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Small Group Tour - (min 6 / max 22 passengers)
15 Days ex Istanbul
Departs: Selected Sundays (April to October)
Istanbul (2) | Canakkale (1) | Izmir (2) | Pamukkale (1) | Fethiye (2) | Antalya (2) | Cappadocia (2) | Ankara (1) | Istanbul (1)
2026 Departure Dates:
Apr: 12, 26 | May: 10, 24 | June: 07, 21 | Jul: 19 | Aug: 16 | Sep: 06, 20, 27 | Oct: 04, 11, 18
Notes:
- This tour may operate in conjunction with other scheduled tours, therefore fellow travellers may differ during the journey.
- Option to join this tour in Izmir on Day 4 – Wed
- Option to finish this tour in Antalya on Day 11 - Wed
- Option to finish this tour in Cappadocia on Day 13 - Fri
Embark on an unforgettable 15-day Small Group Coach Tour of Turkey, travelling in a modern, spacious, air-conditioned vehicle. The group size is intentionally limited to a maximum of 22 passengers for a more intimate and personalised experience. Immerse yourself in the rich history and stunning landscapes of this fascinating country. Discover Istanbul's grandeur, pay your respects at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli, explore the ancient city of Troy, and marvel at the wonders of Ephesus and the House of Virgin Mary. Experience the surreal beauty of Pamukkale, the Open-Air Museum of Goreme, and the hidden underground city of Saratli. Take a hike through Cappadocia's fairy chimneys, visit Ataturk's Mausoleum in Ankara, and savour an authentic local lunch with locals along the way.
Tour Highlights:
- Discover Haghia Sophia, the Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
- 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
- Uncover the ancient city of Troy
- OPTIONAL: Tour the famous ruins of Ephesus and explore the House of Virgin Mary
- Relax at the picturesque coastal town of Bodrum
- Discover Pamukkale with is striking white terraces, known as the Cotton Castle
- OPTIONAL: Explore the Open-Air Museum of Goreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Discover Saratli, a hidden underground city
- Hike through the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
- Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the father of modern Turkey
- Have lunch with locals in a traditional local village
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. On arrival at Istanbul International Airport you will be met in the arrivals area by a representative of our local agent and transferred to your tour hotel. Remainder of day at leisure. Tonight, meet your tour companions on your Glories 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)
Start your discovery of Istanbul with a visit to Hagia Sophia, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture, originally a 6thC church now a functioning mosque and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Visit the Hippodrome, which was once the centre of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Continue to the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616 and famous for its blue ceramic tiles. There will be time for an optional visit to Topkapi Palace (Harem excluded). Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets.
Optional (surcharge applies): Dinner with belly dancing entertainment.
Day 3: Istanbul - Gallipoli - Dardanelles – Canakkale (320kms) (BD)
This morning you will depart for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WWI. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, before your overnight stay in Canakkale.
Day 4: Canakkale - Troy - Pergamum – Izmir (360kms) (BLD)
Cross the Dardanelles to Canakkale and visit Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting of the Trojan War and many cities built on top of each other. Continue to Asklepion, stopping enroute to sample lunch with the locals in a traditional local village. Visit the ancient Medical Center in Asklepion, located at the base of the Pergamon Acropolis and built in honour of Asklepios, God of healing. The site was one of the most renowned healing centres of the ancient world and its ruins offer a glimpse into the ancient world's approach to health and healing. Continue to İzmir where accommodation is reserved for two nights.
Day 5: Izmir - Ephesus & St. Mary’s House (Optional) – Izmir (BD)
A full day at leisure. Overnight Izmir.
Optional Ephesus & House of Virgin Mary Tour (surcharge applies): Tour the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural centre of the ancient world and explore the 2,000-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 have a firsthand experience of this unique art form.
Day 6: Izmir - Pamukkale (250kms) (BD)
After breakfast drive to Pamukkale. Enroute visit a leather fashion showroom, showcasing Turkish craftsmanship. Continue to reach Pamukkale, known as the Cotton Fortress. Here, you will encounter striking white terraces created by the flow of hot mineral springs. Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site and Roman health spa. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 7: Pamukkale - Fethiye (190km) (BD)
Morning drive to the coastal town of Fethiye. Here take a walking tour featuring Telmessos Ancient Theatre and the bustling Fish Market. Dinner and overnight at your hotel.
Day 8: Fethiye (B)
Free time to relax. Overnight Fethiye.
Optional Tour (surcharge applies): Join a boat cruise along the turquoise coast, with swim stops at secluded bays and islands.
Day 9: Fethiye – Antalya (195kms) (BD)
Depart Fethiye and drive along the Mediterranean Coast to Antalya, the jewel of the Turkish Riveria. Accommodation is reserved for two nights in Antalya. On arrival there will be a walking tour of the old town centre. Dinner and overnight Antalya.
Day 10: Antalya (B)
A full day at leisure. Overnight Antalya.
Optional Tour to Perge and Aspendos (surcharge applies): This morning visit Perge, once a thriving Roman settlement, and the Aspendos archaeological site, known for having one of the best-preserved ancient theatres in the world.
Day 11: Antalya - Cappadocia (500kms) (BD)
Embarking on an early morning departure to Cappadocia, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich historical tapestry of the region. On the way, a captivating visit awaits - a 13th century caravanserai. These ancient caravanserais were pivotal waystations along the Silk Road, facilitating trade and offering respite to travellers and merchants from distant lands. As you explore this historical gem, imagine the caravans of camels and merchants that once filled its courtyards, the aroma of spices lingering in the air, and the exchange of ideas that took place within its stone walls. Later visit the underground city of Saratli, a subterranean wonder nestled beneath the enchanting landscape of Cappadocia. Continue to your hotel where you are reserved for two nights. Dinner this evening is at your hotel. Overnight Cappadocia.
Day 12: Cappadocia (BD)
A full day at leisure or join one of the optional excursions on offer. Overnight Cappadocia.
Optional Tours (surcharges apply) :
- Hot Air Balloon Tour: Consider an early morning hot air balloon tour and experience floating through volcanic valleys fairy chimneys and caves at sunrise.
- Half Day Tour - Goreme Open-Air Museum, Avanos, Devrent Valley & Red Valley: Following breakfast, embark on a journey to explore Goreme, an ancient Turkish region nestled amid striking rock formations with a history dating back to the Roman period. This area is renowned for its well-preserved rock formations, a testament to the dominance of Christianity which was the prevailing religion in the region. Next, continue to the charming town of Avanos, renowned for its high-quality pottery craftmanship. While in the area, visit Devrent and the enchanting Red Valley, a captivating natural wonder, and attend a brief regional pottery workshop. Dinner at your hotel this evening. Overnight in Cappadocia.
- Evening Whirling Dervishes performance
Day 13: Cappadocia - Ankara (305kms) (B)
Morning drive to Turkey’s capital, Ankara, passing through the Salt Lake area. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the father of modern medicine. Overnight in Ankara.
Day 14: Ankara - Istanbul (450kms) (BD)
After breakfast depart on a scenic drive to Istanbul. Afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner this evening. Overnight Istanbul.
Optional Tour (surcharge applies): Bosphorus cruise and Spice Markets Tour (duration 3 hours).
This afternoon 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. Finish your last-minute shopping at the Spice Market filled with the fragrance of the exotic east.
Day 15: 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 15 of Tour. (Surcharge applies for transfers from/to Sabiha Gocken (SAW) airport and for pre-post stay transfers)
- 14 nights’ accommodation in Deluxe or Superior First-Class hotels with private facilities
- Private air-conditioned transportation
- Meals as per itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Professional licensed guides
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Luggage handling (one bag per person)
- Local taxes and service 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 15 of tour.
- Optional tours and excursions
- Meals and drinks other than those specified
- Mandatory 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
Coach Tour accommodation based on the following:
Deluxe or Superior First Class Hotels (or similar)
The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only
Istanbul
Burdock Autograph Collection
Canakkale
DoubleTree by Hilton
Izmir
Kaya Izmir Thermal Hotel
Pamukkale
Doga Thermal Hotel
Fethiye
Alesta Yacht Hotel
Antalya
Mercure Antalya Konyaalti
Cappadocia
Gamirasu Cave Hotel
Ankara
Grand Mercure Hotel
Istanbul
Burdock Autograph Collection
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.
Porterage
Coach Tours: 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
In 2026, Ramadan is 18 Feb - 19 Mar (dates may vary). 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. The Islamic holy month of Ramadan (called Ramazan in Turkey) is a special time. The holy month, and the 3-day holiday that follows it, can affect travellers’ plans. Being an Islamic holiday, Ramazan begins 11 days earlier each succeeding year.
NOTE: On the Ramadan Feast Day and Kurban Bayrami, the Spice Bazaar & Grand Bazaar are closed all day and all museums in Turkey will be closed until 1pm.
NOTE: On the Ramadan Feast Day and Kurban Bayrami, the Spice Bazaar & Grand Bazaar are closed all day and all museums in Turkey will be closed until 1pm.
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.
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
Transfers are operated by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.
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 arrival and departure days of the tour ex Istanbul (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.
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.
