Turkey — a vibrant melting pot of cultures, where cities brim with mosques, castles and unforgettable cuisine. There’s no better place to begin than the enchanting Old City of Istanbul. Step back in time in Canakkale, and Gallipoli, feel the ANZAC connection, and drift by hot air balloon over the moon-like landscapes of Cappadocia. Wander the ancient streets of Ephesus and imagine life in the Roman era.
This remarkable region sits at the crossroads of Asia and Europe, blending historic cities, islands and villages into one extraordinary journey. Now our 5th time running this tour, the itinerary has been thoughtfully refined and enhanced to make it better than ever. A tour not to be missed!
An evening departure on Emirates Airlines for Dubai.
Change planes in Dubai and fly onto Istanbul. On arrival transfer to our inner city hotel with time to relax before dinner.
The morning walking tour includes Topkapi Palace and the incredible underground Cistern used to water the palace gardens that were rediscovered in 1545AD. Time is your own this afternoon with dinner in a typical local restaurant.
Our morning walking tour takes in the must-see Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, followed by lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, enjoy a private two-hour Bosphorus cruise showcasing the summer palaces of the Ottoman Sultans and a 15th-century fortress, before our guide leads us through the Grand Covered Bazaar with tips on the best way to experience this bustling marketplace.
Transfer to the airport for a morning flight to Cappadocia. On arrival we explore the Goreme Open-Air Museum and admire the fairy chimneys, cave churches and Goreme Valley. Dinner in our hotel tonight.
Early this morning an optional hot air balloon trip is available where you can glide silently over the moon like landscape of Cappadocia. Later we explore the Kaymakli Underground City with an extensive network of chambers, kitchens and living quarters. We continue onto the Pasabagi Valley made famous as the ‘Valley of the Monks” and the Uchisar Castle sitting on top of Cappadocia’s highest point dating back 8,000 BCE.
This morning we begin our journey to Konya and stop along the way at Sultanhanı. A historic caravanserai with intricate Seljuk decorations. Arriving early afternoon in Konya we explore the city which dates back to prehistoric times and includes the tomb of famous mystic Rumi.
Today we travel onto Kas with a stop for lunch at a local restaurant in Antalya. The drive combines coastal roads and inland highways offering scenic views.
We enjoy a private boat trip to relax and enjoy the stunning views of Simena Castle and the underwater ruins of the sunken City of Kekova. There will be time for a swim at the stunning Aquarium Bay and Burc Bay. A day to relax.
This morning a walking tour of Kas which boasts charming narrow streets, whitewashed buildings, and a laid-back atmosphere. After lunch a free afternoon to follow your own interests.
We continue onto Selcuk today for a two night stay.
After breakfast travel to Roman-influenced Ephesus with its Temple of Artemis Museum, the Library and forum. One of the seven wonders of the world. After lunch a free afternoon to relax.
Today we travel to Pergamum, once one of the middle east’s richest and most powerful Kingdoms. An impressive theatre with the steepest seating known in the ancient world is a sight to behold, along with the Sanctuary of Athena. We continue onto Bergama. Dinner in the hotel tonight.
The archaeological city of Troy awaits. Settled in 3,600BC the city was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1998. Arrive mid-afternoon in Gallipoli with time to relax.
A tour highlight as we explore Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove. A fully guided tour of the region includes WWI New Zealand War Graves, Lone Pine Memorial and ANZAC Cove. We continue onto Istanbul this afternoon. Farewell dinner tonight.
A leisurely morning before a mid-afternoon flight to Dubai. Arrive Late evening. Overnight in Dubai.
Depart Dubai mid-morning.
Arrive Auckland mid-morning.
|
ESTIMATED Cost Per Person * Auckland - Auckland | Twin Share | Single |
|---|---|---|
|
$16,950 |
$19,300 |
| Business Class Upgrade |
To Be Confimed |
| Premium Economy Class Upgrade |
To Be Confimed |
| Early Booking Discount (05 June 2026) | $150 |
| Previous International Pukekohe Travel Tour Discount | $100 |
*This is a cash price. Credit cards will incur a 1.5% fee
*Itinerary and costs subject to change, airline and fuel charges and currency fluctuations prior to final payment
Travel Insurance is essential. Please feel free to contact us for a quote.
General Information - Pack for a summer holiday while travelling in some conservative countries, shoulders and knees must be covered. A scarf for visiting mosques is a must and shoes that are easily to slip on and off at religious sights are recommended. Comfortable easy-wash and wear clothes for touring are best along with TEVA-type sandals.
Documentation
| Weather / Climate – August | Max | Min |
| Istanbul | 27˚c | 18˚c |
| Cappadocia | 28˚c | 14˚c |
| Kas | 31˚c | 27˚c |
Food - Turkish and Middle Eastern food is fresh, light and delicious (tomatoes, cucumber and yoghurt, olives, falafels). Flat bread and grilled meat and fish are often served. Breakfasts are westernised in most places. Tea is always available in Turkey. Care will need to be taken to prevent stomach upsets. The included meals are at restaurants with a good reputation.If you like a morning cup of tea – take your own cup as around half of the hotels have tea making facilities.
Currency / Money - Turkey – Lira To obtain the best prices at markets etc, always use the local currency. Take USD or Euro to exchange into Lira. ATMs are available in all the cities.
No mandatory inoculations are required. To ensure the tour is enjoyable for the whole group a good standard of health and fitness is required. Clients should be independently mobile with the ability to walk on uneven surfaces and stairs without hand rails. This tour is not suitable for those who require airport wheelchair assistance or any mobility aids. It is essential that you arrive on tour fit, healthy and ready to travel.
For full terms and conditions please visit our website Terms and Conditions or please ask our tour consultant for a copy.
Note:
Pukekohe Travel reserves the right to correct errors and omissions on our website without recourse.
* Itinerary subject to change