Turkish Discovery

Regular price: $3,239.00
Sale price: $3,239.00

Class

Travel Date

Room Type

Quantity

Coach Tour
8 Days Istanbul to Izmir

Departs on Fridays

Istanbul (2) | Cappadocia (2) | Pamukkale (1) | Izmir (2)

2025 Departure Dates:

Jul: 04, 18 | Aug: 01, 15-full, 29 | Sep: 05, 12, 19, 26 | Oct: 03-full, 10, 17, 31 | Nov: 07 | Dec: 19

2026 Departure Dates (Fridays)
Jan: 09 | Feb: 06 | Mar: 06, 20 | Apr: 03, 10, 24 | May: 01, 08, 15, 29 | Jun: 05, 12, 19 | Jul: 03, 17, 31 | Aug: 14, 28 | Sep: 04, 11, 18, 25 | Oct: 02, 09, 16 | Nov: 06 | Dec: 18

Experience this fantastic 8-day journey that showcases the highlights of Turkey for those with limited time. Marvel at the vibrant hues of Istanbul, the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia, the surreal beauty of Pamukkale, the historic wonders of Selcuk, and the ancient city of Ephesus.

Highlights:

Be captivated by Istanbul's exotic charm
Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the burial place of the founder of modern Turkey
Discover an underground sanctuary city amidst the surreal landscape of Cappadocia
Witness the mesmerizing beauty of the cotton candy white limestone terraces of Pamukkale
Explore the historical wonders of Selcuk, with the remarkable temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Explore historical Ephesus with its splendid library, theatre, and temples
Savour Turkish Gozleme in a nomadic tent in Selcuk
Experience the picturesque charm of Sirince, considered one of Turkey's most beautiful villages

Itinerary
Accommodation
Important Information

Day 1: Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. On arrival you will be met by a representative of our local agent then transferred to the your hotel where accommodation is reserved for two nights. Remainder of day at leisure.

Day 2: Istanbul (B)

Embark on a full day guided tour of some of the best sites of Istanbul, the city where east meets west. Originally founded as Byzantium, then known as Constantinople, after Constantine the Great, Istanbul is home to many fascinating sites. The first stop on your tour is Topkapi Palace, once the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans and now a fascinating museum. Next, view the incredible Hagia Sophia Mosque from the outside - originally built in 537ad, this marvel of engineering is famed for the giant dome, an incredible feat for the time period and considered as one of the world's greatest architectural wonders. Continue to the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616 and famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Conclude your tour with a visit to the famous Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world featuring an intricate labyrinth of over 60 streets and 4000 shops. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 3: Istanbul - Ankara – Cappadocia (BD)

This morning depart for Ankara where you will visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk and its Museum. This is the burial place of the national hero who founded the modern Republic of Turkey. After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake, one of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world, arrive in Cappadocia for an overnight stay.

Day 4: Cappadocia (BL)

Optional: Early morning Hot Air Balloon tour (supplement applies).

Embark on a full day excursion in Cappadocia, famous for its distinctive rock formations (referred to as 'fairy chimneys'), amazing caves and historical history. Visit the Underground City, the Open-Air Museum in Goreme and the incredible natural fortress in Uchisar. Lunch today in a local restaurant. This afternoon, you will have the opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx, and potteries. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Optional: Night Tour with a Turkish Show and dinner (supplement applies).

Day 5: Cappadocia - Konya – Pamukkale (BD)

Early departure for Pamukkale. Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, derived its name from the striking natural landscape and is famous for its travertine terraces made from minerals deposited by thermal waters. En-route visit the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece, Sultanhan Caravanserai - one of the best examples of Seljuk architecture in Turkey and one of the largest medieval caravanserai in the country - built to shelter the caravaneers, their animals and cargo and keep them safe from highwaymen as they travelled along the ancient Silk Route. Proceed to Konya where you will visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, housing the tomb of Mevlana Rumi the great 13th-century Sufi poet and founder of the Mevlevi (Whirling) Dervish order. Continue to Pamukkale for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Pamukkale - Hierapolis – Izmir (BD)

Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, with its spectacular ruins and magnificent Necropolis, one of the best preserved in Turkey offering an insight into the funerary practices of the Greco-Roman era. Marvel at the spectacular lime terraces cascading down the side of the hill before travelling on to Selcuk to visit the Temple of Artemis ''one of the seven wonders of the ancient world''. Proceed to Izmir for a two night stay.

Day 7: Izmir - Ephesus - Sirince – Izmir (BLD)

Today discover the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Turkey's most significant ancient cities. Explore its marbled streets, visit the magnificent Library of Celsus, the impressive open-air Amphitheatre, and the Temple of Hadrian dating back to the 2nd Century. Lunch today will be in a nomadic tent in Selcuk to taste Turkish Gozleme. Continue to the village of Sirince, where you can experience one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey and take the opportunity to taste their delicious wines, before returning to Izmir. Overnight stay in Izmir.

Day 8: Izmir (B)

After breakfast transfer to Kusadasi Port for the ferry to Samos or transfer to Izmir Airport.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

24/7 local operator support in Turkey
Arrival Transfer from Istanbul (IST) airport only on Day 1 (supplement applies from Sabiha Gocken (SAW) Airport)
Departure transfer to Kusadasi port or Izmir Airport
Accommodation in Moderate First- and First-Class hotels (cave style in Cappadocia) with private facilities
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
Complimentary 4G Wi-fi internet service onboard the coach
Meals as indicated in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Sightseeing as specified in itinerary
Professional English-speaking guides
Museum entrance fees
Porterage at hotels
Local taxes
Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

International airfares
Optional tours and excursions
Porterage
Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
Personal Expenses
Departure taxes
Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
Visas (unless specified)
Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Accommodation based on the following or similar

The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.

Istanbul

First Class: Titanic City Taksim (2025 departures)

Cappadocia (Cave Hotel)

First Class: MDC Cave | Yusuf Yigitoglu Mansion

Pamukkale

First Class: Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel

Izmir

First Class: Kaya Prestige Hotel

Double Beds
Please note a double-bedded room can be requested but cannot be guaranteed. In Turkey double rooms are very limited.

Dress Codes
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.

Hotels
On coach tours, hotels in regional areas (i.e. Pamukkale) can be of a slightly lower standard than the other hotels on the tour.

Optional Tours
Optional tours offered during coach tours may not be guaranteed (even if pre-booked ex New Zealand) as they are subject to a minimum number of participants.

Porterage
Porterage for one suitcase is included in the tour price. Due to limited coach capacity, the single bag should not exceed the dimensions of 30”x18”x10” and not weigh more than 50lbs (25kg).

Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain eating in public during the fasting hours. Restaurants and Cafes in Hotels will be open, however limited alcohol may be available over this time. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 17th February. After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days.

Sightseeing
All sightseeing tours require a moderate amount of walking around historical / cultural sites. This is particularly true in Cappadocia where walks can be up to 1 or 2 km long and where a good level of fitness will ensure you get a maximum enjoyment from your visit. On some tours you may visit a carpet or handicraft shop where the locals will show how their crafts are made. There is no obligation to buy any products at any of these places.

Istanbul: Topkapi Palace closed Tuesdays | Grand Bazaar closed Sundays

Transfers

Airport transfers are included on days of the tour ex Istanbul (IST) Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport. Departure transfer will be via scheduled shuttle at either 9.00am or 1.00pm. Private transfers at alternate times will incur a surcharge. Transfers are operated by drivers and are not guided. If arriving or departing Istanbul on any days other than the arrival or departure days of the tour, transfers are not included.

Enquire About This Itinerary

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.