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.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Kayseri. On arrival, visit Turasan wine factory to sample Cappadocia’s renowned wines. Embark on an exhilarating jeep safari. Drive from Goreme to Ortahisar, exploring its striking 90m rock castle before continuing to Uzengi Valley. Drive along the brook to see pigeon houses carved into the cliffs, then relax at Sahintepesi. Return to Goreme via Pancarlik Valley and visit Pancarlik Church, built in the early 11th century with unique architecture and frescoes depicting Christ’s life. Conclude the day at your hotel for a two-night stay.

Optional (supplement applies): Early morning Hot Air 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, the Open-Air Museum in Goreme and the incredible natural fortress in Uchisar. Lunch today in a local restaurant. This afternoon, you will have the opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx, and potteries.

Optional (supplement applies): Night tour with Turkish show and dinner

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.

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. Later continue 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 where accommodation is reserved for two nights.

This morning you will 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! Upon completion of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure.

• 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
• 10 nights’ hotel accommodation
• Breakfast daily at hotels
• 2 lunches
• 5 dinners
• Arrival transfer on Day 1 by private vehicle Istanbul Airport (IST)/hotel | Departure transfer on Day 11 by shuttle hotel/Istanbul (IST) airport (shuttles at 9:00am or 1:00pm).  (Surcharge applies for transfers from/to Sabiha Gocken (SAW) airport)
• Transportation by air-conditioned coach
• Complimentary 4G Wi-Fi internet service onboard the coach
• Economy class domestic air ticket Istanbul/Kayseri
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Professional English-speaking guides
• Jeep safari and wine tasting in Cappadocia
• Traditional food and soft beverage tasting in Istanbul
• Museum entrance fees
• Porterage at hotels
• Local taxes and service charges
• 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
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above