Itinerary

-Pick up from Cappadocia Hotel or Nevşehir/Kayseri Airport -Red/Rose Valley -Soganli Valley -Soganlı Village -Pigeon Valley -Kaymaklı Underground City -Ortahisar Castle -End of the tour drive back to Airport or Cappadocia Hotels

• Starting Points: Turkey/Nevsehir: Cappadocia
• Route 1 Red Valley/Rose Valley: will take about 2 hours
  will take about 2 hours

  Our first destination in the morning will be the captivating Red Valley and Rose Valley, which are conveniently located next to each other, allowing us to explore them together. These valleys derive their names from the distinctive reddish hue of the rocks, which undergoes a captivating transformation throughout the day as it interacts with the sunlight.

  Red Valley, renowned as one of the most remarkable valleys in Cappadocia, boasts a mesmerizing array of rock formations in various colors. As we embark on a leisurely walk along the valley, you will have the opportunity to witness these unique geological wonders firsthand. Moreover, keep your eyes peeled for the hidden gem of rock-cut churches nestled within the valley, including the magnificent Hacli Church and Ayvali Church. The interior of these churches is nothing short of awe-inspiring, with intricate details and beautiful frescoes that showcase the rich historical and cultural heritage of the region.

  As you wander through the valley, you will be enchanted by the harmonious blend of orchards, vineyards, and the whimsical fairy chimneys that grace the landscape. The picturesque scenery creates a dream-like ambiance, immersing you in a truly captivating experience.

  So get ready to embrace the beauty of Red Valley and Rose Valley, where nature's artistry and human craftsmanship intertwine to create a landscape that is nothing short of magical.

  

• Route 2 Soganli Valley & Soganli Village: will take about 3 hours
  will take about 3 hours

  After our visit to Red Valley/Rose Valley, our journey will take us to the extraordinary and truly marvelous Soganli Valley. This hidden gem is not typically included in the regular Cappadocia tours, but we want to take you off the beaten path and showcase the lesser-known wonders of the region. Soganli Valley boasts a wealth of historical and natural treasures, along with breathtaking landscapes that will leave you in awe.

  Within the valley, you will discover a plethora of ancient monasteries and cave-style churches, each contributing to the rich tapestry of Cappadocia's heritage. Among these remarkable structures, two standout highlights are Kubbeli Kilise (Church with a Dome) and Sakli Kilise (Hidden Church). These architectural marvels showcase intricate details and reflect the spiritual significance of the area.

  As you explore the valley, you will notice numerous pigeon-style houses that were meticulously carved into the caves by the monks. These houses were ingeniously designed to attract pigeons, as their droppings served as an excellent natural fertilizer for the vineyards used in winemaking—a testament to the resourcefulness of the monks in utilizing the natural environment.

  Continuing our journey from Soganli Valley, we will walk towards Soganli Village—a place that feels like a step back in time, preserving the traditions of the past while existing in the present. This charming village has remained untouched by tourism and provides an authentic glimpse into the daily lives of its inhabitants. The people of Soganli have lived in cave dwellings, carrying on the same way of life as their ancestors for generations.

  During the 1960s, Soganli Village gained recognition for the creation of Soganli dolls. It is said that the first Soganli doll was made for a village child, but its uniqueness caught the attention of a tourist who expressed a desire to purchase it. This sparked the local women's initiative to produce these dolls, providing them with a means of livelihood. Don't miss the opportunity to take home a Soganli doll as a unique memento of your visit.

  Soganli Valley and Village offer a truly authentic and captivating experience, allowing you to immerse yourself in the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Cappadocia off the traditional tourist path.

   

  

• Route 3 Pigeon Valley: will take about 30 minutes
  will take about 30 minutes

  After our exploration of the fascinating village of Cavusin, our tour will continue to the awe-inspiring Pigeon Valley, renowned for its remarkable rock formations. Stretching across a vast expanse, Pigeon Valley holds the distinction of being one of the longest valleys in the region, offering an unforgettable sight.

  The valley derives its name from the thousands of pigeon-style houses that have been intricately carved into the soft rocks since ancient times. As you behold the valley, your eyes will be amazed by the sheer number of these houses, creating a unique and captivating landscape. These houses served as shelters for pigeons, which would migrate to the area. The pigeons were not only a source of fascination but also provided valuable resources for the local farmers. Their droppings acted as a natural fertilizer, enhancing the fertility of the land and aiding in agricultural practices.

  As you stroll through Pigeon Valley, take in the breathtaking vistas and marvel at the ingenuity of the ancient inhabitants who carved these houses into the rocks. The valley's natural beauty combined with the historical significance of the pigeon houses creates a truly remarkable experience.

  Immerse yourself in the enchanting ambiance of Pigeon Valley, where nature's wonders and human craftsmanship intertwine in a harmonious blend.

   

  

  

• Route 4 Kaymakli Underground City & Ortahisar Castle: will take about 1-2 hours
  will take about 1-2 hours

  To conclude your tour in Cappadocia, we will visit two fascinating destinations: Kaymakli Underground City and Ortahisar Castle. Our first stop will be at Kaymakli Underground City, which is one of the 36 underground cities in Cappadocia. Remarkably, Kaymakli is the widest underground city, while Derinkuyu holds the title for being the deepest.

  Kaymakli Underground City was constructed beneath the hill known as the Citadel of Kaymakli. Initially, it was not open to the public until 1964. The residents of Kaymakli village built their houses and approximately 100 tunnels underground. Even today, some inhabitants utilize these tunnels as cellars or storage areas accessible through their courtyards or gardens.

  Descending eight levels into the underground city, visitors can explore four of these levels. The passages are narrow and low, adding a sense of intrigue and perhaps a touch of creepiness. It is astounding to imagine that at its peak, this city housed around 3,500 people.

  After immersing yourself in the depths of Kaymakli Underground City, it is time to proceed to your final destination for the day, Ortahisar Castle. The name Ortahisar translates to "Middle Castle," and this location is renowned for its friendly locals, picturesque stone houses, and enchanting narrow pathways adorned with magnificent churches. The castle itself stands impressively at a height of up to 90 meters and serves as a prominent landmark of the area.

  With its honeycomb-like caves and winding tunnels, Ortahisar Castle blends harmoniously with the natural surroundings. From the top, you can marvel at the vast expanse of fairy chimneys below and catch a glimpse of the snow-capped peak of Mount Erciyes. Take some free time to explore the castle grounds, find a peaceful spot to soak in the breathtaking views, and reflect on the wonders of Cappadocia.

  As the tour comes to an end, we will return to the bus and make our way back to your designated drop-off points. We hope your time with us has been everything you desired and more, leaving you with cherished memories. We look forward to welcoming you again on our future package tours or daily excursions!

  

  

• End Points: Turkey/Nevsehir: Cappadocia

Informations

• What's Included

  • Private Professional Licenced Tour Guide
  • Private Deluxe A/C VIP Vehicle
  • Parking Fees
  • Local Taxes
  • Pick up from your hotel or meeting point
  • Drop off to your hotel or meeting point
  

• What's Excluded

  • Entrance Fees
  • Gratuities to the guide and driver
  • Lunch & Drink
  • Personal expenses
  

• Travel Tips

  • We recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and comfortable walking shoes.
  • The clothes you bring with you should be according to the season of your trip. Shorts, t-shirts can be worn. There is no obligation to cover your head or shoulders In Turkey.
  • For the Churches or mosques, a visit to these places require a respect. So proper dressing into such places is advised.
  • You can get bottles of soft drinks, it can be scorching hot during the day.
  • Hat, sunscreen and umbrella for the rainy or sunny days, especially days can be hot in Archaeological sites.
  • Good quality sunglasses are advised and photo-chromatic lenses for those who wear spectacles.
  • Cameras (but tripods are not allowed in Turkish Museums and sites).
  

• Note

  • The wheelchair is accessible, therefore just request from us when you are booking your trip.
  • You may pay the entrance fees by credit card or Turkish Liras. (The Museums charging only Turkish Liras and Credit cards.)
  • This tour involves over a mile of walking on uneven, cobblestone surfaces.
  • Restrooms are available at the entrance and the exit of Archaeological Sites.
  • The tour document with details and confirmations will be e-mailed after your prebooking.
  • This Tour is available all year round.
  • Daily, a Private small group tour of Turkey.
  • This tour operated with just your party and a guide/driver.
  

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?

  There will be two different tour type. Group tour and Private tour. On Private tours, you get a specific service according to confirmed plan for you/your party.

• How about the transportation?

  When you book your tour with a van, you will be picked up from hotel, be transferred to the sights and then back to hotel. Otherwise, once you meet your tour guide at your hotel, you will be advised the best option for transportation such as taxi or tram.

• How do I pay?

  After filling the Book Now form, there will be a payment button to complete your deposit payment, when you complete payment and secure the booking, we will confirm your tour details and balance payment will be in cash directly to the tour guide during the tour. You can choose to pay in USD, Euro or Turkish Lira.

• What is the language of group tours?

  Our daily regular/scheduled group tours are organized in English. But if the number of your party is more than 10 persons you can ask for a tour guide in other languages. On the other hand, Private Tours can be organized in English, Spanish, German, Arabic, Russian and more etc.

• What type of restaurants do you use?

  On group tours we use touristic restaurants which has open buffet. On private tours we use local restaurants which has a specific menu.

• How to pay for my services?

  Beside money transfer by bank we accept visa and mastercard online payments on our online secure payment webpage.

• Am I traveling with a group?

  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. On the other hand, a private tour organization is always an option.

• If I cancel my group or private tour in last minute?

  We are always tolerantly according to unexpected situations. Normally we should use cancellation policy rules but our company supports its clients as much as possible according to conditions.

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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