Tour Description
Coach Tour
11 Days ex Istanbul
Departs on 16 April 2023
This special departure of our very popular Classical Turkey coach tour is timed to experience the moving ANZAC Day commemorations.
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Itinerary
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Accommodation
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Important Information
Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. On arrival please clear customs and immigration. In arrivals area you will be met by a representative of our local agent then transferred to your tour hotel where accommodation is reserved on a bed and breakfast basis.
Remainder of day at leisure.
Day 2: Istanbul (B)
After breakfast at the hotel, a guided tour to Topkapi Palace Underground Cistern Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar will commence. The day ends with an overnight stay in Istanbul.
Day 3: Istanbul – Cappadocia (B D)
After breakfast depart for Cappadocia. After a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake arrive in Cappadocia for an overnight stay.
Day 4: Cappadocia (B L)
(Early in the morning an optional Balloon tour is available.)
A full day excursion in Cappadocia including visits to the Kaymakli Underground City, Open Air Museum in Goreme, and natural fortress in Uchisar. Lunch is in a cave restaurant to taste the famous pottery kebab.
This afternoon you will have the opportunity to discover the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx, and potteries.
(Optional night tour with a Turkish show and dinner is available tonight.)
Overnight stay in Cappadocia.
Day 5: Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale (B D)
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.
Day 6: Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Ephesus – Kusadasi (B D)
After breakfast visit the ancient Hierapolis with the magnificent Necropolis graveyard and the lime cascade. Continue to the Ancient city of Ephesus and visit its magnificent library theatre temples. Drive to Kusadasi for overnight.
Day 7: Kusadasi – Pergamum – Ayvalik (BD)
Early departure for Bergama and visit the Acropolis & Asklepion the ancient medical centre. Drive to Ayvalik for overnight.
Day 8: Galipolli Tour – Canakkale (BD)
After breakfast we enjoy a guided tour of Gallipoli Peninsula, Anzac Cove, Nek, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair. Overnight Canakkale
Day 9: Troy – Dawn Service (BD)
Today we will visit ancient city of Troy and drive to village of Kilitbahir, situated on the eastern shore of the Gallipoli peninsula, and dominated by the fortress of the same name. Tonight we attend dawn service.
Today’s itinerary is very much subject to the final timings at the Gallipoli Peninsula. You will be updated on 23 April as to your programme for today. Security measures may change the order of sightseeing and availability of tours.
Note: there is no accommodation tonight.
On the night prior to the Dawn Service the time for departure will be confirmed when you are in Istanbul. Please ensure you take a hat, gloves, warm socks, scarf, warm coat etc as it will be cold on the Peninsula. It is also advisable to take a torch, rug, notebook, and energy snacks for the day. Take a lightweight day pack to carry food boxes, water bottle, snacks etc – don’t forget these! Due to security measures there will be a long walk to the dawn service so please ensure you have good walking shoes. Toilet facilities on the Peninsula will be basic (port-a-loo style).
It is essential when registering for this tour that you are able to walk up to 7- 8 km unaided – it is a steep uphill walk between Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair.
A reminder to ensure you have Turkish cash for any extras prior to your departure. We suggest you carry your passport at all times on this day for security reasons.
Day 10: Dawn Service – Istanbul (B)
Full day dedicated for attendance at the Dawn Ceremony and Anzac Day commemorations. Once all services are finished drive to Istanbul for an overnight stay. Note: a simple boxed breakfast is included today
There is at least a 7km walk to Chunuk Bair.
You will pass through various security measures before attending the official ANZAC commemorations. Please bring water bottle, snacks, sun hat and sunscreen. Please prepare to be patient during the security procedures.
Day 11: Istanbul (B)
After breakfast transfer to the airport for your flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Moderate First and 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
A note on luggage:
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).
Accommodation based on the below or similar
Istanbul
(Old Town) Kent Hotel
Cappadocia
Dinler Urgup
Pamukkale
Adem Pira
Kusadasi
Marina Hotel
Ayvalik
Tusan/Halic Park
Canakkale
Parion Hotel
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.
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.
Priced From:
$ 2985pp *
Variants
First Class / 16 April 2023 - 26 April 2023 / Per Person Twin Share
$2985
- First Class
- 16 April 2023 - 26 April 2023
- Per Person Twin Share
First Class / 16 April 2023 - 26 April 2023 / Single Room
$3745
- First Class
- 16 April 2023 - 26 April 2023
- Single Room
First Class / 16 April 2023 - 26 April 2023 / Triple Rate (price for 3 PAX)
$8350
- First Class
- 16 April 2023 - 26 April 2023
- Triple Rate (price for 3 PAX)