- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. On arrival please clear customs and immigration. In the arrivals area you will be met by a representative of our local agent and transferred to your hotel for a three night stay.
Day 2: Istanbul (B)
Start your discovery of Istanbul with a visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum, residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1453 to 1852 (excluding the harem). Continue to the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616 and famous for its blue ceramic tiles; the Hippodrome which was once the centre of life where chariot racing and other public events took place; and 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. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered marketplace, featuring an intricate labyrinth of over 60 bustling streets.
Day 3: Istanbul (B)
This morning visit the vibrant Spice Market before departing on a short Bosphorus Cruise, the picturesque waterway which divides the two great continents of Europe and Asia. While the boat crosses between the two sides, you will view waterside residences, Ottoman wooden kiosks (masterpieces of old Turkish architecture), Palaces of marble, modern apartments and the historical Rumeli Fortress built by the conqueror of Istanbul to control and protect the Bosphorus. The afternoon is at leisure.
Optional: Turkish dinner with belly dancing and folk dancing entertainment (supplement applies)
Day 4: Istanbul (B)
After breakfast transfer to the airport or port.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Accommodation in listed hotel (or similar) with private facilities
- Airport transfers (from/to Istanbul (IST) Airport)
- Air conditioned transportation
- Meals as per itinerary
- Small group sightseeing tours
- Professional licensed guides
- Museum Entrance fees
- Local taxes and charges
- Turkey Travel Notes - issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR 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
- 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
Value Class: Asur Hotel
Moderate First Class: Arena Hotel-superior room (special category)
First Class: Erboy / Levni (special category)
Superior First Class: The Galatea Istanbul MGallery
Deluxe: Orientbank Hotel
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.
TransfersTransfers are operated by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.
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.
Istanbul airport transfers:For coach tours: airport transfers are included on days of the tour ex Istanbul Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gocken Airport. Transfers from the hotel to the Airport may be on scheduled shuttles. Late Evening or early morning flights may require private transfers at a supplement.
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. 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.
