"FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS"

DO I NEED A PASSPORT? Yes, you need a passport that is valid for at least three months after your date of entry to Turkey. Application forms for both first time and renewal passports are available at any of the 13 U.S. Passport Agency offices and at some post offices and courthouses. Passports are mailed within four weeks; allow five weeks or more in spring and summer.

DO I NEED A VISA? American citizens visiting Turkey are required to purchase a visa. A visa is easily obtainable upon arrival in Istanbul for a fee of $20.00.

DO I NEED ANY VACCINATIONS? There are no serious health risks associated with travel to Turkey, and no vaccinations are required for entry. Many medicines are sold at pharmacies, although it is a good idea to bring any special medications with you. Doctors and dentists are readily available in major cities, and can be found in all but the smallest towns as well.

WHAT DO I WEAR? Turkey is an informal country, so casual/smart clothing is usually best. While touring, layered comfortable clothing with good walking shoes is advisable. When visiting mosques you will be required to remove your shoes. No shorts (for men or women) or bare shoulders are allowed in a mosque. Women do not have to wear a dress in a mosque, but the legs should be covered. While it is not strictly required, a headscarf for women when visiting a mosque would be greatly appreciated by the locals. The general rule is: the smaller the town, the more conservative the dress.

WHAT ABOUT MONEY? The local currency is the Turkish Lira. As the Lira suffers from a high inflation rate, do not buy Lira in the U.S. prior to your departure. U.S. dollars, traveler's checks, and credit cards are widely accepted in Turkey, with VISA and MasterCard preferred; ATM's abound.

WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE? Turkey is not only a geographic bridge between Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, but a gastronomic one as well. Its cuisine reflects the long history of a people who emigrated from the borders of China to the land mass known as Asia Minor, and then built an empire that encompassed Arabic, Greek, and European lands. Turkish cuisine is healthy, full of vegetables, grains, fresh fish, and seemingly infinite varieties of lamb. Fish and meat are typically served grilled or roasted. Desserts are sweet, and can be drenched in honey or rose water.

CAN I DRINK THE WATER? Tap water in Turkey is generally considered safe to drink, but the mineral content and/or chlorination may taste bad and could upset your stomach. It is best to stick to bottled water, which is provided free of charge by Odyssey Adventure Travel throughout your trip. It is perfectly safe to brush your teeth with tap water. At all the hotels and restaurants we use the ice is safe.

WHAT IS THE SHOPPING LIKE? Turkey is literally a shopper's paradise. The range of goods available include one-of-a-kind handmade rugs and kilims, ceramics, copper and brass work, jewelry, alabaster, leather and suede, meerschaum, and inlaid wood pieces, all at prices to suit most every whim. While you will have ample opportunity to shop for local goods, Odyssey Adventure Travel wishes to stress that we do not operate "shopping expeditions"; the emphasis of our trips is on culture and history.

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE? Turkey enjoys a Mediterranean climate similar to that of Greece, Italy, and Spain. While of course the weather can never be guaranteed, Odyssey Adventure Travel operates its trips in the optimum months of April, May, June, September, and October.

WHAT WILL MY ACCOMMODATIONS BE LIKE? Odyssey Adventure Travel prides itself on the fact that we use only 4 and 5 star hotels with all the amenities. In more remote areas of the country we use the best hotels available, but rest assured you will always have a clean room with private bath.

HOW MANY PEOPLE WILL BE ON MY TRIP? Odyssey Adventure Travel feels strongly that smaller groups ensure a more rewarding and memorable travel experience. Therefore, we limit all trips to a maximum number of 16 participants; our "Turquoise Coast Voyage" trip is limited to 12 clients. However, we frequently operate trips with fewer than the maximum number.

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