Arrival Suggestions:
     VISA
US citizens need a visa to travel in Turkey. You may obtain this visa upon your arrival at the Istanbul airport. The fee is $ 20 in US currency for the USA citizens. The visa is valid for three months.
When you come out of your plane please proceed to the Visa  Booth. They only accept cash.
    
POLICE CHECK AND LUGGAGE /
MEETING MELITOUR REPRESENTATIVE FOR TRANSFER
After paying for your visa please proceed to police control. Baggage claim is immediately down the ramp after the police check. If you need a cart, you will need to pay one US dollar cash to a person who stands by the carts. It will be nice if you have a change. The Melitour representative for transfer to the hotel will meet you out side the custom area. 
When you leave the customs area, there is only one gate you can not miss it, you will see many people waiting out side with signs. It i s very confusing to find MELITOUR sign among that crowd. So please ignore them. Keep walking to your LEFT. Pass the information desk. In the ceiling there is a big white pointed sign  saying :MEETING POINT. Please meet the person who will meet you under that sign.
LOOK FOR A PERSON WITH MELITOUR SIGN.
There are a number of ATMs and banks at that location. AFTER you meet the person who will pick you up from the air port, it is recommended that you use the ATM or banks to change money. Air port rates and city rates are identical.

  EMERGENCY INFO FOR TRANSFER
In case of unexpected delay or change of your  flight, should there be a problem in meeting the person who should be waiting for you at the airport please call Hotel Ayasofya at 0212-51694-46 or take a taxi to Hotel Ayasofya. Your taxi fare will be refunded.
You can also call 90 532 345 9987. If your driver have difficulty finding the hotel ask him to cal one of these numbers. The taxi costs apprx. 30 Turkish Liras ( apprx US$ 30,-)
Hotel Ayasofya
Kucuk Ayasofya Mahallesi
Demirci Resit Sokak
Sultan Ahmet Meydani Alti
 
ON ARRIVAL
At the bottom of the hill from the hotel on the corner there is a grocery shop. If you want to get water, it is a short , 1 minute walk down the hill,.
If you are staying in a double room, please make sure you leave your key at the reception at all times so that your room mate can get in the room as well.

The tour will start at 04:00 pm at the lobby of the hotel. Please be on time.

PRE TOUR ARRANGEMENTS
If you plan to arrive a few days before the tour to get over jet lag we can reserve a room at Hotel Ayasofya 
(Single Room US$60, Double Room US$85 Tax Included)