All of Turkey adheres to Eastern European Time (EET), which is Greenwich Mean Time plus 2 hours. When it is noon in New York, it is 7pm in Istanbul. Daylight saving time, when clocks are set 1 hour ahead of standard time, is in effect as Eastern European Summer Time (EEST), from 1am on the second Sunday in March to 1am on the first Sunday in November.

ISTANBUL

There are so many beautiful things to bring back with you from Turkey, so make sure you have space left in your suitcase. Very few places have formal dress codes in Turkey. Some people do dress up if they are visiting high-end restaurants and bars, but this is optional. While you will see women wearing shorts, tank tops, etc., to be respectful of local customs, you should have your shoulders and knees covered. You can easily buy a nice, long scarf in Turkey, or you can bring one from home. A good hat and comfortable walking shoes are a must as well. Have some packs of tissues, they are great to have when using public bathrooms.

US citizens do not need a visa to visit Turkey. If you are visiting from Canada, official passport holders are required to have visa to enter Turkey. Ordinary passport holders are exempted from visa up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

The tour starts in Istanbul, Turkey at 5:00PM on Saturday, May 31, 2025, so we ask that your flight arrives no later than 3:00PM on that day. You will probably be leaving North America on Friday, May 30, 2025. If you are prone to jet-lag or travel fatigue, we recommend arriving one day early. We have arranged for individual airport transfers on arrival, and you will be met by a chauffeur on your arrival in Istanbul.

This tour will end in Istanbul after breakfast on Monday, June 19, 2025, and we have arranged for individual airport transfers to Istanbul airport in accordance with your departing flight's time.

To avoid jet lag (common when crossing more than five time zones), drink plenty of nonalcoholic fluids and eat light meals. Upon arrival, get exposure to natural sunlight and readjust your schedule (for meals, sleep and so on) as soon as possible.

To avoid paying the single supplement, we offer guaranteed roommate matching, and we will try to match you with a roommate of similar age. Otherwise, there are some single rooms available on this tour, but they tend to fill up first. Please keep in mind that all shared rooms are non-smoking. There is no guaranteed roommate matching for additional pre-tour or post-tour nights at the hotel.

There are no particular health concerns associated with travel to Turkey, nor are vaccinations required. Be cautious about consuming tap water and uncooked or undercooked food, as they may harbor bacteria or viruses that your body isn't accustomed to. Stick to bottled or purified water and opt for freshly cooked meals. To minimize the risk of traveler's diarrhea, practice good hygiene, avoid street food if you're unsure of its safety, and consider bringing over-the-counter medications like anti-diarrheal drugs. Turkey can get quite sunny, especially in the summer months. Protect yourself from sunburn and heatstroke by wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, seeking shade when possible, and staying hydrated. In certain regions of Turkey, particularly during the warmer months, there may be a risk of mosquito-borne illnesses such as West Nile virus or malaria. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and consider staying indoors during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active. While Turkey has modern medical facilities in major cities, the quality of healthcare in rural areas may vary. Consider purchasing travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation in the unlikely event that it may be needed.

In major Turkish cities, you can generally drink Turkish water from the tap. However, the water is heavily chlorinated and does not taste good. Sights and Soul Travels will provide two bottles of water daily in addition to the bottled water provided by the hotels. In addition, bottled drinking water is available everywhere and is inexpensive.

There are two types of toilets in Turkey: the Western-style toilet and the Turkish "squat" toilet. Most hotels, restaurants, and other tourist area facilities will have Western-style toilets available, while you may find squat toilets in more rural or traditional areas. These toilets consist of a hole in the ground and often have footrests on either side. Users squat over the hole to use the toilet. Regardless, it is always a good idea to carry some tissue or wipes with you, as not all public restrooms provide toilet paper.

Millions of tourists visit Turkey each year without encountering significant safety issues. By staying informed, exercising caution, and being respectful of local customs and regulations, you can minimize potential risks. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft can occur, particularly in crowded tourist areas. Travelers should take precautions to safeguard their belongings, such as using a money belt or anti-theft bag, keeping valuables secure, and being aware of their surroundings.

Overall, Turkey is generally safe for female travelers, and many women visit the country without encountering significant issues. It's generally advisable for female travelers to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or more conservative areas. This typically means covering shoulders, cleavage, and knees. Use common sense and trust your instincts; avoid walking alone in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas at night. 

During the Turkey Crossroads of Culture Tour, we will travel by bus and by plane. To be able to enjoy the tour and participate in scheduled activities, you will need to be able to walk, at a leisurely pace, up to 5 miles throughout the day. You will need to be able to stand unassisted for up to 30 minutes, you will need to be able to climb stairs, get in and out of vehicles without assistance and manage your own luggage without assistance. Overall, this trip is not strenuous although it is busy. You must be prepared for some full days and early starts.

The climate in Turkey varies greatly from one season to the next, and from one part of the country to another. In June, the weather is warm and generally pleasant, with regional variations. Coastal areas along the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, such as Izmir/Kusadasi, typically enjoy sunny skies and temperatures ranging from 77°F to 86°F. Inland regions, including Cappadocia, see warm and dry, desert weather, with temperatures averaging between 68°F to 82°F. In Istanbul, the climate is mild to warm, with temperatures usually around 72°F to 81°F. June is an excellent time to visit Turkey, as the weather is ideal for both sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities.

The internet in Turkey is widely available and generally reliable, particularly in urban areas and popular tourist destinations. Major cities like Istanbul and Izmir offer extensive internet coverage, with high-speed broadband and mobile internet services provided by several major telecommunications companies such as Turk Telekom, Turkcell, and Vodafone. Public Wi-Fi is common in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and airports, though the quality and speed can vary. Mobile internet is accessible throughout the country, and visitors can easily purchase SIM cards for short-term use. Turkey operates a 4G LTE network, and 5G is gradually being rolled out in select areas, offering fast and efficient internet access for smartphones and other devices. However, it is important to note that internet usage in Turkey is subject to government regulations and censorship. Certain websites and social media platforms may be restricted or blocked, and the government has the authority to implement temporary internet shutdowns or slowdowns during times of political unrest or national security concerns. Using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can help circumvent some of these restrictions, allowing for more open and secure internet access.

The standard is 220 volts, and outlets are compatible with the round European two-prong plug. You may be able to leave your hair dryer at home, as most hotel rooms come equipped with at least a weak one. Visitors from America and Canada with electronics that need to be recharged will need an adapter, a transformer, or both, depending on the appliance

It might surprise you, but although the official language of Turkey is Turkish, there are plenty of people who speak a good level of English. 

The official currency in Turkey is the Turkish Lira (TL). You'll be able to find banks and cash points throughout Istanbul. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5:30 pm. It's always advisable to bring a mix of cash and credit cards while traveling, and you can easily withdraw money upon arrival at an airport ATM located in the arrivals terminal.

Restaurants', guides', drivers' gratuities are included in the Turkey Crossroads of Civilization tour price. At the conclusion of the tour, it is customary to offer your Tour Director a gratuity. We recommend $15 per person per day if you feel that her services enhanced your experience of visiting Australia.

Tips are expected and appreciated in Turkey- Give the bellhop 5TL per bag; leave at least an additional 10% to 15% of the restaurant bill for your waiter when dining on your own; give the attendant in the Turkish bath 5TL before the rubdown.  It is not customary in Turkey to tip the taxi driver. 

Rugs are perhaps the best-known product in Turkey. In Istanbul, you'll find rugs at a variety of prices and with varying quality. To avoid possible problems at the airport, don't forget to ask for the bill and bring it with you when passing through customs. Although the majority of the antiques on offer at stores in Istanbul will be fakes, if you find an object that's more than 100 years old, to take it out of Turkey you'll need an export licence from the Provincial Museum - a difficult document to acquire.  Turkish delight and baklava are the two typical Turkish desserts, and both are reasonably cheap, and a perfect gift to bring home from your trip to Istanbul. You'll find dessert shops throughout Istanbul. Nuts, tea, cheese and spices are some of the traditional ingredients of Turkish cuisine. In Istanbul, you can buy spices such as saffron at really reasonable prices. Although you're sure to find hundreds of stalls and markets in Istanbul there are two markets that are absolutely essential for any visitor: The Grand Bazaar is the largest and oldest market in the city. It was built in 1455 and has more than 3,600 stalls and 64 streets, and The Spice Market is one of the oldest in Istanbul, and one of the best places in the city to buy traditional local products.
 

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