Turkey. Overview.

TURKEY
 This amazing country cozily nestled between Europe and Asia, has incorporated the specific characteristics of both continents. Sultan palaces, ancient Trojan settlement, lively bazaars, mosques and minarets, temples of Apollo and Athena here ... The spirit of ancient civilizations. But nature has its wonders, which can be found everywhere - caves, volcanoes, lakes, springs, spectacular mountain scenery. Coast of Turkey - a paradise for true relaxation. Modern resort of Antalya, Kemer, Belek, Side and Alanya are known worldwide, as well as Turkish sweets. The best beaches for kids located in Alanya, Kemer and Side. Most tourists opt west of the country, attracted by the magic of Istanbul, the longest and clean coastlines in the Mediterranean. Turkey offers a holiday for everyone: the knowledge of culture and tradition, familiarity with the monuments and treatment in thermal springs. Coastal resorts have a full set of water sports. And you can just lie on the beach, soak up the gentle rays of the sun and admire the sunset, which call the harbor sailboats.

The charm of Turkey as infinite as the magic fairy tales of "1001 Nights".


Climate

The climate in Turkey is very diverse: from the center of the country in continental to subtropical on the west and south coast. Best time to visit Turkey - May to October. In the Mediterranean resort areas, 300 days a year the sun shines. 

Entry. Customs regulations
At the entrance of Turkey visa is issued at the airport of arrival (30 USD or 20 Euros). Allowed to import duty free 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars, 5 bottles of wine or other drinks in 1 liter, or 7 to 0.75 liter. Banned the import of: medecine containing a large quantity of drugs, all kinds of weapons and ammunition. The export of arms and ammunition, narcotics, antiques. VCR, camcorder, jewelry at the entry you want to write on the declaration (with the obligation to re-export).

Time
GMT +2

Currency and tips
1 USD = 1,518,66 TRL (10.02.2010)
1 EUR = 2,077,45 TRL

The currency in Turkey - New Turkish Lira (YTL).
There are banknotes of 1 to 100 YTL, coins from a hen (1 hen - a hundredth of a lyre) and 1 lira. Private exchange offices often offer a more favorable rate than banks and hotels. Keep exchange receipts, they will be useful in the reverse exchange pounds into foreign currency. Traveler's checks are easily exchanged at banks and hotels. If you wish to check the road, rely on such global companies as American Express and Thomas Cook.

Tipping - accepted in the Turkish form of payment for services. Typically, you should add 10% of the total bill in a restaurant, a dollar - for small services, such as luggage at the hotel. A small reward will be happy and masseuse.

Transport
Buses. The most popular of communication within Turkey. Intercity bus lines (some regional companies) relate to each other almost every major city in the coast. Buses leave almost every hour, with fares relatively low. Buses in Turkey are comfortable, with air conditioning, smoking is prohibited. Tickets are sold at bus stations.

Public transport. The city has dolmushi (dolmus) - Turkish taxi, with the fixed cost of travel and stopping at certain points. It can be stopped in the street or found at sites that are located at regular intervals. Destination indicated on the roof or on a plate in the front window.

Taxi. Taxis are equipped with meters. The trip is inexpensive. Within the city - the fare charged by the meter. Over long distances - a solid rate. For going on tours you can hire a taxi for the day. As the tip passed round the amount up to a round figure. At night, the rate increased by 50%.

Rent a car. Expensive. You need only lay claim to international standard and a passport. Persons under 21 car rentals are not provided. The cost of car rental per day depending on car class. Rent is organized in all tourist centers. The international agencies, "Eurocar", "Avis", "Hertz" prices are higher than local firms, but their services more efficiently. Insurance is required. Do not exceed the speed limit. Do not drive drunk. Always use safety belts. Be prepared for the inspection of documents produced by the police. Bring documents to the car, law, insurance, or copies thereof. In urban areas the rate should not exceed 50 km / h on the highway - 90 km / h on motorways - 120 km / hour.

Phone
Communication during the day is pretty cheap (8:00-20:00). From a pay phone can only call by telephone plastic cards (sold at post offices, newsstands and some shops). To call on your country home- to dial 00, then your country's code, the area code and phone number. Cheaper to call from a pay phone than from the hotel.

Timetable of banks and shops
Banks: Monday-Friday, 8:30-12:00 13:30-17:00 used.
Shops: Monday-Saturday 9:00-19:00.


Cuisine
Turkish cuisine is considered as one of the best in the world. Turks - are big fans of appetizers (meze), mostly cold: lettuce, feta cheese, beans and rice in grape leaves, stuffed tomatoes or peppers. 101 is prepared dish of eggplant! Ideal for vegetarians Berek - tiny articles thin dough whose fibers are shifted cheese and herbs. Favorite meat - lamb. It is used for well-known shish kebab and doner kebab, meatballs - kefte. Also made from beef, veal, poultry, except for the exclusion of Muslims pork. Garnish usually rice - pilaf, often it is served with pine nuts, raisins, spices and salads. In Turkey, the abundance of fish and seafood. Dessert, in addition to fresh fruit and ice cream, all very sweet: pudding, flavored with rose water, sweets or honey on the basis decorated with nuts. Turkish national drink is tea, which is usually served in small cups. Turkish coffee is usually drunk after a meal and never diluted with milk.

Shopping and souvenirs.
In Turkey, a wide selection of jewelry made of semiprecious stones, gold and silver, copper products, ceramics with traditional floral motifs. Very nice leather and suede. You can also buy a variety of spices and Turkish sweets. In the bazaars can and should bargain, reducing the price by about a third of the original.