Charming Turkey

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 Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world featuring an intricate labyrinth of over 60 streets and 4000 shops. Overnight stay in Istanbul.

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Kayseri. Upon arrival you will visit Turasan wine factory to taste the beautiful wines of Cappadocia. Embark on an exciting jeep safari adventure in Cappadocia. Drive from Goreme to Ortahisar and explore the picturesque Ortahisar Castle, a 90m high rock-castle that stands dominantly over the town, then proceed to the Uzengi Valley. The drive takes you along the brook bank where you will be able to see the pigeon houses carved into the rocks. Later arrive into Sahintepesi with some time to relax in the town. Return to Goreme via the Pancarlik Valley, and the Pancarlik Church situated within a group of rock cones. The Church was built in the early 11th century has many unconventional architectural features compared to other churches in the Cappadocia region and is adorned with beautiful frescoes that recount the story of Christ’s life. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Optional (surcharge applies): Early morning balloon tour

Embark on a full day excursion in Cappadocia, famous for its distinctive rock formations (referred to as ‘fairy chimneys’), amazing caves and historical history. Visit the Underground City, Open Air Museum in Goreme, and the natural fortress in Ushisar. Lunch in a local restaurant. Discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx and potteries. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Optional (surcharge applies): Turkish folklore evening with dinner is available tonight

Early departure for Pamukkale. Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, derived its name from the striking natural landscape and is famous for its travertine terraces made from minerals deposited by thermal waters. En-route visit the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece, Sultanhan Caravanserai – one of the best examples of Seljuk architecture in Turkey and one of the largest medieval caravanserai in the country – built to shelter the caravaneers, their animals and cargo and keep them safe from highwaymen as they travelled along the ancient Silk Route. Proceed to Konya where you will visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, housing the tomb of Mevlana Rumi the great 13th-century Sufi poet and founder of the Mevlevi (Whirling) Dervish order. Continue to Pamukkale for an overnight stay.

Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, with its spectacular ruins and magnificent Necropolis, one of the best preserved in Turkey offering an insight into the funerary practices of the Greco-Roman era. Marvel at the spectacular lime terraces cascading down the side of the hill before travelling on to Selcuk to visit the Temple of Artemis ”one of the seven wonders of the ancient world”. Proceed to Izmir for a two night stay.

Today discover the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Turkey’s most significant ancient cities. Explore its marbled streets, visit the magnificent Library of Celsus, the impressive open air Amphitheatre, and the Temple of Hadrian dating back to the 2nd Century. Lunch today will be in a nomadic tent in Selcuk to taste Turkish Gozleme. Continue to the village of Sirince, where you can experience one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. You may like to take the opportunity to taste their delicious wines or maybe some shopping before returning to Izmir. Overnight stay in Izmir.

Early departure for Bergama to visit the archaeological site of Asklepion, an ancient medical complex built in honour of the Greek god of healing – Asklepios. Explore the well-preserved ruins before continuing to Troy-site of the legendary Trojan War. Admire the ruins and a replica of the Trojan Horse, a wooden horse said to have been used during the Trojan War by the Greeks to enter the city of Troy and win the war. Drive to Canakkale for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, cross the Dardanelles and continue to Gallipoli. Explore Anzac Cove, Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine, 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. Late afternoon travel to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

This morning explore the backstreets of Istanbul. Start the tour from the Spice Market area, learning about the spices which dominated Ottoman cuisine. Try Turkish Delight and nuts and experience the smells and the colours of Istanbul. Walk through Galata Bridge to the Galata area, stopping to taste baklava, one of the most popular desserts in Turkey. The Galata district is becoming a cultural centre with design shops, haute couture designers, wine cellars and boutique hotels. Taste Turkish coffee, maybe sesame pretzel and roasted chestnuts on the way to Beyoglu. Discover Beyoglu’s little labyrinth-like streets and discover an array of mezze with the chance to taste fried mussels, mussel dolma, pickles and more! Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast transfer to Istanbul airport for your onward flight.

• 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
• Arrival transfer from Istanbul (IST) Airport only on Day 1 – (supplement applies for transfer from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) airport)
• Departure transfer to Istanbul (IST) Airport only on Day 11 – shuttles depart at 9.00am and 1.00pm (supplement applies for transfers to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport)
• Accommodation in Boutique/traditional hotels with private facilities
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Complimentary 4G Wi-Fi internet service onboard the coach
• Economy class domestic flight ticket Istanbul – Kayseri
• Meals as specified in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Sightseeing as specified in itinerary
• Professional English speaking guides
• Museum entrance fees
• Jeep safari and wine tasting in Cappadocia
• Traditional food and soft beverage tasting in Istanbul
• Porterage at hotels
• Local taxes
• Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• 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