Now for your questions: After being up for 24 hours it will be nice to have someone pick you up. So, I would check your hotel online to see if they have a free shuttle or use the $20 pick up from globus.It is so nice to have one less hassle. The visa is very easy. After leaving the plane you will go down a ramp to visa window,show passport and pay $100 us in CASH. then immigration,luggage,customs and out the doors for ground transportation.

Since you have three extra days in Istanbul you might want to check out things you want to spend more time then the tour, but the tours will probably have enough time, so check iternary and do other things.Some of my suggestions are: a bosphorus river cruise,the military museum, Walk the istiklal caddesi where there are some neat restaurants near the British consulant. If you have any questions feel free to write.

Wilma from K.C.