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Turkey and the Icmeler Area
Where East meets West
Situated on a bay, backed by rugged pine-clad mountains sloping down
to beaches and clear blue sea, Icmeler is one of the most attractive
resorts in Turkey, ideal for water sports and boat trips. It makes an
excellent starting point for a Gulet Cruise touring the Aegean coastline.
Many tourists coming to Icmeler for the first time find the resort irresistable
and return year after year. The accommodation in Icmeler is of a high
standard and there are many restaurants of good quality to choose from
at inexpensive prices. The resort of Icmeler is a perfect size not too
large but big enough to keep you interested. It is an ideal setting for
families and couples and those who wish to relax and get to know the
locals. In the heat of the day Icmeler is quiet when everyone is lapping
up the sunshine on the beach or poolside or perhaps on a day tour exploring
the wonderful countryside, culture and history. By night it comes alive
with the bustle from restaurants and the canal side stalls selling their
fancy goods and trinkets. Try the Venice Restaurant on the canal for
good food and entertainment, a big hit with the Brits! Icmeler is only
a stone through away from the livelier resort of Marmaris - a 15 minute
bus ride away by Dolmus (A small minibus – shared taxi).
In Marmaris, there is a spectacular marina with quality restaurants fronting
it. Try the Pineapple restaurant for something special or if you prefer
a more informal setting try upstairs, the English Pub, a traditional
English pub serving quality food and drinks, overlooking the spectacular
Netsel Marina.
There are many excellent buys in Turkey, try Marmaris Bazaar or the local
markets where you can haggle for an excellent price. The best buys are
designer clothing, towels, leather goods, copper and brass ware, carved
onyx and jewellery. For that special gift, hand made items are an excellent
buy such as Turkish carpets, crochet tablecloths and mats or the locally
produced pine-scented honey. If you are thinking of buying a carpet why
not come along on our village tour and see the carpets being made when
you will have the opportunity to purchase a quality carpet at co-operative
prices.
Turkey really does have something for everyone - bars and cafes, traditional
music and belly dancing. Beautiful scenery, ancient history, friendly
warm locals with interesting culture and life. For the more energetic,
a choice of water sports, night life and day tours are available. Or
if you prefer try a boat trip to top up your tan.. Turkey – Icmeler
- An experience of a lifetime and a place not to be missed!
Culture and Customs
In the tourist resorts the local people have become accustomed to tourism
and there are no hard and fast rules for dress and behaviour. However, Please
be aware that you are visiting an Islamic Country with strong cultures and
customs, especially in the villages. If visiting the villages please show
respect and ensure that you wear modest clothing such as a short sleeve
blouse and skirt or shorts, this applies to both men and women. Please do
not wear swimwear in the villages or on the main streets of the resort,
although it is acceptable on the beaches or at the poolside. You will hear
the pleasant sound of the Imam (the caller of prayer) from the mosques five
times a day, starting at around 5am and and last call around 10pm, this
is a pleasant sound and adds to the feeling of being in a wonderful eastern
setting.
The people are extremely friendly and no matter where you go whether
in a shop or walking through a residential area, you will be made very
welcome and invited to drink tea or eat fruit with them.
Currency
Exchange
The currency in Turkey is Turkish Lira. Because of the past high inflation
rates the notes were in millions, which could seem very difficult to calculate
with all the zeros! At the end of 2004 the Turkish lira was devalued and
the zeros were cut off the notes. This makes it much easier to calculate
the exchange rate. The currency is now very easy to calculate and
you become familiar with it very easily. Most of the restaurants and
shops price items and accept payment in English sterling.
It has always been a dilemma by tourists whether to buy their Turkish currency
in the UK or bring English sterling or Travellers Cheques to Turkey. This
really all depends on the rates given in the UK and commissions charged.
Normally it is best to bring sterling with you and exchange your money in
Turkey, or pay for items bought using sterling. Travellers cheques are normally
subject to commissions but be careful when changing as some change offices
are advertising ‘no commission’ but do charge. At Icmeler Travel
Centre you may pay for your holiday and tours by Sterling or Travellers
cheques and no commission will be added. Before changing any money in Icmeler
come and see us to find out the best exchange rates. Please note
that Scottish notes are not accepted in Turkey. Please ensure you order
English Sterling from your Bank before leaving the UK.
Health and Insurance
Please ensure that you obtain the appropriate holiday insurance policy
before leaving the UK as health care can be very expensive in Turkey.
Although you are covered by your holiday insurance policy for health
issues (subject to conditions) a policy excess may apply, this is a sum
of money liable to be paid by you and is not covered by your insurance
policy. Check your policy when purchasing for ‘policy excesses’.
Also it is advisable to bring a credit card with you for incidentals
such as hospital or doctors fees. In some cases holiday insurance will
be accepted as payment minus the policy excess, but you may be asked
for full cost of the medical care to be paid for in the resort. Please
be aware that although Health Care is covered by your insurance policy
it does not mean that it is free in the resort, it may be the case that
you must pay and then reclaim from your insurance policy. If Health Care
is required in the resort, please ensure that all reports, invoices and
receipts are obtained as the insurance company will request these to
repay the amount paid out.
Visa Requirements
British Passport Holders will require a Visa for entry to Turkey. This
visa is obtained on arrival in Turkey from the airport’s Custom
Police. The visa must be paid for in English sterling the fee is £10
and is a multiple entry 3 months visa. Your passport will be stamped.
Please note that because your passport is stamped with a Turkish visa
this does not mean that you will be refused entrance to Cyprus or Greece
or the Greek Islands.