Visit Anatolia

USEFUL NUMBERS IN TURKEY

US Consulate in Istanbul 0 212.251 3602

US Embassy in Ankara    0 312 126.5470

312.263.1295 212.949.0160

TURKISH CONSULATES

Washington DC       202.659.0742
Houston                     713.622.5848
Los Angeles              213.637.0110
Chicago                     312.263.1295
New York                   212.949.0160

VISAS, PASSPORTS AND IMMUNIZATIONS

U.S citizens are required to obtain a visa to enter. Visa’s can be obtained from a Turkish Consulate in the U.S. or with cash at the point of entry into Turkey. All passports must be valid tor at least 6 months at the time of entry. No immunizations are required,

ACCOMMODATIONS

Alexander and Troy only uses first class and deluxe accommodations, so you are always ensured the best available hotel. Please keep in mind, first-class by Turkish standards may not meet the same criteria by American standards.

TIPPING

Is strictly left up to the traveler’s discretion. However, many travelers enjoy rewarding good service with approximately $3 per person, per day for the driver and $5 per person, per day for the guide.

HISTORY

The “rose tipped Fingers of dawn” have been lazily stretching across the horizon for a long time before Homer described this rising of the sun. Turkey’s history dates as far back as the Bronze Age. Civilizations long forgotten such as the Hittites, Iranians. Phrygians’ and Lucian’s all left remnants of their stays. In succession, three of the world’s greatest empires the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman all made their home in Turkey. The modem republic of Turkey rose on the heels of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk with the fall of the Ottoman Empire in 1923.

TURKISH RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS

Sep. 20, 2009 - Sep 23. 2009 Ramadan - a month of fasting for the devout.

Nov  26  2009 - Dec 01 2009 Kurban Bayrami - Feast where lambs are distributed to the poor.

CLOTHING

Cool, comfortable clothing and shoes are essential to sightseeing, but make certain you have a lightweight jacket or sweater for those chilly evenings on the Bosphorus. Dinners are generally informal, although some like to dress formally.

ELECTRICITY

Turkey operates on 220 volt electricity with round-prong, European-style plugs. You may wish to bring an adapter with you.

TIME ZONE

Turkey is 7 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Ground transportation is provided in accordance with the itinerary by non-smoking private car. Van, mini bus, midi bus or motor coach depending on the size of the group.

GUIDES

The only way to get the true flavor of a city is to see it through a native’s eyes. We only hire professional. Local, English-speaking guides who work exclusively for  Alexander and Troy  Articulate, well-educated and justly proud of Turkey, our guides are eager to share their enthusiasm and knowledge with you.

ECONOMY

Agriculture plays a major role in Turkey’s economy. Not only is Turkey self-sufficient, it also produces enough surpluses for export to the rest of the world. Tourism however is playing an increasing role with European and American travelers contributing to the economy.

CURRENCY

The currency in Turkey is the lira. Rates of exchange vary daily and are conveniently posted. U.S. dollars, traveler’s checks and major credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas. There is no limit on the amount of American currency brought into the country, although ATM systems such as Plus, Cirrus and NYCE are available in major cities.

GOVERNMENT

Turkey is a republic based on a secular, democratic parliamentary system. The Prime Minister heads the Council of Ministers and governs the nation along with the Grand National Assembly which is elected by popular vote. The voting age in Turkey is 18.

CLIMATE

The climate varies according to the region. The Marmara, Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have hot summers (high 80s) and mild winters (low 50s). However, thanks to Turkey’s lack of humidity, and the perpetual breezes on the coast, it’s not an oppressive heat. The Black Sea has warm summers (low 70s) and mild winters (low 40s) with high rainfall. Central Anatolia is hot and dry in the summers (low 80s) and cold in the winters (low 30s). The cooler regions do get snow in the winter.

AVERAGE DAYTIME TEMPERATURES FOR TURKEY      (Fahrenheit)

PUBLIC HOURS

Banks are open Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 12:30pm and 1:30pm to 5:00pm. Museums are generally closed on Mondays. Exceptions are Topkapi Palace and Kariye Museum which are closed on Tuesday and Dolmabahce Palace which is closed on Thursday Offices, banks, stores and the Grand Bazaar are closed during national and religious holidays, Grand Bazaar is also closed on Sundays.

TURKISH CUISINE

“Cok Guzel - delicious. Fresh fruits and vegetables, savory lamb and feta cheese, hot pita, syrupy deserts and the strongest, sweetest coffee you’ll ever be lucky enough to drink are just a few of the culinary sensations that await you.

RELIGION

Turkey is a secular nation with freedom to worship as you please. The majority of the population is Muslim; however there are small communities of Jews and Christians. as well.