In order to process your booking, TRUE BLUE TOUR needs to collect certain personal details from you. These details will usually include the names and addresses of party members, credit/debit or other payment details and special requirements such as those relating to any disability or medical condition that may affect the holiday arrangements. We take full responsibility for ensuring that proper security measures are in place to protect your information.

We must pass some information on to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements (airlines, hotels, transport companies etc.). Such suppliers may be outside continental Europe if your holiday is to take place or involve suppliers outside these countries. The information may also be provided to security or credit checking companies, public authorities such as customs/immigration if required by them, or as required by law.

Except where expressly permitted by the Data Protection Act 1998 TRUE BLUE TOUR will only deal with the personal details you give to TRUE BLUE TOUR as set out above unless you agree otherwise. We may make contact with you or members of your holiday party by post, e-mail, or telephone for the purposes set out. We will also use your information to inform you of offers in the future or to send you brochures. If you do not wish to receive such approaches in the future then please let us know as soon as possible by telephone, letter or e-mail us atinfo@truebluetour.com If we do contact you by e-mail about our new brochures or special offers, you will also be able to unsubscribe yourself from our database at this time TRUE BLUE TOUR will assume that you do not object to being communicated with unless you have previously opted out or contacted us. We have the appropriate security measures in place to protect your confidential information.

ONUR TOURISM LTD. CO.     TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Onur Tourism & Travel Ltd. Co. trading as True Blue Tour accepts bookings subject to the following terms and conditions:

Your Contract with True Blue Tour:
To secure a booking, True Blue Tour (the ‘Company’) or its agent requires a completed and signed booking form together with a non-refundable deposit of 30% of the full cost of the tour, per person, per tour or full payment for travel within 56 days. Clients booking by telephone, facsimile, web or e-mail will be deemed to have read and accepted the Booking Conditions set out below. THEREFORE, PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY. A booking is accepted and becomes legally binding only from the date when the Company has confirmed its acceptance in writing and has issued a confirmation invoice. It is at this point that a contract between the Company and you (the ‘Client’) comes into existence. The Contract is between the Company and the Client, being all persons named on the booking form travelling or intending to travel with the Company. The person signing the booking form (which incorporates these conditions) warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear on the booking form (the ‘Party’), and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accepting of these conditions. However, for the avoidance of doubt, that person’s signature confirms his or her responsibility for all payment due in respect of all persons within the Party. No agent or employee of the Company other than a director has the authority to vary or omit any of these conditions or promise any discount or refund.

Payment for your Holiday:
The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at that time, may be required by the Company or their agent 56 days before departure but may also be agreed between the Company and the Client to be paid at a later date. The Company will not accept responsibility for any monies sent by post. The Company reserves the right to pass on any charges relating to returned checks and credit card charge backs. Payment can be made by direct debit, in cash, by check and with all major debit and credit cards. The Company reserves the right to charge 3% of the total of all monies due in relation to payments made by credit card. In accordance with mail order regulations, all documents will be posted to the billing address of the credit/debit cardholder and not the address of the passenger (unless they are one and the same). The Company will not be responsible for documents mislaid or lost in the postal system. Documents can be sent by registered post or courier but will be subject to an additional fee. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the agreed upon due date, the Company will treat the booking as cancelled by the Client and reserves the right to charge the Client a cancellation charge in accordance with the scale set out in paragraph 5 (below). Monies for tours operated by the Company that are paid to an agent acting on behalf of the Company are held by the agent on behalf of the Company.

Changes by the Client:
Any changes to the original booking (for example, hotel, passenger names but not departure dates (see below)) must be confirmed in writing by the person signing the booking form and must be accompanied by an administration fee of 40 USD per booking in addition to any further costs that the Company may incur. Whilst every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate changes and additional requests, their availability cannot be guaranteed. A change of departure date must be requested in writing by the person signing the booking form and must be accompanied by an administration fee of 80 USD, unless the request is within 56 days of departure in which case cancellation fees will be applied as detailed in paragraph 5 (below).

Substitution of Client:
If any number of the Party is prevented from travelling it may be possible to transfer the booking to another suitable person provided that written notice is given at least 56 days prior to departure. An administration fee of 80 USD will be charged plus any additional costs that are imposed on the Company. Airlines may impose  up to 100% cancellation charges and the cost of a new ticket.

Cancellation by the Client:
The Client may cancel the booking at any time provided that the cancellation is communicated to the Company in writing. Cancellation charges will be applied as shown below and will be calculated from the day that written notice has been received by the Company. The more notice that the Company receives, the less the Company will charge the Client. However, in addition to the charges shown below many air tickets have no refund value whatsoever and, therefore, airlines may impose up to 100% cancellation charges and the cost of a new ticket.

In addition to the above cancellation charges, the full insurance premium is also payable in the event of a cancellation by the Client. If the reason for cancellation is covered by the Client’s travel insurance policy, the Client may be able to reclaim these charges.

Changes by True Blue Tour:
The Company’s aim is to operate all tours as advertised but by entering into the Contract the Client accepts that it may prove necessary or advisable to vary or modify a tour itinerary or its contents due to prevailing local conditions or any other reason. The Company reserves the right at any time to cancel or change any of the facilities, services or prices described in the brochure (including flights, accommodation or other arrangements) and to substitute alternative arrangements of comparable monetary value without compensation to the Client and accepts no liability to the Client whatsoever for loss of enjoyment as a result of these changes. If a major change becomes necessary the Company will inform the Client as soon as reasonably possible. The definition of “major change” will depend on the individual tour and circumstances.
When a major change is made the Client will have the choice of:
(i) accepting the change of arrangements; or
(ii) purchasing another available tour; or
(iii) cancelling the tour and obtaining a full refund. Provided that the major change is because of “Force Majeure” or “Low Bookings” (see below) compensation will be limited to 65 USD per person travelling. “Force Majeure” includes war, threat of war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, technical or maintenance problems with transport, closures or congestion at airports or ports, or other similar events beyond the control of the Company. “Low Bookings” is where the minimum number of passengers to run a tour and make it viable, as set out in the Company’s brochures, is not achieved.

Cancellation by True Blue Tour:
The Company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but, except for Force Majeure, Low Bookings or the Client’s failure to pay the final balance, will not cancel a tour less than 42 days before departure. Unless the Client fails to pay the final balance, the Company will, upon cancellation, return all monies paid or offer an alternative tour of comparable standard. No compensation will be paid to the Client if cancellation is because of Force Majeure or Low Bookings.

Surcharges:
The Company reserves the right to increase the tour cost to take account of the following: government action, currency exchange rates, transportation costs (including the cost of fuel), over flying charges, airport charges, local taxes and increase in scheduled air fares. If the surcharge results in an increase of more than 10% of the tour cost excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges, the Client may cancel the booking within 7 days of being notified of the surcharge and obtain a full refund. No surcharge will be imposed within 28 days of departure.

Travel Insurance:
The Client MUST take out suitable travel insurance in order to take part in a tour organized by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. A suitable insurance policy should provide adequate cover for medical expenses arising through illness or accident prior to or during the holiday and loss of holiday monies through cancellation and curtailment of the holiday for insurable reasons. The Company is able to assist the Client in obtaining a suitable insurance policy. Clients making their own arrangements should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities in their tour. Clients should satisfy themselves that any travel insurance arranged through on the go is what they require and should arrange supplementary insurance if need be.

Passports, Visas and Vaccinations:
Clients must ensure that they are aware of all relevant passport and visa requirements and that they allow adequate time to obtain them. Please note that many countries require that passports are valid for six months beyond the period of the Client’s stay in that country. Requirements can change and it is the Clients’ responsibility to ensure that they comply with current passport, visa and health requirements and take all necessary documents with them to gain access to any country or region that forms part of the tour. The Client will be solely responsible for any cost, loss or damage that he or the Company incurs as a result of a failure to obtain all necessary passports, visas and/or vaccinations.

Behavior:
It is the Client’s responsibility to ensure that he and the members of his Party do not behave in a way which causes offence or danger to others or which risks damage to property belonging to others. In such circumstances all suppliers (e.g. hotel managers, airline pilots) and the Company have the right to terminate arrangements made on the Clients’ behalf, in which case the Company’s responsibility to the Client ceases immediately. Therefore, the Company will not be liable for any refunds, payment of compensation or reimbursement of any cost or expenses incurred as a result. Further, the Client will be liable to reimburse the Company for any expenses whatsoever that it incurs as a result of such behavior.

Age, Fitness and Participation:
All Clients are expected to satisfy themselves prior to booking that they are fit and able to complete the itinerary of their chosen tour as described in the Company’s brochures and/or correspondence. No unaccompanied minors (i.e. those under 18 years of age) can be accepted on tours operated by the Company; however, older teenagers may travel provided that they are accompanied by a parent or a guardian who accepts full responsibility for them and subject, in all cases, to the ultimate discretion of the Company. Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on tour with the Company. If in the opinion of such person, the health or conduct of a Client before or after the departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of the tour, the Client may be excluded from all or part of the tour, in which case all monies paid will be forfeited and the Company will not be liable to pay any compensation whatsoever to such Client.

Local Laws:
All participants in tours operated by the Company are expected to obey the laws and regulations of the countries visited and any failure to do so will relieve the Company of all obligations that it may otherwise have under the Contract.

Illness or Disability:
Anyone suffering from illness or disability or undergoing treatment for any physical or medical condition must declare the true nature of such condition at the time of booking and make arrangements for the provision of any medication or other treatment required during the tour. Failure to make such disclosure will constitute a breach of these Booking Conditions and may result in such persons being excluded from the tour in which case all monies paid will be forfeited and the Company will not be liable to pay any compensation whatsoever. If the chosen tour includes a cruise or excursion or transfer by boat of any sort the Client must make it known at the time of booking if he/she is unable to swim. This will not prevent the Client from participating in the tour but will enable the Company to take additional precautions for the Client’s safety at such times as may be appropriate.

Complaints:
If the Client has a complaint about any of the tour arrangements, the Client must bring it to the attention of the tour leader or other representative of the Company at the time so that they may use their reasonable abilities to rectify the situation. Failure to complain at the time will affect the Client’s ability to claim compensation from the Company. Should the problem remain unsolved a complaint must be made in writing to the Company within 28 days of the completion of the tour. The Company accepts liability should any part of the booked tour arrangements not be of reasonable standard. In such a case, the Company will pay reasonable compensation if the Client’s enjoyment of the tour arrangements has been adversely affected; but, the Company will pay no compensation if there has been no fault on the part of the Company or its partners and the reason for the failure in the tour arrangements was the Client’s fault, or due to the actions of someone unconnected with the tour arrangements, or if the circumstances could not have been reasonably foreseen or avoided by the Company or its partners. The Client is also referred to the Company’s right to make changes to any tour, as set out at paragraph 6 (above).

True Blue Tour Responsibilities:
The tours operated or supplied by the Company have been designed to provide participants with an exposure to the true nature of the environment visited and therefore involve an element of potential risk and exposure to potential hazards over and above those associated with normal ‘package’ holidays. All bookings are accepted on the understanding that the Client appreciates such risks and hazards and that they undertake all tours at their own volition. If a Client participates in an activity not included as part of a tour operated by the Company, the Client accepts all responsibility for taking part in such an activity and indemnifies the Company against any and all claims related to such an activity. Where the Client suffers death, personal injury or any other loss whatsoever as a result of an activity forming part of the tour arrangements booked with the Company, the Company shall only accept responsibility if the death, personal injury or loss was caused by the negligent acts and/or omissions of the Company’s employees, officers, agents, suppliers or sub-contractors. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company shall not be liable for such death, personal injury or any other loss suffered whatsoever if there has been no fault on the part of the Company or its partners, or if the cause was the fault of the Client or due to the actions of someone unconnected with the tour arrangements or due to circumstances which neither the Company nor its partners could have reasonably anticipated or avoided. The Company’s acceptance of liability to pay compensation pursuant to this paragraph 16 is limited, in the case of air travel, rail travel, sea travel or hotel accommodation, to the amounts set out in the provisions of, respectively, the Warsaw Convention 1929 (as amended by the Hague Protocol 1955), the Berne Convention 1961, the Geneva Convention 1973, the Athens Convention 1974 and the Paris Convention 1962. The Company’s acceptance of liability under this paragraph 16 is subject to assignment by the Client to the Company of the Client’s rights against any agent, partner or sub-contractor of the Company which is in any way responsible for the unsatisfactory holiday arrangements or the Client’s death or personal injury.

Special Requests:
If the Client has any special requests, he should inform the Company at the time of booking. The Company and its suppliers will try to meet such requests but, as these do not form part of the Contract, the Company does not guarantee to do so, including for pre-bookable seats. If the Company confirms that a special request has been noted or passed to the supplier or refers to it on the confirmation invoice or elsewhere, this is not a guarantee to meet it. The Client will not be specifically notified if a special request cannot be met. The Company does not accept bookings that are conditional on the fulfillment of any special request.

Departure Taxes:
It is not always possible to include all departure taxes on the Client’s ticket. In some cases departure taxes must be paid locally and these are payable to the government of the country departed and are non-refundable.

Data Protection:
In order to process a client’s booking, True Blue Tour needs to collect certain personal details from the Client. These details will usually include the names and addresses of party members, credit/debit or other payment details and special requirements such as those relating to any disability or medical condition that may affect the holiday arrangements. The Company takes full responsibility for ensuring that proper security measures are in place to protect the Client’s information.

We must pass some information on to the relevant suppliers of your travel arrangements (airlines, hotels, transport companies etc.). Such suppliers may be outside continental Europe if your holiday is to take place or involve suppliers outside these countries. The information may also be provided to security or credit checking companies, public authorities such as customs/immigration if required by them or as required by law.

Except where expressly permitted by the Data Protection Act 1998, True Blue Tour will only deal with the personal details given to True Blue Tour by the Client as set out above unless the Client agrees otherwise. The Company may make contact with the Client or members of your holiday party by post, e-mail or telephone for the purposes set out. The Company will also use the Client’s information to inform the Client of offers in the future or to send the Client brochures. If the Client does not wish to receive such material in the future then the Client should let the Company know as soon as possible by telephone, letter or e-mail (info@truebluetour.com). If the Company does not contact the Client by e-mail about its new brochures or special offers, the Client will also be able to unsubscribe him/herself from the database at that time. True Blue Tour will assume that the Client does not object to being communicated with unless the Client has previously opted out or contacted the Company. The Company has the appropriate security measures in place to protect the Client’s confidential information.

The Company may provide the Client’s details to carefully selected third parties for similar purposes. If the Client would prefer the Company not to do so, the Client should contact the Company by letter, telephone or e-mail. The Client is entitled to ask for a copy of his/her information. Please contact the Company in writing if required.

Entire Agreement:
The Contract constituted by the Company’s acceptance of the Client’s booking subject to these Booking Conditions shall constitute the entire agreement between the Client and the Company in relation to the relevant booking, and shall exclude all other terms and conditions (except for the relevant suppliers’ conditions and any applicable international conventions) and shall supersede all prior or contemporaneous communication or information provided.

Privacy Policy:
In order to process a Client’s booking, the Company needs to collect certain personal details from the Client. These details will usually include the names and addresses of party members, credit/debit or other payment details and special requirements such as those relating to any disability or medical condition that may affect the holiday arrangements. The Company takes full responsibility for ensuring that proper security measures are in place to protect the Client’s information

The Company must pass some information on to the relevant suppliers of the Client’s travel arrangements (airlines, hotels, transport companies etc.). Such suppliers may be outside continental Europe if the Client’s holiday is to take place or involve suppliers outside these countries. The information may also be provided to security or credit checking companies, public authorities such as customs/immigration if required by them, or as required by law.

Except where expressly permitted by the Data Protection Act 1998, True Blue Tour will only deal with the personal details the Client gives to it as set out above unless the Client agrees otherwise. The Company may make contact with the Client or members of the Client’s holiday party by post, e-mail, or telephone for the purposes set out. The Company will also use the Client’s information to inform the Client of offers in the future or to send the Client brochures. If the Client does not wish to receive such material in the future then the Client should let the Company know as soon as possible by telephone, letter or e-mail (info@truebluetour.com). If the Company contacts the Client by e-mail about its new brochures or special offers, the Client will also be able to unsubscribe him/herself from the Company’s database at that time. True Blue Tour will assume that the Client does not object to being communicated with unless the Client has previously opted out of receiving such communications or has contacted the Company. The Company has the appropriate security measures in place to protect the Client’s confidential information.

TRUE BLUE TOUR

True Blue Tour, was establised on April 25 2001 by ONUR TRAVEL CO. It is an “A” category licensed tour operator (Licence No: 3686). At first, it was establised to serve its self-owned company ONUR TRAVEL CO. But is professional and friendly service quickly made it a leading company in the market.

Company Targets

Our main target is to be a permanent company in the Turkish Travel Industry. As before, we will pay the utmost attention to the quality of our service. Our priority is indefinite customer satisfaction and a permanent client circulation.We will appreciate to deal with all colleagues who share the same ideas.

Best Regards,

EYUP KARAPINAR                                                YILMAZ OZLUK

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I travelling with a group?
No. You will be traveling independently on the regular transports according to your choice (Plane/Bus) but you will be with a small group only on local tours at the chosen areas this gives you an opportunity to meet different people through your stay in Turkey. Tailor made programs are for individual traveling. This makes the packages flexible to suit your needs and allows you to travel with an organized plan but without being herded around in a group. All of our tours can easily be customized to suit individual preferences.

Are the travel packages on your website for groups or individuals?
The itineraries are just a few of travel programs that have shown great demand and very positive feedback over the years. They can be customized to suit the needs of you or your travel companions. We believe they should also give you an idea of planning your holiday with ease prior to going into details. We have done something a little bit different with our web page, instead of just describing our services, we have tried to give an impression of the places and options available here in this beautiful country. Something we believe to be very important for travelers when they are making the decision of where & which way they will spend their holidays.

Can we choose our hotels?
Yes you can. All you have to do is just letting us know what hotels you would like to stay in while your agent creates your itinerary.

What are the prices of the travel packages, blue voyages or the hotels?
We have selected a wide range of hotels, tours and places, from budget accommodations to deluxe hotels, from day tours to travel packages we also use Turkey’s Special Class hotels, a unique part of this country’s accommodations which are historical buildings renovated as charming hotels. We truly believe that something for everybody can be found in our pages. Whether you are coming to Turkey for business or pleasure, and whatever the size of your party or family, we are sure that we can offer the best rates which vary with the season and give you a quote after your 2nd correspondence.

How often do the tours run? or do I have to wait for a small group to be formed?
Our tours operate all year round 365 days and we only go ahead with booking after confirming availability and rates. Unlike other agencies we do not limit you to a certain day and time of the whole year to travel with big groups all throughout. After all traveling is about; yourself choosing where to go and when to go!

Should I go on my own or with a tour?
With our concept you will be creating your holiday yourself with the help of our staff who will organize your time, arrange transport the way you want and offer the best rates for the whole travel package. There are many highlights in Turkey which cannot be reached by public transport, or sites where ticket queues take half a day during high season. Not to forget it will cost you less due to the fact that travel services such as hotel rooms, bus tickets, admission passes etc. are sold to local agencies at a much lower rate so agencies can promote and bring more visitors to these places. Nevertheless this will not insulate you from the pleasure of mixing with local people and still allowing you to make changes (*conditions allowing) as you wish before agreeing on the price and services offered. A tour might also be worth considering if you have a particular cultural, historical, sporting or other special interest and want to base your trip around that.

Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality. The most reliable source of visa information is a consulate of Turkey in your country or the website of Turkish Republic Foreign Affairs Ministry, www.mfa.gov.tr

When is the best time to travel in Turkey?
The high season for travel in Turkey generally runs between mid-April and late-October. During the off-season, temperatures are much cooler and snow is possible in mountainous areas. Many visitors enjoy the spring and fall, with their mild weather and small crowds. Coastal regions are particularly popular with tourists during the summer. These include resort areas along the Aegean and Mediterranean coast with beaches and yachting facilities. The coastline, especially between Izmir and Antalya, features numerous coves and bays and many nearby ancient cities and is perfect for yachting. A large number of international-quality marinas provide services for the yachtsman. For active travelers, swimming, fishing, water-skiing, surfing and diving are available.

What are the most popular travel destinations in Turkey?
From the perfect beaches and ancient ruins of its coast to the pulse of its cosmopolitan cities, Turkey is a study in contrasts. Visitors can lose themselves in the magic of a historic palace before enjoying a world-class meal, or swim amidst Roman ruins before continuing their journey in the comfort of a state-of-the-art yacht. Whatever your fancy, there are countless things to see and do in Turkey. Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey, serves as the gateway for most travelers. Istanbul is the only city in the world that sits on two continents and it offers an abundance of fascinating attractions for visitors. Some of Istanbul’s most popular sites include the Bosphorus Strait, the Blue Mosque, Haghia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace, the Kariye Museum, the Underground Cistern, Galata Tower, the Tower of Leander, the Princes’ Islands and the Grand Bazaar.

From Canakkale Bogazi, also known as the Dardanelles, to the fairytale Crusader castle and sunny beaches of Bodrum, the Aegean shores of Turkey are among the loveliest landscapes in Turkey. The highlights of an Aegean tour are Troy, the site of the legendary Trojan War and its wooden horse; ancient Pergamon, once a great center of culture and now one of Turkey’s finest archeological sites; Ephesus, the capital of Roman Asia Minor, dedicated to the goddess Artemis whose temple was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; Aphrodisias, the center of the greatest school of sculpture in antiquity; Pamukkale, a unique fairyland of dazzlingly white calcified castles; and Bodrum, a charming coastal town with a long, palm-lined waterfront and beautiful beaches.

Antalya province on the Mediterranean coast is Turkey’s principal holiday region. It is a paradise for sunbathing, swimming and sports. Best of all, Antalya serves as a convenient hub for nearby archeological attractions. Ancient theatres can be found in a remarkable state of preservation at Aspendos and Perge and visitors can tour the sunken city of Simena in Kekova. Remains of ancient Lycian cities such as Patara, Letoon, Xanthos, Myra and Apollonia are also within easy traveling distance. These are among the most fascinating sites on the Anatolian Peninsula.

Cappadocia in Central Anatolia is one of the most fantastic landscapes in the world and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. The area’s early Christian inhabitants utilized its remarkable rock formations to create more than 220 churches and numerous underground cities in which they took refuge from their persecutors.

Other popular destinations include Safranbolu in the Black Sea Region, an open-air museum of traditional Turkish houses; Mount Nemrut in southeastern Turkey, where enormous stone statues of deities commemorate the first century BC Commagene Kingdom. Konya in Central Anatolia was home to the great Islamic philosopher Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi who in the 13th century founded the Mevlevi Order known as the Whirling Dervishes. Each year in early December, the white-robed Mevlevi commemorate the death of Mevlana with their trance-like turning dance or sema – an amazing sight to behold.

Is it safe to travel in Turkey?
Turkey is one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel, and its crime rate is low in comparison to many Western European countries. Interpol ranked Turkey as the safest holiday destination in Europe for travelers. Naturally, we recommend that travelers to Turkey exercise the same precautions they would elsewhere, and be aware of security concerns that affect all international travelers. The Turkish Government takes air safety very seriously, and maintains strict oversight, particularly on international flights. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has places Turkey’s civil aviation authority in Category 1-in full compliance with international aviation safety standards in overseeing Turkey’s air carrier operations. In the days following the September 11 attacks, Turkish Airlines was one of the first international airlines cleared by the FAA to fly into the United States.

How do I recognize you at the airport/port/meeting point?
At the airport or meeting point a member of our company will be waiting outside the exit door of the arrivals hall, after you collect your luggage. He/she will be holding a sign with your name on it.

How should visitors dress in Turkey?
Casual wear is appropriate for most tour excursions. Women wear pants or skirts, but when visiting mosques it is recommended that they cover their heads with a scarf and both sexes should not wear shorts out of respects for religious customs.

What do I do if I need to urgently contact your office while traveling?
You will be given vouchers and reading documents prior to your travels along with your travel consultants 24 hour contact numbers. With the mobile phone which will be supplied by our company you will be able to reach your travel consultant.

Is it safe to drink tap water in Turkey?
Turkey practices safe sanitation standards and tap water is suitable for drinking, bathing and other regular tasks. However, it is customary in most Mediterranean countries, the majority of visitors drink bottled water. In some cases, the water may be “harder” (contain more minerals) than you’re immune system is used to or it may have an unusual taste, but it’s still safe to drink.

What currency should I use?
In Turkey, US Dollars, British Pounds and Euro are very widely accepted, especially for large purchases. Also, you’ll get a much better rate of exchange if you obtain Turkish liras (whether by changing money or from a cash machine) in Turkey itself rather than in another country. Turkish currency is easily obtainable upon arrival in Turkey at any exchange office or bank. Daily exchange rates can be obtained from the Turkish Central Bank web site atwww.tcmb.gov.tr. This site is in both Turkish and English, and gives links to all Turkish Banks. Turkish daily newspapers also publish daily exchange rates.

Will my bank machine card or credit card work in Turkey?
With a bank machine card (ATM Card), you can go to a bank machine (ATM) and obtain cash. Examples: Plus, Cirrus, Interac, Maestro, Carte bleue, EC-Card. Credit card: With a credit card, you can pay for purchases and you receive an invoice later. Examples: Visa, MasterCard/Eurocard, American Express, Discover. Foreign Debit cards are often *not* accepted in Turkey. Any of the above cards will generally get the best exchange rate. Bank machines will offer you a choice of languages, including English. Some credit card companies become suspicious if the card suddenly starts being used in a different country or continent. Therefore, we highly suggest letting your credit card company know that you’ll be going abroad.

What does “VAT” or “KDV” mean?
“VAT” or “KDV” means “Value Added Tax”; it’s a form of sales tax. The prices you see quoted usually already include the VAT. Please note that a refund is only available for goods: it’s not available for services such as transportation, hotel rooms, restaurant meals, and so on. It’s also not available for goods used in the country itself, such as food or gasoline (petrol); you must bring the goods back home. You must also purchase the goods in a store participating in the tax refund program; these stores are often identified by signs saying “Tax Free Shopping”.

What is a Turkish bath (Hamam)?
Communal baths were used in Roman and Byzantine times, but as the name “Turkish Bath” suggests, they played a significant role in Ottoman culture. At a time when the concept of cleanliness was not yet accepted in Europe, the Turks were very fastidious due to Islam’s emphasis on cleanliness. Countless baths were built in the typical Ottoman architectural style throughout the empire. Unfortunately, few have survived to the present. Cagaloglu Hamami and Cemberlitas Hamami, both in Istanbul, are very popular with tourists. A classic bath usually has three sections: changing rooms, a hot room and a cold room. After entering the hamam and exchanging one’s clothes for a “pestamal” or towel, you then proceed to the “gobek tasi”, a large heated stone where you perspire and are rubbed down by a bath attendant. If the heat proves too much, you can retire to a cooler room. This method of bathing is the most refreshing.

What to buy in Turkey and where to buy it?
Shopping is one of the great pleasures of a trip to Turkey and the rich variety of Turkish crafts makes it impossible to resist buying something. Fine apparel of silk, cotton, leather and wool; artful jewelry; leather accessories; brilliant faience (colored tiles); vessels of copper, brass, marble, meerschaum and alabaster worked by master artisans; and of course heirloom-quality Turkish carpets and kilims, are among the most popular purchases. Great value and an enjoyable shopping experience can be found everywhere, from small towns to big cities. Unique regional handicrafts make shopping that much more enjoyable. Traditional Turkish handicrafts crafts including carpets, ceramics and pottery, tiles, copper items, woodcarvings, decorative glass, and embroidery are a major component of Turkish culture. They are a stunning reflection of Turkey’s diverse cultural heritage and thousands of years of history.

Where can I find information on Festivals, Fairs and other Events in Turkey?
There are more than 100 festivals in Turkey every year. In addition to the local festivals organized in almost every city of the country, international culture and art festivals are held in major cities including Istanbul, Ankara, Izmir and Antalya. Istanbul is the most important center in Turkey of international culture and art festivals.
Information on the principle Turkish international art and culture festivals and other important events can be found at The Istanbul Culture and Art Foundation’s web site, www.istfest.org, gives detailed information on their festivals in Istanbul.

How can I receive more information about Turkey?
Those interested in learning more about the Turkish Republic and discovering what Turkey has to offer to visitors may visit The Turkish Ministry of Tourism’s web site at www.turizm.gov.tr which is a comprehensive site featuring many topics relating to Turkish tourism.

Tips for Travelers

Country Profile

The lands of Turkey are located at a point where the three continents making up the old world. Asia, Africa and Europe are closest to each other, and straddle the point where Europe and Asia meet. Geographically, the country is located in the northern half of the hemisphere at a point that is about halfway between the equator and the north pole, at a longitude of 36 degrees N to 42 degrees N and a latitude of 26 degrees E to 45 degrees E. Turkey is roughly rectangular in shape and is 1,660 kilometers wide.

Because of its geographical location the mainland of Anatolia has always found favour throughout history, and is the birthplace of many great civilizations. It has also been prominent as a centre of commerce because of its land connections to three continents and the sea surrounding it on three sides.

Area

The actual area of Turkey inclusive of its lakes, is 814,578 square kilometres, of which 790,200 are in Asia and 24,378 are located in Europe.

Boundaries

The land borders of Turkey are 2,573 kilometres in total, and coastlines (including islands) are another 8,333 kilometres, Turkey has two European and six Asian countries for neighbours along its land borders.

The land border to the northeast with the commonwealth of Independent States is 610 kilometres long; that with Iran, 454 kilometres long, and that with Iraq 331 kilometres long. In the south is the 877 kilometre-long border with Syria, which took its present form in 1939, when the Republic of Hatay joined Turkey. Turkey’s borders on the European continent consist of a 212-kilometre frontier with Greece and a 269-kilometre border with Bulgaria.

Geographical Regions

Turkey is generally divided into seven regions: the Black Sea region, the Marmara region, the Aegean, the Mediterranean, Central Anatolia, the East and Southeast Anatolia regions. The uneven north Anatolian terrain running along the Black Sea resembles a narrow but long belt. The land of this region is approximately 1/6 of Turkey’s total land area.

The Marmara region covers the area encircling the Sea of Marmara, includes the entire European part of Turkey, as well as the northwest of the Anatolian plain. Whilst the region is the smallest of the regions of Turkey after the Southeast Anatolia region, it has the highest population density of all the regions.

The most important peak in the region is Uludag (2,543 metres), at the same time it is a major winter sports and tourist centre. In the Anatolian part of the region there are fertile plains running from east to west.

The Aegean region extends from the Aegean coast to the inner parts of western Anatolia. There are significant differences between the coastal areas and those inland, in terms of both geographical features and economic and social aspects.

In general, the mountains in the region fall perpendicularly into the sea. and the plains run from east to west. The plains through which Gediz, Kücük Menderes and Bakircay rivers flow carry the same names as these rivers.

In the Mediterranean region, located in the south of Turkey, the western and central Taurus Mountains suddenly rise up behind the coastline. The Amanos mountain range is also in the area.

The Central Anatolian region is exactly in the middle of Turkey and gives the appearance of being less mountainous compared with the other regions. The main peaks of the region are Karadag, Karacadag, Hasandag and Erciyes (3.917 metres).

The Eastern Anatolia region is Turkey’s largest and highest region. About three fourths of it is at an altitude of 1,500-2,000 metres. Eastern Anatolia is composed of individual mountains as well as of whole mountain ranges, with vast plateaus and plains. The mountains: There are numerous inactive volcanoes in the region, including Nemrut, Suphan, Tendurek and Turkey’s highest peak, Mount Agri (Ararat), which is 5,165 metres high.

At the same time, several plains extended along the course of the River Murat, a tributary of the Firat (Euphrates). These are the plains of Malazgirt, Mus, Capakcur, Uluova and Malatya.

The Southeast Anatolia region is notable for the uniformity of its landscape, although the eastern part of the region is comparatively more uneven than its western areas.

Coastlines

Turkey is surrounded by sea on three sides, by the Black Sea in the north, the Mediterranean in the south and the Aegean Sea in the west. In the northwest there is also an important internal sea, the Sea of Marmara, between the straits of the Dardanelles and the Bosphorus, important waterways that connect the Black Sea with the rest of the world.

Because the mountains in the Black Sea region run parallel to the coastline, the coasts are fairly smooth, without too many indentations or projections. The length of the Black Sea coastline in Turkey is 1,595 kilometres, and the salinity of the sea is 17%. The Mediterranean coastline runs for 1,577 kilometres and here too the mountain ranges are parallel to the coastline.

The salinity level of the Mediterranean is about double that of the Black Sea.

Although the Aegean coastline is a continuation of the Mediterranean coast, it is quite irregular because the mountains in the area fall perpendicularly into the Aegean Sea. As a result, the length of the Aegean Sea coast is over 2,800 kilometres. The coastline faces out to many islands.

The Marmara Sea is located totally within national boundaries and occupies an area of 11,350 square kilometres. The coastline of the Marmara Sea is over 1,000 kilometres long; it is connected to the Black Sea by the Bosphorus and with the Mediterranean by the Dardanelles.

Rivers

Most of the rivers of Turkey flow into the seas surrounding the country. The Firat (Euphrates) and Dicle (Tigris) join together in Iraq and flow into the Persian Gulf. Turkey’s longest rivers, the Kizilirmak, Yesilirmak and Sakarya, flow into the Black Sea. The Susurluk, Biga and Gonen pour into the Sea of Marmara, the Gediz, Kucuk Menderes, Buyuk Menderes and Meric into the Aegean, and the Seyhan, Ceyhan and Goksu into the Mediterranean .

Lakes

In terms of numbers of lakes, the Eastern Anatolian region is the richest. It contains Turkey’s largest, Lake Van (3.713 square kilometres), and the lakes of Ercek, Cildir and Hazar. There are also many lakes in the Taurus mountains area: the Beysehir and Egirdir lakes, and the lakes that contain bitter waters like the Burdur and Acigoller lakes, for example. Around the Sea of Marmara are located the lakes of Sapanca, Iznik, Ulubat, Manyas, Terkos, Kucukcekmece and Buyukcekmece. In Central Anatoia is the second largest lake in Turkey: Tuzgolu: The waters of this lake are shallow and very salty. The lakes of Aksehir and Eber are also located in this region.

As a result of the construction of dams during the past thirty years, several large dam lakes have come into existence. Together with the Atatürk Dam lake which started to collect water in January 1990, the following are good examples: Keban, Karakaya, Altinkaya, Adiguzel, Kilickaya, Karacaoren, Menzelet, Kapulukaya, Hirfanli, Sariyar and Demirkopru.

The Climate

Although Turkey is situated in a geographical location where climatic conditions are quite temperate, the diverse nature of the landscape , and the existence in particular of the mountains that run parallel to the coasts, results in significant differences in climatic conditions from one region to the other. While the coastal areas enjoy milder climates, the inland Anatolian plateau experiences extremes of hot summers and cold winters with limited rainfall.

F1 Grand Prix Istanbul

Welcome to the Grand Prix Istanbul! This is the 7th year that the GP has taken place in Istanbul. In the last 6 years, True Blue Tour Turkey have experienced the Grand Prix, organising packages for your convenience.  True Blue Tour is dedicated to provide the very best in service quality to meet your needs for the Formula One organisations. Our team consist of travel professionals  with their own specialized areas. Formula One tours have been tailor made with the knowledge, experience and service quality.  We offer packages which include hotel bookings, race transfers and airport transfers as well as different tours across Turkey and journeys to neighbour Islands. Our commitment is to offer  the best value for money with the high quality service and to leave a wonderful lifetime memory in your minds.

If you are looking for something special and different, we would like to show you Turkey and arrange any kind of tours as you have been dreaming. Use our package tours as shown on our website or create your own one! You will experience unique Turkish hospitality and service while you are enjoying your tour.

For any question or arrangement please contact us, we are ready to help.
True Blue Tour Turkey is looking forward to see you in Turkey.

F1 Package Tours		F1 Race Tickets		Race Transfers

Tailor Made Turkey Tours

You like to travel only with your family or close friends; you are getting ready for your honeymoon; you know it is difficult to travel, even with people you already know; you want a holiday just for yourself; travelling off the road to extraordinary destinations gives you more satisfaction; you are looking for maximum flexibility on your holidays…

We know that you have lots of reasons for custom-made tours. We design tours more for individuals than large groups and we are well aware of your wants and needs. We can easily put together the tour programs you are interested in on our web page or, simply by giving the details you want to our personnel who are experts on all parts of Turkey, a program can be especially designed for you.

It will be a pleasure for us to find an answer to any of your requests and to give our opinions and suggestions on your Turkish program that you have already prepared.

Istanbul Shore Excursions / Glorious Istanbul

After meeting up with your guide in front of the Istanbul Karakoy Port passenger terminal, begin your drive to the Old Town. Cross over the Galata Bridge, which spans the Golden Horn, to arrive in the heart of the old town.

We will first stop at the jewel in Turkey’s Byzantine crown, the marvellous Hagia Sophia. This splendid Church of Divine Wisdom, originally built in the 4th century A.D., was lovingly restored in the 1900s, reflecting the true history of the glorious city of Istanbul. When it was built, Hagia Sophia’s dome was the largest in the world and it is now one of the world’s finest examples of Byzantine architecture. After several conquests and pillages, the building was converted into a mosque, but fell into disrepair as the centuries passed. The mosaics were uncovered in the 1900s and the church was dedicated as a Byzantine-Ottoman museum.

Your next stop will be the Topkapi Palace Museum. Topkapi Palace, the seat of the Ottoman Empire for almost four centuries, is located on the Seraglio Point between the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara with a splendid view of the Bosphorus. Walk through the courtyards of the Palace, view the chimneys of the Royal Kitchens, the Harem Tower, the Ceremonial Halls and the Throne Room and see the Costumes of the Sultans, the Treasury of the Ottoman Empire, the Library and the Pavilions.

After lunch we take a short drive to the Grand Bazaar, where handicraft from all over Turkey is displayed in thousands of shops and stores. Enjoy shopping within this bustling maze of glittering jewels, surrounded by the sweet scent of incense, radiant Turkish carpets and the vivid sheen of brass and copper. Afterwards, drive to Taksim, a leisure district famed for its restaurants, shops and hotels and considered the heart of modern Istanbul. Walk the famous Istiklal Avenue and see how the consulates, shops, restaurants, small snack bars, cinemas, libraries, pubs, coffeehouses, old patisseries, chocolateries and technological centres are integrated into the 19th-century Turkish buildings.

Your guide and driver will farewell you from Karakoy Port for your next destination on your cruise.