Guaranteed departure (min 2 pax) coach tour. Departs on selected Thursdays
2019 Departure Dates: Oct 03 10 17 24
Please note this coach tour will not be offered in 2020.
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Itinerary
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Accommodation
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Important Information
Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. On arrival please clear customs and immigration. In arrivals area you will be met by a representative of our local operator and then transferred to your tour hotel. Welcome briefing and remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Istanbul (B)
Today take a full day guided tour of Istanbul including visits Topkapi Palace (excluding Harem) Hippodrome Blue Mosque St Sophia and the Grand Bazaar. Tonight an optional dinner with belly dancing entertainment is available. (supplement applies)
Day 3: Istanbul – Gallipoli – Canakkale (BD)
This morning drive to Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Later cross the Dardanelles and continue to Canakkale for dinner & overnight.
Day 4: Canakkale – Troy – Pergamum – Izmir (BLD)
Today visit legendary Troy. After lunch with locals at a traditional village continue to Pergamum. Visit the ancient medical centre in Asclepion. Overnight in Izmir.
Day 5: Ephesus – St Mary’s House – Izmir (B)
Today tour the famous ruins of Ephesus and visit St Mary’s cottage. After visiting a regional rug production centre return to Izmir for overnight.
Day 6: Izmir – Pamukkale (BD)
Drive through lush valleys to the white lime cascades of Pamukkale. Vist Hierapolis and experience the thermal pools of the hotel.
Day 7: Pamukkale – Bodrum (B)
Drive to Bodrum to visit the Castle of St. Peter and the renowned Underwater Museum that was awarded the best Underwater Museum of the World in 2000. Overnight in Bodrum.
Day 8: Bodrum (BD)
Day at leisure. Optional day trip to visit the Greek Island of Kos. (supplement applies)
Day 9: Bodrum – Antalya (BD)
Visit the famous ancient city of Termessos and continue to Antalya for dinner & overnight.
Day 10: Perge – Apendos – Antalya (BD)
Morning visit to Perge and Aspendos. Afternoon free at leisure. Dinner & overnight in Antalya.
Day 11: Antalya – Konya – Cappadocia (BD)
This morning depart for Cappadocia – the land of Fairy Chimneys. Stop in Konya and visit the mausoleum of the sufi philosopher Mevlana. E-route to Cappadocia visit a 13th century Caravansaray and the underground city of Saratli. Dinner & overnight in Cappadocia.
Day 12: Cappadocia (BD)
Early this morning optional hot-air balloon ride to experience floating through volcanic valleys fairy chimneys and caves at sunrise.Today visit Goreme a historical region of Turkey located among the rock formations which were first settled back in the Roman period. Many rock churches can still be seen today as Christianity was then the prevailing religion in that region. Continue to the town of Avanos renowned for its high quality earthenware. Also visit Pasabagi Red Valley and attend a brief regional pottery workshop. Dinner at a special local restaurant.Tonight join an optional Whirling Dervishes performance. (Supplement applies)
Day 13: Cappadocia – Ankara (BD)
Early morning departure to the capital city of Ankara through the salt lake area.This afternoon visit 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. Dinner and overnight at Ankara.
Day 14: Ankara (B)
Departure transfer to the airport.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation asper itinerary or similar
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
- Meals and sightseeing as indicated on the itinerary
- Professional English speaking guides
- Entrance fees
- Porterage at hotels
- Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS
- International airfares
- Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
- Other Porterage notlisted above
- 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:
TRANSFERS
If you are arriving into Istanbul on any days other than the arrival days of the tour the transfer is free of charge as long as accommodation is booked.
DOUBLE BEDS
Please note we have requested a double bedded room but cannot guarantee one will be available. In Turkey double rooms are very limited. Please ask on check-in with the hotel to see what is available.
Accommodation based on the below (or similar)
Istanbul
Conrad Hotel
Canakkale
Kolin Holin
Izmir
Swissotel
Pamukkale
Doga Thermal Resort
Bodrum
Doria Hotel
Antalya
Crowne Plaza
Cappadocia
CCR Cave Resort
Ankara
Hilton
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.
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 Transfers are operated by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.
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.
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.
Istanbul airport transfers: For coach tours: airport transfers are included on days of the tour ex Istanbul Ataturk Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gocken Airport. For independent / private tours: if included, airport transfers are applied ex Ataturk Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gocken Airport.
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. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). 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.
