Coach Tour (Min 2 / Max 28 passengers)6 Days - Istanbul to Kusadasi
Departs Saturdays
Embark on a captivating six-day journey through Western Turkey, where you’ll uncover the historic treasures and savour the authentic flavours of the region. Begin your journey in Istanbul, where the harmonious blend of Eastern and Western influences awaits. Follow the heroic path through Gallipoli and Troy, and explore the charming coastal town of Kusadasi and the picturesque village of Sirince. This tour offers an ideal opportunity to combine the cultural and historical attractions of Turkey in a relatively limited timeframe.
Highlights
- Be captivated by the exotic charm of Istanbul
- Reflect on those who have gone before with a visit to Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove
- Uncover the fabled city of Troy, the legendary setting of the Trojan War
- Explore the ruins of Ephesus, the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the World
- Discover the picturesque village of Sirince
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. On arrival you will be met by a representative of our local operator and transferred to your tour 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 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.
Day 3: Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale (BD)
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. At the end of the tour you will cross the Dardanelles and be transferred to your hotel in Canakkale. Overnight stay in Canakkale.
Day 4: Canakkale - Troy - Pergamum - Kusadasi (BD)
Today you will 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.
Later 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 on to Kusadasi for a two night stay.
Day 5: Kusadasi - Ephesus - Sirince – Kusadasi (BD)
This morning there will be a short drive to the ancient city of Ephesus, the famous ruins of what was once an important cultural centre of the ancient world. 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 leather. 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 in Kusadasi.
Day 6: Kusadasi (B)
Morning transfer to Kusadasi port or Izmir airport for your onward journey.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Arrival transfer from Istanbul (IST) Airport only on Day 1 (supplement applies from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport)
- First Class and Moderate First Class hotels with private facilities
- Transportation by air-conditioned coach
- Meals and sightseeing as indicated on the itinerary
- Professional English speaking guides
- Entrance fees
- Porterage at hotels
- Departure transfer Day 6 to Kusadasi port or Izmir Airport
- Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- 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
NOTES:
DOUBLE BEDSPlease note a double bedded room can be requested but cannot be guaranteed. In Turkey double rooms are very limited.
PORTERAGEPorterage 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).
Istanbul
Doubletree Hilton Piyalepasa (Taksim area)
Canakkale
Kolin Hotel
Kusadasi
Charisma De Luxe Hotel (NB. Hotel may be replaced by the Kaya Thermal Hotel, Izmir for some departures in July & Aug)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
