General
Notes on Turkey . . .
Documentation
A passport is required
for U.S. citizens visiting Turkey. Visas are issued at the airport
upon arrival for $20 US (payable in US cash only). Please note that
this visa fee was $100 before March 23, 2004.
Immunizations
No immunizations are currently required for traveling in
Turkey.
Weather
The Turkish Coast between Antalya and Marmaris enjoys a stable
maritime climate with fairly cool summers compared to other parts
of Turkey (typically 75-90 F during the day and 55-70 F at night).
The water temperature is pleasant (70 to 75 F).
Money
One dollar is worth
approximately 1.330.000 Turkish Liras (as of February, 2004). When
you arrive in Istanbul you can change some money at the airport.
We recommend that you carry a combination of traveler's checks,
credit cards, and cash. We also suggest you bring along some
personal checks in case you need to settle any bills with fellow
travelers. Wait until you arrive to buy Turkish liras.
It's a good idea to carry $50 USD in small dollar bills for unexpected
expenses; most people will accept them if you don't have liras.
US dollars and travelers checks are easily changed at hotels
and shops, but you may save a bit of money by exchanging at currency
exchange offices, banks and post offices. Most Turkish banks
are connected to ATM systems (Plus, Cirrus, etc.), and you can
withdraw cash liras from multilingual machines at good rates.
Some of these ATM systems require 4 digit password (instead of
5 as in USA).
During your tour, you may
incur hotel charges, which are not included in your tour price
(telephone calls, laundry, etc.) Most hotels, shops, car rental
companies, airlines, and some restaurants accept VISA, MasterCard,
Diners Club and American Express. It should be noted that credit
card commissions charged by the various credit card companies
might sometimes be added to a client's bill. Always ask if the
price includes the credit card commission.
If you're paying in dollars
it is important to ask is the exchange rate in advance of payment
to avoid surprises. Some restaurants and shops offer unfavorably
low currency rates.
Tipping
Tips are not included in the price of your tour. Customarily,
participants wish to tip the minibus driver, guide, and yacht
crew if they did a very good job. These gratuities are completely
at your discretion. Guidelines based on past experience suggest
$2 per guest per day for your driver, $10 per guest per day for
your guide(s) and $10 per guest per day as a pooled tip for the
yacht crew. Tips should be in cash.
Here are some guidelines
for venturing out on your own: Small tips (7% to 10%) are appreciated
at inexpensive establishments. In luxury hotels and restaurants,
tip 10% to 15%. Hotel porters are happy with 50¢ to 75¢
per bag. For taxi drivers, don't tip, just round the fare upward
to a convenient amount.
Sun & Heat
Use sunblock lotion regularly and wear a hat to avoid sunburn.
To avoid dehydration drink liquids regularly (at least every
hour), especially when exercising or walking. Surprisingly,
mild dehydration can bring on stomach upsets, dizziness and diarrhea
which are often mistaken for food ailments.
Food
Although we offer
active trips don't count on loosing weight in Turkey! For those
who are familiar with Turkish cuisine, this will be a great culinary
experience. We choose to eat at very good local restaurants.
On gulet cruises each boat is staffed by an experienced chef
that specializes in Mediterranean cuisine. You'll also have some
opportunities to explore restaurants on our own. Please let us
know if you have any dietary restriction, we'll do our best to
accommodate your needs. If you are a vegetarian, no worries,
you are in the right country: you will be eating many varieties
of fresh vegetables. You can eat salads and fruits safely.
Typical Turkish fare includes
lamb and chicken kebabs, eggplant dishes, stuffed vegetables,
and casseroles. Turkish people like to have long meals. Before
dinner they drink raki, and nibble on appetizers called "meze".
For desert they like baklava (phillo dough filled with walnuts
and honey). At the end of the meal they drink Turkish coffee.
Don't forget that Turks have a long history and tradition of
food from Ottoman times, so you'll eat so many different dishes.
Drink
It's wise to drink
bottled spring water, available everywhere. On the boat and at
group meals we'll supply plenty of bottled water. We're sure
you'll enjoy drinking apple tea or Turkish coffee -especially
when you go shopping! Don't feel obligated to buy something just
because the shopkeeper offered you some tea; it's a part of Turkish
hospitality. Local people drink strong tea so you may order "achik
cay" which means light tea. When you drink Turkish coffee
you should indicate how much sugar; medium, light, etc. In Turkey
the national drink is raki, similar to Greek ouzo, which has
a liquorish taste. When you see locals are drinking a white drink,
that's raki mixed with water. The most famous Turkish beer is
Efes Pilsen. It comes in regular, light, and dark varieties.
If you want to try wine, we recommend Cankaya (white), Yakut
and Antique (red) labels. When you drink Turkish coffee you
shouldn't drink it till the bottom of the cup since there are
thick grounds at the bottom. Another drink you'll get to enjoy
is called "ayran" which is yogurt and water mixed together.
Did you know that yogurt originated in this land!
Travelers Insurance
Please check with
your current health plan to make sure you are covered for medical
emergencies overseas including hospitalization and evacuations.
If not fully protected, you should purchase travelers insurance.
Medical Care
All Turkish cities have hospitals, and most towns have clinics
and pharmacies with staff who usually speak at least some English.
There is an American-operated hospital in Istanbul. If you're
on a prescribed medicine take them with you; you may not find
the same medicine in Turkey.
Baths and Toilets
In Turkey there are two kinds of toilets; Western and Oriental.
At the hotels and on the boat we'll have Western style-fortunately!
Near each mosque there are usually public toilets. There are
separate sections for men and women as usual. Most pubic toilets
are basic Oriental style (no seat). It's advisable to carry a
roll of toilet paper with you because you may not find paper
in the public toilets. In most places it is customary to pay
an attendant to use the toilets-usually 20-30 cents. Always carry
some small change in Turkish Lira (250,000 or 500,000 lira notes).
When you go to Turkish
baths, they'll wash you with olive oil soap and give you a vigorous
massage if requested; don't expect to have a soft massage, on
the other hand, tell your massuese if they are too vigorous.
It's quite an experience so we highly recommend it. We prefer
old, traditional ones. The price for bath and massage is between
$10-$15. You can tip your masseuse $2.
Electricity
Turkey operates
on 220 volts, 50 Hz, with round-prong European-style plugs.
Time Zones
Turkey is on Eastern European time, seven hours ahead of New
York. When it's noon in Turkey, it's 5 am in New York and 2 am
in Los Angeles.
Customs
While in Turkey,
be careful not to buy any antiquity (more than a century old),
as it is forbidden by law to buy, sell, possess or export it.
Cultural Sensitivity
In modern cities and along the southern coast shorts, skirts
and t-shirts are acceptable clothing. Men and women should avoid
scanty clothing when visiting small villages or religious institutions
such as mosques where legs and shoulders need to be covered to
respect local customs. We'll provide detailed guidelines in your
pre-departure material.
Communications
Normal postal service between Turkey and North America can take
up to 10 days for a first-class letter. To call or fax from North
America to Turkey, dial 011 to connect to the international network,
then 90 for Turkey, then the city code and the local number.
When calling from Turkey to USA, you can use your AT&T calling
cards with dialing 0080012277. MCI's Call USA:
0080011177.
Shopping Advice
Turkey is a shopper's
heaven; Turkish rugs, clothing, jewelry, pottery, spices, copper
are among many good values you may consider. Bargaining is a
part of the shopping experience in Turkey (usually 20-25% below
the asking price) but at some stores the prices are fixed and
bargaining is inappropriate. Please consult your guide about
where to shop and what to buy. It is always fine to accept a
cup of tea with no obligation to buy but don't bargain unless
you are really interested in an item. Most shopkeepers are honest
and friendly but there are some aggressive types that will pressure
you if you are not firm. Shops are usually open between 8:30
a.m-7.00 p.m. At some towns they're open till midnight.
Airfare
Some sample airfares:
East Coast-Istanbul: $900-1200
West Coast-Istanbul: $1100-1300
Internal flights: Approximately $110 one way/ $220 round trip
Turkish People
Turks are genuinely friendly and famed for their warm hospitality.
In the villages you'll see modest local people. Always smile
or say "merhaba" (hello) to them. Be careful about
taking photographs of local women. It's always best to ask permission
first.
How Expensive are Things?
Food is inexpensive and delicious. Meals out will cost about
$5 - $10 for lunch and $10 - $15 for dinner at local restaurants.
Fancy meals add 35% - 50% (5 star hotels, tourist spots). Handicrafts
are great bargains. Carpets range in price depending on quality.
Vegetarian Diet
Turkish cuisine has lot to offer for those who are vegetarian.
Lots of fresh vegetables and fruits are available at the restaurants
and on the boat. Please specify the dietary restriction, if there's
something that client doesn't eat such as wheat products, sugar,
nuts etc.
Cameras
You can bring a waterproof camera if you will be participating
in water sports. It's easy to find film in the towns. Slide film
can be hard to find, though. Video cameras can be charged on
the boat with proper equipment for 220 voltage.
Insects?
This is a 'bug free trip' except for the rare mosquito or two.
We advise that you bring repellent just in case.
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