Tour Description

Coach Tour
6 Days ex Istanbul

Discover the ancient sites and local delicacies of Western Turkey with this six day itinerary. Experience the confluence of East and West in Istanbul before following in the footsteps of heroes in Troy and Gallipoli. This tour is the perfect Small Group Tour for those wanting to combine the cultural and historical attractions of Turkey in a relatively limited timeframe.

Highlights

Reflect on those who have gone before with a visit to Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove.
Explore the ruins of Ephesus, the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Discover your favourite wine from the locally produced varieties in the beautiful village of Sirince.

Itinerary
Accommodation
Important Information

Day 1: Istanbul

Upon arrival please clear customs and immigration. In arrivals area you will be met by a representative of our local operator and then transferred to your tour hotel where accommodation is reserved for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis. Tonight meet your tour companions at a welcome briefing hosted by your tour director.

Day 2: Istanbul (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a 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 a visit to the incredible St. Sophia. Originally built in 537ad, this marvel of engineering is famed for the giant dome – an incredible feat for the time period. Later visit Blue Mosque, and finally have a visit to the Spice Bazaar.

Day 3: Istanbul – Canakkale (B D)

Today is a special day for New Zealand and Australian travellers as you have a morning departure for Gallipoli. On arrival visit Anzac Cove Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair. The doomed assault on Gallipoli by New Zealand and Australian forces – operating 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 after.

Later head across the Dardanelles to Canakkale for your overnight accommodation at your hotel.

Day 4: Canakkale – Troy – Pergamum – Kusadasi (B D)

Today you will step into mythology with a visit to Troy, the scene of heroic deeds from such legends as Achilles, Paris, Ulysses, Priam, and the incomparably beautiful Helen – “the face that launched a thousand ships.” Immortalised by Homer in his epic The Iliad, Troy was thought to be entirely fictitious until it was discovered by pioneering archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in the 1870’s. The replica wooden horse adds further depth to the experience.

Later cross the mountain Ida to arrive in Pergamum to visit the Acropolis before continuing to Kusadasi for your two night stay.

Day 5: Kusadasi – Ephesus – Sirince – Kusadasi (B D)

After breakfast there is a short drive to Ephesus, the famous ruins of what was once an important cultural centre of the ancient world. Explore the 2000 year-old marble streets, the theatre, the library of Celsius, and Hadrian’s Temple. Home to the now ruined Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Ephesus is where some believe the Gospel of John was written. Continue to the village of Sirince, one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey which ironically was originally named Cirkence – “Ugly” – to keep outsiders away. Free time for shopping or to taste the local wines. Return to Kusadasi for your overnight stay.

Day 6: Kusadasi (B)

Morning transfer to Kusadasi port or Izmir airport for your onward journey.

The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

First Class and Moderate First Class hotels with private facilities
Arrival and departure transfers
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
Meals and sightseeing as indicated on the itinerary
Professional English speaking guides
Entrance fees
Porterage at hotels
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

Notes

TRANSFERS
If you are arriving into Istanbul on any days other than the arrival days of the tour the transfer is free of charge as long as accommodation is booked.

DOUBLE BEDS
Please note we have requested a double bedded room but cannot guarantee one will be available. In Turkey double rooms are very limited. Please ask on check-in with the hotel to see what is available.

The hotels listed are subject to confirmation – alternative properties may be used

Accommodation based on the below or similar

Istanbul

Radisson Blu Pera

Canakkale

Kolin Hotel

Kusadasi

Charisma

Dress Codes
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.

Hotels
On coach tours, hotels in regional areas (i.e Pamukkale) can be of a slightly lower standard than the other hotels on the tour.

Sightseeing
All 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.

Transfers
Transfers are operated by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.

Optional Tours
Optional 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 Evning 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.

Enquire About This Itinerary

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. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). 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.

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