Classics of Turkey

Today fall under the charm of Istanbul, starting your day with a visit to Topkapi Palace Museum residence of the Ottoman Sultans between 1453–1852 (excluding Harem). Continue to the Hippodrome once the center of life where chariot racing and other public events took place. Tour the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616 and famous for its blue ceramic tiles. There will be time for an optional visit to St. Sophia Mosque – a church built in the 6th century Byzantine capital, converted to a mosque by the Ottomans, still functioning as a mosque today and one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar the world’s largest and oldest covered market with over 60 streets. Overnight in Istanbul.

Optional (surcharge applies): Dinner with belly dancing entertainment.

Morning at leisure or take the optional morning tour. This afternoon depart for the capital city of Ankara. Dinner at your hotel and overnight in Ankara.

Optional Tour (surcharge applies): Morning Bosphorus cruise
This morning see the strait that separates Asia and Europe on a cruise on the Bosphorus (approx. 90mins). Its shores are lined with fine neighbourhoods, Ottoman palaces, fortresses, old wooden villas, hotels, parks and gardens, restaurants, and cafés.

Visit the fascinating Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, a historic caravanserai holding artifacts from up to 7500 years old, including the most extensive and valuable collection of Hittite artifacts in the world. Visit the impressive Mausoleum of Ataturk, which honours the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk. Drive to Cappadocia, touring a 13th century caravanserai enroute – these ancient caravanserais were pivotal waystations along the Silk Road, facilitating trade and offering respite to travellers and merchants from distant lands. Continue to discover the underground city of Saratli, one of the many underground settlements built for protection and religious reasons. Dinner at your hotel. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Optional (surcharge applies): This evening attend a whirling Dervishes performance

Spend the day at leisure or join one of the Optional tours available. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia

Optional (surcharge applies) Hot Air Balloon Tour:  Early morning hot air balloon tour to experience floating through volcanic valleys, fairy chimneys and caves at sunrise.

Optional (surcharge applies) Full Day Cappadocia Tour: Visit the Goreme Open-Air Museum (a UNESCO World Heritage site), a historical Turkish region nestled among ancient rock formations with roots dating back to the Roman period. Many rock formations can still be seen today as Christianity was then the prevailing religion in that region. Discover the Red Valley then continue to the town of Avanos, renowned for its high-quality pottery craftsmanship. Attend a brief regional pottery workshop in a cave, immersing yourself in the local artistry. Visit the Derwent Valley on the way back to your hotel.

Embark on a picturesque journey through the Turkish countryside as you travel today to Pamukkale. As you leave the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia behind, you’ll traverse rolling hills, farmland and small towns. The drive provides the opportunity to relax and appreciate the changing scenery as you head towards the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale.

Explore distinctive Pamukkale, often referred to as the “cotton fortress” where you will discover the striking white terraces created by hot mineral springs. Additionally, discover the ancient remains of Hierapolis (UNESCO World Heritage Site), an ancient Roman city that flourished as a Roman spa and wellness centre due to its proximity to the mineral-rich thermal waters of Pamukkale. Proceed to Izmir where accommodation is reserved for two nights.

Spend a full day at leisure or join the optional tour. Overnight Izmir.

Optional (surcharge applies): Ephesus and St. Mary’s House: This morning visit the famous ruins of Ephesus, an important cultural center of the ancient world, and explore 2000 year-old marble streets, the theatre, the Library of Celsius, a gymnasium, and Hadrian’s Temple. Take a short drive to see St. Mary’s stone cottage where it is believed Virgin Mary spent her last years accompanied by St. John. Continue to a regional rug production centre to experience first-hand this unique art form.

Explore the historic Medical Centre, known as the Asklepion, in Pergamum before journeying on to the legendary city of Troy, famed for its iconic wooden horse and its role as the backdrop for the epic Trojan War, with multiple layers of the ancient cities stacked upon one another. Continue to Canakkale for dinner and overnight.

Morning departure for Gallipoli, the site of many battles during WW1. Visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair, then continue to Istanbul. This evening there will be a farewell dinner. Overnight in Istanbul.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight

• Arrival transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) on Day 1 and departure transfer to Istanbul (IST) airport on Day 11 of Tour. (Surcharge applies for transfers from/to Sabiha Gocken (SAW) airport and for pre-post stay transfers)
• 10 nights’ accommodation in First Class Hotels with private facilities
• Meals as indicated on itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
• Private air-conditioned transportation
• Licensed Professional guides throughout Turkey
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Luggage handling (one bag per person)
• Local taxes and charges
• 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
• Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Arrival and departure transfers if not on Day 1 or Day 11 of the tour
• Optional tours and excursions
• Meals other than those specified
• Drinks
• 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