Glories of Turkey

Start your discovery of Istanbul with a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum, residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1453 to 1852 (excluding harem). 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 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.
Optional (surcharge applies): Dinner with belly dancing entertainment.

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.

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 İzmir where accommodation is reserved for two nights.

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. Overnight in Izmir.

After breakfast drive to Bodrum, often referred to as the "Saint-Tropez of Turkey" - a picturesque coastal town located in the southwest of Turkey along the Aegean Sea. Visit the castle of St. Peter, a medieval fortress built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, and the renowned Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, located within the walls of the castle, showcasing ancient shipwrecks and artifacts from the region. Overnight in Bodrum.

Day at leisure. Overnight in Bodrum
Optional (surcharge applies): Day trip to the Greek island of Kos.

This morning journey through lush valleys 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 Roman health spa, before heading back to your hotel for a relaxing swim in the hotel's thermal pool. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Depart Pamukkale and continue to Antalya where accommodation is reserved for two nights. On arrival there will be a walking tour of the old town centre. Dinner and overnight Antalya.

A full day at leisure. Dinner is included at your hotel this evening. Overnight Antalya.
Optional Tour (surcharge applies) - Perge and Aspendos:   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.

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.

Optional (surcharge applies) Hot Air Balloon Tour:  Consider an early morning hot air balloon tour and experience floating through volcanic valleys fairy chimneys and caves at sunrise.

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.

Optional (surcharge applies): Evening Whirling Dervishes performance.

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.

After breakfast depart on a scenic drive to Istanbul. Afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner this evening. Overnight Istanbul.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

• 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

• International airfares
• Arrival and departure transfers if not on Day 1 or 15 of tour. Transfers from/to Sabiha Gocken (SAW) Airport
• 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