Booking Turkey.org

What is a short-term rental?
Any rental that is between 3 days and one year in length is considered short-term. A rental can start on any day of the week. We make every effort to be flexible about arrival and departure times wherever possible.

What are privately owned apartments?
Privately owned apartments are apartments, which are owned by an individual or company. Often times, they rent their apartment for a period of time while they are away or staying in their second apartment. Privately owned apartment can be studios to three bedroom apartments or even four or five bedroom apartments. And you rent the entire property.

What are the benefits of renting an apartment?
The benefits of renting an apartment include space, privacy, value and comfort. Imagine, if you will, you've been sightseeing or working all day and you return to your one bedroom apartment. You soak for an hour in the bathtub, then stroll into the kitchen, in your bathrobe, and prepare a simple meal. Then grab a glass of wine and relax in the living room in front of the TV until your ready to go to bed. Now imagine doing all that in one hotel room!

How well are the apartments equipped?
All apartments are equipped with china, cutlery, kitchen utensils, bed linen, towels, TV, telephone, a stove (gas or electric) and a refrigerator. The property description will mention if there are other appliances such as, washing machines, microwaves, video players and so on. We suggest that you bring your own hairdryer (with an adapter if necessary local electric current is 220V 50Hz).

What are the minimum and maximum terms for renting an apartment?
The minimum term is 3 days and the maximum term is unlimited.

Will I need to sign any papers or agreements when I arrive at the apartment?
According to the laws of the Turkish Repuclic, you must sign a rental agreement with the apartment owner or rental company.

Do apartment tenants receive any additional services?
Of course. You can arrange to have your clothes washed, apartment cleaned, meals delivered to your apartment and much more.

What criteria do you use in selecting your apartments?
Our main criterion is the quality of the apartment. We only select the most comfortable apartments ranging from standard to elite. We also check to see that all home electronics including electricity and water are in good working order. In addition, we check to see that the apartment interior meets our rigid standards. Our second criterion is the location of the apartment. The vast majority of our apartments are located in the historical city center and remaining apartments are located near convenient transportation arteries. Our surveys indicate that these are the most popular apartment locations. Finally, the third but no less important criterion of our apartment selection is the state of mind of the apartment owner and how willing they are to cooperate with our company.

Does the rental price of the apartment include everything or do I have to pay additional expenses for electricity, water, etc.?
For you additional convenience we had arranged that you pay only the fixed rental price of your apartment, which already includes all utility charges such as electricity, water supply and so on!


How do I get a Turkish visa?
Fort he visa details that please check it out this website.
http://www.konsolosluk.gov.tr/visa/visa_query.aspx

What kind of furniture, home electronics and so on will my apartment have?
All of our apartments are completely furnished with tasteful, modern and comfortable furnishings. Each apartment includes a list of home electronics and other convenient devices. In general, all apartments are furnished with television, music system, refrigerator, electric tea kettle and more.

Can you provide pictures of the apartments?
Yes. We do have pictures that can be E-mailed. Once you have received a quote from us, should any of the properties interest you, please request the pictures and we will E-mail them promptly.

Can you help with anything else?
Yes. We can. 1) Arrange for you to be picked up or delivered to airports or railway stations. 2) Organise maid service during your stay. 3) Arrange groceries to be left in the apartment for you before you arrive. There may be a charge for these services

Where are your apartments located?
Our properties are in Sultanahmet Galata Taksim Beyoglu Gumussuyu Besiktas Asian side Airport Area etc. We do occasionally handle properties outside these areas.

Are the apartments serviced?
Generally, apartments are not serviced. We can, however, assist with organizing maid service for an additional charge.

Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
I. Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa :
A. Type of Passport : Ordinary Passport; Period of Visa Exemption : 3 Months
Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (only passports of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), Iceland, Iran, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, St. Marino, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, Switzerland, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Uruguay, Vatican

B. Type of Passport : Ordinary Passport; Period of Visa Exemption : 2 Months : Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia

C. Type of Passport : Ordinary Passport; Period of Visa Exemption : 1 Month : Costa Rica, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan

D. Type of Passport : Official Passports; Period of Visa Exemption : 3 Months : Albania, Algeria, Argentina, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belarus, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Cuba, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Fiji, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Holland, Hong-Kong Special Administrative Region(only passports of Hong-Kong Special Administrative Region), Iceland, Iran, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico (only diplomatic passports) Monaco, Morocco, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Peru, Poland, Portugal (only diplomatic passports), Russia (only diplomatic passports), St. Lucia, St. Marino, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Ukraine, Uruguay, Uzbekistan (only diplomatic passports), Vatican

E. Type of Passport : Official Passports; Period of Visa Exemption : 2 Months Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Indonesia, Macedonia, Romania

F. Type of Passport : Official Passports; Period of Visa Exemption : 1 Month : Bulgaria (only diplomatic passports), Costa Rica, Estonia (only diplomatic passports), Hungary, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia ( only diplomatic passports), Maldives, Moldova, Mongolia, Palestine (only diplomatic passports), People's Republic of China, Philippines, South Africa, Turkmenistan, Venezuela, Vietnam (only diplomatic passports), Yemen

II. Ordinary passport holders of nationals of the following countries may obtain sticker type visas at the Turkish International border gates to enter Turkey :

A. Type of Passport : Ordinary Passport; Duration of Stay : 3 Months :Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of America

B. Type of Passport : Ordinary Passport; Duration of Stay : 2 Months : Albania, Belarus, Russia, Ukraine

C. Type of Passport : Ordinary Passport; Duration of Stay : 1 Month : Azerbaijan, Armenia, Estonia, Greek Cypriot Administration, Hungary, Jordan, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Poland, Serbia and Montenegro, Slovakia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan .

D. Type of Passport : Ordinary Passport; Duration of Stay : 15 Days Georgia

III. In other cases, visas should be obtained from the Turkish Embassy/Consulate accredited in your country. To find information about Turkish missions abroad,. Please refer to: http://www.mfa.gov.tr/consular.htm

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.
Is it better to travel independently or go to Turkey as a part of a group tour?
The best way to see and experience Turkey depends on one's knowledge, experience, and personal preferences. Touring is a safe way to experience new cultures and to see new places with peace of mind. However, some travelers may prefer to visit sites independently without the confines of schedules and timetables.
Group tours are organized through tour operators. Most group tours are all-inclusive. This means that transportation (air and ground), hotels, some meals, and a guide are usually provided for a flat-fee. Guided tours are highly recommended for those with an interest in history and culture, since tour guides can enhance the traveler's experience by sharing their in-depth knowledge of the places visited.
Those who wish to travel independently can make travel arrangements in advance through a tour operator. Many tour operators will design customized individual itineraries in which air transportation, hotel and car rental reservations and other services are privately arranged to match the specifications of the client. Some tour operators offer fly/drive packages as well, in which airfare and rental car services are provided as a package.
Travelers can also make their own hotel and rental car reservations. The hotel guide web site http://www.istanbullife.org comprehensively lists accommodation facilities throughout Turkey. Visitors may also choose to use the services of local travel agencies in Turkey. These agencies can arrange car and driver mini-tours, which are very popular in many areas, including Istanbul, Ephesus, Antalya and Cappadocia.
Turkey is a country of diverse scenery, climate and historical monuments, so travelers are sometimes overwhelmed by the number of places to visit. For assistance in planning your trip or any inquiries relating to your trip consult Turkish Tourism Information Offices throughout Turkey. Their addresses are listed in alphabetical order on the Turkish Ministry of Tourism's web site at http://www.turizm.gov.tr/

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.

What are the Average Air and Water Temperatures for Turkey's major cities?
The web site of the General Directorate of the Turkish State Meteorological Service, http://www.meteor.gov.tr/, gives current sea and air temperatures, humidity and 3-day weather forecasts for all cities in Turkey and for the holiday resorts of Alanya, Anamur, Bodrum, Dalaman, Finike and Marmaris.

What is the best way to travel to Turkey from the U.S.?
Most foreign visitors arrive in Turkey by flying directly into Istanbul or aboard cruise ships, which dock in ports including Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Izmir. Visitors may also 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 offers more than 80 destinations throughout the world. Info concerning Turkish Airlines can be obtained at http://turkishairlines.com.

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.
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). Ferry schedules can be found on their web site at http://www.tdi.com.tr/ .
There are also ferry services from Trabzon on Turkey's Eastern Black Sea Coast to Sochi and from Istanbul to Novosibirsk, both on Russia's Black Sea Coast. Ferry services also operate between Istanbul and various Ukrainian ports including Odessa, Yalta, Sevastopol and Yevpatorya.

By Land: Turkey has many border crossings with its neighbors. Varan Bus Company operates regular bus services between Istanbul-Athens and Istanbul-Vienna. Schedules and fares can be found on their web site at http://www.varan.com.tr/ . In addition, Istanbul can be reached by train directly from and via some of Europe's major cities.

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.
Antalya province on the Mediterranean coast is Turkey's principal holiday region. It is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming and sports. Best of all, Antalya serves as a convenient hub for nearby archeological attractions. Ancient theatres can be found in a remarkable state of preservation at Aspendos and Perge and visitors can tour the sunken city of Simena in Kekova. Remains of ancient Lycian cities such as Patara, Letoon, Xanthos, Myra and Apollonia are also within easy traveling distance. These are among the most fascinating sites on the Anatolian Peninsula.
Cappadocia in Central Anatolia is one of the most fantastic landscapes in the world and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey.
Other popular destinations include Safranbolu in the Black Sea Region, an open-air museum of traditional Turkish houses; Mount Nemrut in southeastern Turkey, where enormous stone statues of deities commemorate the first century BC Commagene Kingdom. Konya in Central Anatolia was home to the great Islamic philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi who in the 13th century founded the Mevlevi Order known as the Whirling Dervishes. Each year in early December, the white-robed Mevlevi commemorate the death of Mevlana with their trance-like turning dance or sema - an amazing sight to behold.

What attractions does Turkey offer related to religious history and issues of faith?
History has been incredibly generous to Turkey, which has been vital in the history of the three major monotheist religions -- Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Turkey is one of a few countries where all three religions have co-existed peacefully for centuries. There are a many important sites in Turkey of interest to people of all faiths.
Islam

Visitors to Turkey are often touched by the call to prayer from lofty minarets. The call is heard five times a day, inviting the faithful to face towards Mecca and pray from the Koran. Although Turkey is a secular democracy which guarantees freedom of religion for all people, Islam is the country's predominant religion. People of all faiths may visit Turkey's mosques.
Islam's roots in Turkey date to the 10th Century. In the ensuing centuries Seljuk and Ottoman Turks constructed impressive mosques with elegant interior decorations and imposing domes and minarets. Virtually every Turkish city has a mosque of historical or architectural significance. Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul stands as perhaps the most impressive. Built between 1609 and 1616 in the classic Ottoman style, the building is more familiarly known as the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior paneling of blue and white Iznik tiles. The Suleymaniye Mosque is the largest in Istanbul. It was built between 1550 and 1557by Suleyman the Magnificent, the greatest sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
Other cities also have impressive Islamic architecture. The Ulu Cami (Grand Mosque) with its 20 domes and Yesil Cami (Green Mosque) in Bursa, was constructed between 1419 and 1420. The mosque derives its name from the exquisite green and turquoise tiles in its interior. Haci Bayram Mosque in Ankara was built in the early 15th century in the Seljuk style and was subsequently restored by the master Ottoman architect Sinan in the 16th century. Selimiye Mosque in Edirne reflects the classical Ottoman style and Sinan's lasting genius.
Konya ranks as one of the great cultural centers of Turkey. As the capital of the Seljuk Turks from the 12th to the 13th centuries Konya was a center of cultural, political and religious growth. During this period, the mystic Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi founded a Sufi Order known in the West as the Whirling Dervishes. Mevlana's striking green-tiled mausoleum is Konya's most famous attraction. Attached to the mausoleum, the former dervish seminary now serves as a museum housing manuscripts of Mevlana's works and various artifacts related to the mystic sect.
Christianity

More and more people are discovering the important role Turkey played in the history of Christianity. Travelers can discover many magnificent churches, some nearly as old as Christianity itself, and can retrace the footsteps of Saints Peter and Paul from the Biblical city of Antioch to the underground churches of Cappadocia. Many of the most important events in Christian history occurred in Turkey.
Born in Tarsus, the Apostle Paul spread the word of Jesus Christ across Anatolia, expanding Christianity's reach from a predominantly Jewish base to Gentile communities.
Not far from Tarsus on Turkey's Eastern Mediterranean coast is Antakya, known in biblical times as Antioch. This ancient city was founded around 300 B.C. and was home to the first important Christian community, founded in 42 AD by St. Paul. Jesus' followers were first called "Christians" in Antioch and from here Christianity spread to the world. St. Paul departed from Antioch on his three missionary journeys. The city holds the Church of St. Peter, a cave-church where the apostles Peter and Paul are believed to have preached. In 1963, the Vatican designated the site a place of pilgrimage and recognized it as the world's first cathedral.
The "Seven Churches of Asia Minor," a series of communities located near the Aegean coast, is where St. Paul visited, preached and built the early church. Their ancient names - Ephesus (Efes), Smyrna (Izmir), Thyatira (Akhisar), Sardis (Sart), Philadelphia (Alasehir), Laodicea (Eskihisar) and Pergamon (Bergama) are familiar from the New Testament's Book of Revelation.
Ephesus, perhaps the most prominent of the Seven Churches, is where St. Paul wrote his letters to the Ephesians, and where St. John the Evangelist brought the Virgin Mary to spend her last years. The Vatican recognizes the Virgin Mary's house, located in the hills near Ephesus, as a shrine. Just outside Ephesus, in Selcuk, is the Basilica of St. John where he preached and is believed to be buried.
Many other regions in Turkey offer a wealth of attractions to the Christian traveler. St. Nicholas was born and lived in Demre on the Mediterranean coast. A church dedicated to the original Santa Claus still stands. Visitors to the biblical area of Cappadocia, located in Central Anatolia, can explore more than 200 carved rock churches beautifully decorated with frescoes depicting early Christian motifs, and a seven-story underground city where Christians took refuge from their persecutors.
The stunning Monastery of the Virgin Mary located near the Black Sea in Trabzon is a well-known monastic center dating to the 4th century. Built on the edge of a l200 foot cliff and accessible only by foot, it housed some of the Orthodox Church's greatest thinkers.
Istanbul became the center of Christianity in 330 AD and it was here that the largest church in Christendom at the time, Haghia Sophia or the Church of the Divine Wisdom, was dedicated by Emperor Justinian in 536 AD. The Kariye Museum, a Greek Orthodox Church from the 11th and 14th centuries, is famous for its incomparable Byzantine frescoes and mosaics.
Judaism

Judaism has had a continuous presence in Turkey since ancient times. Signs written in Hebrew and menorahs carved into stone at historical sites such as Ephesus, Kusadasi, Priene, Hieropolis, and Pamukkale attest to long history of Jews in Turkey. In Sardis, near Izmir, the remains of the largest ancient synagogue in existence date to the 3rd century AD. Its frescoes and mosaics suggest a large, well-established and successful Jewish community in Sardis.
According to the legend of the great flood, Noah's Ark ran aground at Mount Agri (Ararat). When the floodwaters receded, Noah and his family descended from the mountain to the fertile Igdir Plain and repopulated the world.
Jewish Patriarchs Abraham and Job also made their mark in eastern Turkey. Sanli Urfa in southeastern Turkey is known as the city of Prophets. A cave there is said to be the birthplace of the prophet Abraham. It has become a place of pilgrimage and is now surrounded by the Halil Rahman Mosque. The Prophet Job, who was famed for his patience, is believed to have spent seven years recovering from illness inside another cave located in the district of Eyyübiye two kilometers south of Sanli Urfa.
Jews have enjoyed tolerance and peace in Turkey for centuries. After the Jewish communities in Spain and Portugal were exiled in 1492 during the Inquisition, Sultan Beyazit II welcomed them to the Ottoman Empire. As a result, many Jewish communities still thrive in modern Turkey.
Istanbul is of particular significance to Jewish visitors. In the city's old Jewish Quarter is the 19th century Neve Shalom Synagogue, the Zulfaris Jewish Museum and nearby, the 15th century Ahrida Synagogue. The first Jewish printing press began operating in Istanbul in 1493 and Jewish literature and music flourished during this period.
In Bursa, a short drive south of Istanbul, visitors will find the Gerus Synagogue, built at the end of the 15th century by the first Jews who settled in the city after being expelled from Spain. The name of the synagogue in Hebrew means, "Expelled". Izmir, located on the Aegean coast, has several synagogues, including Beth Israel Synagogue; Bikour Holim Synagogue, named in memory of an epidemic when city hospitals were so full that synagogues were used to house the sick, and Giveret Synagogue, rebuilt after an 1841 fire.

How can I travel in Turkey?
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' schedules and book flights at http://www.turkishairlines.com/
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.turizm.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
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/

Where should I stay in Turkey?
Turkey offers a wide array of comfortable and modern lodgings to fit any budget. Larger cities such as Istanbul, Ankara and Izmir, offer a range of international chain hotels, as well as many charming locally run Turkish properties. Seaside resorts on the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts and other popular tourism destinations abound with hotels, pensions and holiday villages. Many of the Turkey tour specialists listed in our guide can make hotel reservations.
The Ministry of Tourism licenses a number of hotels throughout the country. Rated from one to five stars, they must meet standards set forth by the Ministry. Renovated and refurbished Ottoman mansions, 19th century wooden houses and other historic buildings now operate as special licensed hotels. The Turkish Tourism Offices can provide a Hotel Guide that lists numerous hotels licensed by the Ministry of Tourism. Licensed hotels and other licensed accommodations in any city in Turkey can also be found at http://www.turizm.gov.tr/
See http://www.bookingturkey.org

Hotel Reservation
http://www.silkroadhotels.com/

for a comprehensive list of hotels in all regions of Turkey sorted in alphabetical order.

How can I hire a guide?
Guides can be pre-arranged prior to departure through any of the Turkey tour specialists, or can easily be hired upon arrival in Turkey. Most hotels offer concierge services, which can provide reliable guides to their guests for an affordable fee. The advantage of hiring a guide through your hotel is that the guide will usually have a long history of working successfully with the hotel and its previous guests. However, visitors may also go to any local travel agency in Turkey and make arrangements on the spot.

Should I exchange money before I go to Turkey?
The highly favorable exchange rate makes travel to Turkey extremely affordable. 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.

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").

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.

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.

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.turizm.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). www.lesartsturcs.com

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 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.
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.oldistanbul.com where you can find a map of the Grand Bazaar and a list of shops.
Also visit www.lesartsturcs.com

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: www.e-turkey.org
and http://www.tuyap.com/
A list and a calendar of all fairs throughout Turkey can be found at http://www.e-turkey.org (the calendar of fairs is in Turkish).

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