring and Automobile Club of Turkey (TURING) has restored the old Cedid Mehmet Efendi Medresesi in Sultanahmet and now operates it as the Istanbul Handicrafts Center. The center's aim is to revive dying crafts and show visitors how these arts and crafts were performed. Each of its rooms is devoted to a traditional Turkish craft, such as producing marbled paper, calligraphy, painting miniatures, making lace, pinking and embroidering. There is also traditional bookbinding, and a glass and porcelain atelier. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.turing.org.tr/ (click on "Cultural Institutions" then "Istanbul Handicraft Center").
The Grand Bazaar, or "Kapalicarsi," in Istanbul is a unique combination of fantastic merchandise and a memorable shopping experience. The Grand Bazaar is a maze of some 4,000 shops, selling treasures of every type. Still the commercial center of the old city, the Grand Bazaar's 80 roads and streets form the original shopping mall. For more information, visit http://www.grand-bazaar.com/, where you can find a map of the Grand Bazaar and a list of shops.
Unique regional handicrafts make shopping that much more enjoyable. Traditional Turkish handicrafts crafts including carpets, ceramics and pottery, tiles, copper items, woodcarvings, decorative glass, and embroidery are a major component of Turkish culture. They are a stunning reflection of Turkey's diverse cultural heritage and thousands of years of history. For more information on Turkish handicrafts visit http://www.kultur.gov.tr/ (click on Culture, then Handicrafts).
The Turkish Ministry of Culture's Revolving Capital Administration (DOSIM) promotes production of Anatolian handcrafts. DOSIM markets those products through its 13 Cultural Products Sales Centers located throughout the country. Please visit http://www.kultur.gov.tr/ and click on "DOSIM Shopping" to find out more about DOSIM and the locations of their Sales Centers.
The Touring and Automobile Club of Turkey (TURING) has restored the old Cedid Mehmet Efendi Medresesi in Sultanahmet and now operates it as the Istanbul Handicrafts Center. The center's aim is to revive dying crafts and show visitors how these arts and crafts were performed. Each of its rooms is devoted to a traditional Turkish craft, such as producing marbled paper, calligraphy, painting miniatures, making lace, pinking and embroidering. There is also traditional bookbinding, and a glass and porcelain atelier. For more information, visit their web site at http://www.turing.org.tr/ (click on "Cultural Institutions" then "Istanbul Handicraft Center").
The Grand Bazaar, or "Kapalicarsi," in Istanbul is a unique combination of fantastic merchandise and a memorable shopping experience. The Grand Bazaar is a maze of some 4,000 shops, selling treasures of every type. Still the commercial center of the old city, the Grand Bazaar's 80 roads and streets form the original shopping mall. For more information, visit http://www.grand-bazaar.com/, where you can find a map of the Grand Bazaar and a list of shops.
When is the best time to travel in Turkey?
The high season for travel in Turkey generally runs between mid-April and late-October. During the off-season, temperatures are much cooler and snow is possible in mountainous areas. Many visitors enjoy the spring and fall, with their mild weather and small crowds.
Coastal regions are particularly popular with tourists during the summer. These include resort areas along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast with beaches and yachting facilities. The coastline, especially between Izmir and Antalya, features numerous coves and bays and many nearby ancient cities and is perfect for yachting. A large number of international-quality marinas provide services for the yachtsman. For active travelers, swimming, fishing, water-skiing, surfing and diving are available.
Turkey also enjoys many spectacular rivers. They are ideal for canoeing, skiing and rafting. Mountaineering is also popular in mountain ranges throughout Turkey in spring and summer.
The high plateaus of the Eastern Black Sea Region are covered by colorful flowers and green pasture during spring and summer. Naturalists will enjoy the diversity of fauna and flora as well as the heart-stopping splendor of the surrounding landscape.
Central and Eastern Turkey can receive large accumulations of snow, and snow skiing is a favorite winter pastime. Turkey has several ski centers, which are generally open from December through April depending on snow conditions.
Coastal regions are particularly popular with tourists during the summer. These include resort areas along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast with beaches and yachting facilities. The coastline, especially between Izmir and Antalya, features numerous coves and bays and many nearby ancient cities and is perfect for yachting. A large number of international-quality marinas provide services for the yachtsman. For active travelers, swimming, fishing, water-skiing, surfing and diving are available.
Turkey also enjoys many spectacular rivers. They are ideal for canoeing, skiing and rafting. Mountaineering is also popular in mountain ranges throughout Turkey in spring and summer.
The high plateaus of the Eastern Black Sea Region are covered by colorful flowers and green pasture during spring and summer. Naturalists will enjoy the diversity of fauna and flora as well as the heart-stopping splendor of the surrounding landscape.
Central and Eastern Turkey can receive large accumulations of snow, and snow skiing is a favorite winter pastime. Turkey has several ski centers, which are generally open from December through April depending on snow conditions.
Where can I find information on Festivals, Fairs and other Events in Turkey?
There are more than 100 festivals in Turkey every year. In addition to the local festivals organized in almost every city of the country, international culture and art festivals are held in major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya. Istanbul is the most important center in Turkey of international culture and art festivals.
Information on the principle Turkish international art and culture festivals and other important events can be found at www.turkey.org (click on Travel and Tourism -Calender and Weather section) The Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation's web site, http://www.istfest.org/, gives detailed information on their festivals in Istanbul.
In recent years, Turkey has been very popular with the congress tourism market, and Turkey hosts more congresses, fairs and conventions every year. With over 50 airlines flying to Turkey and most major European cities just a two or three hour flight away, Istanbul has become the venue of choice for many conventions and exhibitions. Istanbul offers the 5,000-person capacity Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Center (ICEC), two fair and exhibition halls, the International Exhibition Center (CNR) and the Fair and Congress Center (TUYAP), and numerous five star hotels with convention facilities. Istanbul can host 25,000 conference and exhibition delegates and visitors at any one time. For more information on ICEC, CNR, TUYAP and for a calendar of fairs and exhibitions at these centers, visit their web sites: http://www.icec.org/, http://www.itf-exhibitions.com/, and http://www.tuyap.com/ A list and a calendar of all fairs throughout Turkey can be found at http://www.igeme.org.tr/ (the calendar of fairs is in Turkish).
Information on the principle Turkish international art and culture festivals and other important events can be found at www.turkey.org (click on Travel and Tourism -Calender and Weather section) The Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation's web site, http://www.istfest.org/, gives detailed information on their festivals in Istanbul.
In recent years, Turkey has been very popular with the congress tourism market, and Turkey hosts more congresses, fairs and conventions every year. With over 50 airlines flying to Turkey and most major European cities just a two or three hour flight away, Istanbul has become the venue of choice for many conventions and exhibitions. Istanbul offers the 5,000-person capacity Istanbul Convention & Exhibition Center (ICEC), two fair and exhibition halls, the International Exhibition Center (CNR) and the Fair and Congress Center (TUYAP), and numerous five star hotels with convention facilities. Istanbul can host 25,000 conference and exhibition delegates and visitors at any one time. For more information on ICEC, CNR, TUYAP and for a calendar of fairs and exhibitions at these centers, visit their web sites: http://www.icec.org/, http://www.itf-exhibitions.com/, and http://www.tuyap.com/ A list and a calendar of all fairs throughout Turkey can be found at http://www.igeme.org.tr/ (the calendar of fairs is in Turkish).
Why do I book a package tour with you?
By booking a package with us, everything is arranged to make you holiday hassle free, you can save time, save money and not have to worry about booking accommodation, buying tickets for your transport, finding your hotel when you reach the airport and finding the right tour when you reach the sites. As the travel agencies can get a better price than the customer, packages also work out to be more economical.
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