• Activity Level -: We classify this tour as moderately active. There are several days, particularly as we are exploring the hidden churches of the Rose Valley and the underground cities of the Hittites, that we will be walking much of the day. There are also ladders that we will be climbing up and down to access some of the ruins. Be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes.
  
  
• Tipping -Tips & gratuity for our motor coach driver and guide is customary and have already been included in the tour price—calculated at approximately $4.00 per day per person. Tips & gratuity for meal service have also been included in the tour price.
  
  
• Currency Exchange - To cover initial traveling expenses, it is advised that the tour members exchange a small amount of dollars ($100.00 to $150.00) into Turkish Lira. You can obtain the best exchange rate through your local bank although you may have to initiate this several weeks in advance allow them time to assemble the currency. While most major airports feature a currency exchange desk it is typically at an exorbitant rate, you are likely to get a better rate directly from an ATM machine affiliated with a major bank. You can also exchange currency at Turkish banks and various other locations, and they generally offer better exchange rates over the airport exchange desks. We will help you find the best exchange rate within the first day or two. Hotels usually are an unfavorable choice for currency exchange. In Istanbul many shops will accept US dollars, just be sure you know what the current exchange rate is. You can access more information on currency exchange abroad here and here.
  
  
• Meals - Three delicious, healthful, Turkish-style meals per day are included in your fare. Breakfast traditionally consists of yogurt, cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, pita-style bread, farm fresh eggs served over-easy and various juices. Many hotels have added American options such as corn flakes and other cereals. Traditional Turkish style lunches and dinners are always a highlight of the trip. Succulent beef, lamb or chicken, served as a kebab or slow-baked in a clay pot are usual fare. Roasted and sauteed eggplant or hummus can accommodate the less carnivorous group members. Coffee, hot tea (if you are from the deep south don't even think about iced tea), Coca-Cola Classic and water wash down your meal (incidentally the water in Turkey is safe to drink). Due to the schedule or possible delays, meals may be served later than people are used to. Traditionally, the evening meal is served fairly late in Turkey, around 7 or 8 pm.
  
  
• Hotels - Hotel rooms In Turkey are typically not as large as in the U.S. Electricity is 220V so for some appliances such as curling irons you will need a voltage converter as well as a plug adapter like this. Many of the hotels we will be staying in also do not have elevators.
  
  
• Shopping - Shopping is an adventure in its own right, and with world class rugs, spices, jewelry, ceramics and many other goods to choose from a delightful part of any visit to Turkey. However in Turkey shopping is a very different experience compared to shopping in the US. In Istanbul haggling with vendors is expected and you will pay much more than the item is worth if you do not bargain aggressively. A good rule of thumb is to offer 50-60% less than their initial price and work towards agreement from there. Do not be put off if they become quite animated during negotiations, this is considered standard business practice. A note of caution when shopping is to beware of the rug merchants as they tend to behave like sharks with blood in the water. Do not let them guilt you into buying! Also the quality of rugs can vary greatly, be sure to check with our local guide before buying. In more rural areas haggling is still the norm but perhaps less intense than in Istanbul. In many shops you will be offered complimentary tea as a part of their hospitality, it is considered good manners to accept. If caffeine adversely effects you, apple tea is a readily available alternative. To sum up, shopping in Turkey is an essential and fun way to absorb the local customs and culture, relax and enjoy the experience. Click here for more information on shopping in Turkey  .
  
  
• Clothing - During the month August the average high temperature is in the 80s and the average low in the fifties. Cool, comfortable but modest clothes (spaghetti strap tops and skimpy shorts are not recommended) are the best attire. Turkey is secular republic not an Islamic state and while you will hear the call to prayer almost everywhere in Istanbul at least you will see very few head coverings on women. In the more rural areas you will see the head scarf but westerners are not expected to wear it. In Pamukkale there is a great place to swim among the Roman ruins so be sure to have you bathing suit accessible on that day. When touring the Blue Mosque and a few other sites if you have your shoulders and knees exposed (this applies to men and women) you will be required to wear a shawl that they provide.
  
  
• Luggage - We strongly recommend that you travel with one suitcase and one carry-on per person. Also, please be advised that because of the charming style of the buildings throughout Turkey, it is not uncommon for quality hotels to have stair access only. Once again, traveling as light as possible has advantages all around. For guidelines in carry-on baggage, Continental Airlines has an excellent Web page explaining the current guidelines if you are traveling with any liquid, gel or aerosol items in your carry-on baggage. This should apply to other airlines, as well. To view information, please click here.

  Airline Limits:

  1 bag @ width + length + height less than 65"
  1 carry-on bag @ width + length + height less than 45"

• Telephone Access - The overall best way that we have found to communicate internationally is via the Skype internet calling program. Internet will be available in most of the hotels and utilizing that has consistently been the cheapest and most effective way to communicate. If you feel like you will need a mobile phone while in Turkey check out this link.
  
  
• Frequent Flyer Mileage - Mileage for Airline(s) Frequent Flyer Program can be accrued. Please inquire and give your numbers to the Airline Representative(s) at the time of check-in.

PART OF THE EXCITEMENT OF AN INTERNATIONAL TOUR IS EXPERIENCING THE MANY DIVERSE FOREIGN CULTURES AND CUSTOMS.

EXPECT THINGS TO BE QUITE DIFFERENT THAN AT HOME. MOST SIGHTSEEING TOURS ARE WALKING TOURS AND, OF COURSE, THE HISTORIC SIGHTS YOU WILL VISIT DATE BACK HUNDREDS OF YEARS, BEFORE SUCH AMMENITIES AS ELEVATORS AND RAMPS FOR DISABLED WERE INVENTED.

GOOD ADVICE IS TO BE A LITTLE FLEXIBLE, ANTICIPATE THE ODD DELAY OR SCHEDULE CHANGES AND TRULY ENJOY YOUR EXPERIENCES. BE POSITIVE, AND EXPERIENCE EVERY MOMENT OF YOUR TOUR.

LASTLY, "LITTLE BEAR'S" PRACTICAL TIP - As a suggestion inspired by my wife's Scottish thriftiness, some of you might want to start a special "Trip to Turkey" savings account for your family as a gift to each other, or as a suggestion to grandparents and friends who haven't the foggiest idea of what to get you for Christmas, birthdays, graduation, and anniversaries. As a matter of fact, maybe the grandparents would like to join us, too!