Magical Turkey

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 Spice Market, one of the largest spice markets in the world – here you will find an assortment of colourful stalls with enticing delights such as exotic spices, dried fruit and nuts, Turkish delight, baklava and more! Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Drive west to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a special day for New Zealand and Australian travellers with a visit to Anzac Cove, Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine Cemetery and the 57th Regiment Memorial. The doomed assault on Gallipoli by New Zealand and Australian forces, in their own contingents for the first time in foreign service, is considered by many to have been the birth of national consciousness for these two countries. For the Turks, then part of the Ottoman Empire, the victory is regarded as the defining moment in the birth of the Turkish nation, with independence following just 8 years later. Cross the Dardanelles. Overnight stay in Canakkale.

Step into mythology with a visit to Troy, the scene of heroic deeds from such legends as Achilles, Paris, Ulysses, Priam, and the incomparably beautiful Helen – “the face that launched a thousand ships.” Immortalised by Homer in his epic The Iliad, Troy was thought to be entirely fictitious until it was discovered by pioneering archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in the 1870’s. The replica wooden horse adds further depth to the experience. Cross the Ida mountains to arrive at Pergamum, the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty. Here you will visit the impressive Acropolis of Pergamum, perched on a high, steep-sided hill - one of the highest and most magnificent Acropolis in ancient history. Continue to Kusadasi for a two night stay.

This morning there will be a short drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. Visit its magnificent library, theatre and temples and stroll through some 2000 year old marbled streets. Capture the significance of the Library of Celsius and Hadrian’s Temple. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like handmade carpets and tiles. Taste the local delicacy, Turkish Gozleme, with lunch in a nomadic tent in Selcuk. Continue to the village of Sirince, one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. Free time for shopping or to taste the local wines. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.

Travel through the plains and cotton farms to Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish. Pamukkale derived its name from the striking natural landscape and is famous for its travertine terraces made from minerals deposited by thermal waters. There will be time to admire the beauty of the lime cascades and to visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, drive to the lakeside town of Koycegiz where you will take a boat cruise to Turtle Beach and have the opportunity to cover yourself in mud at the local mud bath. Continue on to Fethiye for dinner and overnight.  

After breakfast, explore the quaint Greek Village of Kayakoy. In the afternoon there will be a short drive to Oludeniz with time for a swim at its stunning beach. Overnight Fethiye.

Optional: Sunset cruise with dinner (surcharge applies).

Embark on a moring drive to Antalya. Walk in the Old Town, see Hadrian's Gate - a triumphal arch built in the name of the Roman emperor Hadrian who visited the city in the year 130CE, and visit Duden Waterfalls in Lara. Dinner at your hotel. Overnight stay in Antalya.

Early departure this morning for Konya, stopping en route at the ancient Roman Theatre in Aspendos, considered to be one of the best-preserved theatres of antiquity. Upon arrival in Konya, tour the monastery of the Mervlana Whirling Dervishes. In the afternoon continue on to Cappadocia via Seljuk – a fine example of an ancient Silk Road Caravanserai. Dinner and overnight in a cave hotel Cappadocia.

Optional: Early morning balloon tour (surcharge 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 Kaymakli Underground City, Open Air Museum in Goreme, and natural fortress in Ushisar. Lunch in a cave restaurant to taste the famous pottery Kebab. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Optional: Turkish folklore evening with dinner (surcharge applies)

Today travel to Safranbolu, stopping en-route in Ankara to visit the Memorial Museum and Mausoleum of Ataturk, burial place of the National Hero who founded the modern Republic of Turkey. Continue to the “open air museum” town of Safranbolu, a Unesco World Heritage site. Tonight your accommodation is an old Ottoman Mansion. Overnight stay in Safranbolu.

This morning visit the old town of Safranbolu where you can taste the fine samples of Turkish Delights. Continue to Istanbul where an afternoon visit to the Grand Bazaar is planned. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

After breakfast transfer to Istanbul airport for your onward flight.

• Arrival transfer from Istanbul (IST) Airport only on Day 1 - (supplement applies for transfer from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport)
• First Class hotels with private facilities - Cave style accommodation in Cappadocia
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Complimentary 4G Wi-fi internet service onboard the coach
• Meals and sightseeing as indicated on the itinerary
• Professional English speaking guides
• Entrance fees
• Porterage at hotels
• Departure transfer to Istanbul (IST) Airport only on Day 14 - shuttles at 9.00am or 1.00pm (supplement applies for transfer to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport)
• Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
• 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

DOUBLE BEDS
Please note a double bedded room can be requested but cannot be guaranteed. In Turkey double rooms are very limited.

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).