Aegean Shore

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 Spice Market, one of the largest spice markets in the world – here you will find an assortment of colourful stalls with enticing delights such as exotic spices, dried fruit and nuts, Turkish delight, baklava and more! Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Drive west to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a special day for New Zealand and Australian travellers with a visit to Anzac Cove, Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine Cemetery 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. At the end of the tour you will cross the Dardanelles and be transferred to your hotel in Canakkale. Overnight stay in Canakkale.

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 Ida Mountains to arrive at Pergamum, the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty. Here you will visit the impressive Acropolis of Pergamum, perched on a high, steep-sided hill – one of the highest and most magnificent Acropolis in ancient history. Continue on to Kusadasi for a two night stay.

This morning there will be a short drive to the ancient city of Ephesus, the famous ruins of what was once an important cultural centre of the ancient world. Visit its magnificent library, theatre and temples and stroll through some 2000 year old marbled streets. Capture the significance of the Library of Celsius and Hadrian’s Temple. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like handmade carpets and leather. Continue to the village of Sirince, one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. Free time for shopping or to taste the local wines. Overnight in Kusadasi.

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

• 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
• Arrival transfer from Istanbul (IST) Airport only on Day 1 (supplement applies from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport)
• Departure transfer Day 6 to Kusadasi port or Izmir Airport
• Accommodation in First Class and Moderate First Class hotels with private facilities
• Transportation by air-conditioned coach
• Meals as specified in itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Sightseeing as specified in itinerary
• Professional English speaking guides
• Museum entrance fees
• Porterage at hotels
• Local taxes
• Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• 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