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. Next visit the Hagia Sophia Mosque, 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. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets.
Tonight optional dinner with belly dancing (supplement applies).

In the morning, drive to Tekirdağ city and visit to Barbare Vineyard. Learn about local wine production with a tour of the vineyard, followed by a wine tasting. Then depart for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WWI. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, before your overnight stay near Gallipoli.

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 Asclepion, stopping enroute to sample lunch with the locals in a traditional local village. Visit the ancient Medical Center in Asclepion, 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 for overnight.

Tour the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural centre of the ancient world, and explore the 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 have a firsthand experience of this unique art form. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel.

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.
Optional day trip to the Greek island of Kos (supplement applies).

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.

Your journey today from Pamukkale to Antalya offers a transition from the unique natural wonders of Pamukkale to the coastal city of Antalya. Dinner included at your hotel tonight.

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. Return to your hotel for an afternoon at leisure. Dinner is included at your hotel this evening.

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.

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

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 churches, 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 the enchanting Pasabagi Red Valley, a captivating natural wonder, and attend a brief regional pottery workshop in a cave. Dinner is at a special local restaurant.

Optional: Join a Whirling Dervishes performance (supplement applies).

Morning drive to Turkey’s capital, Ankara, passing through the salt lake area. In the afternoon embark on a tour of Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, a historic caravanserai, holding artifacts up to 7500 years-old, including the most extensive and valuable collection of Hittite treasures in the world. Dinner at your hotel this evening.

After breakfast depart on a scenic drive to Istanbul. Afternoon at leisure.

Option: Join a half day Bosphorus cruise seeing the strait that separates Asia and Europe. 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 (supplement applies).

Farewell dinner this evening.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

• Arrival transfer from Istanbul (IST) airport on Day 1 and departure transfer on Day 15 of tour.   (supplement applies for transfers from/to Sabiha Gocken (SAW) Airport and for pre-post-stay transfers)
• Deluxe or First Class hotels with private facilities
• Air-conditioned transportation
• Meals as indicated on itinerary (B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner)
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Professional Licensed guides
• Luggage Handling
• Local taxes and charges
• Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Arrival and departure transfers if not on Day 1 or 15 of tour
• Optional tours and excursions
• Meals other than those specified / Drinks
• Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
• 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