Itinerary

*DAY 01* -Welcome Turkey! -After arrival IST or SAW airport we will pick you up to go to Istanbul hotels -Leisure time in Istanbul, enjoy it *DAY 02* -Pick up from Istanbul hotels -Hagia Sophia -Topkapi Palace -Blue Mosque -Sultanahmet Square -End of the day drive to Bus station for your Cappadoica trip -Overnight bus(11 hours) *DAY 03* -After arrival Cappadocia, transfer to hotel -Breakfast -Pick up from Cappadocia Hotels -Oz Konak Underground City -Pigeon Valley -End of the day drive to Cappadocia hotels -Overnight & dinner Cappadocia *DAY 04* -Pick up from Cappadocia Hotels -Red Valley -Rose Valley -Cavusin -Kaymaklı Underground City -End of the day drive to Bus station for your Pamukkale trip -Overnight bus(10 hours) *DAY 05* -After arrival Pamukkale, transfer to hotel -Breakfast -Pick up from Pamukkale Hotels -Hierapolis -White Calcium Terraces -Cleopatra's Pool -End of the day drive to Bus station for your Kusadasi trip(3 hours) -Overnight Kusadasi *DAY 06* -Pick up from Kusadasi hotels -Ephesus Ancient City -House of Virgin Mary -Temple of Artemis -End of the day drive to Bus station to go to Istanbul(11 hours) -Overnight bus *DAY 07* -After arrival Istanbul, drive to IST or SAW airport for your flight -Thanks for choosing us!

• Starting Points: Turkey/Istanbul
• Day 1 Istanbul

  Today is the first day of your time travelling tour, on your first day you will arrive in to the city of Istanbul where you will then be transferred to your hotel for your first overnight so you can get well rested for your day of exploring tomorrow.

• Day 2 Istanbul: Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Square
  Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Sultanahmet Square

  We will start our day by picking you up at 08:30 to visit the magnificent Hagia Sophia, an exceptional example of Byzantine architecture adorned with exquisite mosaics, marble pillars, and colorful coverings. The temple's opulent decorations were so remarkable that Justinian himself proudly declared, "Solomon, I have outdone thee," making it the greatest cathedral of its time, holding that distinction for 1,000 years until the completion of the Seville Cathedral in Spain. Right across from St. Sophia stands the iconic Blue Mosque, recognizable by its grandeur and six minarets adorned with 21,043 tiles from Iznik, creating a stunning blue interior that gave it the name "Blue Mosque."Our journey continues to the Ancient Hippodrome, where you will immerse yourself in history as you explore the grounds that once hosted chariot races. Here, you'll find three significant monuments: The Obelisk of Theodosius, The Bronze Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine.Next on our itinerary is the impressive Topkapi Palace, the magnificent residence of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Within its walls, you'll discover a treasure trove of cultural and historical artifacts, including crystal, silver, Chinese porcelain, robes of the sultans, famous jewels from the Imperial Treasury, and the Holy Mantle, which enshrines relics of the Prophet Mohammed.As the day comes to an end, we will take a short drive to the vibrant Grand Bazaar, a bustling marketplace where you can find an array of colorful goods and souvenirs (closed on Sundays and Eid Holidays).Today's tour will conclude around 18:00, and then you'll be transferred back to your hotel for the evening. We kindly request that you be ready at the hotel's reception before 19:00, as we will depart at 21:00 for Cappadocia. This will be an overnight journey on our comfortable, non-smoking, and fully air-conditioned bus, ensuring your utmost comfort during the 11-hour ride.

• Day 3 Cappadocia

  Upon our arrival in Cappadocia, we will transfer you to your hotel to freshen up and get ready for a day of exploration in this magical region. Our adventure begins as we leave your hotel and head to Devrent Valley, also known as the "Imagination Valley." Although it lacks the cave churches and ruins found elsewhere in Cappadocia, it boasts a landscape of unique and extraordinary rock formations that resemble various animals. Let your imagination run wild as you spot these whimsical shapes, which are sure to bring laughter and wonder.

  Next, we will visit Pasabag, or Monk's Valley, where you will be captivated by the mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys. These fascinating structures were formed due to the deposition of harder rock material above. The valley earned its nickname due to the ascetic monks who lived here as early as the 5th century. They adopted a "stylite" way of living, building dwellings inside the pillars, where they led hermit lifestyles of fasting and prayer.Continuing our journey, we'll explore the charming town of Avanos, situated on the banks of the Kizilirmak, or the "Red River." The old village of Avanos is a mesmerizing maze of ancient stone houses, some restored over time, and others repurposed. Among the abandoned houses, you can still observe features of traditional Ottoman architecture, along with ancient decorations and motifs. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to participate in a hands-on pottery workshop.After a delightful included lunch to recharge our energy, we'll proceed to the Goreme Open Air Museum. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible rock formations and captivating rock-cut churches in this museum. You'll surely want extra camera film to capture the beauty of Goreme.Our final stop for the day is Uchisar, a village perched on a steep rock formation, offering breathtaking panoramas of the astonishing Cappadocia landscape. Take a moment to soak in the harmony between nature and human existence while wandering through this picturesque town.Throughout the day, there will be an hour of free time for you to relax, savor cold refreshments, and immerse yourself in the panoramic views surrounding you. The tour will conclude around 17:00, and we'll transfer you back to your hotel for the evening.

• Day 4 Cappadocia

  Today, we will begin our day by checking out from the hotel after breakfast and packing all of our belongings. Our first stop will be the mesmerizing Red Valley and Rose Valley, two adjacent valleys known for their stunning beauty and picturesque walking trails. Be sure not to miss the Hacli Church and Ayvali Church in Rose Valley, adorned with breathtaking painted decorations on the interior.Next, we will visit the ancient Christian Village of Cavusin, immersing ourselves in its historical charm. Our journey continues to Pigeon Valley, offering magnificent views of natural cliffs and man-made caves. As we walk through this valley, we will pass through tunnels carved into the rockside, adding to the allure of the landscape.Our exploration will then take us to Kaymakli Underground City and Ortahisar Castle. The 8 levels of the underground city, dating back to the 6th to 9th centuries, are a marvel to behold. Five levels are open to the public, showcasing tunnels, cellars, store rooms, and stables, all expertly excavated from soft volcanic rock.The Ortahisar Castle, perched at a height of 86 meters in a cave dating back to the Eti period, stands as a remarkable structure in Nevsehir. Its historical significance adds to the richness of our tour.Throughout the day, you will have an hour of free time to refresh and relax if you wish. Our Cappadocia adventure will conclude around 17:00 in the afternoon.Tonight, at approximately 21:00, we will embark on a 10-hour bus journey to our next destination, Pamukkale, where you can rest and prepare for the enchanting experiences that await you tomorrow.

• Day 5 Pamukkale

  Upon arriving in Pamukkale, you will be promptly transferred to your hotel to freshen up before embarking on our exciting day of exploration. Our journey will commence at 08:00, where we will uncover the wonders of Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, a place that has captivated travelers for over 23 centuries with its thermal springs.The name "Cotton Castle" perfectly describes the stunning snow-white cliffs, shaped by the gradual accumulation of calcium deposits from mineral springs. Legends suggest that these formations were solidified cotton left to dry by giants. Cascading down the mountainside, mineral-rich water creates terraces and petrified cascades of stalactites, forming milky pools below.While the thermal springs steal the spotlight, the site of ancient Hierapolis and the accompanying museums are equally fascinating. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the healing waters of Cleopatra's Pool, with its warm, clear, and fizzy water bubbling from the spring's source. Ancient Roman columns beneath the pool's surface offer a glimpse into the past.After exploring the terraces, we will head to Hierapolis City, also known as the "Holy City." Just outside the main entrance lies the impressive Necropolis with over 1200 tombs and sarcophagi. Those who chose to be buried here believed that the proximity to the hot springs and vapor would ease their journey to the Underworld. Among the tombs stands the Martyrium, an octagonal 5th-century structure believed to mark the site of St. Philip's martyrdom in 80 CE.The Hierapolis City Bath was a popular destination for vacationing Romans, featuring glossy marble interiors that have now been transformed into a modest Archaeological Museum. The monstrous Grand Theater, carved into the mountainside, dominates the Hierapolis vista, boasting an intact seating area with a capacity for 25,000 spectators and ornate decorative elements from the 3rd century CE.Throughout the tour, you will have a one-hour free break to rest, take in the breathtaking views, and enjoy refreshments from the on-site cafeteria. At the end of our day's journey, we will drive to Kusadasi, or if you prefer, you can take a public bus, which takes approximately 3 hours.

  

• Day 6 Ephesus Ancient City

  Today is an exciting day of full-day Ephesus sightseeing, beginning at 09:00 am. Before we set off, please ensure you have all your belongings packed, as we'll be checking out from the hotel and heading to our next destination.Our first stop will be the House of Virgin Mary, located atop Bulbul Mountain. Discovered in the 19th century, the house's location was described in detail by Catherina Emmerich, a German nun who had a vision of it. It is believed that St. John brought Mary, the mother of Jesus, to Ephesus, and she spent her last years here between AD 37/48.Next, we'll explore the Ancient City of Ephesus, one of the most spectacular excavations in the world. Prepare to be amazed as we visit the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the stream baths of Scholastika, the Temple of Hadrian, and the impressive Library of Ephesus adorned with columns and statues. Standing in the middle of the Library or walking down the main street will make you feel like you've traveled back in time to ancient Rome.Ephesus also houses the Grand Theater, where Saint Paul once preached, boasting a capacity of 25,000 seats, making it the largest outdoor theater of the ancient world. Another significant site is the great Temple of Artemis (Diana), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Ephesus Artemis was a goddess of fertility, often depicted draped with eggs or multiple breasts.Our day will conclude with a visit to the Mosque of Isa Bey, a stunning architectural building built in the 19th century and once used as a caravanserai.Throughout the tour, you'll have a one-hour free break to rest and enjoy refreshments from the on-site cafeteria. Both breakfast and lunch are included in today's tour.At approximately 18:00, our Ephesus tour will come to an end, and we'll be departing from Kusadasi at 21:30 for our overnight bus journey back to Istanbul. Rest assured, the public buses are non-smoking, fully air-conditioned, and equipped with our most comfortable bus seats for the 11-hour journey.

• Day 7 Istanbul

  Today marks the end of our unforgettable 6-day adventure. After enjoying breakfast, please ensure you've packed all your belongings as it's time to check out of the hotel.Our journey will take us back to Istanbul. Once we arrive, a free shuttle bus will be available to take you to Sultanahmet or Taksim Square, where we will bid farewell.We sincerely hope that our time together exploring the hidden treasures of Turkey and Greece has exceeded your expectations and provided you with cherished memories. Your satisfaction and enjoyment are our greatest rewards.As you embark on your journey back home, we wish you a safe and pleasant trip. We eagerly anticipate the opportunity to welcome you again on one of our future time-traveling packages, as we continue to uncover the wonders of history and culture. Until then, thank you for choosing us as your travel companions.

• End Points: Turkey/Istanbul

Informations

• What's Included

  • Hotel accommodations according to your selection.
  • Public buses
  • Services of professionally licensed guides on local Group tours.
  • Meals as : B breakfasts, L lunch.
  • Transportation in a fully air conditioned, Non smoking minivans on local Group tours.
  • English speaking guided tours mentioned in the itinerary. (Group)
  • Inbound and outbound airport transfers to/from your hotel. (Group)
  • All taxes, entrance & museum fees, baggage handling. (unless otherwise stated)
  

• What's Excluded

  • International airfares.
  • VISA needed for Turkey.
  • Tips to guide, driver, hotel staff etc.
  • Harem and Treasure room entrance fees in Topkapi Palace.
  • Travel Insurance and personal expenses.
  

• Travel Tips

  What to bring: Camera, Hat, Comfortable Footwear, Soft Drinks, Sun Cream, Sun Glasses, Swim suit and towel for Pamukkale.
  

• Note

  This program may contain some hard walking tracks which are not suitable for senior and disabled people.
  

Customer Comments - Tripadvisor Write A Review!

• 

  JohnAlex84

  Jun 2022

  Pamukkale Trip

  I had a prompt and enjoyable service through Castle Tours. We were a group of 11 people and this was a customised personal tour. The van and guide arrived on time and has been very flexible and helpful throughout..They have been helping and accomodating with small kids and the guide was very informative..They never made any fuss with timings nor stayed with us all the way through. The cost was very reasonable and could pay in any currency via portable paying machine on the day....Highly recommend...

• 

  Ricky G

  May 2022

  A wondrous trip

  Reassuringly The Guides really were excellent in every way welcoming,friendly,extremely helpful,informative,doing their upmost in catering for every wish & desire! You have to visit Izmir.i'd put it right at the top of your Turkish itinerary. A must do.don't pass by this opportunity if you can.you'll savour this beautiful city & its wonderful people.the sights,tastes,sounds & smells will captivate you.the iskender OR bursa kebab lunch was so delicious & my Partner even had a chicken curry at the same restaurant we stopped off at in Izmir which was so appetising full of fresh ingredients! you can even see some of the cooking being done right in front of your very eyes.there's a fair bit of walking involved but well worth it if you're able to manage it.the ferry ride to the other side of Izmir is so delightful.the Male Market Sellers are a bit of a pest though.it feels like every one is trying to persuade you into their business to spend your cash but hey that's part of the Turkey experience.keep moving on & it's fine.wallow in the splendour of one of Turkeys most fab cities

• 

  Fadi081577

  May 2022

  BEST TOUR GUIDE EVER!!!!!!

  I cannot tell you what an amazing guide Yeliz is and the driver we had too was amazing. Yeliz was incredibly knowledgeable, spoke perfect english, was very charismatic. Honestly she became like our best friend. We wanted to take her back home with us she became like a sister to us. BEST BEST BEST EXPERIENCE EVER! was the highlight of our entire Turkey trip

• 

  SuzanneJane

  May 2022

  Amazing sites & fun guides

  Super tour with Castle Travel! Our guide Yeliz took us from Izmir to the three main sites at Pergamon: the Asklepion, the Red Basilica, and the Akropolis. She had all kinds of interesting stories to tell about each of the sites and really brought them to life for us. I would go on a tour with her again in a second. She was great to hang out with, as were our guide-in-training, Mustafa and our driver Umet. Pickup was right on time. Yeliz knew some great local places to stop for lunch and tea, and clued us in regarding local culture as well as the amazing sites of Pergamon. Highly recommended!

• 

  Adam

  Jan 2022

  Super Time

  We were there 2 weeks ago Harun is a great guide. It was a great experience great location and we had a great time thanks to our guide. Thank you to Harun and our driver.

• 

  Charles J S

  Jan 2022

  Thanks Harunn!

  Pamukkale is a fascinating place, I found its hot spring interesting. We wanted to do a balloon tour, but unfortunately it was not possible due to weather conditions. It was not possible to enter the Cleopatra pool either. Hierapolis was impressive. Our guide, Mr. Harun, was caring and communicative. If we come again, we will prefer the summer months...

• 

  Orlene Gerald

  Nov 2021

  Priene miletos didyma

  Priene miletos didyma tour went perfectly. İt was a different feeling to see didyma appollon temple accompanied by our guide yeliz. Do not forget to eat fish when you join the tour.

• 

  Anonymous

  Oct 2021

  Pamukkale Tour

  Our experience with Harun touring Pamukkale was fantastic, he was engaging and had good energy and was very knowledgeable about the history of the region. Pamukkale was exceptional and beautiful, we dipped ourselves in the thermal pools and took lots of great shots and also swam in Cleopatras pool. Harun was proactive in helping us take some good photos for memories and we had more than enough time to have a worthwhile time. It was lots fun and the lunch was great, one of the best meals we had in Turkey by far.

• 

  Kris

  Oct 2021

  Castle tour company

  5 star. Wonderful tour group. We had a private tour that picked us up in Bodrum and took us to Ephesus, Virgin Mary house. Tour guide excellent and very knowledgeable. Driver excellent.

FAQs

• How to meet my tour guide?

  Your tour guide/staff will be waiting at pick up points such as your hotels’ lobby/main gate, a specific point etc. according to timing which you were given before tour date.

• Can I state the departure time for my tour?

  Of course! We also operate tours on private basis, so you can customize the departure time, if it is a private service.

• Can I choose the sights to visit on my own?

  On private tours. You can choose the sights and museums along with all sort of criteria you like by your agent according to content of service.

• How to buy museum tickets?

  If the museum tickets are included in your tour, you do not need to buy it as extra. But if the museum ticket/s is/are not included in your tour, still no need to buy tickets in advance, during the tour your tour guide will help you to purchase them. Official tour guides have priority at museum ticket offices.

• Am I traveling with a group on the tour?

  If the museum tickets are included in your tour, you do not need to buy it as extra. But if the museum ticket/s is/are not included in your tour, still no need to buy tickets in advance, during the tour your tour guide will help you to purchase them. Official tour guides have priority at museum ticket offices.

• How about the transportation?

  If the museum tickets are included in your tour, you do not need to buy it as extra. But if the museum ticket/s is/are not included in your tour, still no need to buy tickets in advance, during the tour your tour guide will help you to purchase them. Official tour guides have priority at museum ticket offices.

• How do I pay?

  If the museum tickets are included in your tour, you do not need to buy it as extra. But if the museum ticket/s is/are not included in your tour, still no need to buy tickets in advance, during the tour your tour guide will help you to purchase them. Official tour guides have priority at museum ticket offices.

• What is the language of group tours?

  If the museum tickets are included in your tour, you do not need to buy it as extra. But if the museum ticket/s is/are not included in your tour, still no need to buy tickets in advance, during the tour your tour guide will help you to purchase them. Official tour guides have priority at museum ticket offices.

• What type of restaurants do you use?

  If the museum tickets are included in your tour, you do not need to buy it as extra. But if the museum ticket/s is/are not included in your tour, still no need to buy tickets in advance, during the tour your tour guide will help you to purchase them. Official tour guides have priority at museum ticket offices.

• How to pay for my services?

  If the museum tickets are included in your tour, you do not need to buy it as extra. But if the museum ticket/s is/are not included in your tour, still no need to buy tickets in advance, during the tour your tour guide will help you to purchase them. Official tour guides have priority at museum ticket offices.

• Am I traveling with a group?

  If the museum tickets are included in your tour, you do not need to buy it as extra. But if the museum ticket/s is/are not included in your tour, still no need to buy tickets in advance, during the tour your tour guide will help you to purchase them. Official tour guides have priority at museum ticket offices.

• Are any Vaccinations Required For tourist entering Turkey?

  There are no vaccination requirements for any international traveller. The World Health Organization web site, www.who.org, provides vaccination certificate requirements by country, geographic distributions of potential health hazards to travellers.

• Can We Choose our Hotels?

  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 Full Amount To Book A Package Tours?

  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 Turkey?

  Citizens of most of countries 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 (https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en).

• 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.

• 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 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.

• Should I exchange money before I go to Turkey?

  The highly favourable 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.

• 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 every day all year-round.

• 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.

• 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.

Good to Know

• Currency Regulation

  Limits
  There is no limit on the amount of foreign currency that may be brought into Turkey, but not more than 5 5,000 worth of Turkish currency may be brought into or taken out of the country.

• Exchange Slips

  The exchange slips for the conversion of foreign currency into Turkish lira should be kept, since you may be required to show these when reconverting your Turkish lira back into foreign currency, and when taking souvenirs out of the country (to prove that they have been purchased with legally exchanged foreign currency).

• Customs Regulations

  On Entry
  The following items may be brought into the country duty free personal effects of the tourist.
  
  One TV, one color pocket TV (maximum 16 cm screen), one TV-tape-radio combination, one video recording camera and 5 video cassettes (blank); 5 records, 5 tape cassettes or compact discs, one video player, cine-projector (8 mm) and 10 rolls of film (blank), one slide projector, one pocket computer (maximum main memory capacity Ram 128k. Byte), electronic playing devices (without cassette – keyboard), one transistor radio and portable radio – tape player (its specification to be determined by the Ministry of Finance and Customs), one Walkman or pocket tape recorder, one portable compact disc player, binoculars (one pair, except night binoculars), harmonica, mandolin, flageolet, flute, guitar, and accordion (only one of each type, maximum 3 musical instruments). personal sports equipment, necessary medical items, bicycle, baby buggy, toys, 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars. 200 grams of tobacco and 200 cigarette papers, or 50 grams of chewing tobacco or 200 grams of pipe tobacco, or 200 grams of snuff (In addition to the above allowances, it is possible to purchase 400 cigarettes, 100 cigars, and 500 grams of pipe tobacco from the Turkish Duty Free Shops upon entering the country), 1.5kg. coffee, 1.5kg. instant coffee, 500 grams of tea, 1 kilo chocolate and 1 kilo sweets, 5 (100 cc) or 7 (70 cc) bottles of wines and/or spirits, five bottles of perfume (120 ml max. each), one portable typewriter, one camera with 5 rolls of film, first aid, and spare parts for the car, other items necessary during the journey.
  
  Valuable items and all items with a value of over $ 15,000 must be registered in the owner’s passport upon entering Turkey, for control upon exit.
  
  Antiques brought into the country must be registered in the owner’s passport to avoid difficulties on exit.
  
  Sharp instruments (including camping knives) and weapons may not be brought into the country without special permission.
  
  The bringing into the country, trade, and consumption of marijuana and all other narcotics is strictly forbidden and subject to heavy punishment.
  
  Gifts, not exceeding 500 DM in value and not for trading purposes, may be brought into the country duty free. In addition, gifts not exceeding 500 OM in value may be posted to Turkey duty free, if the date stamped by the sending post office falls one month before, or one month after the following holidays: Seker Bayrami, Kurban Bayrami, Christmas, and New Year’s.
  
  Note
  Cellular Telephones entering the country must be accompanied by a certification form showing ownership. Ownership must be documented in the passport of the owner and will be checked on entry and exit. For more information contact the Ministry of transportation, General Directorate at Tel: (312) 212 35 72 – 212 60 10 (10 lines), Fax: (312) 221 32 26 or write to Ulastirma Bakanligi Telsiz Gn. Md. Emek – Ankara.
  
  On Exit
  Gifts and souvenirs: for a new carpet, a proof of purchase; for old items, a certificate from a directorate of a museum is necessary. Exporting antiques from Turkey is forbidden.
  
  Valuable personal items can only be taken out of the country providing they have been registered in the owner’s passport upon entry, or providing they can show they have been purchased with legally exchanged currency.
  
  Minerals may only be exported from the country with a special document obtained from the MTA (General Directorate of Mining Exploration and Research). Etudler Dairesi 06520, Ankara. Phone: +90 312 287 3430 /1622, Fax: +90 312 285 4271
  
  Tax Refund
  You Can Receive a Tax Refund for the Goods You Purchased In Turkey! Refunds will be made to travelers who do not reside in Turkey. All goods (including food and drinks) are included in the refunds with the exclusion of services rendered. The minimum amount of purchase that qualifies for refund is 5.000.000 TL. Retailers that qualify for tax refunds must be “authorized for refund.” These retailers must display a permit received from their respective tax office.
  
  The retailer will make four copies of the receipt for your refund, three of which will be received by the purchaser. If photocopies of the receipt are received the retailer must sign and stamp the copies to validate them. If you prefer the refund to be made by check, a Tax-free Shopping Check for the amount to be refunded to the customer must be given along with the receipt.
  
  For the purchaser to benefit from this exemption he must leave the country within three months with the goods purchased showing them to Turkish customs officials along with the appropriate receipts and! or check.
  
  There are four ways to receive your refund:
  If the retailer gives you a check it can be cashed at a bank in the customs area at the airport. If it is not possible to cash the check upon departure or if you do not wish to cash it then, .e customer must, within one month, send a copy of the receipt showing that the goods have left the country to the retailer who will, within ten days upon receiving the receipt, send a bank transfer to the purchaser’s hank or address.
  
  If the certified receipt and check are brought back to the retailer on a subsequent visit thin one-month of the date of customs certification, the refund can be made directly to the purchaser. Retailers may directly refund the amount to trustworthy customers upon purchase. The refund may be made by the organization of those companies that are authorized to make tax refunds.
  
  Additional information:
  Ministry of Finance and Tax Dept. General Directorate, (Maliye Bakanligi, Gelirler Genel Mudurlugu) KDV Subesi 06100, Ulus – Ankara Phone: +90 312 310 3880 / 725 – 728 – 735, Fax: +90 312 311 4510
  
  Tourist Health
  Turkish Tourist Health Society (Turizm Sagligi Dernegi-Hacettepe Üniversitesi Tip Fakültesi Plastik ve Rekonstrüktif Cerrahi Ana Bilim Dali, Sihhiye 06100 ANKARA
  
  Phone:
  +90 312 311 9393 – 310 98 08) performs the functions below, to provide the travelers in the entire country, mainly in the touristic regions, with proper health care:
  - to secure food hygiene
  - to prevent environmental pollution
  - to ensure hygiene and healthy working-conditions in touristic establishments.
  
  Health Regulations for Pets
  For those who wish to bring domestic animals into the country the following are required:
  - Pets have to be 3 months and older
  - An International Certificate of Health issued within 15 days before the travel
  - The Identification Card
  - Vaccination Card
  
  Note
  If you have an official certificate, you may bring one cat, one bird, one dog and 10 aquarium fish into the country. To get information for the importation of pets, please see the Consular Services.

• Motorist Rules

  General
  Those who wish to enter the country with their vans, minibuses, automobiles, station wagons, bicycles, motorcycles, motorbikes, sidecars, buses, motor coaches, trailers, caravans or other transport vehicles, will have to provide the following documentations:
  
  - Passport.
  - International driving license.
  - Car license (document where all details related to the car and the owner’s name are registered). If it is somebody else’s vehicle a power of attorney should be provided.
  - International green card (Insurance card). The TR sign should be visible.
  - Transit book “Carnet de passage” (for those who want to proceed to the Middle East).
  
  Period
  The vehicle can be brought into Turkey for up to 6 Months. The owner should declare on the opposite form, the date of departure at the border gate and should absolutely ve the country at the date declared. If for any important reason the staying period has to be ended, it is necessary to apply to;
  The Turkish Touring and Automobile Club (Türkiye Turing ve Otomobil Kurumu) 1. Sanayi Sitesi Yani, 4.Levent, Istanbul, Phone: +90 212 282 8140 (7 lines).
  The General Directorate of Customs (Gümrükler Genel Müdürlügü), Ulus Ankara Phone:
  +90 312 310 3880, 310 3818, Fax: +90 312 311 1346, before the end of the period declared.
  
  In Case of Accident
  The accident should be reported to the police or gendarme. That report has to be certified by the nearest local authority. The owner should apply to the customs authority with his passport and report.
  
  If the vehicle can be repaired, it is necessary to inform the customs authority first and take the vehicle to a garage. If the vehicle is not repairable and if the owner wishes to leave the country without his vehicle, he has to deliver it to the nearest customs office, and the registration of his vehicle on his passport will be cancelled. (Only after the cancellation can the owner of the vehicle leave the country.)
  
  Following an accident, you can phone:
  - Trafik Polisi (Traffic Police), Phone: 154
  - Jandarma (Gendarme), Phone: 156
  - For more information, contact the Touring and Automobile Association of Turkey.
  
  Formalities for Private Yacht Owners
  Yachts require a Transit Log and may remain in Turkish waters for up to two years maintenance or for wintering. There are certain ports licensed by the Ministry of Tourist the storage of yachts for a period of two to five years. For further information and regulations contact the marina concerned.
  
  Upon arriving in Turkish waters, yachts should immediately go for control of the ship to the nearest port of entry which are as follows: Iskenderun, Botas (Adana), Mersin, Tasucu, Anamur, Alanya, Antalya, Kemer, Finike, Kas, Fethiye, Marmaris, Datça, Bodrum, Güllük Didim, Kusadasi, Çesme, Izmir, Dikili, Ayvalik, Akçay, Çanakkale, Bandirma, Tekirdag, Istanbul, Zonguldak, Sinop, Samsun, Ordu, Giresun, Trabzon, Rize, Hopa.
  
  Port Formalities
  All the required information concerning the yacht, yachtsmen, members, intended route, passports, customs declarations, health clearance, and any obligatory matters must be entered in the Transit Log.
  
  The Transit Log is to be completed by the captain of a yacht under a foreign flag or amateur sailor acting as captain of the vessel.
  The Transit Log is completed upon first entering a Turkish port and, generally, it is necessary to contact the Harbor Authority before leaving. For information on tax-free fuel, contact the Marina Harbor Office.
  
  Note
  If you have a certificate from the Tourism Ministry Yacht Harbor, you may take petrol at no charge, provided you possess an official marina license.

• Formalities for Private Plane Owners

  General
  When coming to Turkey, international air routes should be followed. Private planes may stay for up to three months in Turkey with tourist status, but for longer periods permission should be obtained from;
  The General Directorate of Customs (Gümrükler Genel Müdürlügü), Ulus Ankara
  
  Phone:
  +90 312 310 3880, 310 3818, Fax: +90 312 311 1346
  The airports of Ankara, Adana, Istanbul, Izmir, Antalya, Trabzon and Dalaman have ties for private planes. It is also possible to hire planes and helicopters in Turkey.
  
  For further information, apply to:
  The Civil Aviation Department of the Ministry of Transport (Ulastirma Bakanligi, Havacilik Gen. Müd.). Bosna-Hersek Cad., No: 5 – 06338 – Emek, Ankara.
  
  Phone:
  +90 312 212 6730, Fax: +90 312 2124684, TIx : 44659 Ga-tr.
  
  Underwater Diving
  Diving for purposes of sport, with proper equipment and in non-restricted areas, is permitted. Foreign divers should have official documentation of their specifics and training and must be accompanied, when diving, by a licensed Turkish guide.
  
  The limit for diving with diving gear is 30 meters. For educational purposes, this limit is extended to 42 meters. Dives exceeding 30 meters must be carried out with proper diving and medical equipment. In order to protect Turkish archaeological and cultural values. It is strictly forbidden to transport Turkish antiquities or natural specimens.

• Postal System

  Turkish post-offices are easily recognized by their black PTT letters on a yellow background. Major post offices are open from 8:00 a.m. till 12:00 p.m., Monday/Saturday, and 9:00 a.m. till 7:00 p.m., Sunday. Small post-offices have the same hours as the government offices.
  
  Postal charges vary for different services depending on destination. Post restante letters should be addressed “postrestant” to the central post-office Merkez Postanesi, in the town of your choice. You have to show your identification card to collect your letters.
  
  All PTT branches have the facilities to exchange money at the current international exchange rates, as well as international postal orders and travelers’ cheques. There is also an express postal service (APS) operating to 90 countries for letters , documents and small packages. A wide variety of special stamps are available in all PTT centers for philatelists.
  
  To phone from PTT telephone booths, which are extensively found in all areas; telephone cards , and tokens (“;jeton”) in three sizes are used. Local, inter-city and international calls can be made from all PTT offices. Besides these main offices there are also mobile PTT services in the touristic areas. For the area codes of major cities and touristic areas in Turkey, please see the “Area Codes” list. Foreign countries area codes are indicated in the International Telephone Codes list.
  
  Some important service numbers are;
  - 155 Police
  - 112 Emergency
  - 110 Fire
  - 118 Unknown Numbers
  - 161 PTT Information.

• Working Hours

  Government Offices
  Monday-Friday (8:30-12:30), (13:30-17:30)
  Saturday-Sunday (closed)
  
  Banks
  Monday-Friday (8:30-12-00), (13:30-17:00)
  Saturday-Sunday (closed)
  
  Shops
  Monday-Saturday (9:30-13:00), (14:00-19:00)
  Sunday (closed)
  
  Istanbul Covered Market:
  Monday-Saturday (8:00-19:00)
  Sunday (closed)
  
  During summer months, the government offices and many other establishments in the Aegean and Mediterranean Regions are closed in the afternoon. These fixed summer hours are determined by the governing bodies of the provinces.

• Other Practical Information

  Local time: GMT+3 hours (April-September) GMT+2 hours (October-March)
  
  Time Differences:
  Argentina -5, France -1, Netherlands -1, Australia +8, Germany -1, Saudi Arabia+1, Austria -1, Greece 0, Sweden -1, Egypt 0, Italy -1, Switzerland -1, England -2, Japan +7, Spain -1, USA -7 (EST) -10 (WEST)
  
  *These time differences are for the period October-March; however, they may show variances according to each country’s own time-saving adjustments.
  
  Petrol: Super (premium) – Unleaded (at some places). Normal (regular) – Diesel.
  
  Electricity: 220 volts AC/50 Hz. all over Turkey. (Industrial:380 V) Plug: European round/ 2-prong plug.
  
  Water: Although tap water is safe to drink since it is chlorinated, it is recommended to get advice from the conceded authorities of the places resided.
  
  Weights and Measures:
  1 inch = 2.54 centimeters , 1 centimeter = 0.3937 inches
  1 yard = 0,9144 meters, 1 meter = 1.0936 yards
  1 mile = 1,6093 kilometers, 1 kilometer = 0.6214 miles
  1 pound = 0,4536 kilograms, 1 kilogram = 2.2046 pounds
  Area: 1 acres = 0,4047 Hectares, 1 hectare = 2.471 acres
  
  Capacity:
  1 UK gallon = 4.546 liters, 1 liter = 0.2199 UK gallons
  1 US gallon = 3.7831 liters, 1 liter = 0.2643 US gallons
  
  Newspapers and Magazines:
  Foreign newspapers and magazines are available in big cities and tourist areas. Also there is a Turkish daily newspaper, Daily News, published in English.
  
  Tipping:
  At various establishments like hotels, restaurants, Turkish baths, barbers and hairdressers, tipping at a rate of 5%-15% of the total is common. Taxi and “dolmus” drivers on the other hand, do not expect tips or even rounded fares.
  
  Visiting a mosque:
  Five times a day, the “müezzin” calls the faithful to prayer in the mosque. Before entering a mosque, Muslims wash themselves and remove their shoes. Foreign visitors should also remove their shoes and show the respect they would any other house of worship and avoid visiting the mosque during prayer time. Women should cover their heads and arms, and not wear miniskirts. Men should not wear shorts. (In certain famous mosques, overalls are provided for those not suitably dressed.)

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