***Early Booking Special Offer***
SAVE $700 per couple, share twin | SAVE $350 solo traveller
Book and pay by 13 December 2024
SAVE $700 per couple, share twin | SAVE $350 solo traveller
Book and pay by 13 December 2024
T's & C's apply
Coach Tour (maximum 34 passengers)
11 Days ex Istanbul - Departs Selected Sundays
2024 Departure Dates:
Nov 24 | Dec 08, 22
2025 Departure Dates
Jan: 19 | Feb: 16 | Mar: 02, 16 | Apr: 06, 20 | May: 04, 18 | June: 01, 15, 29 | July: 13, 27 | Aug: 10, 24 | Sep: 07, 14, 28 | Oct: 05, 19, 26 | Nov: 09, 23 | Dec: 14
Jan: 19 | Feb: 16 | Mar: 02, 16 | Apr: 06, 20 | May: 04, 18 | June: 01, 15, 29 | July: 13, 27 | Aug: 10, 24 | Sep: 07, 14, 28 | Oct: 05, 19, 26 | Nov: 09, 23 | Dec: 14
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day Coach Tour of Turkey, a captivating odyssey through a land where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. Starting in Istanbul, where East meets West, you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. The journey continues to Ankara and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. Pamukkale's white terraces await, followed by the coastal charm of Izmir and the ancient wonder of Ephesus. Explore the legendary city of Troy, pay homage at Gallipoli, and more on this enriching adventure. Immerse yourself in Turkey's diverse heritage, from its vibrant cities to its ancient ruins and breathtaking landscapes.
Tour Highlights:
- Discover Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
- Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the father of modern Turkey
- Discover Saratli, a hidden underground city
- Hike through the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
- Discover Pamukkale with is striking white terraces, known as the Cotton Castle
- Uncover the ancient city of Troy
- Visit Gallipoli, a site of great importance to our Australian and New Zealand clients. Explore key sites such as Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, offering a deeper insight into our shared Anzac history
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. On arrival you will be met by a representative of our local agent and then transferred to your Istanbul hotel. Remainder of day at leisure. Tonight, meet your tour companions on your Classics of Turkey coach tour at a welcome briefing. Your accommodation is reserved for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Day 2: Istanbul (B)
Today fall under the charm of Istanbul, starting your day with a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453–1852 (excluding Harem). Continue to the Hippodrome once the center of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616 and famous for its blue ceramic tiles. There will be time for an optional visit to St. Sophia Mosque - a church built in the 6th century Byzantine capital, converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, still functioning as a mosque today and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. Overnight in Istanbul.
Optional (surcharge applies): Dinner with belly dancing entertainment.
Day 3: Istanbul – Ankara (450kms) (BD)
Morning at leisure or take the optional morning tour. This afternoon depart for the capital city of Ankara. Dinner at your hotel and overnight in Ankara.
Optional Tour (surcharge applies): Morning Bosphorus cruise
This morning see the strait that separates Asia and Europe on a cruise on the Bosphorus (approx. 90mins). Its shores are lined with fine neighbourhoods, Ottoman palaces, fortresses, old wooden villas, hotels, parks and gardens, restaurants, and cafés.
Day 4: Ankara – Cappadocia (305kms) (BD)
Visit the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, a historic caravanserai holding artifacts from up to 7500 years old, including the most extensive and valuable collection of Hittite artifacts in the world. Visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, which honours the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Drive to Cappadocia, touring a 13th century caravanserai enroute - these ancient caravanserais were pivotal waystations along the Silk Road, facilitating trade and offering respite to travellers and merchants from distant lands. Continue to discover the underground city of Saratli, one of the many underground settlements built for protection and religious reasons. Dinner at your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Optional (surcharge applies): This evening attend a whirling Dervishes performance
Day 5: Cappadocia (BD)
Spend the day at leisure or join one of the Optional tours available. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia
Optional (surcharge applies) Hot Air Balloon Tour: Early morning hot air balloon tour to experience floating through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys and caves at sunrise.
Optional (surcharge applies) Full Day Cappadocia Tour: Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum (a UNESCO World Heritage site), a historical Turkish region nestled among ancient rock formations with roots dating back to the Roman period. Many rock formations can still be seen today as Christianity was then the prevailing religion in that region. Discover the Red Valley then continue to the town of Avanos, renowned for its high-quality pottery craftsmanship. Attend a brief regional pottery workshop in a cave, immersing yourself in the local artistry. Visit the Derwent Valley on the way back to your hotel.
Day 6: Cappadocia – Pamukkale (625kms) (BD)
Embark on a picturesque journey through the Turkish countryside as you travel today to Pamukkale. As you leave the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia behind, you'll traverse rolling hills, farmland and small towns. The drive provides the opportunity to relax and appreciate the changing scenery as you head towards the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 7: Pamukkale – Izmir (225kms) (B)
Explore distinctive Pamukkale, often referred to as the "cotton fortress" where you will discover the striking white terraces created by hot mineral springs. Additionally, discover the ancient remains of Hierapolis (UNESCO World Heritage Site), an ancient Roman city that flourished as a Roman spa and wellness centre due to its proximity to the mineral-rich thermal waters of Pamukkale. Proceed to Izmir where accommodation is reserved for two nights.
Day 8: Izmir (B)
Spend a full day at leisure or join the optional tour. Overnight Izmir.
Optional (surcharge applies): Ephesus and St. Mary’s House: This morning visit the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural center of the ancient world, and explore 2000 year-old marble streets, the theatre, the Library of Celsius, a gymnasium, and Hadrian’s Temple. Take a short drive to see St. Mary’s stone cottage where it is believed Virgin Mary spent her last years accompanied by St. John. Continue to a regional rug production centre to experience first-hand this unique art form.
Day 9: Izmir - Pergamum – Troy – Canakkale (360kms) (BD)
Explore the historic Medical Centre, known as the Asklepion, in Pergamum before journeying on to the legendary city of Troy, famed for its iconic wooden horse and its role as the backdrop for the epic Trojan War, with multiple layers of the ancient cities stacked upon one another. Continue to Canakkale for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Canakkale - Dardanelles – Gallipoli – Istanbul (320kms) (BD)
Morning departure for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WW1. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair, then continue to Istanbul. This evening there will be a farewell dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 11: Istanbul (B)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Arrival transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) on Day 1 and departure transfer to Istanbul (IST) airport on Day 11 of Tour. (Surcharge applies for transfers from/to Sabiha Gocken (SAW) airport and for pre-post stay transfers)
- 10 nights’ accommodation in First Class Hotels with private facilities
- Meals as indicated on itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Private air-conditioned transportation
- Licensed Professional guides throughout Turkey
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Luggage handling (one bag per person)
- Local taxes and charges
- 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
- Turkey Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Arrival and departure transfers if not on Day 1 or Day 11 of the tour
- Optional tours and excursions
- Meals other than those specified
- Drinks
- 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
First Class accommodation based on the below or similar
Istanbul
Renaissance Bosphorus
Ankara
Holiday Inn Cukurambar
Cappadocia
Mustafa Cappadocia Resort
Pamukkale
Ademira Termal & Spa Hotel
Izmir
Park Inn by Radisson
Canakkale
DoubleTree by Hilton
Istanbul
Renaissance Bosphorus
Double Beds
Please note double bedded rooms 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.
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.
Private Sightseeing tours (if booked)
If a private sightseeing tour is booked it is important that you discuss the days arrangements with the guide as the touring programmes have a degree of flexibility. It is important to discuss with the guide so that any specific requirements can be met or addressed at the time.
Transfers
Transfers are operated by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.
Istanbul airport transfers
For coach tours: airport transfers are only included on days of the tour ex Istanbul Ataturk (IST) Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gocken (SAW) Airport. Transfers from the hotel to the Airport may be on scheduled shuttles. Late Evening or early morning flights may require private transfers at a supplement.
For coach tours: airport transfers are only included on days of the tour ex Istanbul Ataturk (IST) Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gocken (SAW) Airport. Transfers from the hotel to the Airport may be on scheduled shuttles. Late Evening or early morning flights may require private transfers at a supplement.
If you are arriving or departing Istanbul on any days other than the arrival and departure days of the tour transfers will not be included in the price of the coach tour.
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 (23kg). A charge of US $4 per travelling day is collected by the tour director for each additional piece of baggage or if the suitcase exceeds established weight and/or dimension limitations. Alternatively, you might leave your luggage at your Istanbul Hotel storage.
VIP Meet & Assist at Istanbul Airport
A special VIP meet, and assist is available prior to immigration at Istanbul (IST) Airport; for a surcharge. Please check at the time of booking for full-service information.
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 may be 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 available in some destinations 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.
