FAQ | Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about our trips and some answers that you may find helpful:
Why should we book with you?
Book with us because you will :
• Protect Yourself by booking with a legal fully licensed TURSAB operator.
• Save Money as travel agencies get better rates than the customer.
• Save Time by having us promptly organize all the hotels, tours, flights etc.
• Tailor your dream vacation with our tailormade itineraries from a local expert planner
Are you a legitimate tour operator and TURSAB member?
Yes. Our website is operated under our registered tour operator name ‘Knight Travel’ with TURSAB License No: A-9429, which offers our clients the security of highest possible approval and recommendation from TURSAB – Turkey’s governing tourism body (A-type licenses are the highest possible grade of tourism license in Turkey). All legally licensed responsible tour companies in Turkey must be officially licensed under this authority.
Please beware of unlicensed operators and websites without registered company contact information at the TURSAB site.
How can we check your TURSAB License?
Please just enter our name ‘Knight Travel’ in the search field called ‘Name of Travel Agency‘ to see our company registered on their site at: http://www.tursab.org.tr/en/travel-agencies/search-travel-agency
How do we contact you?
For any query please go to our contact us page for our telephone, email and address. Also our opening hours are shown there.
A 24/7 emergency contact number is also given to all our guests who book any service with us. If you have a question or concern that needs to be addressed outside of the regular office hours, please call us at that number for immediate assistance.
What does a ‘Private Tour’ mean?
In private tours, you will have your own private professional tour guide just for you and your chosen companions only for a more personalized experience of Turkey. (So you will NOT join any other people). This type of tour offers much flexibility and a more relaxed pace with greater opportunity for enjoying spontaneous moments and events and seeing more off the beaten track places, and the chance to learn more specifics about the history, religion, culture, art, architecture and cuisine.
What does a ‘Small Group Tour’ mean?
In group tours, you will be sharing the guide and vehicle with approx. 5-20 other people depending on the day and location (usually up to 15 people in Ephesus, Pamukkale and Cappadocia and up to 30 people in Istanbul). The sightseeing and route are fixed so there is no flexibility or personalization with this type of tour. Shopping shops may also be included. Small Group tours may be a good way to travel and meet people if you are travelling alone or for those on a budget.
Do we need a visa for Turkey?
Depending on your nationality, you may be able to buy a tourist entry visa stamp online in a simple process prior to arrival. Please check this with your nearest Turkish Consulate for the latest information or you may check the Turkish Government’s visa site at https://www.evisa.gov.tr/en/.
Do cruise-ship passengers need a visa for Turkey?
Cruise ship passengers arriving and departing by cruise ship usually do not need a visa, as a simple landing card valid for the day is given to everyone landing for the day by ship (or staying overnight on ship). Please check with your cruise company for the latest details.
Is the international airfare to Turkey included?
No this is not included. We can only arrange the flights that originate in Turkey being a Turkish tour operator based in Turkey. So you can book the international flights to Turkey yourself with any airline.
We can arrange all necessary domestic flights within Turkey. Please check the “What’s Included” and “What’s Not Included” on your emailed itinerary.
Are the domestic flight tickets included?
Once we know your exact travel dates, we can quote you the exact price of all the domestic flight tickets necessary for your trip separately at the time of booking. We can arrange these also but they are priced separately. This is because domestic flight prices are subject to availability at the time of booking.
For some short 2-3 day mini-trips, the domestic flights may already be included. Please check the “What’s Included” and “What’s Not Included” section of your emailed itinerary to check this.
Can we choose our own start and finish dates for a trip?
Yes you can. All of our tours can be started any day of the year you like, in most cases, subject to availability. Or just let us know your exact start and end travel dates and we can shorten/lengthen any trip to suit your dates.
Can we have non-smoking rooms?
Yes. Until recently only the 5 star hotels had non-smoking rooms in Turkey, however recent no-smoking laws mean that it is now illegal to smoke in most hotels, so rooms are already non-smoking.
What kind of vehicles do you use?
The vehicles used are fully air-conditioned non-smoking new-model vehicles (Mercedes,Wolksvagen,Isuzu) – so that you can enjoying touring in comfort.
Can I use Traveller’s Checks in Turkey?
No, these are not accepted at almost any bank in Turkey. Instead you can use the many ATM machines if you need to replendish cash. Main credit cards like Visa, MasterCard and American Express are also widely accepted in Turkey.
What time of year is best to visit Turkey?
Peak season is from mid-April to late-October. Mid April-June and September- October tend to be the busiest and with the nicest weather. Spring and Fall tend to have milder weather and less visitors making. July and August are the hottest months in Turkey.
Shopping in Turkey:
Many enjoy shopping and others not so much. Depending on your preference, please note the following information for tours:
• Small Groups tours: In Turkey, these may include some shopping stop/s during the tour.
• Private tours: Choose this if you prefer “no shopping” or for any other individual preferences.
In Turkey, shopping opportunities include local handicrafts, carpets and rugs, leather, embroidered items, ceramics and other souvenirs.
Peak Times/Holidays/Events:
Please note that during national holidays and special events/festivals, availability at hotels may be very limited. It is advisable to book in advance for availability or consider alternative dates before/after.
Closing Days for Sites in Turkey:
Most of the Museums in Turkey closed on Monday.
In Istanbul, the below listed sites are closed on the days shown below and are usually replaced with a visit to another nearby site instead on those days:
* Sundays: Grand Bazaar
* Mondays: St. Sophia, Beylerbeyi & Dolmabahce Palaces, most museums.
* Tuesdays: Topkapi Palace
* Wednesdays: Rumeli Fortress, Chora Church
* Thursdays: Beylerbeyi & Dolmabahce Palaces
Choose Your Travel Style:
Many of our packages come with a choice of group or private tours, as explained below:
• Small Group Tours:
Here you will only join a small group during the tour or transfer times planned during the itinerary, but still enjoy your freedom and privacy at all other times. The group size may be up to 16 people in Cappadocia, Ephesus & Pamukkale and up to 20 people in Istanbul. Small Group tours include travelers of diverse nationalities, cultures, faiths, backgrounds, ages, and interests, who may change daily. Group tours may include some shopping stops.
Please note that by nature, group tours may experience some waiting time pre/post tour at the tour destination meeting point, depending on collection of other guests, site opening times and your arrival/departure flight times.
• Private Tours:
Here the tours are run exclusively for you and your chosen companion/s with no other strangers. This is ideal for anyone who has special interests or prefers flexibility, spontaneity and traveling at their own pace, or would like further customization of their trip.
• How to Choose?
A small group tour offers good money value, freedom to choose the hotel category you like and still enjoy a certain degree of independence. A private tour offers you a higher level of privacy, comfort and flexibility as well as the possibility to travel at your own pace and interest, or further customize your trip.
Ask a Question:
For any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us by email.