Highlights |
Escorted Package Includes
- Round trip flights NYC-Istanbul
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 11 nights First Class accommodations
- All transfers
- 18 meals: 11 breakfasts, 7 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Acropolis in Pergamum
- Pamukkale hot springs
- Hieropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk
- Farewell dinner
Also Available
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Itinerary |
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DAY 1, Thursday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for Turkey. Your flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment for your journey
DAY 2, Friday - Arrive in Istanbul
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day is at leisure. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Saturday - Full Day in Istanbul
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore Istanbul independently. The only city that straddles two continents, Istanbul blurs the line between East and West, with incredible architecture that is rivaled only by its spectacular natural setting on the Bosphorus Strait
Optional: Half Day Istanbul with Topkapi Palace (AM)
Optional: Half Day Istanbul with Grand Bazaar (PM)
Optional: Traditional Turkish Night with dinner
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Sunday - City of Troy Sightseeing, Travel to Canakkale
This morning, cross the Dardanelles by ferry and drive via Gallipoli to the classical city of Troy. Tour this 4000-year-old city and legendary center of the Trojan War, made immortal by Homer's epic poem The Iliad. Continue to the Canakkale province, located in northwest Turkey
Overnight: Canakkale
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Monday - Pergamum Acropolis Tour, Travel to Izmir
Drive to Pergamum, a powerful kingdom during the ancient Hellenistic period (289-129 B.C.), and visit the Acropolis, an impressive construction which houses the Temple of Trajan, the Heroon shrine, the Sanctuary of Athena, the Altar of Zeus, the Theater and the Library of Pergamum, built by King Eumenes II, whose collection came second only to that of Alexandria's. Interestingly, however, the Acropolis in Pergamum functioned opposite the Acropolis in Athens, centering its purpose on the "daily life" of its citizens rather than religious worship. Continue to Izmir, a city believed to be the birthplace of Homer
Overnight: Izmir
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6, Tuesday - Full Day in Izmir
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Izmir. With over 3500 years of history, the port city known historically as Smyrna offers a variety of impressive archaeological sites, not to mention easy access to ancient Ephesus. Or perhaps simply relax in the city and sip Türk kahvesi, authentic Turkish coffee, at a café set along the scenic Pasaport Quay
Optional: Full Day Ephesus & House of the Virgin Mary
Overnight: Izmir
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7, Wednesday - Necropolis & Hieropolis at Pamukkale
Depart Izmir and drive to Pamukkale en route to Antalya. Visit the Necropolis and the ancient city of Hieropolis ("Holy City"), situated atop the Pamukkale hot springs, which together constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Pamukkale hot springs have served as a thermal bath since the 2nd century B.C., primarily for the ailing and elderly, many of whom have retired here
Overnight: Antalya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8, Thursday - Full Day in Antalya
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Antalya. Founded by King Attalos of Pergamum as "Heaven on Earth," Antalya is an international resort city that has become a prime destination in Turkey. Long popular among yachters, the city also offers the liveliest nightlife on the southern coast, fantastic beaches, and world-class shopping, in addition to historic ruins in the surrounding region
Optional: Perge, Aspendos & Antalya Archaeological Museum
Overnight: Antalya
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 9, Friday - Cappadocia Caravanserai Sightseeing
Travel to Cappadocia and visit the 13th-century Caravanserai of Agzikarahan en route, a large abandoned city and shelter in Cappadocia, built on the Silk Road, whose main portal gate is considered a fine example of Turkish Seljuk art. During the Seljuk period, trade flourished, requiring roads for caravan transport and inns for the traveling traders. The Caravanserai provided these traders, both foreign and native, with heated rooms, food, medical attention, equipment repair and many other common conveniences. There was even a small mosque, known as "Kosk Mescid," in the courtyard's center where the travelers could conduct religious practices. Continue to Nevsehir in Cappadocia
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10, Saturday - Full Day in Cappadocia
Enjoy a full day at leisure to explore the area independently. A region of surreal rock formations and incredible cultural heritage, Cappadocia is home to rock-cut temples, ancient underground cities, and unparalleled landscapes
Optional: Full Day Cappadocia (AM)
Optional: Dinner & Whirling Dervishes (PM)
Overnight: Cappadocia
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Sunday - Travel to Ankara, Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk
This morning depart for Ankara, the capital and the second largest city of Turkey. Upon arrival, visit the Mausoleum of Kemal Ataturk, founder and first president of the Turkish Republic. Leading up to the Mausoleum, also known as the Anitkabir, lies a vast brick courtyard and monumental avenue lined with NeoHittite stone statues and cenotaphs beneath its colonnades. The most noted cenotaphs within the complex are those of General Ismet Inonu, a close comrade of Ataturk's and his successor, and that of Ataturk himself, a large and highly decorative marble cenotaph, beneath which lies his tomb
Optional: Anatolian Civilizations Museum
Overnight: Ankara
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Monday - Return to Istanbul
This morning, depart for your hotel in Istanbul. Spend the afternoon at leisure. This evening, enjoy a farewell dinner with local Turkish specialties and a glass of wine or raki
Optional: Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise
Overnight: Istanbul
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13, Tuesday - Depart for the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
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Optionals |
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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| Half Day Istanbul with Grand Bazaar |
Day #3 |
11 Apr 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $63
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The tour includes visits to St. Sophia, the great Byzantine Basilica built in the 6th century, Spice Market -the famous and the exotic food market, selling dried fruits and spices, Underground cistern -the water source of the Byzantine and Ottoman periods and the Grand Bazaar, world famous shopping center where you will have shopping opportunities for carpets, jewelry, leather, etc.
Departs approximately 1 pm; returns approximately 6:30 pm
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| Half Day Istanbul with Topkapi Palace |
Day #3 |
11 Apr 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $60
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Highlights will be the Topkapi Palace, the residence of Ottoman Sultans housing the richness of 700 years. Visit of the Treasury section with the crown jewels and the unique collection of Chinese porcelains. Continue to Hippodrome, the place chariot races and competitive athletic events took place during the Roman period and the Blue Mosque which is a 17th century Ottoman Mosque famous with its six minarets and magnificent interior with blue tiles.
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| Traditional Turkish Night with dinner |
Day #3 |
01 Nov 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $86
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Enjoy a traditional Turkish Show for an unforgettable evening at one of the most popular nightspots of the city. Experience world famous Turkish cuisine with half a bottle of wine, while watching spectacular oriental shows performed by well known belly dancers, folk groups from various regions of Anatolia and Turkish singers.
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| Full Day Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary |
Day #6 |
11 Apr 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $72
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Ephesus is situated in the fertile Ionian landscape and famous throughout history for its temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the world. Ephesus is considered to be the showpiece among all the antique cities of the world. Leave hotel for Ephesus and first visit the house of Virgin Mary. Virgin Mary accompanied St. John to Ephesus, where she spent her last years living near a grove of olive trees close by to Ephesus. A visit is considered to be a Pilgrimage by the Vatican. You may collect holy water from the sacred spring. Visit the Basilica of St. John who came here and wrote his gospel and the temple of Artemis. Ephesus was undoubtedly, one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world and among its impressive structures you will marvel at the library of Celcus, temple of Hadrian, the theater and the Odeon.
Departs approximately 9 am; returns approximately 4:30 pm
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| Perge, Aspendos & Antalya Archaeological Museum |
Day #8 |
11 Apr 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $64
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Drive to Perge, a Pamphylian city. Perge was founded between BC12-13. It is the most attractive and well preserved Pamphylian city. The ancient theater, stadium, towers, Agora, Acropol and the Palaestra which is given to Imperial Claudius are the highlights of the ancient city. Continue to Aspendos, founded in BC 4-5 by the colonists from Argos. Though it is well-known for its theater with a capacity of 30000 people, the city also boasts a stadium and a fountain. All the ruins in the city have remained from the Roman period and the theater is still being used for contemporary concerts. Later, return to Antalya and visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum which houses artifacts and antiques from 2500 years of Anatolian culture.
Departs approximately 8:30 am; returns approximately 2:30 pm
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| Dinner & Whirling Dervishes |
Day #10 |
11 Apr 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $49
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Enjoy dinner at your hotel, followed by a performance by the "Whirling Dervishes." Also known as the "Sema Ritual", these performances began with the inspiration of Mawlana Jalaleddin Rumi who is one of the greatest mystical poets of Islam. The Mevlevi Sufi order was founded to follow his teachings. The captivating dance of the whirling dervishes, which displays infinite spinning in perfect harmony, is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture. It's a rare opportunity to experience a seven-century old ritual, featuring beautiful costumes, live music with flutes, string and percussion, and the amazing sight of the Dervishes whirling on the stage.
Departs approximately 8 pm; returns approximately 11 pm
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| Full Day Cappadocia |
Day #10 |
11 Apr 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $68
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Leave hotel for a full day tour in Cappadocia. Visit the Open Air Museum in the Goreme Valley to see the early Christian churches decorated with unique frescoes depicting various scenes from the Bible. Later, visit the Kaymakli Underground City, which was hollowed out of volcanic rock and going seven to nine floors into the earth. It is made up of a labyrinth of corridors, chambers, store rooms, kitchens and churches. Lastly, visit the village of Avanos that is famous for its beautiful old houses, pottery and onyx.
Departs approximately 8:45 am; returns approximately 5:30 pm
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| Anatolian Civilizations Museum |
Day #11 |
11 Apr 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $35
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The Anatolian Civilizations Museum is in two Ottoman buildings located near Ankara Castle. The Museum, being among exceptional museums with its unique collection, has Anatolian archaeological artifacts, artifacts from the Paleolithic Age to the present are exhibited. It was elected as the first "Museum of the Year" in Switzerland on April 19, 1997.
Departs approximately 3 pm; returns approximately 5:30 pm
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| Istanbul Bosphorus Cruise |
Day #12 |
04 Nov 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $62
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Depart from the hotel for a delightful Bosphorus cruise. No stay in Istanbul would be complete without this traditional and unforgettable cruise by a private boat along that Bosphorus, the winding straits separating Europe and Asia. The boat leaves from the Eminonu pier, zigzags up the Bosphorus passing by the loving Ottoman villas and palaces of marble. The humble fishing villages set against the dramatic outline of the Strait of Istanbul and the Bosphorus Suspension Bridges exemplify the newest symbols of the link between East and West.
Departs approximately 2:30 pm; returns approximately 5 pm
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Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling cost at least 10% more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
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Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Featured Hotels Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
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*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, optional tours, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
Some departures are operated with more than one coach. Featured hotels for each city will be assigned by Gate 1. Hotels of similar standard may be substituted. Click here for a list of hotels by departure date.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
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Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
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| Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| | Climate & Clothing | Turkey - Spring: 50°F-65°F; Summer: 70°F-90°F; Autumn: 55°F-75°F; Winter: 40°F-55°F. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather coat. Some religious sites do not allow shorts or sleeveless shirts.
Turkey Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/mediterranean/default.aspx#turkey-weather
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| E-tickets | Most airlines now require that we provide e-tickets in place of paper tickets. At check-in, you should be ready to provide your e-ticket itinerary and ticket numbers, as well as identification (valid passport) to the agent. In a few cases where e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive your tickets in a paper form.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
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| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
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| Hotels | | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard. | | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later. |
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus.
| Turkey - The Turkish Lira is the currency of Turkey.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally |
On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them.
Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below.
This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information.
http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| Turkey - Payment can be made by cash US$ or Turkish Lira, or by credit card if the amount to be charged is $200 or greater.
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day - *Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day - *Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours) - *River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises) - *Private car tours(small groups of 2-14 passengers):
$12 to $16 per person per day for each day of sightseeing - *Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person - *Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner) - *Chamber maid:
$1 per person per day
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Turkey - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Turkey
- Ambulance/Medical: 112
- Fire: 110
- Police: 155; 156 in rural areas
| | Languages | Turkey - Turkish is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Turkey - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Turkey - The common form of greeting is shaking hands, while close friends will sometimes hold hands and kiss cheeks. In Turkey, hospitality is highly valued and people are often quite friendly. Even salespeople may offer tea to customers. If you are comfortable with accepting, you may drink it without any obligation to make a purchase. Casual dress is acceptable, but beachwear should only be worn at the beach or poolside. Smoking is generally permitted except in cinemas, theaters, and on public transportation.
| | Holidays - Turkey |
| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's day |
Apr 23 |
National Sovereignty and Children's Day |
May 19 |
Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day |
Aug 30 |
Victory Day |
Sep 19 - 22 |
Ramadan Feast |
Oct 29 |
Republic Day |
| Nov 27-30 |
Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice) |
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| Holidays 2009 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's day |
Apr 23 |
National Sovereignty and Children's Day |
May 19 |
Commemoration of Atatürk and Youth and Sports Day |
Aug 30 |
Victory Day |
Sep 19 - 22 |
Seker Bayrami (End of Ramazan/Ramadan) |
Oct 28 |
Republic Day |
Nov 27 - Dec 1 |
Kurban Bayrami (Feast of the Sacrifice) |
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