Best of Istanbul Tour Package

Duration: 04 Days / 03 Nights
Highlights: Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Rustem Pasha Mosque, Spice Bazaar, Golden Horn, Bosphorus Cruise, Camlica Hill, Dolmabahce Palace
Departure Dates: Everyday

Note: All Istanbul tour packages are modular and you can use these itineraries as a starting point and we can help modify this itineraries to accommodate your personal requirements and desires to find your perfect holiday.

Day 01 Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival to Istanbul Airport, you will be met by us and accompanied during your transfer to your hotel. You have the afternoon and evening free to relax and/or check out the city.

Day 02 Istanbul City Tour (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)
We will leave hotel in the morning to visit the Sultanahmet Square and the spectacular Blue Mosque decorated with beautiful 17th century Iznik tiles. Then stroll around the historical Hippodrome where chariot races were once held. Continue with the Hagia Sophia / St. Sophia and Museum. An early Christian church, later converted to a mosque under Ottoman rule, this magnificent temple now serving as a museum with all the artefacts from the Byzantine era intact, is especially famous for its mosaics. After lunch, we will visit the Topkapi Palace Museum, the residence of the legendary Ottoman Sultans, now converted into a museum. It consists of several exhibition halls, such as the Treasury, the porcelain section, Armoury and Holy Relics. We will complete this historical day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar (Kapalicarsi) and return to the hotel for overnight.

Day 03 Bosphorus Cruise & Dolmabahce Palace Tour (Meals: Breakfast, Lunch)
We will take you to Spice Market, still in use as one of the world’s largest spice bazaars since 1665. Next, we will board the ferries across the Bosphorus which will take us to both European and Asian sides of the city. This beautiful voyage will take you along the shores of Bosphorus and you will see the Rumeli Fortress from the 15th century as well as the seaside summer palaces and unique wooden houses of the area, as well as the natural beauty of the forests above. The last stop on the cruise is the fishing village of Sariyer, close to the Black Sea. From there on we will drive you by coach via the world’s only Intercontinental Bridge Bosphorus Bridge to take you to Camlica Hill on the Asian side. Camlica is the highest tip in Istanbul where you will enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul. We will visit the Dolmabahce Palace, the residence of the royal Ottoman family with original furniture and magnificent gardens. After the tour, you will be transferred your hotel.

Day 04 Departure transfer (Meal: Breakfast)
Option to extend package with additional night(s) in Istanbul or transfer directly on to Istanbul Airport for return international flight

What's Included:
* Hotel accommodations in choice of preferred class
* Professional Guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
* Noted sightseeing tours on regular group or private guided basis
* Main entrance fees to sights mentioned by the itinerary
* Meals mentioned by the itinerary - Vegeterian meals available
* Required land & or internal flight transportation
* All roundtrip airport transfers with A/C minivans
* Local taxes & handling services
* All tours & travel packages are insuranced by TURSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies)

EVENTS & FESTIVALS

Festivals and Events

More than 100 festivals take place in Turkey every year. Along with the local festivals organised in almost every city of the country, international culture and art festivals are also held in major cities such as Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya. Istanbul is the most important centre of international culture and art festivals and sponsored festivals.

Edirne Oil Wrestling Championships Istanbul Music Festival

The organises the International Istanbul Film Festival every April, theInternational Istanbul Theatre Festival every May, the International Istanbul Music Festival every June and July, the International Istanbul Jazz Festival every July and the International Biennial once every two years. Within the framework of these festivals, hundreds of renowned performing artists and musicians from all over the world gather in Istanbul, adding further colour and cultural lustre to a city which is famous for its historical and cultural richness.

In the summer months, a number of annual music festivals are sponsored by some prominent Turkish corporations. The Pamukbank Dance Days, which brings world-famous dance groups to Istanbul, the Efes Pilsen Blues Festival which has been going strong for over ten years and hosts well-known groups, the Akbank International Jazz Festival, during which Turkish musicians and the jazz masters of the world meet, the Yapi Kredi Art Festival, which has the characteristics of "one-year-festival", with its activities from Rock and Roll and pop to classic music and jazz spread throughout the year, and the Fujifilm World Music Days are the most important of these music festivals.

In the capital city, Ankara, the International Ankara Music Festival is held every year in April-May by Sevda Cenap And Foundation. The Festival, which is a member of the European Festivals Union and of which the 16th was held in 1999, has hosted over 8000 famous artists up until today. Moreover, the Turkish Choruses Festivity, which is run by the Polyphonic Choruses Association established with the objective of spreading polyphonic music in the country, brings together thousands of music lovers, with its increasing number of invited choruses and listener capacity every year.

The International Izmir Festival held annually is organised by the Izmir Culture, Art and Education Foundation. The 16th year of the festival was celebrated in the year 2000, which was held in historical places such as the Amphitheatre at Ephesus, the Celcius Library and the House of the Virgin Mary and, as it is the case every year, world-famous artists and groups in the branches of orchestra concerts, chamber music, ballet, theatre, jazz and pop participated in the event. Additionally, the 7th Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival, which attracts about 80,000 people every year, was held in the year 2000.

The Bilkent International Anatolia Music Festival, which is one of the most important organisations calling from Turkey to the world, for friendship and peace through the language of music, carries the magical rhythm of the classical music to various regions of Anatolia throughout a month every year. This festival was the first of its kind among international festivals in its mobile capacity and it celebrate its 6th year in 1999.

The oldest film festival in Turkey is the Antalya Film Festival. This festival which celebrated its 40th year in 2000, is sometimes referred to as "the Oscars of the Turkish film industry". The International Ankara Film Festival and the Adana Altin Koza Film Festival are two other important film festivals which attract the cinema-lovers of Turkey. Film weeks are also held in many other cities.

Other prominent festivals inclue the Edirne Oil Wrestling Championships typically held in June, theMevlana Commemoration (Whirling Dervish) Festival in Konya which takes place in December and the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival (June/July).

Mevlana Commemoration Aspendos Festival

Among the other annual festivals of Turkey are the Traditional Mesir Festival in Manisa, the International Music and Folklore Festival in Adana, the Cesme Music Festival in Cesme, the Ceramic Festival in Kutahya, the Hittite Festival in Corum, the GAP Culture and Art Festival in Gaziantep and the Kemer Carnival in Kemer.

Secular Holidays :

April

The Mesir Macunu (Power Gum) Festival in Manisa commemorates the curative power of a honeyed, many-spiced (41) elixir that restored the health of Ottoman Sultan Suleyman's mother over 400 years ago. (The number 41 holds a mystical significance to the Turks; the successful completion of certain events is commonly marked by saying a special phrase 41 times.) When cured, the Sultan's mother insisted that citizens of Manisa be given this concoction at her expense. Today's festival includes actors in period costumes staging its production. Bottles of the elixir are for sale, and the suggested dosage is 3 spoonfuls a day to eliminate most ailments.

June

Strawberry Festival in Bartin to celebrate the harvesting of the strawberry crop. International Wine Festival in Urgup, the center of a successful wine producing region. Several small wineries in Cappadocia hold this wine tasting event.

July

Apricot Festival in Malatya, Turkey's apricot capital, to celebrate the harvesting of the crop.

August

Mengen (Bolu) Chef's Festival. Turkish chefs regale local and foreign travel writers and the press with samples of Turkish gastronomical delights.

September

Watermelon Festival in Diyarbakir with prizes going to the biggest.

Principal Turkish International Culture & Art Festivals

DATE	PLACE	NAME
1/7 April	Manisa	Traditional Manisa Mesir Festival
17 April / 2 May	Istanbul	International Istanbul Film Festival
23 April	Ankara	International 23 April Child Festivity
26 April / 9 May	Ankara	International Ankara Film Festival
27 April / 20 May	Ankara	International Ankara Music Festival
6 / 10 May	Eskisehir	Yunus Emre Culture and Art Week
7 / 11 May	Ankara	International Ankara Cartoon Festival
20-26 Jun	Edirne- Kirkpinar	Traditional Kirkpinar Oil-Wrestling Festivities
30 May / 2 June	Istanbul	International Istanbul Theatre Festival
06 June / 19 july	Antalya	Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival
6 June / 2 July	Istanbul	International Istanbul Music Festival
12 June / 12 July	Bursa	International Bursa Festival
15 / 25 June	Ankara	Bilkent International Theatre Meeting
15 June / 15 July	Izmir	International Izmir Festival
22 / 27 June	Adiyaman	International Commagene Festival
28 June / 3 July	Izmir	Alacati International Child and Youth Theatres Festival
5 / 10 July	Konya	Nasrettin Hodja Festivities
7 / 18 July	Istanbul	International Istanbul Jazz Festival
20 / 25 July	Izmir	Cesme Sea Festivity and International Song Contest
14 August	Ankara	Bilkent International Anatolia Music Festival
16 / 18 August	Nevsehir	International Haci Bektas Veli Memorial Celebrations
4 / 12 September	Izmir	Izmir Fair International Folk Dances Festival
17 Sep / 8 Nov	Istanbul	International Istanbul Biennial
2 / 3 October	Sanliurfa	International Ataturk Dam Water Sports Feast
3 / 5 October	Alanya	Alanya International Culture and Art Festival
14 / 26 October	Sanliurfa	Sanliurfa International Culture and Art Week
3 / 7 December	Antalya	Demre International St. Nicholas Memorial Celebrations
10 / 17 December	Konya	Mevlana Memorial Celebrations

Turkey Festival Links Turkey Property | Festivals in Turkey
Well over 100 festivals take place in Turkey each year and at times it is challenging to keep abreast with all the events that are regularly staged around the Mediterranean country. From opera to oil wrestling there is never a shortage of occasions for overseas visitors and Turkey property owners to attend.

Istanbul is undoubtedly the epicentre of festivals in Turkey. The Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation plays a big part in organising a series of major dates in Turkey's festival calendar. Istanbul Film Festival, International Istanbul Theatre Festival, International Istanbul Music Festival and International Istanbul Jazz Festival, all draw a big international crowd.

Of all the mainstream shows in Istanbul, the Film Festival gains the most international recognition and attracts Oscar nominees from over the Atlantic. However, it would be wrong to view Istanbul as Turkey's largest city.

Konya, in south central Turkey, plays host to the Mevlana Week and Whirling Dervish Ceremonies every December. The notable Turkish philosopher and poet Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi is commemorated during ten days of festivities (December 7th to 17th) and his life is celebrated with dance.

As the founder of the Whirling Dervishes order he advocated showing tolerance to people of all faiths. Today, the Mevlana Museum in Konya attracts in the region of 10,000 visitors a year and features the Mesnevi compendium and a collection of lyrical poems by Mevlana. The exhibition was opened by the founder of the Turkish Republic, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk in 1951.

The magic of the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival owes much to the setting itself - the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheatre can seat between 4,000 to 6,000 spectators and is beautifully illuminated during night-time events. Research conducted by the Independent placed the occasion as the fifth-best opera festival in the world. Some 70 per cent of attendees are international tourists.

Although Turkish wine is too often overlooked, regulars at the International Wine Festival in Urgup, Cappadocia, will be familiar with the produce of several small-scale vineyards. Those who have not discovered the delectable varieties produced in the region may be pleasantly surprised. The local wineries stage the showcase every year in October and holidays to the area can be combined with a trip to the see the unique 'cave cities' that characterise the region.

The range of Turkey's festivals is such that once visitors have had their share of high-brow culture there are always more light-hearted spectacles to keep the entertainment in full flow.

Oil wrestling anyone? To many the idea may sound like a joke, but to the competitors and fans at the 600-year-old Erdine Oil Wrestling festival, this big tournament at the start of June is the FA Cup final of a sport steeped in history.

The wrestlers wear 13 kilogram leather trousers and smother themselves in olive oil in preparation to grapple. Overall winners receive a $100,000 cheque (£50,000) and those skilled enough to be declared champion of Turkey three times in a row are handed a 14 carat gold belt.

It is only possible to scrape the surface of Turkey's multitude of festivals during a standard stay in the country. However, holidaymakers should not be discouraged from planning their trip around one of the many events which pack the Turkish calendar. Turkey property owners have the chance to enjoy these festivals when visiting their property in Turkey. 8 festival link(s) returned for Turkey

Elegant Turkey Tour

Duration: 10 Days / 09 Nights
Highlights: Istanbul, Bosphorus, Pergamum, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Ephesus, Cappadocia
Run: Everyday (by flights)
Note: All Turkey tour packages are modular and you can use these itineraries as a starting point and we can help modify this itineraries to accommodate your personal requirements and desires to find your perfect holiday.

DAY 01 : Arrival in Istanbul
On your arrival, you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel with the remainder of day at your leisure to explore city or relax before your tour commences.

DAY 02 : Historical Istanbul Sightseeing Tour
The Historical Istanbul sightseeing tour today includes a visit to the ancient Hippodrome (the Egyptian Obelisk, Serpentine Column, Fountain of Wilhelm II), The Blue Mosque which is famous for its blue Iznik tiles, The Hagia Sophia Museum built in 537 AD, and The Grand Bazaar, where you will be able to shop by bargaining with local merchants over remarkable antiques, colorful spices, stunning jewelry and richly textured fabrics. Then Topkapi Palace, the home of the Ottoman Sultans and their families for over 400 years, a city within a city with 3000 residents. Your final stop for the day will be the Rustem Pasha Mosque which is famous for its exquisite Iznik tiles.

DAY 03 : Bosphorus Cruise Tour
Start the tour today with a drive to Golden Horn, along the way see traces of local history, view Fener Orthodox Patriarchate, Metal Church of St Stephen the Bulgarian, Ahrida Synagouge, Eyup Sultan Mosque and see the 21km long City Walls of Istanbul. You will visit the Egyptian Market (Spice Bazaar), then board the ferry which has become one of the icons of Istanbul. Alongside million dollar mansions we will see the two bridges linking Europe and Asia by road, as well as the seaside summer palaces and unique wooden houses not to mention the natural beauty of the forests above. Your afternoon will be free to discover Istanbul.

DAY 04 : Flight to Izmir / Pergamum Tour
After check-out you travel on a one hour flight to Izmir. Upon arrival you will be met and driven to the Ancient Greek city of Pergamum which was built on the top of a cone-shaped Acropolis, rising over a thousand feet above the surrounding valley. You will be escorted to The Sanctuary of Trajan, Sanctuary of Athena, Library, Royal palaces, Temple of Dionysus, Upper Agora, Roman baths complex and Asklepion, which was the Sanctuary of Asclepius (also known as the Asclepieion), the god of healing. At the conclusion of your day of sightseeing, you will be driven to the hotel for your stay in Kusadasi.

DAY 05 : Ephesus Ancient City Tour
After breakfast you will proceed to the Ancient City of Ephesus, the best preserved Greco-Roman City in the world. Here you will see the Agora, Odeon, Curetes Street, Celsius Library, famous Roman Baths, the Grand Theatre and Marble Street. After lunch, depart for the House of Virgin Mary where she is said to have spent the remainder of her days. The tour also includes a visit to the remains of Artemis Temple, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Your accommadation will be at Kusadasi.

DAY 06 : Aphrodisias & Pamukkale Tour
Early in the morning you will depart from your hotel and travel to Aphrodisias, city of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of Love. After the guided tour of Aphrodisias, your next stop will be the Hierapolis Ancient City, which houses Pamukkale ‘’Cotton Castle’’. This natural phenomenon leaves thick white layers of limestone and travertine cascading down the mountain slope, which resemble a frozen waterfall. There will be free time to walk on the terraces (where allowed), after which you will be transferred to Denizli Airport for the flight to Cappadocia connected via Istanbul.

DAY 07 : North Cappadocia Tour with Goreme Museum
Today you will visit Devrent Valley which is situated between Avanos, Zelve and Urgup. From here to you will travel to Pasabaglari Valley, formerly known as the "Monks' Valley" (Rahipler Vadisi). You will visit Goreme Open Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and view the ancient rock-hewn churches sculpted in the hillsides almost a thousand years ago. After lunch, continue on to the small town of Urgup, which has many carved dwellings that are still inhabited. Then you join a Discovery Series “Art of Pottery in Asia Minor” event this afternoon, offering you the opportunity to visit a cave pottery atelier. Your first day sightseeing of Cappadocia will end with visits to Uchisar and Piegon Valley.

DAY 08 : South Cappadocia Tour with Ihlara Canyon
Check-out of your hotel and start another full day tour visiting the famous Derinkuyu Underground City. Afterwards, a short hike through the green Ihlara Valley alongside the stream, stopping at some of the churches along the way. A stop in Belisirma for lunch and then on to Selime for a panoramic view of the Ihlara Canyon. A stop at the Agzikarahan Caravansarai is also included.

DAY 09 : Flight to Istanbul / Free Day in Istanbul
Today you will take the flight back to Istanbul, with the remainder of day at your leisure to take advantage of last minute shopping or relax with a Hamam ‘’Turkish Bath’’.

Day 10 : Transfer to Istanbul International Airport
After you have checked-out from your hotel, we will arrange for the transfer to Istanbul International Airport for your return or onward flight.

What's Included:
* Hotel accommodations in choice of preferred class
* Professional Guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
* Noted sightseeing tours on regular group or private guided basis
* Main entrance fees to sights mentioned by the itinerary
* Meals mentioned by the itinerary - Vegeterian meals available
* Required land & or internal flight transportation
* All roundtrip airport transfers with A/C minivans
* Local taxes & handling services
* All tours & travel packages are insuranced by TURSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies)

Western Turkey Relics

Duration: 06 Days / 05 Nights
Highlights: Istanbul, Pergamum, Aphrodisias, Pamukkale, Hierapolis, Didyma, Miletos, Priene, Ephesus
Run: Everyday
Note: All Turkey tour packages are modular and you can use these itineraries as a starting point and we can help modify this itineraries to accommodate your personal requirements and desires to find your perfect holiday.

DAY 01 Arrival to Istanbul
Arrival in Istanbul. Meet and transfer to hotel. Remainder of day will be at your leisure to explore city on your own or relax. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 02 Historical Istanbul Tour
After breakfast, set off for sightseeing in Istanbul. Hippodrome, the scene of Byzantine chariot races, athletic events, victory celebrations, and political activities of the old city where one can also see today the Obelisk from Egypt, Serpentine Column from Delphi, the Fountain of Wilhelm II and the Colossus; After then we will proceed to Blue Mosque, facing St.Sophia, famous with its more than 20.000 blue Iznik tiles and unique with its 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet in the 17th century; day will continue with St.Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed as a basilica in 536 by Emperor Justinian; Before lunch we will visit the Istanbul’s bustling Grand Bazaar, exploring a labyrinth of streets and passages housing more than 4,000 shops. After lunch proceed to Topkapi Palace, built in 1468 by Mehmet the Conqueror, the imperial residence of Ottoman sultans housing the souvenirs of 600 years. We will finish the day with a visit to the Rustem Pasha Mosque, which is famous for its exquisite Iznik tiles, set in beautiful floral and geometric designs, which cover not only the facade of the porch but also the mihrab, minbar, walls, and columns. Overnight in Istanbul.

DAY 03 Flight to Izmir /Pergamum Tour
Check-out and flight to Izmir. On arrival meeting with tour guide and drive to Pergamum. Bergama has at least three major scattered sites of architectural and archeological interest. Visit to Asklepion, ancient medical center built in the name of Aesculapis, "God of Medicine", where different healing methods like therapy with music and sound of water were first used. The Bergama Museum contains a small-scale model of the Altar of Zeus in Berlin. Lunch will be in a local restaurant. After lunch continue to Pergamum Acropolis. Visit Athena and Trojan Temples, Temple of Zeus, Temple of Dionysos, Gymnasium of Youth, Odeon, Library, Agora, Great Theatre and Roman Bath. Overnight in Kusadasi.

DAY 04 Aphrodisias and Pamukkale Tour
After breakfast, we will begin our journey to Aphrodisias. Aphrodisias was dedicated who was worshipped as the city's patron as it testified by the remains of a temple dedicated to her in the first century B.C. It was a refined city of culture, popular with artists, writers and philosophers such as Alexander of Aphrodisias, an authoritative commentator on Aristotle or Chariton, who wrote erotic novels. After lunch we will proceed inland to Pamukkale to enjoy the spas, pools, and terraces of this natural wonder, called the "Cotton Castle". This name is truly fitting, the brilliant white calcified terraces do truly resemble a Castle made of Cotton. We also spend time in Hieropolis, with the one of the largest and most diverse necropolis in the world. Overnight in Kusadasi.

DAY 05 Ephesus Ancient City Tour / Flight to Istanbul
After breakfast at hotel, we will start a full day tour of Ephesus Region. First, visit the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. Then proceed to the Ancient City of Ephesus, the best-preserved and most extensive classical Roman city in Asia. Here you will explore some of the best preserved theatres, fountains and buildings in the world. A definite must while in Turkey. After lunch we will continue the day with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary on top of Moutain. A pilgrimage site for many people of all denominations. We will finish the day with a visit to The Basilica of St. John, which was a great church in Ephesus constructed by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century. It stands over the believed burial site of St. John, who is identified as the apostle, evangelist (author of the Fourth Gospel) and prophet (author of Revelation). After the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport to take the flight back to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 06 Transfer to Istanbul International Airport
Breakfast at hotel, check-out and transfer to Istanbul International Airport, depending to your departure details.

What's Included:

Turkish Language Guide

Learn some Turkish when you travel to Turkey and your trip will be much better. Luckily, simple Turkish is fairly easy to learn because Turkish is a logical, phonetic language.

All students in Turkish schools study English, and some even learn it. French, German and Arabic are also taught (and sometimes learned).

In tourist areas, local tourism personnel may study Greek, Finnish, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish—whatever language a significant number of visitors may speak. But you'll get the most out of your trip if you know a bit of Turkish, too.

1. Turkish Language Learning Aids
iTRAVL NTL Talking 2-Way Language Communicator, Ectaco Turkish Language Teachers, Kwikpoint cards and more...

2. The 100 Most Useful Turkish Words for Travelers
From Hello to December, here they are. Remember: Anyone can learn 100 words™.

3. Turkish Cardinal and Ordinal Numbers
From 1 to a trillion, to go with your 100 Most Useful Words.

4. Your Country's Name in Turkish
You gotta be able to tell Turks where you're from.

5. Turkish Pronunciation Guide
Most letters are pronounced as in English, but a few are very odd indeed. Here's how to make the sounds.

6. Turkish Grammar: the Basics
These basic rules won't make you form perfect sentences, but you'll get some idea of what's going on. It's pretty interesting (if you like grammar).

7. Turkish Vowel Harmony: Music to Your Ears?
It's odd, but fairly easy once you get the hang of it.

If you plan to stay in Turkey awhile, consider teaching English to Turks in order to pay the bills.

Antalya Hotels
With the travel comparison site, you can find great deals on Antalya hotels.

Travel Costs & Prices in Turkey

In general, travel costs in Turkey are highest in Istanbul and at Turkish beach resorts in July and August; lowest in the small towns of eastern Turkey, and off-season (November through March; see my Turkish Almanac.)

Here are current Turkish Lira exchange rates. Note that new Turkish Lira bills/notes were introduced in 2009.

The daily travel cost estimates below are per-person, per day, for two people traveling together (that is, sharing a hotel room) and include lodging, three meals, and some transportation. (If you're traveling alone, expect to spend 35% more.)

First, check the rate of exchange for your currency and the Turkish Lira.


Rock Bottom: TL40 to TL60 staying in pensions with breakfast included, eating one picnic and one restaurant meal daily, and riding buses and trains.

Budget: TL60 to TL85 staying in one- and two-star hotels with private baths and breakfast included, eating most meals in average restaurants, and traveling more comfortably by bus and train.

Moderate: TL85 to TL140 staying in three- and four-star hotels, dining in restaurants all the time, riding buses, trains, and low-fare airline flights; in a party of four, an occasional car rental.

Comfort Class: TL120 to TL200 staying in four-star hotels, dining at quite good restaurants, traveling by air, the best trains, and rental car.

Deluxe: TL200 to TL600 and up, staying at the top luxury hotels, dining regally at the best restaurants, getting around by plane, chauffeur-driven rental car and the occasional hot-air balloon flight or private yacht cruise.

The Turkish Lira is divided into 100 kurus (koo-ROOSH). More...

Note that the New Turkish Lira (YTL: Yeni Türk Lirasi), current from 2005 through 2008, have been withdrawn from circulation, and you should not accept them. Accept only the "E9" series Turkish Lira bills/notes introduced in 2009. More...

Safe Travel in Turkey

Most travelers comment on the friendliness and hospitality of the Turkish people. It really is exceptional.

Turkey is not only friendly, it's as safe as Europe and North America, although no place is completely safe. Here are some travel danger statistics to put things in perspective.

Even though Turkey is relatively safe, the only crime-free place is heaven, so here are things to watch:

STREET CRIME: it has begun to grow in the big cities (Ankara, Istanbul, Izmir), particularly in tourist areas: pickpockets and bag-snatchers. Defense is the same anywhere: wear your purse/bag strap over your chest (not just dangling from your shoulder) and hold your bag close. Details...

Mugging (robbery) and rape are rare, but they do happen, so observe the normal travel precautions. Details...

Single male travelers should beware two particular scams aimed at them: "Let's Have a Drink" and "New Traveling Companions," one of which even happens on trains.

Women travelers should be sensitive to local customs and attitudes.

TERRORISM: it's everyone's worry these days. Statistically, it is not much of a danger at all (compared to such real big-time killers as traffic accidents), but it makes headlines, so we're frightened. More...

You must answer this question to fit your personal tolerance for risk. If you believe the statistics and look at it rationally, you'll probably go. If you're going to worry about safety a lot while you're there, the worry may make your trip less pleasant, and so you probably shouldn't go.

Many governments post detailed security notices on the Internet. These are useful reading if you are concerned about safety when you travel:

- US Department of State' s Consular Information Sheet

- US Embassy in Ankara

- UK Foreign & Commowealth Office

- Canada Department of Foreign Affairs

- Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Private sources of security info include World Travel Watch and Air Security International.
HEALTH
Many people do come down with Travelers' Diarrhea ("the Sultan's Revenge"), and there are cases of more serious gastrointestinal ailments, so observe wise dining habits. The US Government Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's CDC Travelers' Health website is also useful.
HIGHWAY TRAVEL
Turkey has high vehicular accident and mortality rates. Details...
TRAIN TRAVEL
A variation of the Single Male Scam sometimes happens on trains. Details...

EARTHQUAKES
Turkey is in an active earthquake zone, and deadly temblors occur periodically, as they have for millennia. Like San Francisco, Istanbul and the Marmara region expect a major earthquake within the next three or four decades. Here are some thoughts...
INSURANCE
It's a good idea to review your coverage and decide if you're adequately insured. Here's how...
THE EVIL EYE
It's a very, very old good-luck tradition in Turkey. It can't really hurt you, especially if you're wearing a Nazar Bonjuk! ;-)