- The Turkey coach tour is not exclusive to Innovative Travel. The tour was developed in conjunction with our long-standing Turkish tour operator and offered to the wider English-speaking market. Other guests on the tour may have slightly different inclusions.
- 24/7 service and full backup from our local operators in Turkey, Greece and Egypt
- Be in the presence of the original sites of two of the Seven Wonders – The Temple of Artemis, and Pyramids of Giza
- Cappadocia’s enchanting fairy chimneys, cave homes, ancient churches, and breathtaking sunrise
- Walk the historic streets of Ephesus, home to the Library of Celsus and Roman theatres
- Discover Istanbul’s imperial legacy, including Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Blue Mosque
- Cruise the Nile River, recounting legends of the past as you sail past Luxor, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings
- Stand in awe before the Pyramids and Sphinx of Giza, guided by an expert Egyptologist
- Relax in the idyllic Greek Islands, with time in Santorini, Milos, and Rhodes
- Explore Athens, the cradle of Western civilization, with visits to the Acropolis and Parthenon
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. Arrive in the storied city of Istanbul, the crossroads of Europe and Asia. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a welcome evening soaking in the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Day 2: Istanbul (B)
Begin your small‑group coach tour through Turkey with a deep dive into Istanbul’s Ottoman and imperial legacy. Wander through the soaring Hagia Sophia, an architectural marvel blending Christian mosaics and Islamic calligraphy. Explore the Topkapi Palace, home to sultans for over 400 years, with its lavish courtyards, jewel‑filled Treasury, and harem chambers. Admire the delicate domes and blue‑tiles of the Blue Mosque, before plunging into the sensory overload of the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets. Optional evening Bosphorus cruise to see the city illuminated from the water.
Day 3: Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale (BD)
Journey through the European side of Turkey to the Gallipoli Peninsula, a place of quiet reflection where ANZAC and Allied soldiers fought in 1915. Visit ANZAC Cove, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine, and the 57th Regiment Memorial, walking through history on the very hills where these battles were fought. Cross the Dardanelles to Canakkale, gateway to the ancient world of Troy.
Day 4: Troy - Pergamum – Kusadasi (BD)
After breakfast, step into the legendary city of Troy, where myth and archaeology meet. See the excavated walls, temples, and the famed replica of the Trojan Horse, evoking Homer’s epic tales. Travel through the Ida Mountains to Pergamum, once a powerful Greek city and home to a renowned library that rivalled Alexandria. Explore the Acropolis, with its dramatic hillside theatre and temples overlooking the plains. Continue to the Aegean coast for your overnight stay in Kusadasi, a lively port town.
Day 5: Ephesus & Sirince (BD)
Walk in the footsteps of Romans and Greeks at Ephesus, one of the best‑preserved classical cities in the world. Marvel at the Library of Celsus, the grand theater, marble streets, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Learn about traditional handmade carpets and tiles, an enduring Anatolian craft. In the afternoon, visit Sirince, a picturesque hillside village of stone houses, cobbled lanes, and vineyards, famous for its fruit wines. Stroll through its tranquil streets and perhaps sample a local vintage before returning to Kusadasi.
Day 6: Hierapolis – Pamukkale – Marmaris (BD)
Travel inland through fertile plains and cotton fields to the surreal landscapes of Pamukkale. Marvel at the white travertine terraces formed by mineral‑rich hot springs cascading down the hillside. Visit Hierapolis, an ancient spa city of Roman times, with its well‑preserved theatre and necropolis. Continue through scenic countryside to Marmaris, a charming Mediterranean harbour surrounded by pine‑clad hills, perfect for an evening by the sea.
Day 7: Marmaris – Rhodes (B)
Leave Turkey and your coach tour behind as you ferry across the turquoise waters to Rhodes, jewel of the Dodecanese islands. This is the beginning of your independent Island-hopping journey. Upon arrival, discover a unique blend of Greek tradition and medieval grandeur. The walled Old Town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites you to wander its narrow cobbled streets, Crusader fortifications, and lively squares. The afternoon is free to explore or relax along the waterfront.
Day 8: Rhodes (B)
Day at leisure to embrace Rhodes at your own pace. Discover the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Street of the Knights, where medieval chivalry still lingers in the architecture. Or, simply relax on golden beaches, swim in the Aegean, and soak in the island’s serene ambiance.
Day 9: Rhodes – Milos (B)
Transfer the airport for your flight to Milos, a volcanic Cycladic island famed for its lunar landscapes, hidden coves, and the discovery site of the Venus de Milo. Transfer to your hotel. Time to explore the otherworldly Sarakiniko Beach, with its smooth white rocks and turquoise waters. .
Day 10 & Day 11: Milos Island Escape (B)
Spend two leisurely days swimming in secluded bays, visiting charming fishing villages like Klima with its colourful boathouses, and sampling fresh seafood at waterfront tavernas.On select departures Oct – April, Milos may be replaced by Mykonos. Note flights may be via Athens.
Day 12: Milos – Santorini (B)
Ferry through the Cyclades to Santorini, the most iconic of the Greek Islands. Arrive to breathtaking caldera views, with whitewashed houses clinging to volcanic cliffs and blue‑domed churches glinting in the sun. Spend three days immersed in its beauty.
Day 13 & Day 14: Santorini (B)
Two days at leisure to wander through Oia and Fira, perfect for shopping, dining, and postcard‑worthy sunsets, relax or enjoy local wine tasting and the atmosphere of local taverna.
Day 15: Santorini – Athens (B)
Say goodbye to the Greek islands as you are transferred to the port for your fast ferry to Athens. Arrive in Athens and meet your driver who will transfer you into your Athens hotel. Remainder of the day to soak up the atmosphere of this city a cradle of civilisations.
Day 16: Athens (B)
This morning join a day tour of Athens. Begin with Constitution Square and the Panathenaic Stadium, site of the first modern Olympic Games. Pass Hadrian’s Arch and ascend to the Acropolis, exploring the Propylaea, Temple of Athena Nike, Erechtheion, and the legendary Parthenon, celebrated as the pinnacle of ancient architecture. Conclude at the Acropolis Museum, where treasures from the hill are displayed with views of the Parthenon itself.
Day 17: Athens – Cairo (B)
Today you depart one ancient civilisation in search of another as you are transfered to the airport for your flight to Cairo (flight not included). Upon arrival in Cairo you will be met and assisted PRIOR to immigration and provided with your visa. Your special fast track immigration service ensures priority access. After immigration clearance, you will be assisted with your luggage collection and customs control by our local team, then transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the Pyramids area. The evening is free to relax or enjoy your first taste of Egyptian cuisine.
Day 18: Cairo (B)
Optional (supplement applies): Take a Camel Ride across the sands of the desert with the Pyramids in the background.
A reservation is included for lunch (own expense) at the 9 Pyramids Lounge with stunning views overlooking the ancient Pyramids of Giza. This is a unique dining experience, unlike anything else in the world (payment for lunch to be made locally at the restaurant). View the 9 Pyramids Lounge Facebook Page for more details: https://www.facebook.com/9PyramidsLounge
Day 19: Cairo – Aswan (embark on Nile cruise) (BLD)
This morning you will be transferred to Cairo Ariport for your flight to Aswan. On arrival at Aswan Airport you will be transferred to embark on your Nile Cruise. Visit the graceful Philae Temple, dedicated to Isis, and see the High Dam, a feat of modern engineering. Later, glide along the Nile in a traditional felucca, soaking in the tranquil scenery.
Day 20: Aswan - Kom Ombo – Edfu (cruise) (BLD)
Cruise north to Kom Ombo, where the unique twin temple honors Sobek the crocodile god and Haroeris the falcon god. Admire detailed hieroglyphs and Nile views before sailing to Edfu, home to Egypt’s best‑preserved temple dedicated to Horus, the sky god.
Day 21: Edfu – Luxor (cruise) (BLD)
Cross the Esna Lock and continue to Luxor, the open‑air museum of Egypt. Visit the Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at dusk, and the vast Karnak Temple complex, where towering columns and sacred lakes whisper stories of pharaohs past.
Day 22: Luxor (B)
Day 23: Luxor – Cairo (B)
This morning you will be transferred to Luxor Airport for your flight back to Cairo. Transfer to your hotel then delve into Cairo's medieval heritage with your private Egyptologist. Stroll the atmospheric Khan el‑Khalili bazaar, alive with spices, perfumes, and handcrafts. Visit historic mosques and madrasas, where Mamluk and Ottoman architecture meet, and feel the rhythm of the city that has thrived for over a thousand years.
Day 24: Cairo (B)
A day at leisure to explore Cairo at your own pace. Revisit the Grand Egyptian Museum, take a cruise on the Nile, or opt for the Sound & Light show at the Pyramids, a dramatic farewell to your journey through time.
Day 25: Cairo (B)
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight, carrying memories of an odyssey through the epicentres of ancient civilizations.
INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 local operator support
- Fast Track meet and assistance prior to immigration at Cairo Airport
- Airport Greeting on arrival in Istanbul
- Shared Airport transfers in Istanbul, Greek Islands, Private in Cairo
- Accommodation in First Class hotels
- Daily breakfast at hotels, Other Meals as Specified in Itinerary (L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
- 3 Night Nile Cruise – All meals included on cruise
- Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary
- A/C Transportation throughout; A/C Coach in Turkey,
- Group sightseeing on Turkey Coach Tour, Athens & Nile Cruise with English Speaking Guides
- Bonus entry into the tombs of Tutankhamun and Ramses VI
- Private Sightseeing with Egyptologist and licensed tourism driver in Cairo
- Economy class domestic flights: Rhodes/Milos; Cairo/Aswan and Luxor/Cairo
- Fast Ferry Milos/Santorini/Athens
- Egyptian visa for US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK passport holders
- Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
- Porterage
- Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
- Personal Expenses
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas for Turkey and Greece; Egyptian Visa for non-US, Canadian, New Zealand, Australian and UK Passport holders
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above
Istanbul
DoubleTree Hilton Piyalepassa
Canakkale
Kolin Hotel
Kusadasi
Elite World
Marmaris
Ramada by Wyndham
Rhodes
Mediterranean
Milos
Oleas Bay
Santorini
El Greco
Athens
President
Cairo Pyramids
Steigenberger Pyramids
Nile Cruise
Blue Shadow
Luxor
Sonesta St George
Cairo City
Ramses Hilton
Dress CodesModest 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.
FerriesAll ferry schedules may be subject to change, due to local conditions (including weather) and/or possible port congestion and the final requirements of the ferry companies. The cancellation or non operation of the ferries is a decision of the shipping company and the Ministry of Shipping. This is outside the control of our operators and Innovative Travel who confirm ferries in good faith.
If certain classes of ferries are not operating for any reason, the next best option will be used whether alternate ferries or flights. Example: If Hydrofoils are non-operational for any reason, clients booked on them may have to use alternative regular ferries in a first class seat. Any additional charges are at the clients expense.
Greek Island ferries are usually quite large, offering restaurant/cafeteria/bar facilities, though normally no swimming facilities. Porters are rarely available at ferry ports, so your luggage should be only as much as you can carry.
Ferry Rhodes / Marmaris: Unlike standard ferries connections between Greek Islands, the ferry between Rhodes and Marmaris is an international one. Our local operator in Rhodes will provide you with a voucher that you will exchange at the port where you will have to queue to receive your boarding pass and pay the Greece departure tax.
Connecting to International Flights from the Islands. We suggest client do not depart from Athens on the same day as they embark on ferries from the Cyclades or beyond. If departures are scheduled for this day we suggest flying directly into Athens airport.
Ferry TicketsThe majority of ferry tickets are paper tickets. A handling fee is included in the price of the tickets when purchased with other arrangements in Athens. If clients are not using the service of our local representative in Athens a delivery and additional handling fee may be charged. ( This applies particularly when an island hopping programme begins on the islands). Ferry tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable once issued. All tickets are issued locally in Greece.
Ferry schedules in Greece are constantly changing. Final ferry tickets are generally issued 2 weeks prior departure. To avoid client disappointment tickets are purchased on the best available scheduled departure at that time. If a client wants to make changes after tickets are purchased a change fees will apply payable locally and clients will be responsible for collecting the tickets from the ferry terminal on the day of departure. Final embarkation timings will be confirmed to clients by our representative in Greece.
The local Greece representatives are available to assist clients in case of emergencies or cancellations of ferries. They will also assist to make changes to a booking – any additions or changes to service may incur charges and these must be paid locally.
TransfersTransfers are supplied by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.
The IslandsTraditionally the Greek Islands main travel season is from May to October. For clients arriving in April and towards the end of the season, many facilities and hotels may not be operational. The infrastructure on Santorini and Mykonos is well developed the other islands accommodation including Naxos and Paros have less developed infrastructure with accommodation generally a slightly lower standard. This is compensated for by atmosphere and charm.
Itineraries may be changed without notice due to river flows, local or other conditions and these changes are beyond the responsibility of Innovative Travel or our local operators.
There are many river boats that cruise between Luxor and Aswan. They provide accommodation and transportation for the majority of tourists travelling to Egypt. Each night and whilst moored for sightseeing, it is common for 4-5 cruise boats to be parked abreast of each other. The location of your boat will vary from port to port however in many cases your view from your cabin will be restricted to cruising periods only.
Sightseeing on Nile Cruise boats is operated by the cruise company. You will be allocated an English-speaking guide and small group of other English-speaking tourists for sightseeing upon embarkation. The order of sightseeing may vary depending on the local port authorities. If a tomb or temple is unable to be visited an alternative will be provided where possible.
Domestic Flights in EgyptFlight times will be reconfirmed by the local operator upon arrival in Egypt.Note: Flights from Cairo to Aswan and Luxor generally involve early morning starts due to flight schedules in the summer season. For flights to Abu Simbel certain flights are allocated to clients travelling for day trips from Cairo and overnight programmes. These flights are set by Egypt air and are outside of the operator’s control.
Dress CodeModest dress is required for entrance to holy sites. Women – long skirt or long pants with shoulders and arms covered with a full cover head scarf to enter holy sites.
HotelsHotels in regional areas (i.e. Abu Simbel / Siwa / St Catherine) can be of a lower standard than the properties in the main tourist centres, with more basic/less developed infrastructure due to location and surrounding conditions. The options chosen are the best available.
RamadanDuring the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain eating in public during the fasting hours. Restaurants and Cafes in Hotels and Cruise boats will be open, however limited alcohol may be available over this time. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 17th February. After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days.
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 may be 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 available in some destinations 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.
