14 night small group tour
from $7259 per person share twin
- Departure Dates: 17 Apr, 01, 15, 29 May, 17 Jul, 14 Aug 25
Turkey
Glories of Turkey
The Glories of Turkey 15-Day Small Group coach tour is operated within Turkey, directly by Innovative Travel’s local Turkish partner, ensuring in-depth local knowledge and supporting local communities. Discover the country's wonders while enjoying the comfort of a modern, spacious, air-conditioned vehicle. The group size is intentionally limited to a maximum of 18 passengers for a more intimate and personalised experience.
One of the significant highlights of the journey is the visit to Gallipoli, a site of great importance to our Australian and New Zealand clients. Explore key sites such as Anzac Cove, the Australian memorial site of Lone Pine Cemetery and the New Zealand memorial site of Chunuk Bair, offering a deeper insight into our shared Anzac history.
Welcome to Turkey. On arrival you will be met in the arrivals area by a representative of our local agent and transferred to your tour hotel. Remainder of day at leisure. Tonight, meet your tour companions on your Glories of Turkey coach tour at a welcome briefing. Your accommodation is reserved for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Start your discovery of Istanbul with a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum, residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1453 to 1852 (excluding harem). Visit the Hippodrome, which was once the centre of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Continue to the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616 and famous for its blue ceramic tiles. There will be time for an optional visit to St. Sophia Mosque – a church built in the 6th century Byzantine capital, converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, still functioning as a mosque today and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets.
This morning you will depart for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WWI. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, before your overnight stay in Canakkale.
Cross the Dardanelles to Canakkale and visit Troy with its famous wooden horse, best known for being the setting of the Trojan War and many cities built on top of each other. Continue to Asklepion, stopping enroute to sample lunch with the locals in a traditional local village. Visit the ancient Medical Center in Asklepion, located at the base of the Pergamon Acropolis and built in honour of Asklepios, God of healing. The site was one of the most renowned healing centres of the ancient world and its ruins offer a glimpse into the ancient world's approach to health and healing. Continue İzmir where accommodation is reserved for two nights.
Tour the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural centre of the ancient world and explore the 2,000-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 have a firsthand experience of this unique art form. Overnight in Izmir.
After breakfast drive to Bodrum, often referred to as the "Saint-Tropez of Turkey" - a picturesque coastal town located in the southwest of Turkey along the Aegean Sea. Visit the castle of St. Peter, a medieval fortress built by the Knights of St. John in the 15th century, and the renowned Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology, located within the walls of the castle, showcasing ancient shipwrecks and artifacts from the region. Overnight in Bodrum.
Day at leisure. Overnight in Bodrum
This morning journey through lush valleys to reach Pamukkale, known as the Cotton Fortress. Here, you will encounter striking white terraces created by the flow of hot mineral springs. Explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, a Roman health spa, before heading back to your hotel for a relaxing swim in the hotel's thermal pool. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Depart Pamukkale and continue to Antalya where accommodation is reserved for two nights. On arrival there will be a walking tour of the old town centre. Dinner and overnight Antalya.
A full day at leisure. Dinner is included at your hotel this evening. Overnight Antalya.
Embarking on an early morning departure to Cappadocia, you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich historical tapestry of the region. On the way, a captivating visit awaits - a 13th century caravanserai. These ancient caravanserais were pivotal waystations along the Silk Road, facilitating trade and offering respite to travellers and merchants from distant lands. As you explore this historical gem, imagine the caravans of camels and merchants that once filled its courtyards, the aroma of spices lingering in the air, and the exchange of ideas that took place within its stone walls. Later visit the underground city of Saratli, a subterranean wonder nestled beneath the enchanting landscape of Cappadocia. Continue to your hotel where you are reserved for two nights. Dinner this evening is at your hotel. Overnight Cappadocia.
Following breakfast, embark on a journey to explore Goreme, an ancient Turkish region nestled amid striking rock formations with a history dating back to the Roman period. This area is renowned for its well-preserved rock formations, a testament to the dominance of Christianity which was the prevailing religion in the region. Next, continue to the charming town of Avanos, renowned for its high-quality pottery craftmanship. While in the area, visit Devrent and the enchanting Red Valley, a captivating natural wonder, and attend a brief regional pottery workshop. Dinner at your hotel this evening. Overnight in Cappadocia.
Morning drive to Turkey’s capital, Ankara, passing through the Salt Lake area. Visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk, the father of modern medicine. Overnight in Ankara.
After breakfast depart on a scenic drive to Istanbul. Afternoon at leisure. Farewell dinner this evening. Overnight Istanbul.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Topkapi Palace, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
Grand Bazaar, world’s largest and oldest covered market
Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair at Gallipoli
Ancient city of Troy
Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary
Pamukkale the Cotton Castle
Aspendos and its 1800 year-old theatre
Open Air Museum of Goreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Saratli, a hidden underground city
Hiking through the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia
Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara
Lunch with locals
Special dinners at restaurants
Wine tasting at vineyard
from $7259 per person share twin
from $7455 per person share twin
from $7549 per person share twin
Sales until sold out. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice until time of confirmation. Prices displayed are per person, based on two people travelling together. All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Supplement applies for transfer to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport) and for pre-post-stay transfers). Prices are based on payment by cash or eftpos. Credit card fees will apply. Amendment and cancellation fees apply. Airfares are not included and are at an additional cost. Travel insurance is mandatory. Payment deadlines and conditions apply. FINANCE CONDITIONS: Lending criteria, fees, terms & conditions apply. Offer available for bookings made with House of Travel only. Not available for bookings made with MixandMatch. For finance terms and conditions visit hot.co.nz/payment-options. For full terms and conditions please ask your House of Travel Consultant. Supplier code: Innovative
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