Coach Tour (maximum 40 passengers)11 Days ex Istanbul - Departs Selected Sundays
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day Coach Tour of Turkey, a captivating odyssey through a land where history, culture, and natural beauty converge. Starting in Istanbul, where East meets West, you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque. The journey continues to Ankara and the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia. Pamukkale's white terraces await, followed by the coastal charm of Izmir and the ancient wonder of Ephesus. Explore the legendary city of Troy, pay homage at Gallipoli, and more on this enriching adventure. Immerse yourself in Turkey's diverse heritage, from its vibrant cities to its ancient ruins and breathtaking landscapes.
- Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia Mosque
- Grand Bazaar, world’s largest and oldest covered market
- Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara
- Saratli, a hidden underground city
- Open Air Museum of Goreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Hiking through the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
- Pamukkale the Cotton Castle
- Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary
- Ancient city of Troy
- Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chanuk Bair at Gallipoli
- Special dinners at restaurants
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. On arrival you will be met by a representative of our local agent and then transferred to your Istanbul hotel. Remainder of day at leisure. Tonight, meet your tour companions on your Classics 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)
Today fall under the charm of Istanbul, starting your day with a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453–1852 (excluding harem). Continue to the Hippodrome, once the center of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616 and famous for its blue ceramic tiles, then continue to view Hagia Sophia Mosque from the outside - originally built in 537ad. this marvel of engineering is famed for its giant dome, an incredible feat for the time period and considered as one of the world's greatest architectural wonders.
Optional: Dinner with belly dancing entertainment (supplement applies).
Day 3: Istanbul – Ankara (BD)
Optional: Morning Bosphorus Cruise (supplement applies)
This afternoon, depart for the capital city of Ankara. Dinner at your hotel and overnight in Ankara.
Day 4: Ankara – Cappadocia (BD)
Visit the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, a historic caravanserai holding artifacts from up to 7500 years old, including the most extensive and valuable collection of Hittite artifacts in the world. Visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, which honours the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Drive to Cappadocia, touring a 13th century caravanserai enroute - these ancient caravanserais were pivotal waystations along the Silk Road, facilitating trade and offering respite to travellers and merchants from distant lands. Continue to discover the underground city of Saratli, one of the many underground settlements built for protection and religious reasons. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Optional: This evening attend a whirling Dervishes performance (supplement applies)
Day 5: Cappadocia (BD)
Optional: Early morning hot air balloon tour to experience floating through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys, and caves at sunrise (supplement applies).
Explore Goreme, a historical Turkish region nestled among ancient rock formations with roots dating back to the Roman period. Many rock churches can still be seen today as Christianity was then the prevailing religion in that region. Journey onward to the town of Avanos, renowned for its high-quality pottery craftsmanship. Visit captivating Pasabagi, Red Valley and attend a brief regional pottery workshop within a cave, immersing yourself in the local artistry. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 6: Cappadocia – Pamukkale (BD)
Embark on a picturesque journey through the Turkish countryside as you travel today to Pamukkale. As you leave the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia behind, you'll traverse rolling hills, farmland and small towns. The drive provides the opportunity to relax and appreciate the changing scenery as you head towards the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 7: Pamukkale – Izmir (BD)
Explore distinctive Pamukkale, often referred to as the "cotton fortress" where you will discover the striking white terraces created by hot mineral springs. Additionally, discover the ancient remains of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman city that flourished as a Roman spa and wellness centre due to its proximity to the mineral-rich thermal waters of Pamukkale. Proceed to Izmir. Dinner at your hotel and overnight in Izmir.
Day 8: Ephesus & St. Mary’s House – Izmir (BD)
This morning visit the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural center of the ancient world, and explore 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 experience first-hand this unique art form. Dinner this evening at your hotel.
Optional: Afternoon trip to Sirince (supplement applies).
Day 9: Izmir - Pergamum – Troy – Canakkale (BD)
Explore the historic Medical Centre, known as the Asclepion, in Pergamum before journeying on to the legendary city of Troy, famed for its iconic wooden horse and its role as the backdrop for the epic Trojan War, with multiple layers of the ancient cities stacked upon one another. Continue to Canakkale for dinner and overnight.
Day 10: Canakkale - Dardanelles – Gallipoli – Istanbul (BD)
Morning departure for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WW1. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair, then continue to Istanbul and visit the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. This evening there will be a farewell dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.
Day 11: Istanbul (B)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Arrival/departure transfers on Day 1 and Day 11 from Istanbul (IST) airport only. (Supplement applies for transfers from/to Sabiha Gocken (SAW) Airport and/or for pre-post-stay transfers)
- First Class Hotels with private facilities
- Meals as indicated on itinerary (B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner)
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Licensed Professional guides throughout Turkey
- Air-conditioned transportation
- Luggage handling
- Local taxes and charges
- Turkey Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Arrival and departure transfers if not on Day 1 or Day 11 of the 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
Accommodation based on the below or similar
Istanbul
Wyndham Grand Levent
Ankara
Crowne Plaza Hotel
Cappadocia
Mustafa Hotel
Pamukkale
Ademira Termal & Spa Hotel
Izmir
Kaya Thermal Hotel
Canakkale
Kolin Hotel
Istanbul
Wyndham Grand Levent Hotel
Double BedsPlease 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.
HotelsOn coach tours, hotels in regional areas (i.e. Pamukkale) can be of a slightly lower standard than the other hotels on the tour.
Optional ToursOptional 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.
SightseeingAll 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.
Private Sightseeing tours (if booked)If a private sightseeing tour is booked it is important that you discuss the days arrangements with the guide as the touring programmes have a degree of flexibility. It is important to discuss with the guide so that any specific requirements can be met or addressed at the time.
TransfersTransfers are operated by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.
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.
