Lying between Europe and Asia, East and West, Turkey is a land of exceptional variety, which has witnessed the development of some of the world's greatest civilisations.

Rich in Hittite archaeological sites, Greek and Roman ruins, Christian and Moslem history, Turkey's diversity will appeal to all lovers of culture. This diversity is also apparent in the geography of the country and nature has created some amazing landscapes: petrified waterfalls in Pamukkale, a spectacular Mediterranean coast with clear azure waters, a Black Sea coastline with mountainous alpine scenery and the strange panorama of Cappodocia.

In this region, nature and man have come together to create bizarre rock formations, "fairy chimneys", houses and churches carved deep into the rock as well as underground cities.

Weather
Turkey’s climate varies throughout the year. Winters are cold while the summers can be hot, especially during the last two weeks of July and the first two weeks of August. Most of our tours are based around the Mediterranean coastline which is freshened by sea breezes, so it is still suitable to travel throughout the summer months. Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit.

Local Customs
Turkey is a Muslim country and is used to Western influences. However in the remoter areas of the country local people maybe offended by the wearing of brief shorts. Women should not enter mosques in shorts, short skirts or revealing clothing and should wear a headscarf when entering. Everyone must remove their shoes when visiting mosques.

When visiting any foreign country it is always polite to respect the local customs. Take the time before your trip to read up on the county you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language.

Visas
Visas are required by UK citizens and are obtainable on arrival at the airport for a charge of £10.00. Make sure that you have a £10.00 note with you. Most other nationalities also require a visa. As costs change frequently, please check with your consular office.

Vaccinations
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against Tetanus, Typhoid, infectious Hepatitis and Polio. It is your responsibility to check all relevant recommendations and also to get the most up-to-date health information for the destinations being visited. You can contact your GP or any of the following organisations :

MASTA: Telephone: 0906 822 4100 www.masta.org
Live Travel Health Line: 09068 633414
www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk

Flight Duration
The flying time from London to Istanbul is 3hrs 45mins, direct with Azerbaijan Airways with brand new Boeing 757s or Turkish Airlines Airbuses.

Accommodation and Transport
We use excellent 4 star hotels for our tours in Turkey; this will be a selection of traditional hotels in Turkish style, modern hotels with swimming pools and on occasion local pensions. In more remote areas where the choice of accommodation is limited, we will use the best available small hotels or local pensions.

A variety of transportation will be used on tour: cars, 4 wheel drive vehicles, minibuses or coaches, depending on the size of the party.