Classical Turkey 2023 (Friday Departure)

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 Grand Bazaar – one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. With over 60 streets and 4000 shops, there is a bargain to be found for everyone here.

After breakfast, 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 modern Republic of Turkey. Then depart for Cappadocia. After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake, arrive in Cappadocia for an overnight stay.

Early in the morning an optional Balloon tour is available (supplement applies).

Then, full day excursion in Cappadocia including a visit to the Kaymakli Underground City. This fascinating refuge has sheltered people from as far back as the 8th century BC and was still being used up until 1923. Next, visit the Open Air Museum in Goreme and the incredible natural fortress in Uchisar.

Lunch today in a cave restaurant to taste the famous pottery kebab. 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. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Optional dinner with a Turkish show is available tonight (supplement applies).

Early departure for Pamukkale. On the way, visit the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece Sultanhan Caravanserai before arrival in Konya. After visiting the Mausoleum of Mevlana, continue to Pamukkale for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, visit the ancient Hierapolis with the magnificent Necropolis, graveyard and the lime cascade. Thereafter, continue your drive to Selcuk to visit the Temple of Artemis, “one of the seven wonders of the ancient world” then continue to Izmir for your overnight stay.

This morning drive to the Ancient city of Ephesus and visit its magnificent library, theatre and temples. Lunch in a nomadic tent in Selcuk to taste Turkish Gozleme. Continue to the marvellous village of Sirince where you are able to experience one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. You can do shopping and taste delicious wines of the village. Drive back to Izmir for overnight.

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.

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

Arrival in Istanbul for an overnight stay.

After breakfast transfer to Ataturk airport for your onward flight.

• Moderate First and First Class hotels with private facilities
• Arrival Transfer ex IST airport (supplement applies from Sabiha Gocken Airport
• Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
• Meals and sightseeing as indicated on the itinerary
• Professional English speaking guides
• Entrance fees
• Porterage at hotels
• Departure transfer to IST airport only – shuttles at 0900 or 1300
• Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• 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

**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.

TRANSFERS

Airport transfers are included on days of the tour ex Istanbul Ataturk Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gocken Airport.

If arrival or departure is not on the day or the tour, transfers are only included if pre or post tour accommodation is booked.

IMPORTANT NOTE

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).