Tour Description

Coach Tour (Min 2 / Max 28 passengers)
10 Days ex Istanbul
Departs: Selected Fridays

2026 Departure Dates (Departs Fridays)
Mar: 06-full, 20-full | Apr: 03, 10, 24 | May: 01, 08, 15, 29 | Jun: 05-full, 12, 19 | Jul: 03, 17-full, 31 | Aug: 14, 28-full | Sep: 04, 11, 18, 25 | Oct: 02-limited availability, 09, 16 | Nov: 06 | Dec: 18

Notes:

Tour also operates on Saturdays – Istanbul sightseeing will be on Day 9 instead of Day 2
Cave Hotel Upgrade: Upgrade your stay in Cappadocia and experience accommodation in a Cave Style Hotel – refer prices above
Flight Option: Option available to fly from Istanbul to Kayseri on Day 3, including transfers – Price on application
This coach tour is not exclusive to Innovative Travel. The tour was developed in conjunction with our long-standing Turkish tour operator and offered to the wider English-speaking market. Other guests on the tour may have slightly different inclusions.

A fantastic journey capturing the highlights of Turkey in 10 days. Marvel at the vivid colours of exotic Istanbul, awesome scenery of Cappadocia and the other-worldly landscape of Pamukkale. Step from the mythology of Troy, through the antiquity of Ephesus, to the historical sites of Gallipoli on this encompassing Group Tour.

Highlights:

24/7 local operator support in Turkey
Uncover captivating Istanbul, where east meets west in a tapestry of history, culture and vibrant life
Discover an underground sanctuary city in the surreal landscape of Cappadocia
Witness the mesmerizing beauty of the cotton candy white limestone terraces of Pamukkale
Explore the ancient sites of Ephesus and Selcuk, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
Visit the Asklepion in Pergamum, delving into the mysteries of this ancient healing sanctuary
Immerse yourself in the profound emotions of Gallipoli, a place where some say three nations found their identity

Itinerary
Accommodation
Important Information

Day 1: Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. On arrival at Istanbul International Airport, after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met by a representative of our local operator then transferred to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis. Remainder of day at leisure.

Day 2: Istanbul (B)

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.

Day 3: Istanbul – Ankara – Cappadocia (BD)

This morning depart for Ankara where you will visit the Mausoleum of Ataturk and its Museum. This is the burial place of the national hero who founded the modern Republic of Turkey. Continue to Cappadocia for a two-night stay.

Day 4: Cappadocia (BL)

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

Day 5: Cappadocia – Pamukkale (BD)

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. Continue to Pamukkale for an overnight stay.

Day 6: Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Izmir (BD)

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.

Day 7: Izmir – Ephesus – Sirince – Izmir (BLD)

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 included today at a local restaurant. Continue to the village of Sirince, where you can experience one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey and take the opportunity to taste their delicious wines, before returning to Izmir.

Day 8: Izmir – Pergamum – Canakkale (BD)

Early departure for Bergama to visit the Asklepion with its well preserved remains before you 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 continue to Canakkale for an overnight stay.

Day 9: Canakkale – Gallipoli – Istanbul (B)

After breakfast, cross the Dardanelles for a special day for New Zealand and Australian travellers with a visit to Gallipoli. On arrival, visit Anzac Cove, Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine Cemetery and the 57th Regiment Memorial.

Day 10: Istanbul (B)

After breakfast you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your onward flight.
Departure transfer will be via scheduled shuttle to Istanbul Airport at either 9:00am or 1:00pm

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

24/7 local operator support in Turkey
9 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 10 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
Sightseeing as per itinerary
Professional English-speaking guides
Museum entrance fees
Porterage at hotels
Local taxes and service charges
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
Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
Visas (unless specified)
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Accommodation based on the following (or similar):

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

Istanbul (Taksim area)

Elite World Comfy Hotel

Cappadocia

Dinler Urgup Hotel

Cave Style Upgrade: MDC Cave | Yusuf Yigitoglu Konagi

Pamukkale

Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel

Izmir

Park Inn Radisson

Canakkale

Kolin Hotel

Istanbul (Old City)

Kent Hotel

Coach Tour

This coach tour is not exclusive to Innovative Travel. The tour was developed in conjunction with our long-standing Turkish tour operator and offered to the wider English-speaking market. Other guests on the tour may have slightly different inclusions.

Double Beds
Please note a double-bedded room can be requested but cannot be guaranteed. In Turkey double rooms are very limited.

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.

Porterage
Porterage for one suitcase is included in the tour price. Due to limited coach capacity, the single bag should not exceed the dimensions of 30”x18”x10” and not weigh more than 50lbs (25kg).

Ramadan
During the Holy Month of Ramadan Muslims fast, abstaining from eating, drinking & smoking during daylight hours (approx. 7am-6.30pm). As a sign of respect, tourists should also try to refrain eating in public during the fasting hours. Restaurants and Cafes in Hotels will be open, however limited alcohol may be available over this time. In 2026, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 17th February. After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days.

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.

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.

Transfers

Airport transfers are included on days of the tour ex Istanbul (IST) Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport. Departure transfer will be via scheduled shuttle at either 9.00am or 1.00pm. Private transfers at alternate times will incur a surcharge. Transfers are operated by drivers and are not guided. If arriving or departing Istanbul on any days other than the arrival or departure days of the tour, transfers are not included.

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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. 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.

Priced From:

$ 3125pp ^*