About Your Journey
Your Health
Visitors coming from the United States to Turkey do not require any specific vaccinations or inoculations. However, recommended inoculations for travel may change and you should consult your practitioner for current recommendations before your upcoming journey. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all health entry requirements, obtain the recommended inoculations, take all recommended medication, and follow all medical advice in relation to your trip. Inoculation requirements can be found on the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website at https://www.cdc.gov/. Also check the World Health Organization (WHO) website http://www.who.int/ith/en/ before you travel internationally.
Each country has different health regulations and requirements. If you are taking a prescription medicine, especially those containing narcotics, such as sleeping pills or tranquilizers, please have a copy of your doctor’s prescription with you.
Medical supplies, such as CPAP machines for sleep apnea can be brought as an additional carry-on with most airlines. If you are traveling with a CPAP machine, please let us know in advance and consider bringing a backup battery in case of inconsistent electricity supply. Distilled water may be easily obtained in most destinations but all machines will work with filtered or bottled water in a pinch. Make sure you have all appropriate adaptors although newer machines have universal power supplies that can adapt to various voltage. Bring extra supplies (especially cushions) and pertinent replacement parts as repairing the machine while travelling may not be possible.
Physical Activity
Ancient sites worldwide were constructed well before building codes or the existence of safety and accessibility standards. And in order to maintain the architectural and historical integrity that attracts visitors in the first place, many of the sites have been intentionally left in their natural state. As such, you will encounter uneven terrain, irregular steps, and a lack of handrails, barriers, ramps and cautionary warning signs where you might expect them back home. Therefore, it is extremely important for you to take great care and caution when exploring these sites. Pay attention to all instructions and do not wander away from your guide, especially off designated paths into unmarked terrain. When exploring on your own, heed all regulations, be extra mindful of your surroundings and note any conditions that could increase the risks (poor visibility, wet slippery surfaces, etc).
For travelers with mobility issues or physical challenges, be prepared for less accessibility than we enjoy in the United States. Hotels may be limited in the provisions made for such travelers and some do not have elevators. Airports are not always fully equipped with modern jetways, and ramps for wheelchairs are often absent.
We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance for guests who need mobility assistance. Nor can we ensure that local vehicles will be wheelchair-equipped. For these reasons, a qualified companion must accompany guests who need such assistance.
Physical limitations requiring any special attention and/or equipment must be reported when making reservations. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate special needs but cannot provide individual assistance. Should issues become apparent on tour that impact other guests, we may require individual assistance be obtained or require the guest to return home early at the guest’s expense.
Your International Flights
If you have not already made your international flight arrangements, you should consider taking advantage of our excellent relationships with outstanding international carriers including Lufthansa, British Airways, United Airlines and Emirates. We can book your air in Economy, Premium Economy or Business Class with advice on seat availability - and even advance seat assignments on many carriers and routes. Booking your international air with A+R will allow us to directly assist you with any flight disruptions, delays or cancellations while on-tour.
A Word about Hotels
As in other parts of the world, check-in time for most hotels is around 3:00PM and check-out time is typically 11AM. Should you arrive early to find that your room is not yet ready, the hotel will likely be more than happy to store your luggage securely for a few hours. That leaves you unencumbered to explore a bit at your own pace - or to relax with a cup of tea or coffee either in the lobby or at a nearby cafe.
Similarly, if you have a late departure flight, hotels will store your luggage after you’ve checked-out, leaving you free to explore and relax until it’s time to go to the airport. Depending upon how busy they are, hotels may allow you to occupy your room for another hour or two without charge; check with the front desk to determine if this is possible for your day of departure.
If early check-in or late check-out is required, advance arrangements can usually be confirmed for the cost of an additional night. Please notify us or your travel agent if you wish to confirm either.
Climate…What You Can Expect
Turkey encompasses several climatic zones - from the continental climate in central/eastern Turkey to balmy Mediterranean along the seashore. The Anatolian Plain has hot summers and cold (snowy) winters; the Black Sea coast is mild and humid; the Mediterranean coast is warm and sunny with an average summer temperature of upper 80s. We suggest that you consult international weather listings for actual temperatures prior to your departure. Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen.
Money Matters
The currency of Turkey is the Turkish Lira. New banknotes have been issued in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 and 200 “lira” denominations, and coins have been minted for 5, 10, 25 and 50 “Kurus” and 1 “lira”. As exchange rates fluctuate, please stay informed about the current value of local currency.
US dollars, major credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted in Turkey. If you bring cash, bring smaller denominations ($1 and $5) for tipping. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are good for any large purchases you may make but a commission is taken on credit cards. Money can be exchanged at all hotels, exchange offices and banks. Most street vendors and shops accept payments in US dollars and Euro.
We recommend contacting your bank and credit card companies prior to departure to alert them to your upcoming international travels to avoid issues abroad.
Tipping
For your on-tour convenience, we have included all gratuities except for your Guide. This includes drivers, baggage porters and restaurant staff for all included meals; certainly, if any of these services are exceptional and go above-and-beyond, then feel free to tip additionally.
For your Guide, many of our guests find it helpful to have some guidelines; in that spirit, we recommend tipping them $10 to $15 per person, per day.
When you’re out enjoying meals and activities that are not part of your A+R itinerary, here are tipping guidelines in accordance with local practices:
• Upscale restaurants: A tip of 10%-15 is typically expected but be sure that this has note already included on the bill.
• Bell hops: $1-$2
• Taxi's: It’s typical to round the fare up.
• Private Drivers: $2-$5 per trip
• Spa services: add 10%-15%
For any gratuities, we suggest you tip in the local currency. But if you only have US Dollars, they will be graciously accepted.
About Electricity
Electric current in Turkey is 220 volts, 50 cycles and outlets with two round pin plugs. An adapter and a converter will be necessary to charge your electronic devices, and are usually available from the front desk. For more information on plugs and sockets, review the information at: www.iec.ch/worldplugs/map.htm
Internet and Phone calls
If you plan to bring your cell phone when you travel, please check with your carrier to ensure that your plan covers international calls and/or mobile data from the countries you will visit on your trip and whether there may be money saving plans available from your carrier that can be arranged in advance. Alternatively, local prepaid SIM cards for your phone are usually available at the airport where you arrive and can be used to tap into local service providers. Wi-fi is available at many hotels either complimentary or for a fee; you can find Wi-Fi information on your itinerary and hotel list, or check with the front desk upon check in regarding access details.
If making an international call from your hotel room, please check the rates first. Hotels often contract with outside companies to provide direct-dial telephone services for guests calling overseas from their rooms, and the rates can be unexpectedly high.
To contact a Turkish phone number, you must dial 90 to prefix the number. 001-90 if you are calling from the US.
Local Time
Local time in Turkey is 7 hours ahead of New York, and 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
Is the Water Safe to Drink?
Tap water is OK for brushing your teeth. However, for drinking we recommend you use bottled water only that can be purchased in local supermarkets, restaurants and in your hotels.
Meal Time
For many travelers, dining in Turkey turns out to be one of the best and most memorable parts of their journey. Turkish cuisine today reflects the country’s rich Ottoman legacy and is essentially a mixture and refinement of Central Asian, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean and Balkan cuisines. A classic meal will often start with a variety of tapas-style hot and cold appetizers, called mezes. Popular mezes include dishes such as eggplant salad, potato salad, roasted eggplant with ground beef, calamari, meatballs and stuffed grape leaves. The main course might then include grilled fish, Kebaps (grilled meat on a skewer – often lamb or beef) or Köfte (ground meat, usually lamb, which is also grilled). Roasted vegetables, rice and bread are typical accompaniments for the main course. Popular vegetables include eggplant, peppers, zucchini and tomatoes. Flavors are rich and deep, but rarely hot and spicy.
A few other popular Turkish dishes to be on the lookout for include:
Lahmacun: A pizza-like dish with finely minced meat, onions and spices on a flaky thin crust. It is often topped with parsley, onions and tomatoes and then baked in a wood-fired oven. It’s a popular fast-food snack throughout Turkey and locals will often roll it up to eat on-the-go.
Manti: This Turkish-style dumpling is most often filled with ground beef or lamb along with onion and simple spices like salt and pepper. They are often served with a yogurt-based sauce.
Mücver: Looking somewhat like a potato pancake or other vegetable fritter, this pancake-like dish is made from grated zucchini, eggs and flour. Many recipes also include cheese, green onion and mint. It is quickly fried in vegetable or olive oil and usually served as a side dish.
Cacik: This refreshing salad combines shredded cucumber, garlic and mint with a yogurt dressing. On a hot summer day, some restaurants will serve it with some ice cubes in it – making it an even more refreshing meze or side salad.
Packing Advice to Get You Started
Generally, the attire is casual with the emphasis on comfort and convenience. Easy-to-care-for clothing with mix and match separates are ideal to prevent the need to bring a lot of clothes. To accommodate the variable weather, you should pack an all-weather jacket, a hat and a scarf. Hotel and local restaurant dining rooms are casual; along the coast, lightweight, casual clothing is most practical. You will want to bring a swimsuit, sun hat and comfortable shoes for strolling around.
We kindly ask you to respect the local culture and do not wear shorts or attire with bare shoulders during the sightseeing tours that visit places of worship, i.e. working mosques and churches. It is customary for women to cover their shoulders (and in some areas also their heads) with a scarf when visiting the mosques. Scarves are available for use at the major mosques in Turkey. If wearing shorts, men will be asked to cover their legs as well.
Note: your sightseeing tours include moderate amount of walking so please pay particular attention to footwear – bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles and firm arch support. Note that cobblestone streets are common in the old towns in Turkey; some of the sights included on your program are accessible only on foot; therefore, be prepared for walking. Consult international weather listing for actual temperatures, but be prepared for rainy days no matter the season. Don’t forget your sunglasses, sunscreen, sun hat and swimsuit.
Consider an easy-to-carry traveling bag… It’s good to have a small bag to carry your daytime needs with you while traveling and a backpack is used by many travelers for this purpose. A water bottle is always handy to have in your traveling pack.
The Essentials… Hotels are well-equipped with tissues and toilet paper; however small packets of facial tissues and a small bottle of hand-sanitizer can be handy. Please bring your own lotions, contact lens solutions, cosmetics and feminine hygiene products. Bring extra prescriptions (packed partially in your hand luggage) as well as cold medicine, aspirin and cures for intestinal troubles. You should also bring a good sun block lotion with you since high temperatures can intensify the impact of the sun. We recommend 30+ SPF.
Seeing + Capturing your Experiences… Make a complete check of your camera equipment before you leave and make sure you have replacement or rechargeable batteries and additional memory cards.
Camera drones are not allowed for use on our tours as they can detract from the experiences of your fellow travelers. If, however you plan to bring a drone for use in your free time, please pay close attention to the local aviation laws. Most historic sites and national parks explicitly prohibit the use of personal drones, so it is your own responsibility to acquire any necessary permission and adhere to local laws should you plan on traveling with a drone.
On-Tour Hunger Pangs… High protein snacks are good for both the air trip as well as for your activities while traveling: nuts, raisins, granola bars and peanut butter are popular with many of our travelers.
A Few Final Tips… Some handy items we recommend include: an extra pair of glasses, zip-lock plastic bags, and a bottle opener.
Reminders about your Baggage
Baggage restrictions vary by airline, and we ask you to review the airlines on your itinerary and review baggage restrictions on their website to determine the maximum number of bags and weights that are allowed. In Economy, passengers are limited to one bag. Keep in mind that the flights that are included on your tour are in Economy and are limited to one checked bag with weight limits. So when packing for your trip, consider the bag and weight restrictions on all of your flights, not just your international arrangements.
Most airlines charge travelers for additional bags and excess weight so we advise you to pack as lightly as possible. Most of our hotels offer laundry services.
TSA Packing Tips
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) publishes a comprehensive list of items that are Permitted and Prohibited in carry-on and checked baggage. You can find the complete list online at https://www.tsa.gov/travel.
For vacation travelers, the important thing to remember is that only one small bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes can be in your carry-on bag when you pass through security. Each item is limited to 3.4 ounces (100ml) - and all containers must fit inside a clear, 1-quart sized, zip-top bag. If you have containers that are larger than 3.4 ounces, they must go inside your checked baggage.
Medications, baby formula/food and breast milk are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding the 3.4-ounce limit, and they do not have to be in a zip-lock bag. You should declare these items at the checkpoint, and keep in mind that TSA Officers may need to inspect them.
Other Recommendations:
• Jewelry, cash, tablet devices and laptops should be in your carry-on baggage. Tape your business card to the bottom of your laptop for easy identification if it gets separated for inspection.
• Avoid accessories and jewelry that contain metal as they may set off the metal detector at the check point. This saves having to take them off and put them back on as you pass through security.
• Wear slip-on shoes that can be easily removed and placed on the conveyor built to be x-rayed at the security check-point.
• If you wish to place a lock on your checked luggage, it must be of a make and model approved by the TSA.
• Do not pack wrapped gifts and do not bring wrap gifts to the security check point.
A Note about Traveling with Minors
Many countries currently require documentary evidence of a relationship between minors traveling with an adult. We strongly recommend that parents traveling alone with a minor carry a notarized letter from the absent parent authorizing the trip, regardless of whether the parent is married or divorced. Never-married parents, parents whose spouse has died, and parents who have been granted sole legal custody of children are encouraged to carry notarized proof of their status. Grandparents traveling with grandchildren and adults traveling with children who are not their own should carry letters of authorization from both parents of the children. It is wise to also carry the child’s birth certificate with the original seal. We strongly recommend that you review the complete details at the state department’s website travel.state.gov if you are travelling with a minor.
And a Few Words about Safety + Security
Turkey is a safe country and violent crime involving travelers is quite rare. But petty crime is a reality no matter where in the world you travel. Traveling abroad is no different than visiting a new city in the United States: Use common sense precautions to safeguard your person and your possessions at all times. Remember to wash your hands frequently and use hand-sanitizer.
• Do not go out and about with your passport unless specifically instructed to do so by your local guides.
• Keep your extra cash and passport in the in-room safe of your hotel. In the few instances where they are not available, then store these items in the safety deposit box at the front desk.
• Always make a copy of your passport, credit cards and e-tickets and keep them separate from the originals so that they can be more readily replaced if lost or stolen. Leave extra copies with someone at home that you can reach while traveling. Or consider scanning these documents and emailing them to an address which you can access while abroad.
• If you don’t already own one, consider investing in a money belt that can be concealed under your clothing. This is a good place to keep the cash and credit cards that you need for personal expenses while sightseeing, shopping and touring.
• Do not display large amounts of cash in public. Carry your purse with the strap across your chest, not dangling from your shoulder or arm.
These measures will save you countless time and trouble should your credit cards, airline tickets or passport be lost or stolen.
Some Helpful Web Links
U.S. Department of State
www.travel.state.gov
Travel documents and tips; State Department Travel announcements; Consular Information for countries you will visit
Center for Disease Control and Prevention
wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel
General health information for travelers and health information on specific destinations
Transportation Security Administration
www.tsa.gov (select Traveler Information)
Tips for travelers going through security at the airport
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
www.cbp.gov (select Travel)
Helpful information for returning U.S. citizens travelling abroad
Calling the U.S. from Abroad
www.att.com/traveler
AT&T’s USADirect service offers convenient telephone access to the U.S. from around the world
Currency Converter
www.oanda.com/currency/converter
Alexander+Roberts
www.alexanderroberts.com
For information about your tour: itinerary, customer reviews, visas, Travel Protection Plan, payment and cancellation details