All of the Turkish embassies funnel Internet-based queries for visa requirements to the Turkish "consulate online" at www.e-konsolosluk.net. The site provides up-to-date, country-specific information and, although completely unnecessary, processing of visas in advance of arrival.

In the U.S., the Turkish Government Tourist Office has a presence in both New York and Washington, D.C.: 821 United Nations Plaza, New York, NY 10017 (tel. 212/687-2195) and 2525 Massachusetts Ave., Ste. 306, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/612-6800), where you can stock up on maps, brochures, ferry schedules to Greece, and access to practical information via an interactive computer database.

Travel Tip

Tickets for all of Turkey's main events can be purchased through Biletix (tel. 0216/556-9800; www.biletix.com) and at an ample list of retail outlets and hotel concierge desks. In Istanbul, you can get your tickets at the Divan (the Taksim rebuild is scheduled to open its doors in 2010), Swissôtel, Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton, Hyatt, Radisson SAS, Marmara, and Marmara Pera hotels. See the website for locations in other major cities.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.