Whirling Dervish
Ortakoy Mosque Istanbul
Charming Turkey
Charming Turkey
Charming Turkey
Charming Turkey

Charming Turkey

From: 
Regular price
$4,845.00
Sale price
$4,845.00

Small Group Tour (max 18 passengers)
11 Days ex Istanbul
Departs Fridays (April to October)
 
2024 Departure Dates:
Aug 16; Sep 06, 13; Oct 04
 
2025 Departure Dates
Apr 25; May 02, 09; Jun 06, 20; Jul 18; Aug 15; Sep 05, 12; Oct 03
 
A chance to see all the top tourist attractions of Turkey whilst travelling at a relaxed pace with a small group of people. Get off-road with a jeep safari adventure in Cappadocia and discover local food while exploring the backstreets of Istanbul.
 
Highlights:
  • Discover Istanbul (where the East meets the West)
  • Wine tasting at the Turasan wine factory
  • Jeep safari adventure to experience the unique landscapes of the Cappadocia area  
  • Explore Cappadocia with its caves, weird rock formations and local handicrafts
  • Savor Turkish Gozleme with lunch inside a nomadic tent
  • Marvel at the incredible cotton candy white limestone terraces of Pamukkale
  • Visit the ancient site of Hierapolis, ancient city of Ephesus and archaeological site of Asklepion
  • Discover Troy - site of the legendary Trojan War
  • Experience the moving sites of the Gallipoli Peninsula
  • Explore the backstreets of Istanbul with your guide and share local food along the way

Day 1: Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. On arrival you will be met by a representative of our local operator and transferred to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

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 - Cappadocia (BD)

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival you will visit Turasan wine factory to taste the beautiful wines of Cappadocia. Embark on an exciting jeep safari adventure in Cappadocia. Drive from Goreme to Ortahisar and explore the picturesque Ortahisar Castle, a 90m high rock-castle that stands dominantly over the town, then proceed to the Uzengi Valley. The drive takes you along the brook bank where you will be able to see the pigeon houses carved into the rocks. Later arrive into Sahintepesi with some time to relax in the town. Return to Goreme via the Pancarlik Valley, and the Pancarlik Church situated within a group of rock cones. The Church was built in the early 11th century has many unconventional architectural features compared to other churches in the Cappadocia region and is adorned with beautiful frescoes that recount the story of Christ's life. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Day 4: Cappadocia (BL)

Optional (surcharge applies): Early morning balloon tour

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, Open Air Museum in Goreme, and the natural fortress in Ushisar. Lunch in a local restaurant. Discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx and potteries. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Optional (surcharge applies): Turkish folklore evening with dinner is available tonight

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 – 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. You may like to take the opportunity to taste their delicious wines or maybe some shopping before returning to Izmir. Overnight stay in Izmir.

Day 8: Izmir - Pergamum – Canakkale (BD)

Early departure for Bergama to visit the archaeological site of Asklepion, an ancient medical complex built in honour of the Greek god of healing - Asklepios. Explore the well-preserved ruins before continuing to Troy-site of the legendary Trojan War. Admire the ruins and a replica of the Trojan Horse, a wooden horse said to have been used during the Trojan War by the Greeks to enter the city of Troy and win the war. Drive to Canakkale for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Canakkale - Gallipoli Peninsula – Istanbul (B)

After breakfast, cross the Dardanelles and continue to Gallipoli. Explore Anzac Cove, Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine, 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. Late afternoon travel to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 10: Istanbul (B)

This morning explore the backstreets of Istanbul. Start the tour from the Spice Market area, learning about the spices which dominated Ottoman cuisine. Try Turkish Delight and nuts and experience the smells and the colours of Istanbul. Walk through Galata Bridge to the Galata area, stopping to taste baklava, one of the most popular desserts in Turkey. The Galata district is becoming a cultural centre with design shops, haute couture designers, wine cellars and boutique hotels. Taste Turkish coffee, maybe sesame pretzel and roasted chestnuts on the way to Beyoglu. Discover Beyoglu's little labyrinth-like streets and discover an array of mezze with the chance to taste fried mussels, mussel dolma, pickles and more! Overnight in Istanbul.

Day 11: Istanbul (B)

After breakfast transfer to Istanbul airport for your onward flight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
  • Arrival transfer from Istanbul (IST) Airport only on Day 1 - (supplement applies for transfer from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) airport)
  • Departure transfer to Istanbul (IST) Airport only on Day 11 - shuttles depart at 9.00am and 1.00pm (supplement applies for transfers to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport)
  • Accommodation in Boutique/traditional hotels with private facilities
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
  • Complimentary 4G Wi-Fi internet service onboard the coach
  • Economy class domestic flight ticket Istanbul – Kayseri
  • Meals as specified in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
  • Sightseeing as specified in itinerary
  • Professional English speaking guides
  • Museum entrance fees
  • Jeep safari and wine tasting in Cappadocia
  • Traditional food and soft beverage tasting in Istanbul
  • 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 (Old City)

Arena Hotel

Cappadocia (Cave Hotel)

MDC Cave | Yusuf Yigitoglu Konagi

Pamukkale

Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel

Izmir

Kaya Prestige Hotel

Canakkale

Kolin 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).

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.

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.

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.

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