Destination Guide - Turkey

Official Name: Republic of Turkey
Population: 68.1 Million
Capital City: Ankara
People: 80% Turks, 20% Kurds
Languages: Turkish is the official, but other languages include Arabic, Kurdish, Zaza, Armenian and Greek.
Religion: Muslim 99.8% (mostly Sunni), other 0.2% (mostly Christians and Jews)
Currency: New Turkish Lira
Time: GMT + 2 hours, (Eastern European Time)
Electricity: 220V, 50Hz (http://www.kropla.com)
Major Industries: Services, industry, and agriculture

IMPORTANT FACTS

Travel Documents

Citizens from Canada and the USA require a valid passport to enter Turkey. Citizens of other nations should check with their nearest Turkish Embassy for entry requirements. You must have a valid passport for at least 3 months beyond the conclusion of your trip in order to enter Turkey.

Both Canadian and America citizens require a visa to enter Turkey. This visa can be purchased at the Turkish airport upon arrival. The fee for Americans is $20 USD and for Canadians $60 USD. Though visas can be obtained from a Turkish embassy or consulate in your home country, it is most convenient (and cheapest) to get them at the airport upon arrival in Turkey. This visa is valid for up to a three month stay with multiple entries.

Climate

The Aegean and Mediterranean coasts have mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. In Istanbul, summer temperatures average around 28-30°C (82-86°F); the winters are chilly but usually above freezing, with moderate rain and perhaps a dusting of snow. The Anatolian plateau is hotter in summer and very cold in winter. The Black Sea coast is mild and rainy in summer, and chilly and rainy in winter. Mountainous eastern Turkey is very cold and snowy in winter and only pleasantly warm in high summer. The southeast is dry and mild in winter and very hot in summer, with temperatures above 45° C (113° F) not unusual.

Food

One of the delights of visiting Turkey is the amazing diversity in the food. Turkish cuisine is the very heart of eastern Mediterranean cooking, and it demands fresh ingredients and careful preparation. The ingredients are often simple but of high quality. Popular dishes in Turkey include fried, grilled or poached fish, grilled meats and kebabs, olives, cheese and bread. Your guide will be sure to let you know what some of the “must tries” are while you are there.

Water

While in Turkey, it is best to drink only bottled or treated drinking water. Fruit drinks, soft drinks, coffee and tea are all widely available and safe to drink.

Vaccinations

There are no required vaccinations for your trip to Turkey, although it is a good idea to ensure that your tetanus, diphtheria, polio and Hepatitis A and B boosters are up to date. We advise you to contact your nearest travel clinic for the updated information on health requirements, as this information can and does change frequently. A good site to visit with current information regarding vaccinations is the Centre for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/travel.

Turkey Trips

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
1	Turkish Delight Biking, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Kayaking and Hot Air Ballooning (12 Days)