Prices do vary by time of year. In April or September you may have a lovely room for $15, but in the middle of summer the same room may be $30. In August and September we recommend you e-mail, phone ahead, or arrive at your destination by early afternoon.

All the prices on our pages are listed in U.S. dollars as the high inflation rate in Turkey doesn’t make the use of Turkish lira practical.

Rooms are rented according to the number of people sleeping in them and the headings on our pages list the single room rate.

A final note to travelers: If you want amenities, such as air conditioning and fans, you usually will need to stay in 3-Star or higher rated hotel.

Istanbul

LESS THAN $10/night

Istanbul Hostel, Restaurant & Bar
Address: 35 Kutlu Gun Sokak (Next to the Four Seasons Hotel)
Sultanahmet
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: 90-212-516-9380
Fax:     90-212-516-9384
E-mail: info@valide.com
If you like champagne, but only have a beer budget, then visit Istanbul�s newest and classiest hostel. Clean dorm beds ($5-$8) and doubles ($15-$20), full service restaurant and bar with wide-screen TV.  Magnificent roof top views. Minutes to the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace and all the major sites in the Historic District. Open 24-hours.

GUESTHOUSES AND HOTELS $40 – $60/night

Hotel Cevri Kalfa
Address: Divanyolu Cad. No. 16
Sultanahmet, Istanbul, TURKEY  34410
Phone: 90-212-511-9110 (4 lines)
Fax:     90-212-512-5644
E-mail: cevriho@ibm.net
Hotel Cevri Kalfa is located along the tram that goes to both the Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian Spice Market. And it�s less than 200 meters to the Blue Mosque, St.  Sophia’s , and the underground Cisterns. Practical, clean rooms all with private bath. Breakfast is served on the terrace bar that offers a beautiful view of the Blue Mosque. English and French spoken. Also, next door you can visit the Old Bazaar and the famous Vitamin Restaurant. Doubles-$35, Singles-$40, Triples-$50.

HOTELS $60-$80/night
Hotel Turkuaz
Address: Kadirga Cinci Meydan No. 36
Eminonu
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: 90-212-518-1897
90-212-516-0862
Fax:     90-212-517-3380
E-mail: info@hotelturkuaz.com
hotelturkuaz@yahoo.com
In the heart of old Istanbul you can find the city�s only original Ottoman mansion that now serves as a hotel – the Hotel Turkuaz. This quiet 14-room hotel offers all the hospitality you expect to find in a small hotel with services you�d expect in the largest, such as its own Turkish bath, 24-hour-room service, faxing/secretarial services, and a car park.  The Pasha and Sultan Rooms are most popular with honeymooners. It is close to the famous sights of Sultanahmet and the Kumkapi fish restaurants. Standard Room – $50. Pasha�s Room and Sultan’s Room- $80.

HOTELS $80-$120/night
HOTEL VALIDE SULTAN KONAGI
Address: Cankurtaran Mah. Ishakpasa Cad. Kutlugun Sokak No: 1
Sultanahmet
Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: 90-212-517-6558
90-212-638-0600 (pbx)
Fax:     90-212-638-0705
E-mail: vsultan@hotelvalidesultan.com
Located just outside the walls of Topkapi Palace, the Hotel Valide Sultan Konagi is strikingly beautiful from its chocolate brown wooden exterior to its lovely, elegant rooms. It reflects its 19th Century heritage as an old Ottoman mansion while providing modern amenities such as an elevator and rooms with mini-bars and air conditioning.  The roof top restaurant has a panoramic view of the sea, and from the other side enjoy the sight of the historic Blue Mosque. This family managed hotel is the perfect place to call home while in Istanbul.

ANTAKYA
HOTELS LESS THAN $15/night

Hotel Guney
Phone: 90-326-214-9713/14/15
The Hotel Guney has clean rooms and is located near the bus station and shops.

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ANTALYA
PENSIONS LESS THAN $15/night

Ozmen Pansion
Address: Kilicarslan Mahallesi Zeytin Cikmazi No. 5
Antalya
Phone: 90-242-241-6505
Fax:     90-242-248-1534
E-Mail: OZMENPANSION@hotmail.com
Travelers from all over the world come to Ozmen Pansion in the midst of Old Kaleci. All the rooms in this large, family-owned pansion are clean and comfortable with nice bathrooms. Thirteen rooms have air conditioning and the rest have fans. A self-service breakfast with fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese and jams is included. There is a downstairs garden to enjoy. The rooftop terrace has a lovely sea view. But best of all, you’ll find the staff very friendly and helpful. There is laundry service and they can help with air and bus tickets. E-mail your reservation to guarantee an air conditioned room or to arrange bus/airport pick-up for $5. Rooms with fan: Single – $10, Double – $15, Triple – $20, Quad – $25. Rooms with air conditioning: Single – $15, Double – $20, Triple – $25, Quad – $30.

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BODRUM

PENSIONS AND HOTELS
$10 – $20 /night

Zozo Pansiyon, Restaurant and Bar
Address: Ataturk Cad. Dere Sok No. 7
Phone: 90-252-316-1816
E-mail:  zozobodrum@hotmail.com
Zozo Pansiyon has low-priced rooms with private baths plus a great relaxed atmosphere, and hot water is available 24-hours. Zozo�s is just a 100 meters from the sea and Bodrum�s famous bar street. On those very hot days, you�ll enjoy your cold beer in the vine-cooled patio. If you ask, they have window screens, which are great protection against mosquitoes. The friendly owner, Gurhan, speaks perfect English. Call if you want to be met at the bus station  or the PTT.  Doubles and Triples-$12 per person including breakfast! E-mail us for a reservation.

Oz-El Motel & Pansiyon
Address: Eski Cesme Mahallesi
Firkateyn Sokak No. 31/48400BODRUM
P.K. 524
Phone: 90-252-316-4015
90-252-313-6168
Fax:    90-252-316-4016
Oz-El Motel & Pansiyon is nestled in a residential area above the marina. It�s a good location for those taking morning ferries or charters. It�s well worth the $3 – $4 taxi fare to locate this hidden gem. Outside, you�ll find the traditional Mediterranean white-painted walls with blue window trim. Inside, there are very clean singles, doubles and triples. All with private bath and hot water. You�ll also enjoy the tree shaded patio and owner Yavuz Ozel!

HOTELS $40-$55/night
Delfi Hotel
Address: Umurca Mah. Dere Sok. No. 57
Bodrum
Phone:  90-252-316-4085
90-252-313-3826
90-252-313-5255
Fax:     90-252-313-3827
E-mail: delfi@delfihotel.com
Spend the late morning lounging by the pool, and in the afternoon walk outside Delfi Hotel’s doors and turn right, and you’re just a few 100 meters to one of Bodrum’s twin bays. Cross the street and you can indulge in the experience of a Turkish bath.
Turn left and walk 10 minutes and you’re at the bus station to catch a ride to the local beaches or visit one of the twice weekly bazaars and go shopping. In the evening enjoy dancing the night away or listening to music at the Pool Bar.  They offer airport pickup for a fee. Room (not per person) rates vary by time of year from $40-$55 a night and includes breakfast. Visit their website for on-line reservations.

HOTELS $80-$175/night

MERVE PARK HOTEL SUITES
Address: Ataturk Cadessi, 73
Bodrum
Phone: 90-252-316-1546
Fax:     90-252-316-1278
E-mail:  info@mervepark.com
mervepark@yahoo.com
Merve Park is Bodrum’s best small Continental style hotel. It’s a special place. You enter its doors to find a refuge of cool air, a tranquil garden, a shimmering pool and rooms that are comfortable by any standard. A kind and attentive staff are at your service. The food, of course, is simply excellent. Merve Park is just 200 meters from the sea. From its 17 rooms and 2 suites you can choose from a sea or a garden view. Air conditioning, pool, 24 hour room service. Single – $100, Doubles – $140, Suites – $180. Discounts for stays longer than 7 days and other special programs.  E-mail for details.

CAPPADOCIA

LESS THAN $10/NIGHT

Surari’s Place and S.O.S. Cave Pansion
Address: Andinli Mah.
Goreme
Phone: 90-384-271-2307
Fax:     90-384-271-2307
E-mail address: soscave@sosmotel.com.tr
sururi@sururisplace.com
Both Sururi’s Place and SOS Cave Pansion have great panoramic views of the fairy chimneys in Goreme. Sururi’s Place has a great atmosphere and a rooftop bar. Many rooms are triples and quads so it’s easy to room together. At SOS your cave home has bright white walls covered with colorful carpets. Both places are close to the Goreme bus station. Call for free pick-up from Goreme, Nevsehir, Urgup. Rooms for every budget from $7 to $10 with breakfast and free beer from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Better prices for non-drinkers. Laundry, free Internet, Nomadic Tent, cafe and bar.

Sarihan Pansion
Address: Imran Mah. Gulluce Sok. No. 10
Urgup
Phone: 90-384-341-2264
90-384-341-8813
Fax:    90-384-341-5820
E-mail: sarihanpansion@hotmail.com
This family run pansion has clean, spacious rooms — 3 with a balcony and garden view plus a line to hang your wash or wet towels. Rooms come with your choice of shared or private bath. It’s on a quiet residential street just 200 meters from Urgup’s bus/dolmus station. Breakfast is a special treat with homemade Turkish food from Yildez’s kitchen including homemade jams.
Singles: $6-8, Doubles: $10-$12, Triples: $15.

HOTELS $25-$40/NIGHT

ALFINA HOTEL
Address: Istiklal Caddesi No. 27
Urgup
Phone:    90-384-341-4822
90-384-341-5339
Fax:       90-384-341-2424
E-mail: alfinahotel@hotmail.com
Alfina Hotel is an historically restored cave home built more than 200 years ago. It is the perfect combination of old and new. It has a simple decor with a modern bath in rooms that look much as they did when it was first built. The large cave rooms offer a perfect temperature and very enjoyable sleep. Whether you’re a group of  1 or a group of 51, you will find two gracious hosts to help make your stay a memorable one. You will enjoy western or Turkish cooking in the restuarant and a beautiful view from the outdoor bar. Singles: $36, Doubles $53. E-mail for complete prices including full and half-board.

OLD GREEK HOUSE
Address: Mustafapasa (near Urgup)
Phone: 90-384-353-5306
90-384-353-5345 (evening)
Fax:    90-384-353-5141
In a small town in Cappadocia there is an Old Greek House that is unlike any hotel in all of Turkey. It�s 250-year-old architecture is beautiful. The old frescoes displays workmanship that�s a long lost art. There are 14 rooms (32 beds) with modern bathrooms that can accommodate from single travelers to a large family. Enjoy homemade Turkish food and excellent local wines. Dine in the traditional way sitting on pillows! Small Turkish bath. Airport transfers. This family run hotel is a place you will never forget. Singles-$25, Doubles-$35. Large breakfast included.

DALYAN

PENSIONS LESS THAN $15/night

AYDIN Pansiyon
Address: Gulpinar Mah.
Dalyan (Mugla), Turkey
Phone: 90-252-284-2081
Here you are a stone’s throw away from the beautiful Dalyan Lake. Aydin Pansiyon is a family run place with very clean rooms that are especially nice for backpackers and families as they can comfortably sleep up to 4 people/room. Every room has a built-in pine closets, private bath/hot water, and a balcony to enjoy the serene and quiet neighborhood atmosphere. The garden has 2 big trees that provide plenty of shade. Doubles-$15. Breakfast is served in the garden and is included in the price. Call Mustafa to make your reservation and receive free apple tea upon arrival. Open year-round.

(Rose) Gul Motel and Pansiyon (not to be confused with the Gol Hotel)
Address: Maras Mah. Erkul Sok.
Dalyan, (Mugla) Turkey
Phone: 90-252-284-2467
90-252-284-4842
Fax:    90-252-284-4803
Very lovely decorated rooms some with mini-refrigerator others with air conditioning. All with beautiful baths/hot water. The terrace (open 24 hours) offers great views of the nearby rock tombs or enjoy Ottoman style seating with floor pillows and a free reading library. Friendly advice about Dalyan. Singles-$10, Doubles-$14 (with air conditioning $18), and Triples-$20 (w/air conditioning $24). Self-service breakfast with full menu and tea is included. Also free afternoon tea with Turkish pastry. Delicious homemade Turkish dinner is available at an extra cost. Fax or call for a reservation!

DATCA

HOTELS $20 to $60/night

Hotel Marphe
Address: Kocatarla Mevkii
Datca, Turkey
Phone: 90-252-712-9030
90-252-712-9031
Fax:   90-252-712-9172
E-mail: webmaster@hotelmarphe.com
Hotel Marphe is just minutes by car to the town center and beaches, but its countryside location lets you enjoy the shaded pine trees and the quiet life for a really relaex holiday. It offers resort style living with two room apartments (plus a kitchenette) that can sleep up to 4. There is also a special honeymoon suite. Very large swimming pool with children’s area and jacuzzi. See their web pages for prices and photos. Discounts for e-mail reservations and week-long stays.

FETHIYE AND OLLUDENIZ

PENSIONS  LESS THAN $15/night

Pension Cetin
Address: 100 Cad. Dolgu Sahasi DSI Yani
Phone: 90-252-614-6156
Fax:    90-252-614-7794
The Pension Cetin has a great location on the east side of the harbor. It is just minutes to the center of town and the harbor. The dolmuses (mini-buses) to the beach are also close by. This family run pension is a great place to meet travelers from all over the world as well as Turkish tourists! It has very clean rooms with private baths and most balconies to enjoy the night air. Call from the bus station (Kamil Koc customers can call for free). Singles-$6-$8, Doubles- $10-$12 and Triples-$18. Breakfast is $2.

IZMIR

PENSIONS $15 or less/night

International House
Mithatpasa Cad. No. 435
Phone: (232) 484-6719, (232) 441-0172
International House is just for tourists. It’s clean, has hot water & offers Turkish breakfast. There are facilities to cook and wash, like your home! From the center “Konak” catch any Mithatpasa bus and ask for the Mektucu bus stop.

KUSADASI

HOTELS  $10/night

Hotel Sezgin
Address: Kahramanlar Cad. Zafer Sok. No. 15
Phone: 90-256-614-2046
90-256-614-4225
Fax: 90-256-614-6489
E-mail: sezgin@ispro.net.tr
The Hotel Sezgin offers clean rooms with private showers (24-hour HOT water) at pension rates. Internet Service, laundry facilities, change money, book exchange, restaurant & bar. Call  for free pick-up from the bus station or harbor. Free transport to Ephesus, plus view an English video about Ephesus before you go. Centrally located. Open year-round. Excellent English is spoken by Sezgin the owner. Sezgin says, “Come here. Be happy. Enjoy this special place!” Don’t decide where to stay until you have visited here. Singles-$10, Doubles-$14, Triples-$22. E-mail\fax your reservation for a free welcoming Turkish raki or apple tea.

MARMARIS

$10/night OR LESS

Interyouth Hostel and Backpacker’s Cruise
Address: Tepe Mahallesi Sok No. 45
Marmaris
Phone: 90-252-412-3687
Fax:     90-252-412-7823
E-mail: interyouthhostel@turk.net
The Interyouth Hostel has a great location in the Grand Bazaar. They have Internet service, laundry, plus can help with your fery tickets to Rhodes, plane tickets and bus tickets. They also run the only Backpacker’s Cruise, the  24-meters gulet called the Southern Cross, with summer departures 2-3 times a week. This cruise is unique in it allows you to make a one-way voyage from Marmaris to Fethiye. The four day trip costs around $200 including all meals. Drinks are extra. Snorkeling and fishing  gear, and game boards available. E-mail for more information! Dorm beds $5, Doubles and Triples at $6 per person.

Family Pension
Address: Tepe Mah. 33 Sok. Kat 2, No. 5 Tekin Apt.
Phone: 90-252-412-8332
Family Pension is the place to stay if you want to experience Turkish life. Hatice Cikiakci, the owner, has a one-room pension with two single beds. It’s very clean and there is hot water on demand. It’s a short five minute walk to the Centrum and the harbor. The beach is about  a 10 minute walk. Hatice doesn’t speak English so have a Turkish friend call ahead or ask anyone for directions. The doorway to her flat is next to the barber shop. Then its down the hall, up the stairs and at the top of the stairs go straight on to the gate to her flat.

OLIMPOS

PENSIONS LESS THAN $15/night
Turkmen Camping Pansiyon & Restaurant
Phone: 90-242-836-1562
The Turkmen Camping Pansiyon has new treehouses. Price includes
breakfast and a “yummy” dinner. They also have bungalows with private baths.  They have a very friendly and helpful staff.

SELCUK
PENSIONS LESS THAN $10/night

Artemis Guest House: Jimmy’s Place
Address: Ataturk Mah. 1012 Sok, No. 2
Phone: 90-232-892-6191
90-232-892-9537
E-mail: jimmy@egenet.com.tr
People can feel at home here. There are eighteen spotless rooms with ensuite bathrooms. Fans & heaters available. It’s a 5 minute walk from the bus station. (They will meet your bus.) Free pick up from Kusadasi harbor. There’s a beautiful Courtyard Garden where you can enjoy a big breakfast or just relax in treetop Turkish Lounges. They also provide laundry service, kitchen access,  English DVD movies in Dolby Digital, Satellite TV, Internet, board games, and Bar. Their Information Resources and Services offer free transport to Ephesus and the beach, free travel desk, accommodations, day trips, Samos ferry tickets & travel agent access. Recommended in Lonely Planet, Let’s Go 2000, “Rough Guide 2000, Michelin & others. A member of the “No.1 Transport and Accommodation  Network.” You can  E-mail or phone with any queries and to ensure a place. Double & Twin Rooms: $10. Triple rooms: $15.

Dreams Guesthouse
Address: Ataturk Mah. Tahsin Basaran No. 3
Phone: 90-232-892-2278
90-232-892-6694
Fax:    90-232-892-2278
E-mail: mailto:Dreamsguesthous@hotmail.com
Dreams Guesthouse has clean comfortable rooms with  balconies just 100 meters from the bus station. (Please follow the dolphin heads on the road!) Hot showers all day and private baths come with towels, soap and toilet paper. There is a cool, shady courtyard downstairs and a new rooftop terrace for relaxing, eating good Turkish food and drinking. There is laundry service and an entertainment center with billiards and television, plus a free English movie with Dolby surround sound every night. Free lift to Ephesus. You can also buy your ferry ticket to Samos here. If you’re looking for a nice, family atmosphere, you’ll like it here.

HOTELS $20-$40/night

Hotel Akay
Address: Isabey Camii Karsisi Serin Sok. No. 3
Phone: 90-232-892-3172
Fax:     90-232-892-3090 (PLEASE be sure to write your return fax number!)
E-mail: sevenwondersefes@yahoo.com
Danger!! If you come to the Hotel Akay for one night, you will change your mind and want to stay at least two more nights! From the terrace you have a bird’s eye view of St. John’s Church, the castle and the 425-year-old Isabey Mosque. Enjoy fine Turkish food here or a BBQ. This Selcuk family hotel is a small place that wants to be of service to its guests. For  example, free lifts to Ephesus and airport transfers from Izmer. Singles-$22, Double-$30, Triple-$40 Breakfast is included. Call/fax to make your reservation. English, French and German spoken.

SILIFKE

HOTELS
LESS THAN $15/night
Hotel Akdeniz
Phone: 90-324-714-1285
The Hotel Akdeniz has very clean rooms. They are simple and basic.

Money

TIP: You will get a better rate of exchange for cash than for travelers cheques. We found that the exchange places charged a commission for travelers cheques, but not for changing cash. — M. Culshaw, Canada

TIP: When you bring cash make sure that none of the bills have ANY rips in them. We have had bills refused with small rips. — A. Higgins, Canada

TIP: Credit cards are used most places in Istanbul, but lots of cash or access to it is really necessary.  The old thing of tipping with American dollars is not too well received – which is strange due to the strength of the dollar.  Good advice was to change money every few days rather than a lot at once due to the unruly fluctuation of the value of the dollar. –L. Durand, USA

TIP: If you are planning to be in Turkey for more than a few days, convert your money a little at a time. Inflation is high in Turkey (50% in 1999) and you will be surprised by the changes a week in exchange rates can bring.

TIP: When you arrive at the airport, the best place to exchange money is at the PTT (post office) inside baggage claim. And always count your money no matter who is making change. Turks do it and so should you!

TIP: If you purchase your visa at your point of entry have cash. They do not take traveler’s checks, credit cards or Turkish lira.

What To Wear

TIP: Don’t bring too many clothes from home. Buy them there. It is inexpensive, especially if you discuss the price and bargain.–  G.&R Rock, Belgium

TIP: Wear flat shoes for walking, and watch where you are walking. The sidewalks are often not only uneven, but  also broken, with lots of unexpected holes. — M. Culshaw, Canada

TIP: If you are male, don’t wear shorts when you visit a mosque, unless you want to walk around it clad in a skirt.  The skirt will be provided at the door, and you won’t be allowed to enter until you have donned it! –  M. Culshaw, Canada

TIP: Ladies, if you are contemplating eating in small local restaurants you may be well advised to wear a skirt rather than pants. Many of these local places have toilets that are of the ‘hole in the floor’ variety! ‘Nuff said? — M Culshaw Canada.

TIP: Wear the clothes you would normally wear in your own country, as you will see the same amount of variety in Turkey (I’m often asked if I need to wear a head scarf when I go!!) — A. Higgins, Canada

TIP: Take some ‘water shoes’ as many of the beaches are rocky. — A. Higgins, Canada

Drinking and Eating

TIP:  We visited the beautiful city of Marmaris the end of August 1999. We found that if you leave the main road, you can save up to 40% on prices for eating. We found a Restaurant and Bar named EVITA, placed on 165 Sok. across from Fidan Otel, Karsisi No. 8. Here the prices are low and the food is very good and Turkish. Combined with a very nice staff, make this a place you must visit in Marmaris. — L. & J. Redlef, Denmark

TIP:  In the restaurants, keep track of what you ordered and notice the prices. Make your own bill (on a paper or with a pocket calculator). Do it obviously, so the waiters can see it. You will have no surprise when you ask for their “real” bill. Sometimes (often ?) there is a mistake in the addition … Turkish language is not easy to read, even on a bill. — G.&R Rock, Belgium

TIP: Drink bottled water, and in restaurants make sure the bottle is unopened when it is brought to the table. Refuse it if it isn’t. — M. Culshaw, Canada

TIP: To really experience the Turkish eating/drinking ‘behaviors’  go to a restaurant (with a Turk, if possible) and drink Raki while eating mezze, small appetizers.  This process should last a number of hours, while you talk about everything. — A. Higgins, Canada

TIP: Food, glorious food.  Eat in tiny places, fancy places, huge places.  The food is so superb that one can almost not miss.  Our favorite place was the restaurant in Topkapi. And … if you love creme caramel, you’ll be in heaven. — L. Durand, USA

TIP: Don’t drink the tap water. You can purchase water for about $1 a liter at any market. If you’re on a budget, then purchase water like the natives do at the “SU” store. Su means water, and they use a hose and meter like a petrol or gas station. Three liters of water is about 10 cents.

Places To Visit

TIP: When in Bodrum, take a one day boat trip from the harbor, about $10-20 CND ($7-14 US) includes lunch.  Its very relaxing and beautiful, and will take you to a number of gorgeous little coves.  It can be a bit too many people so spend a bit more and go on a day trip with only 5-10 people. — A. Higgins, Canada

TIP: Go to Dalyan – you can find a pension right on the river that leads from the lake to the sea.  On the opposite side of the river are ancient  tombs carved into the side of a mountain.  During the day you can take a boat to the beach, the beach being a special turtle nesting area. — A. Higgins, Canada

TIP: Tahtakuslar Gallery, located between Altinoluk and Edremit, is an excellent opportunity to experience how Turkish nomads live and best of all it’s free. Visitors can try on some of the clothes the nomads used to wear and have their picture taken. There is a museum that also displays handmade items from a village about a mile away. I believe it is a very good cultural experience for tourists.– C. Askin, USA

TIP: Just 5 – 10 miles away from Tahtakuslar there are thermal hot springs named Gure Kaplicalari. It is very similar to Turkish baths. It is open 24-hours plus you can rent your own room for taking a  bath. You pay a flat rate of around $2/room and you can stay  as long as you want. They also have beds for people who want to spend the night. It is dirt cheap!! The spa is surrounded by olive trees and the area is referred to as “Oxygen Heaven,” because of its clear air.– C. Askin, USA

Transportation

TIP: Use “dolmus” (pronounce as “dolmoosh”). It is inexpensive (15 BEF for about 4 km) and very nice. — G.&R Rock, Belgium

TIP: Use a dolmus – an inexpensive transportation system – using cars from the 50′s (in Istanbul) or mini-busses (elsewhere) as a cross between a bus and a taxi.  You get on at certain locations, the dolmus  has a predefined route, but you can get of f anywhere.  It will usually cost 50 cents, and the driver will not take a tip. — A. Higgins, Canada

TIP: You can make a quick trip from Istanbul to Canakkale via air. Dardanel Air offers a 40-minute flight for about $100 round-trip. Compared to a long bus ride this is worth it! They serve fruit juice & snacks, however, do not expect to find the customer service you find in the USA. My personal experience was not that pleasant, but it was still well worth the time and money savings. –C. Askin, USA

Other Good Tips

TIP: Learn a few words of the Turkish language, such as “Hello”, “Thank you”, and so on (see http://www.turkey.org and then click on Tourism or go to http://cali.arizona.edu/). Turkish people appreciate this very much. — G.&R Rock, Belgium

TIP:  Always ask a price before you decide to buy a good or a service. e.g., once a shoeshine-boy begins to clean your shoes, you have to pay him anyway, and discussing the price is much more difficult after he did it than before.  — G.&R Rock, Belgium

TIP: In Turkey, there are not fixed prices. Especially on markets and in small shops, you have to discuss the prices. Usually, you can get a discount of 40 % to 60 %. If it is  possible, wait until another tourist has bought something and then ask him how much he payed. This can give you a good tip about the prices. — G&R Rock, Belgium

TIP: I tried the Australia Direct number for many days before I found out that many hotels etc., for reasons best known to themselves, actually block access to the international 00 800 country direct numbers but it does work very well from public telephones and any direct (i.e. not through a switchboard) connected telephone. — B. Anderson, Australia.

TIP: The supermarket (Migros) takes VISA and has a number of prepared traditional main dishes and deserts in their deli section.– A. Higgins, Canada

TIP: Take suntan lotion with you. It is quite expensive there.–A. Higgins, Canada

TIP: We learned to enjoy the carpet sales people and played the game with them, listening to any new ploys they tried. We did not enjoy the kids selling shoe shines, etc.  REMEMBER THAT NOTHING IS FREE – and often, they would spill polish on a shoe and charge to clean it off – too bad.  Their favorite spots appear to be in the Hippodrome area around the mosques and at the fish market.–L. Durand, USA

TIP: We were so very thankful to have been advised to stay in the old part of the city, the Sultanahmet area.  It was wonderful being able to walk to the major sites, bazaar, spice bazaar, etc. –L. Durand, USA

TIP: We had a fabulous, fabulous guide in Istanbul.  I’ll be happy to recommend him if desired. You can e-mail me for the information.–L. Durand, USA

TIP: We found L. Durand’s above recommendation for a guide in Istanbul to be  just as described: “fabulous”!  We, too, heartily recommend him. — G & K Kokko, USA

TIP: Visit Turkey in the off-season. Our ten days in Istanbul (with two nights out for the Ephesus experience) were some of the best of our lives.  I mean it.  My husband, son and I have never enjoyed a trip more.  We never consider weather in making our plans (other than avoiding horrid extremes, of course) and shocked many people with traveling to Turkey during Christmas.  We had perfect weather – two layer outings, rarely wearing coats; no rain. Uncanny!  We have also discovered the time to travel.  We had Istanbul and Ephesus, etc. to ourselves – no kidding.–L. Durand, USA

TIP: If you buy a “Yagcibedir” rug (they are made mainly in the East of Turkey), get a white handkerchief or piece of cloth or piece of cloth. Wet it a little bit and rub it on the “blue” color. if the blue color comes out, DON’T BUY that rug. Blue is the most difficult color to dye, therefore, the quality of the blue color will give you an idea of the quality of the rug. Also, always turn the back of the rug and look for white threads. The yarn they stretch to weave on is always white. You should not see too much of it.– C. Askin, USA

TIP: I found a “pansiyon” in Dardanel for $5-$10/night. They only work with tourists. Representatives will pick you up at the bus station at no charge. I would say for someone who is doing adventure travel with a backpack, the Yellow Rose Pansiyon is the place to go. — C. Askin, USA

TIP: I stayed at a beautiful hotel in Istanbul…excellent service, clean, magnificent view, live music, dancing, indoor pool & sauna, exercise room, nice restaurant, daily tours, etc. I got a special deal on the price through a friend and a U.S. passport, but I understand they offer special prices for tour groups and travel agencies. You can find Hotel Euro Plaza on-line at http://www.hoteleuroplaza.com.tr. — C. Askin, USA

TIP: In need of a rest room while in Turkey? Look for the nearest mosque. There are both women’s and men’s rest rooms.

Travel Turkey is designed to provide you with the on-line and off-line information you need to plan your trip. We encourage you to read guide books and do some basic research so you can best decide where you want to go. Our pages are not designed to provide this basic research — that really depends on what interests you.

We also encourage you to visit our readers’ Tips page to see what advice and places to go that fellow travelers recommend.

Travel Turkey’s Transportation pages will also be of value to you in planning how to get there and how to get around.

On this page we also offer some help with places to visit. We do not plan itineraries. If you need help with this, please contact a local travel agency as Travel Turkey is not a travel agency. We can help you once you’ve outlined an itinerary and are wondering can you really do all that in 4 days! We’re happy to answer these types of questions with our Concierge service.

Web Resources

There are some excellent web sites and articles about Turkey that can be of use as you determine what you must see and do!

1000travletips.org is a great page for independent travelers. Here you can find informative personal stories about the wonderful places to see in Turkey without the first person narrative of how I spent my summer vacation. They also have information on travel in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

If you need an overview, try a CNN story, Destinations: Turkey.

SkyLife is Turkish Airlines in-flight magazine on the web. It’s great. Lots of interesting articles that can help you find places not found in the guide books as well as different things to see in even the most popular towns. It’s easy to navigate and you can even find past months articles. It’s well worth visiting.

If you have time do a search of the New York Times travel sections it seems like they run something about Turkey every other week. You can find them at http://www.nytimes.com.

Istanbul

All roads lead to this historic city and there’s lot to see and do! The Turkish Ministry of Tourism’s pages includes listings and photos of the key sites including Palaces, Mosques and Musuems to visit. Time Out Istanbul is also another interesting site to visit.

Istanbul Travel Agencies
Places to Stay in Istanbul

OTHER LINKS:
Architecture of Istanbul
The City’s Walls
The International Istanbul Festival
Istanbul Mosiac Museum
Istanbul Travel Tips
Museums
Topkapi Palace Museum

Bodrum

Bodrum is well known for its Medieval Castle as well as the place to lay on the beach all day and party until dawn. The Turkish Ministry of Tourism pages not only give a good overview on Bodrum town, but also on all the surrounding villages. Bodrum is also the home of the Blue Voyage: charter a wooden gulet for a slow relaxing journey along the shores of the Mediterranean.

GETTING THERE: Flights from Istanbul daily, but sell out early in summer so its best to book ahead. Overnight bus trips are popular. Express buses from Istanbul take 12 hours. Buses from Cappadocia take a little longer. Selcuk (Ephesus) is just 3 hours away. Izmir is 4 hours. Ferries usually run daily from the Greek islands of Rhodes and Kos.

Bodrum Travel Agencies
Places to Stay in Bodrum

OTHER LINKS:
A Heraldic Tour of the Castle of Saint Peter
Institute of Nautical Archeology
The Museum of Underwater Archeology

Canakkale/Eceabat

Theses two little towns are separated by the straight that joins the Sea of Marmara and the Agean. More importantly, they are the gateway to two famous battlefields in history:  Troy and Gallipolli.

GETTING THERE: Overnight express bus from Istanbul.

Area Travel Agents

OTHER LINKS:
ANZAC Day
Excavating Troy
Military History: Gallipolli
The Tale of Ancient Troy
The Iliad by Homer
Trojan War-History, Myth & Homer
Wreck of the AE2 Submarine

Cappadocia

Cappadocia is a region in central Turkey. They are many towns in the area inlcuding Avanos (famous for its pottery), Goreme, Nevsehir, and Urgup. It is the home of some of the most unique geology on the planet. Perhaps, you caught a glimpse of it in the Star Wars movie. The early Christians also called it home and left entire areas of small churches as well a series of underground cities where they hid for safety. It also offers a welcome relief when the rest of Turkey is so hot!

GETTING THERE: Flights from Istanbul. Overnight bus trip from Istanbul takes about 10 hours.  From Selcuk more than 12 hours. From Ankara around 3 hours.

Cappadocia Travel Agents
Places to Stay in Cappadocia

OTHER LINKS:
Cappadocia Travel Tips
Underground Cities
Early Christian Churches in Cappadocia
Kappadoyka Balloon Rides

Dalyan

This is a great town for children of all ages. It is quiet and easy to get around. A beautiful boat ride down the river takes you to three remarkable sites: the precious sea turtles called Caretta-Caretta, the mud baths (wear a bathing suit!), and the ancient Lycian rock tombs.

GETTING THERE: By air flying into Dalaman airport. By bus and dolmus from Bodrum, Datca and Fethiye. By day boat from Fethiye and by ferry and hydrofoil from Bodrum.

Places to Stay in Dalyan

OTHER LINKS:
Lycia: A Forgotten Civilization

Datca

If you’re looking for a nice uncrowded beach town to spend a week in then Datca is it. The night life is quiet and the usual breeze (sometimes wind!) keeps it cooler than other seaside resorts. Hire a boat and visit other beaches and enjoy a day at sea! Visit the ancient city of Knidos.

GETTING THERE: By air flying into the Bodrum aiport. From Bodrum by ferry. By bus or dolmus from Marmaris.

Places to Stay in Datca

Fetiye

People come to Fethiye for two reasons. the foremost one being Oludeniz, the most beautiful beach in Turkey, immortilized on posters as the Turquoise Riveria. Oludenz is a 15-minute dolmus ride from the city center. The second reason for a visit is making day trips to  some famous anicent cities like Telmessus, Tlos, Pinara, the Letoum and Xanthus. This is also a place for departures of the Blue Voyages.

GETTING THERE: By air flyng into Dalaman Airport. By bus from Marmaris and Antalya. By ferry from Rhodes.

Izmir

Izmir is  the perfect place for those who are interested in less crowded archeology sites as it makes an interesting jump off point for day trips to Sardis and Pergamum. It is possible to day a day trip to Aphrodesias, but you must catch one of the early buses.  Cesme, a small beach town with its own castle, is about an hour away by bus.

GETTING THERE: Domestic and international airport. By bus from all ponts across Turkey. By ferry from Istanbul, from the Greek island of Chios via Cesme and from Italy.

OTHER LINKS:
The Lydian Queen Omphale

Books

You can purchase any of these books directly from our pages by following the links to Amazon.com. Here’s our short list of suggested reading:

A Traveler’s History of Turkey
by Richard Stoneman
ISBN 1566562090
Stoneman’s book is a MUST for tourists and travelers alike. This slim volume covers 5,000 years of Turkish history and will give you an even better appreciation of this unique country that sits between East and West. It’s an “easy” read and well-organized. One caveat: Read it before you go!

Classical Turkey: An Architectural Guide for Travelers
by John Freely
ISBN 0887017298
You needn’t be a student of architecture to find this book useful for planning what ancient sites you want to see while in Turkey. If you’re planning to visit Ephesus (Efes) without a tour guide, then the maps, the explanations of the site, and its history are worth the purchase of the book alone. On other sites, the book provides sketches and photos that help you envision what the lumps of dirt you’re looking at once were! For architecture novices there is a handy glossary of common terms.

The Companion Guide to Turkey
by John Freely
ISBN 1900639122
Another useful tome on Turkey by author of Classical Turkey.

A Fez of the Heart
by Jeremy Seal
ISBN: 0-15-600393-7
Jeremy Seal lived and traveled throughout Turkey. It’s difficult to say if you’ll enjoy reading it before or after you leave home. It offers a British perspective on the Turkish experience with the added benefit of being well written.

Op Center: Acts of War
by Tom Clancy and Steve Pieczenik
ISBN: 0-425-15601-X
Tom Clancy is best known for his novels that have been made into movies: Patriot Games, Russia House and the Hunt for Red October. His Op Center books have his trademark of military details and history. Visitors to Turkey will enjoy this thriller that takes place in, well,  Turkey. The early pages of the book provide a nice overview of Turkish history in this century. Beyond that it will give you some insight of the geopolitical significance of Turkey in the Middle East and U.S. interests there. It’s a nice book to read on the plane and then either swap or sell once you’re in Turkey!

Lycian Turkey
by George E. Bean
ISBN 0393057089
Although George Bean wrote this guide nearly 50 years ago, it’s still an important book for those interested in finding and visiting the old Lycian, Roman and Greek ruins that Turkey is world famous for. Many of his books are out of print, but I found Lycian Turkey in the bookshop at the British Museum (London). Aegean Turkey is also an important book. You best bet would be to try your local library.

The Histories by Herodotus
There are many translations of The Histories. My favorite is by Aubrey De Selinco. Herodotus is considered the “grandfather” of  written history. He was born in what is now the resort town of Bodrum nearly 3,000 years ago. He wrote about ancient Greek history and especially about the Persian Wars. As you take your Bosphorus boat trip, you’ll have a better idea of the history that happened on its banks.  If you’re interested in the Greek history that transpired on what is now Turkey then you will find this delightful reading.

The World of Herodotus
by Aubrey De Selinco
ISBN 0965470707
Mr. de Selinco’s love and admiration for the ancient Greeks is contagious. He writes about the Greek world in Herodotus’s time and shares his insights with readers. It’s scholarly, but written for those who simply have an interest or curiosity about the ancient Greeks.

Herodotus: And the Explorers of the Classical Age
by Ann Gaines
ISBN 079101293X
A beautifully illustrated children’s book.

Turkish Visa Information

Most travelers can purchase a visa at any port of entry, but you must have cash. They do not accept traveler’s checks or Turkish lira. If you’d like to avoid the delay of purchasing a visa when you arrive, you can apply online.

Americans and U.K. residents need visas. Visas are good for three months. There is a non-refundable processing fee of 26 USD in cash or money order for single entry or 87 USD in cash or money order for multiple entry, payable to Turkish Consulate General. Full information on these requirements is available at the Turkish Consulate Online.

Americans can reach the Turkish Embassy in Washington, D.C. or the Consulate General offices in Los Angeles, which also has e-mail links to Consulates in Houston, Chicago and New York.

Australians and Canadians do not need visas and may stay for three months. Australians can reach the Turkish Embassy in Canberra.

Danes can reach the Turkish Embassy in Copenhagen.

Germans can reach the Turkish Embassy in Bonn.

The Swiss can reach the Turkish consulate in Zurich.

For a full list of Turkish consulates and missions, go to www.mfa.gov.tr.

If you don’t find your country, you can e-mail the closest Turkish Embassy regarding visa requirements.

Travel Advisories

The British Foreign Office provides up-to-date information for travelers to Turkey. They offer information and addresses of British Consular Services Abroad as well as practical tips and health information. They also offer a new service you can sign up for that sends you updates on any country you request!

The U.S. State Department has information on travel safety and precautions. If you plan to drive a car, they also have an excellent Driver Safety Briefing that includes translation of road signs.

Street Crime in Turkey is another important consideration. You can find information at the US Embassy’s Ankara website.

The U.S. State Department encourages its citizens visiting in Turkey to register either with the Embassy in Ankara or the consulates in Istanbul or Adana.

Health Precautions

What immunizations do you need for your trip? The Center for Disease Control (CDC) at has the answers for you and your physician.

Traveler’s Insurance

Absolutely, positively think about travel insurance. Turkish hospitals and physicians do not operate on the Hippocratic oath, unless you have cash, a charge card, or insurance! Here are a few companies that offer traveler’s insurance on-line.

J.N. Grace Online Travel Insurance is a U.S. company that offers insurance to anyone, but travel must originate in the U.S. or Canada.

Travel Guard International is another U.S. company.

The Travel Insurance Agency is a British company that specializes in travel insurance. They offer all types of travel insurance for UK citizens and non-UK citizens worldwide.

BKR Insurance is a New Zealand company.

Tourism Information

The Turkish Ministry of Tourism has an excellent site. Although the default page is in Turkish, you can select other languages at the bottom of the page.

For a list of Turkish tourism offices around the world go to Tourism Offices Worldwide Directory, select Turkey from the pull-down menu and click the Display button.

Weather

If, you’re planning ahead, here’s historical information provided by the Turkish Embassy, Washington, D.C. It shows average air and water temperatures for Turkey’s major cities.

For a four-day forecast, see CNN Weather for information on Ankara, Instabul, and Izmir.

Phoning In and From Turkey

The cheapest way to make domestic calls is from a public phone using a phone card bought at the post office (PTT). If the PTT is closed, you can usually find local entrepreneurs selling cards at a slight mark up near the public phones.

Your next challenge is to find a phone that is working. Lift the hand set and push the language button for either English, German or French and see what it says. If its says, “Welcome,” you have a phone that is working. Insert the phone card according to the arrow and you’re ready to start dialing.

Inside Turkey numbers outside your area code require a 0+ area code + number. Bodrum and Datca, for example, are in the same area code and don’t require an 0 + area code. If you dial an area code when you don’t need one, you’ll just get a busy signal.

If you use a Kontrol Telephone at your pension or a shop, expect to pay 3 to 4 times the PTT rate. This is not the phone to use for International calls.

To make a long distance international call you will need at least one 100 unit phone card. It maybe good for from 2 – 4 minutes. The card is around $4. If you wish to dial an operator, in your home country use the Home Direct phone number, which is free.

Learn Turkish

The University of Arizona in Tucson offers excellent resources for learning conversational Turkish.

Also, travlang.com offers Turkish for Travelers. Select the language you speak from the pulldown menu, the click on the Turkish flag near the bottom of the page to access the site.