Wonderful Turkey On Private Basis

• It takes around 101hours from New York to Istanbul.

• India is 2 hours 30 mins ahead of Turkey

• Turkey is 07 hours ahead of Washington DC,  USA 

• Istanbul Ataturk Airport  (IST)
• Sabiha Gökçen International Airport, Istanul (SAW)
• Antalya Airport
• Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport
• Nevşehir Cappadocia Airport
• Kayseri Erkilet International Airport (ASR)
• Denizli Pamukkale Airport (DNZ)
• Dalaman International Airport (DLM)
• Mugla Bodrum Airport (BJV)
• Hatay/Antakya Airport (HTY)
• Ankara Esenboğa International Airport (ESB)
• Adana Airport (ADA)
• Gaziantep Airport (GZT) 

• Valid Passport (Minimum 6 months validity from the date of departure of your destination)
• Valid USA Visa ( if travelling on  Turkey E-Visa copy)
• Valid E-Visa copy
• Sticker Visa ( if no E-visa)
• Airline Tickets 
• Photo Id Card
• Travel Insurance  ( Mandatory as per your travel dates)
• Detailed Itinerary
• Hotel Vouchers
• Your personal visiting cards

• Medicines & First aid kit
• Universal adapter
• Kettle 
• Camera
• Pair of extra spectacles
• Sunscreen Lotion
• Warm Clothes
• Caps/ Hats
• Swimwear
• Good walking sports shoes
• Baggage tags

• Minimum 4 hours before the flight departure time, you must reach the airline check-in counter. Please note that sticking to reporting time is necessary. 
• Please carry the printout of your ticket.
• Passengers should make sure to do a web check in 48 hrs prior
• Passengers must arrive at the Web check-in confirmation counter at the airport at least 45 minutes before the scheduled flight departure with their printed boarding pass.
• Please make sure you arrive before check-in time. Because even though you hold confirmed and reconfirmed tickets, the airline may not allow you to board the plane.

• Rate of Exchange; 1 TRY (TURKISH LIRA) = INR 3.01 // 1 USD = 27..62 TRY
• Turkish Lira (TRY) is the currency of Turkey.
• You can buy cash currency at any official forex exchange, we recommend you to carry the bill for the same; or you can load a multi currency card.

Turkey temperature:

Spring: (Mid March To May)

• Turkey is famous for splendid resorts which are the most lucrative areas of the country. When spring comes, temperature rises up significantly and by April reaches +20°C in afternoon and +13 °C at night. Sea water warms up to 20 °C. This is the best vacation period for those people, who cannot bare heat.
• This time of the year wear cool cotton clothing, a hat, and sunblock lotion, but have a light sweater or light cardigan for cool evenings.

Summer: (June To August)

• Summer is the most blessed time of the year to have a vacation in Turkey. Air temperature warms up to +27 °C, and sea water does not cool down at night and its temperature amounts to +25 °C. This time of year has the biggest stream of tourists. 
• You can take your summer clothes, summer dresses, shorts, t-shirts, and shorts with you, and don't forget your flip-flops, sandals, and sneakers. Be sure to include sunscreen in your bag.

Fall: (September To November)

• Autumn is the golden time for tourists. During the season, night air temperature is already noticeably lower and cools down to +12 °C in October; in the afternoon it can reach +28 °C, however sea water stays warm and its temperature goes down to +25 °C. This is the best time to have a rest on the beach.
• This time of the year you can  wear cool cotton clothing, a hat, and sunblock lotion, but have a light sweater or light cardigan for cool evenings, foldable umbreallas.

Winter: (December To February)

• In winter, Turkey has no less interest for tourists. In mountains, it heavily snows which attracts fans of ski tourism. Winter temperatures in Turkey reach approx. +15 °C  in afternoon and +5 °C at night, wherein water temperature is almost always stays at +18°C. But for all that one can find a true winter with frosts in the mountains.
• Winters are quite harsh, especially in the east and north of Turkey. You can choose thick clothes, sweaters, sweatshirts, thermal underwear, waterproof shoes, and boots, being prepared for rain, snow, and storm. 

Mosque dress code:

For visiting a mosque or religious sites, dress neatly as you would visit a church (no shorts or sleeveless tops, and wear socks to walk on the carpets). Modest clothing is expected so avoid wearing tank tops or short skirts and wear a head covering before entering. As you need to remove shoes to enter the mosque, you can pack socks or just leave your shoes at one of the racks near the entrance.

Drinking water:

We highly recommend our guests use bottled water during their stay.

Mobile Sim Cards

• You can find stores selling prepaid SIM cards in the arrival terminal of Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökcen Airport. There are three mobile operators in Turkey: Turkcell, Vodafone and Turk Telekom.
• If you do not wish to buy a local sim, you can check with your current local operator, do provide an international calling service on your phone.
• If Traveling from India, you can also buy Prepaid Matrix Sims.

Language

• Local’s communicate in Turkish, the country's official language. English is not widely spoken here.
• We suggest you to use Google translator for communication.

Plug:

• In Turkey the power plug sockets are of type F. 
• One should carry universal adapter.

Luggage:

• We suggest you to travel light, as per the luggage allowance of your main flight and internal flights.
• Generally internal domestic flights, have a limited luggage allowance of 20 kgs for check in luggage & cabin baggage of 7 kgs. Ensure to pack as per flying internally to your luggage allowance in domestic flights.
• For Coach tours, you need to carry 1 medium sized -check in bag and 1 handbag per person only, we do not allow any more pieces due to luggage boot space restriction.

Yes. The Turkish Riviera, in the west of the country, is a stretch of coastline boasting some of the finest beaches in Europe and is the most commonly visited region of Turkey by tourists. There are many seaside locations with pristine beaches and all kinds of accommodation facilities along the Aegean and Mediterranean. There are hundreds of beaches awarded with the "Blue Flag", an international environmental award given to safe, clean beaches from all around the world.

No. Turkish cuisine is one of the best in the world with hundreds of varieties of dishes. Even though most of the dishes are based on meat and kebabs, In the big cities you can find several vegetarian-only restaurants, but even in a meat or mixed restaurant there are usually few veggie friendly options. There are few strictly-vegan restaurants, too. And Indian restaurants can be found in many cities too

The top supermarket chains in Turkey are:

• Migros
• Carrefour
• A101
• Şok
• BIM

There are many forms of transportation in Turkey including buses, taxis, trams and the metro. Tourists prefer to take a domestic flight to get from one city to the next as it can be time efficient and economical.

• Private Tour simply means your tour, where all ground services are provided by your very own personal guide, with a private vehicle and chauffeur, exclusively for your party  nobody else
• According to driving laws of Europe a driver cannot drive more than 8 Hours and required 15 Minutes break after 2 Hours of Driving, 45 Minutes break, after 4 Hours of driving. 
• Hours of Operations will be Maximum 11 Hrs strictly inclusive of all the compulsory breaks in between.  There is no way to extend the hours.
• The Car is booked for the service mentioned and as per the Itinerary provided by Flamingo only.
• If Passengers need to use the car for any additional services, Additional, charges is to be paid. The same has to be paid directly and the services should be within the driving hours only.
• The drivers speaks basic English and he is a driver and not a Guide
• It is compulsory for all the passengers to wear the seat belt in Europe. Failed to Do so will get the driver fined and will be charged to the passengers. 
• Air conditioners in the van/ coach may take longer to cool, in summers.

Accommodation in Turkey :

Hotel:

• Check-in is at 3:00 PM and checkout is 11:00 AM
• Please note, hotels charge Tourist city tax towards maintenance ot the city, from the passengers at the time of check in, same is not included in the hotel cost paid at Flamingo, as payable only locally.
• A refundable deposit will be blocked on your credit card at the time of check in, will will be unblocked in 15-20 days. Incase of any damages to the property the same will be charged on the card.
• Guests are responsible to complete the check-out procedures in the provided guest package that includes a check out list and to insure that the keys are handed back
• Cave Hotels in Cappadocia have different room sizes and each room may not look similar, these type of  hotels are spread on different levels in a wide area, you may have to climb steps to get to your room, every cave hotel does not have a lift. Some rooms in cave hotels may not have windows.

Things to know about sightseeing’s in Turkey:

• Walking is required at all the sightseeing’s,
• For ATV rides in Cappadoccia, Children not allowed below 12 years of age, Guest should carry  driving licence
• For Hot Air Balloon Ride Children below 06 years of age are not allowed
• Weather is an important factor in ballooning. Balloons don't fly in stormy weather or rain. 12 hours to until an hour prior, the hot air balloon weather check is done to get the information to plan the flight.
• Kaymakli Underground City is approximately 60 meters deep, or four stories below ground level, With many stairs and tight spaces to navigate, If you are claustrophobic  have breathing or heart issues or have  anxiety in small, enclosed places, Kaymakli Underground City may not be a site you need to visit. 

Nightlife:

• Istanbul is the epicenter of nightlife in Turkey. 
• Antalya, has numerous bars, clubs, karaokes, restaurants, and pubs. The nightlife is generally outgoing with a lot of young locals from universities and tourists. 
• Bodrum  is the favorite destination for young people who want to party until dawn, a long cobbled path flanked on both sides by numerous bars.
• Marmaris boasts some of the best beach clubs in Turkey and some of the biggest nightclubs in Turkey. 

• If pre-booked meals. Restaurant time slots should be adhered too.
• We can pre-book meals at Indian Restaurants if you are over 15 passengers and above,  but the reservations will be made for a fixed timing, with a buffet service. The timings need to be strictly adhered to. Meals are typically North Indian cuisines, including sabji, roti, daal, rice & 1 dessert.

Baklava 

Baklava is a sweet dish consisting of filo pastry stuffed with nuts and dried fruits. The pastry is held together by either syrup or honey, which makes it a bit of a sticky affair. Baklava comes in dozens of varieties, and you should make sure to try at least one or two of them. 

Sebastian Cheesecake

Delicious Belgian choc mosaic cake and cheese cake.

Simit

Simit is a kind of Turkish bread, baked in the shape of a circle. Most commonly it’s encrusted with sesame seeds, although on occasion you may also come across poppy, flax, or sunflower seeds.

Chestnuts and Corn by the streets

All around the main tourist sites, you will find vendors selling roasted chestnuts and grilled corn.

Dondurma Turkish Ice Cream

Possibly the most iconic item on this list, Turkish ice cream stands out less for its flavor than for its entertainment value. Sticky and almost ‘elastic’, this ice cream is perfect for fooling unsuspecting customers. The ice cream cone will be placed in your hand and swiftly taken away again, so many times that your head will spin. At least you’ll be rewarded with a sweet treat afterward

Cay ( Turkish Tea):

If you ask any Turk what is quintessentially Turkish, most will answer ‘cay’. Cay is a strong black tea that is served in small glass cups. Wherever you go in Istanbul, you will see vendors selling tea or shopkeepers drinking tea by the side of the road. It’s a part of Turkish hospitality so you should expect a hot cup of tea when visiting somebody in Turkey. Even if you are not big on black tea, you should try at least one cup.

Kahvesi (Turkish Coffee) :

Did you know that it was actually the Ottomans who first introduced coffee in Europe? Coffee has been an integral part of Turkish culture for hundreds of years which is why you definitely can’t miss having a cup.

Meze:

Meze is a set of appetizer dishes that are traditionally served before a meal or a long side it. There’s a large variety of them, but some of the most common ones include pickles, hummus, and ezme.

Ezme is a kind of dip made from fresh tomatoes and chilis. Another option is patlicansalatasi, a dip made from grilled eggplant

Ayran :( buttermilk)

Ayran is probably not something you’ll have on its own, but rather something you should have along with any of the savory dishes on our list. It is a kind of lightly salted yogurt drink and perhaps reminiscent of a non-sweet lassi.

Pide:

Pide actually resembles pizza more so than the lahmacun. It is essentially a flatbread that is folded over at the edges which turns it into a kind of ‘pizza boat’. Pide is traditionally filled with Turkish peynir cheese, a cheese made from goat milk. It melts very easily and will fill your mouth with heavenly goodness. Apart from cheese, pide can come with a variety of toppings.

Gozleme :

Turkish pancakes filled with cheese and potatoes or spinach

Shopping in turkey:

• Istanbul -Istanbul is a shopper’s paradise, from antique shops and chic boutiques to shopping malls. Famous for Tea and Coffee Sets, Lamps, Ceramic, Jewelry, Turkish Sweets etc Places to Shop : Istiklal Street , Grand Bazaar, Spice Bazaar, Historia Mall.Chevahir mall

• Cappadocia – Carpets, Pottery and Kilims: Cappadocia is well-known for the beautiful kilims – available in many colors,designs and sizes – these flat-woven works of art are perfect for the floor, table or wall. Theyalso fold flat to fit into your suitcase or in a complimentary carry-on bag

• Fethiye – Fethiye is famous for Spices and Condiments, handicrafts and Handmade jewelery, which are perfect to take home as souvenirs for your loved ones. Also famous for Apparel - Clothes are surprisingly affordable if you buy them in the street markets like the Tuesday Market.

• Pamukkale- Spa products: Pamukkale is known for its thermal baths, and you will find shops selling products such as soaps, lotions and creams made with the minerals from the thermal waters. Local food products: You can find shops selling traditional Turkish sweets and snacks, olive oil, and other local food products.

• Kusadasi - Kusadasi is a shopper’s paradise, with markets and boutiques, as well as the grand bazaar and shopping centers you are spoilt for choice. You can buy anything from spices to clothes, from ceramics to leather jackets. The shops have no set opening times in Kusadasi and usually stay open from early in the morning until late at night.

Safety:

• Turkey is generally a safe country for tourists, but there are some safety measures to consider when visiting. The first is to be aware of your surroundings and stay alert in busy areas. If you are carrying valuables, keep them close to your body and out of sight. It is also a good idea to avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches.
• It is important to always keep your belongings close to you. 
• Public transportation in Türkiye is safe for tourists if you take precautions to avoid pickpockets and bag snatchings. 
• Take care when using public transport at night. Be alert and aware of your surroundings, and don’t flash valuables in busy areas. If possible, use licensed taxis or ride-sharing services.

Some important things to keep in mind while travelling around Turkey:

• It is against the law to drink alcohol in public places
• It is illegal to drive after consuming any alcohol
• It is also illegal to take photographs of military buildings or personnel
• If you find yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe, you can call the police (dial 112) or other emergency services.