THE GRAND TOUR
OF TURKEY
25 May - 17 June 2026
Join Stuart and Russ on this 21-day, grand tour of Turkey, immersing ourselves in the history, archaeology, breathtaking landscapes, stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage and world-famous cuisine, all within this incredible country. We include numerous special experiences with visits to Gallipoli, Ephesus, the Turkish ‘Riviera’, Cappadocia, the vibrant city of Istanbul and special cultural and shopping experiences along the way.
$24850 per person twin share
Single Room Supplement Add $6790
Initial Deposit On Booking $3000
Second Deposit Due 06 November 2025 $4000
Final Balance Due: 04 February 2026
Days
21 Days
Highlights
Gallipoli, Ephesus, Cappadocia, temples, mosques, palaces,
archaeological sites, cooking class, paper marbling, incredible food, concerts, cultural shows including whirling dervishes
Group Size
20
Travellers
Travel of Note
Boutique Tour
Meals
All breakfasts
16 Lunches
12 Dinners
1 high tea,
wine-tasting
Included drinks
at selected
meals
Mobility
Adventure Tour
MAP GUIDE:
1. ISTANBUL (5 nights)
2. CANAKKALE (2 nights)
3. IZMIR (1 night)
4. KUSADASI (3 nights)
5. PAMUKKALE (1 night)
6. FETHIYE (2 nights)
7. ANTALYA (1 night)
8. KONYA (1 night)
9. CAPPADOCIA (3 nights)
10. ISTANBUL (1 night)
SPECIAL FEATURES
• Turkey is one of the greatest countries in the world to visit, with influences of Europe and Asia and a wealth of experiences from breathtaking landscapes and stunning beaches to rich cultural heritage and world-famous cuisine.
• 21-day grand tour of Turkey staying at 4- and 5-star hotels, many with sea views and unique features like a cave hotel and luxury beach resorts: Istanbul (5 +1 nights), Canakkale (2 nights), Izmir (1 night), Kusadasi (3 nights), Pamukkale (1 night), Fethiye (2 nights), Antalya (1 night), Konya (1 night) Cappadocia (3 nights).
• Special experiences include tour of Gallipoli, opera concert and concert in underground cistern (subject to availability), Turkish coffee, carpet making demonstration, cooking class, paper marbling workshop, a private lunch and dinner cruise plus music from our artists, wine-tasting, stays in iconic beach hotels and a cave hotel, Grand Bazaar, pottery factory visit, high tea at a historic hotel and cultural shows including whirling dervishes.
• Historic and archaeological tours including to Ephesus, exclusive visit to Magnesia Ancient City, Troy, visits to iconic mosques and churches including Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, temples and palace tours, Hierapolis, Aspendos, Pergamon, and Cappadocia ‘chimneys’, underground city, archaeological sites and famous caves.
• Numerous beautiful scenic opportunities including harbour cruises, the Turkish ‘Riviera’, cave structures, beaches, coastlines, 12 island cruise, swimming in the Mediterranean, Tinaztepe Cave visit and driving through this stunning and ever-changing countryside.
• Hosted with care and music provided by the wonderful team of Stuart Coats and Russell Dixon, plus a local guide travelling with us for the next 3 weeks.
TRIP ITINERARY
Experience the Exceptional:
MONDAY 25 MAY 2026 FLIGHT TO TURKEY
Today we leave for our fabulous tour of Turkey, one the
most interesting countries we have ever visited, filled
with history, scenic beauty, arts and culture.
TUESDAY 26 MAY 2026 ISTANBUL (D)
Orient Occident Hotel Autograph Collection, Istanbul (5 nights)
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, straddling the Bosporus Strait, the boundary between Europe and Asia. It is considered the country’s economic, cultural and historic capital. The city has a population of over 15 million residents, comprising 19% of the population of Turkey, and is the most populous city in Europe and the world’s fifteenth-largest city.
Welcome to Turkey! We arrive in one of the most important and inspiringly beautiful cities of the world’s history, Istanbul.
Highlights Include:
• We are met by our guide, exclusively ours and travelling with us over the next 3 weeks.
• We enjoy our first glimpse of Istanbul with a short, panoramic tour during our transfer to the hotel.
• After check-in, our tour guide will give us a briefing about the tour while enjoying the welcome drink.
• Light dinner at the hotel and a chance to rest after our long flight.
WEDNESDAY 27 MAY 2026 (B, L, D) HAGIA SOPHIA, BLUE MOSQUE, UNDERGROUND CISTERN
Highlights Include:
• We begin our tour of fascinating Istanbul with the Hagia Sophia, one of the largest Christian shrines ever built in history. Adorned with rich mosaic murals, colossal columns and exposition of divine serenity, Saint Sophia is a world heritage site, that has accommodated various faiths throughout the different periods of history and is currently operated as a mosque displaying Byzantine art and architecture embellished by Ottoman taste.
• Then we see the serene Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul’s most venerable monuments. It was built in 7 years (1606-1609 AD) with the order of Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I. From the courtyard we will enjoy the striking view of the cascading domes and semi-domes. Once
inside we see how the mosque got its name, viewing the colourful blue Iznik tiles that adorn the interior.
• Following the Blue Mosque, we experience the Underground Cistern. Hidden beneath the houses and structures we see a mysterious world, Basilica Cistern. Built in the 6th century by Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, it served as a water reservoir for the Great Palace.
• Experience lunch in a local restaurant with some time off in the afternoon.
• Welcome dinner this evening at a fabulous restaurant with music from our artists.
THURSDAY 28 MAY 2026 (B, L) GRAND BAZAAR, OPERA CONCERT
Highlights Include:
• Today we experience the Grand Bazaar, (Kapali Carsi). The Grand Bazaar is one of the earliest shopping malls ever built in history, which maintains its charm and volume of business to the modern day with its indoor and outdoor sections.
• Istanbul has been the centre of commerce and trade between the Orient and the Occident even before the arrival of Ottomans. Today, the Nuru Osmaniye District is where we can find the most reputable stores with a wide collection of jewellery, antiques and oriental rugs.
• Breathe in the vivacious atmosphere of the Grand Bazaar with a sip of Turkish coffee while checking the exciting variety of handcrafted souvenirs.
• Experience a rooftop visit at Grand Bazaar. We have the privilege of seeing the bazaar from above, followed by lunch.
• This evening, an opera recital at AKM- Ataturk Culture Center, (subject to availability).
FRIDAY 29 MAY 2026 (B, HIGH TEA) TOPKAPI PALACE,
WORKSHOP, CONCERT
Highlights Include:
• Our tour starts with the Topkapi Palace, the residence of the sultans for almost three centuries, completed between 1465 and 1478. Being the imperial residence of the sultan, his court and harem, 4,000 people lived in the Palace.
• We will visit the Hagia Irene, an Eastern Orthodox Church, located in the outer courtyard of the Palace.
• Continue to the Turkish Museum of Islamic Arts to see an impressive collection of Islamic art.
• Experience a Turkish Marbling Ebru workshop, that is often used in bookbinding.
• We walk through vibrant Istiklal Street with a chance for shopping, and a look at the historic cinemas, passages and churches.
• Enjoy high tea in the magnificent atmosphere of the historical Pera Palace Hotel.
• Concert at Underground Cistern (subject to final availability). This amazing venue resonates with music, with its wonderful acoustics. You may recognise this iconic venue from many feature films.
SATURDAY 30 MAY 2026 (B, D) FREE DAY, DINNER CRUISE
Highlights Include:
• A free day to enjoy our own tours or shopping experiences. Our hotel is located just five minutes walk to the Grand Bazaar and harbour area.
• This evening we cruise the beautiful harbour, on our private boat with dinner included, seeing the city’s famous landmarks lit up at night. Perhaps a chance for a song or two, from our artists this evening?
SUNDAY 31 MAY 2026 (B, L, D) ISTANBUL TO CANAKKALE, GALLIPOLI
Doubletree By Hilton, Canakkale (2 nights)
Çanakkale is a city and seaport in Turkey on the southern shore of the Dardanelles at their narrowest point. It is the seat of Çanakkale Province and Çanakkale District, with a population of about 150,000.
Highlights Include:
• This morning we will drive to Canakkale, where we will first be taken to Gallipoli, the site of the incredible battle that played out here during World War I. This is such a significant site for New Zealanders and Australians and we have the chance to remember the fallen this
morning.
• Tour of the Gallipoli battlefield, scene of the attempted Allied invasion of 1915.
• After lunch, we visit Cape Helles, Suvla Bay and Anzac Cove.
• Then we cross the Dardanelles and proceed to Canakkale for check in and dinner at our hotel.
MONDAY 1 JUNE 2026 (B, L, D) TOUR OF TROY
Highlights Include:
• After breakfast we will visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of Troy, where we will see its legendary walls and a replica of the wooden Trojan Horse.
• Troy, or Hisarlik in modern Turkey, is an ancient city and archaeological site, famous for being the setting of the legendary Trojan War, as depicted in Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey.
• Lunch and dinner are included today as well as some free time later in the afternoon.
TUESDAY 2 JUNE 2026 (B, L, D) CANAKKALE - IZMIR
Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir (1 night)
Highlights Include:
•Drive to Assos to visit the Temple of Athena, built in the
6th century B.C and dedicated to the Goddess Athena,
known as the protector of the city.
• After lunch we continue to Pergamon, a beautiful
Greco-Roman city famous for its ancient medical centre
where the first psychological treatment was used in
history.
• See the Acropolis, the Altar of Zeus, and the Temples
of Athena, Trajan, and Dionysus and its magnificent
10,000 seat theatre.
• Lunch and dinner are included today as well as some
free time.
WEDNESDAY 3 JUNE 2026 (B, L, D) IZMIR TO KUSADASI - EPHESUS
La Vista Boutique Hotel Kusadasi (3 nights)
Kuşadası is a beach resort town on Turkey’s western Aegean coast. It is the centre from which to visit the classical ruins at nearby Ephesus, and is also a major cruise ship destination.
Highlights Include:
• Over the next two days, we experience one of the highlights of our tour, the archaeological site of Ephesus, the grandest and best preserved, UNESCO World Heritage in Turkey.
• Visit the Archaeological Museum dedicated to preserving and displaying the discoveries from the ancient city of Ephesus.
• Visit the House of the Virgin Mary, the place where the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent her last years. It has become a pilgrimage destination for Christians from around the world.
• Enjoy a private visit to Magnesia Ancient City, established around the years of 400-350 B.C.
THURSDAY 4 JUNE 2026 (B, L, wine-tasting, D) THE ANCIENT CITY OF EPHESUS
Highlights Include:
• Today we visit Ephesus Ancient City, a city of importance, authority and prosperity with prestigious buildings that have survived today in a wonderful state of preservation.
• Highlights of our visit include: walking on the Marble Road, the Temple of Hadrian with its façade, the Library of Celsus and the Great Theatre of Ephesus, the biggest Roman theatre surviving today.
• After lunch, we will visit and enjoy a carpet workshop, followed by wine tasting.
FRIDAY 5 JUNE 2026 (B, D) KUSADASI DAY OF LEISURE
Highlights Include:
• Today is a day at leisure to enjoy our own tours,
shopping or relaxing.
• Dinner is included tonight at a local restaurant.
SATURDAY 6 JUNE 2026 (B, L, D) KUSADASI TO PAMUKKALE
Venus Suite Hotel, Pamukkale (1 night)
Pamukkale is a town in western Turkey known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. It neighbours Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C.
Highlights Include:
• Drive to Pamukkale to visit the Ruins of Hierapolis.
• We will be greeted by the spectacular views of calcium pools that have been irrigated by the spring waters of Hierapolis for thousands of years.
• After a short break to take pictures and enjoy the view, we continue to the ancient city of Hierapolis, which has recently been appointed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit one of the best preserved Roman Theatres. Built during the 2nd century, the theatre of Hierapolis was used for both theatrical activities and shows of violence.
• Finally, we will enjoy the travertine terraces, white travertine terraces, a natural collection of mineral pools formed by calcite-laden waters from hot springs.
SUNDAY 7 JUNE 2026 (B, L) PAMUKKALE - FETHIYE
Ahama Living, Fethiye (2 nights)
Fethiye is a port city and district, on Turkey’s southwestern Turquoise Coast. It is known for its natural harbour, blue waters and numerous rock tombs including the 4th-century B.C. Tomb of Amyntas, carved
into a bluff overlooking the city.
Highlights Include:
• Today we drive to Fethiye, and enjoy a leisurely day.
• Upon arrival, we embark on a private lunch cruise on the Dalyan River, across the Kaunos Tombs before check in and a free evening at our hotel.
MONDAY 8 JUNE 2026 (B, L) 12 ISLAND BOAT TOUR
Highlights Include:
• Cruise the Fethiye Bay on a full-day trip to the 12
islands that dot the coast and enjoy a day of sun,
swimming, and exploring with a grilled lunch served on
deck.
• We will see clear bays with sea caves, uninhabited
islands and medieval ruins, watching for dolphins and
sea turtles throughout the day.
TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2026 (B, L) FETHIYE - ANTALYA
Ruin Adalia Hotel, Antalya (1 night)
Antalya is a Turkish resort city with a yacht-filled Old Harbour and beaches flanked by large hotels. It is a gateway to Turkey’s southern Mediterranean region, known as the Turquoise Coast for its blue waters.
Highlights Include:
• Today we head to the ghost town of Kayakoy which stretches along the hillside, not far from the ruins of Lycian city Karmylasso.
• Lunch is in a local restaurant and then we continue to Antalya.
• Upon arrival, we visit Kaleici and Hadrian’s Gate. Hadrian’s Gate was built in 130 by Roman Emperor Hadrianus. The emperor entered the city through this magnificent gate. The monumental structure has
managed to be preserved until today. It is one of the most valuable historical artefacts among the city’s treasures.
WEDNESDAY 10 JUNE 2026 (B, L) ANTALYA - KONYA
Dedeman Hotel, Konya (1 night)
Konya is a hidden gem of history and culture, stunning architecture, fascinating museums, serene nature, and delicious cuisine.
Highlights Include:
•Today we will visit Aspendos Ancient City & the Theatre on route to Konya.
• The Tınaztepe Cave is one of the longest caves in the world, with stalactites and stalagmites and an unchanging temperature in summer and winter in its open section.
THURSDAY 11 JUNE 2026 (B, L, D) KONYA - CAPPADOCIA
Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel, Cappadocia (3 nights)
Cappadocia is known for its unique landscape of ‘fairy chimneys’ and other rock and underground cave formations and hot air ballooning.
Highlights Include:
• Visit the Mausoleum of Mevlâna, one of the biggest pilgrimage centres in Turkey, with its fluted dome of turquoise tiles.
• Visit Sille Village, a small and picturesque town, home of Mevlâna, the founder of the Sufi order of whirling dervishes.
• Turkish Night including a Whirling Dervishes Show, with dinner.
FRIDAY 12 JUNE 2026 (B, L) CAPPADOCIA CAVES AND UNDERGROUND CITY
Highlights Include:
• Choose to enjoy an unforgettable memory of Cappadocia: Hot Air Ballooning over the nature-formed valleys. (Optional at extra cost).
• Included is a delicious breakfast in our hot air balloon to experience the tranquillity of the sunrise, gliding over the colourful valleys and rock formations and enjoying a glass of bubbles afterwards.
• Visit Goreme Open Air Museum, a rocky settlement area and UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985. The valley includes churches, chapels, dining halls and sitting rooms.
• Visit Derinkuyu which was large enough to have sheltered as many as 20,000 people together with their livestock and food stores.
SATURDAY 13 JUNE 2026 (B, L) CHIMNEYS, CAVES, POTTERY FACTORY
Highlights Include:
• Today we visit Zelve and Pasabag Valleys, Red Valley, Cavusin and Avanos Pottery Village.
• Zelve Valley is one of the most popular open air museums of Cappadocia. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Zelve Valley Open Air Museum is also one of the most popular places to see the sharp pointed and wide fairy ‘chimneys’.
• Surreal rock formations, pinkish-red colours, and ancient cave churches make Red Valley a top destination in Cappadocia.
• Visit Cavusin, with its history dating back to the first century and an area where Christian monks escaped from Roman attacks.
• We visit and learn about the ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories dating right back to the Hittites.
SUNDAY 14 JUNE 2026 (B, D) CAPPADOCIA - ISTANBUL
Orient Occident Hotel Autograph Collection (1 night)
Highlights Include:
• Today we fly from Cappadocia to Istanbul and then enjoy some time at leisure for final shopping or resting.
• This evening is our final dinner and gala event with music from our hosts - what a way to finish our fabulous tour to this amazing land.
MONDAY 15 JUNE 2026 (B, L) COOKING
CLASS AND FLIGHT HOME
Highlights Include:
• Today we enjoy a leisurely morning with a late checkout, before we are transferred to a final day cooking class.
• At our private cooking class we learn about ancient secrets and recipes of Ottoman Palace cuisine. And then we get to taste Sultans’ dishes, an exceptional way to spend our last day in Turkey.
• We then transfer to Istanbul International Airport for our flight home this evening.
TUESDAY 16 JUNE 2026
IN FLIGHT
WEDNESDAY 17 JUNE 2026
Home today following this amazing tour. We have made new friends and experienced one of the most extraordinary countries in the world, rich with history, natural wonders, historic sites, Gallipoli and vibrant Istanbul.
PLACES WE STAY
Orient Occident Hotel Autograph Collection, Istanbul (5 + 1 nights) is a beautiful 4-star exclusive hotel, located next to the old town, near the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia.
Doubletree By Hilton, Canakkale (2 nights) is centrally
located in Canakkale, offering views of the Dardanelles Strait and access to the coastal walkway.
Swissotel Büyük Efes, Izmir (1 night) is a five-star
deluxe hotel located in the heart of the city’s commercial hub and overlooking the spectacular Kordon Promenade.
La Vista Boutique Hotel, Kusadasi (3 nights) is a 5-star
adults only retreat located away from the buy hub. All
our rooms have balconies and an uninterrupted view of
the ocean.
Venus Suite Hotel, Pamukkale (1 night) is a family run
hotel with a charming home-like atmosphere, located in
the pleasant village of Pamukkale.
Ahama Living, Fethiye (2 nights) is a secluded
sanctuary on the Turkish Riviera, near the prestigious
yachting haven of Göcek. Known for its sapphire waters
and picturesque bays, Göcek has long drawn those
captivated by the sea’s beauty.
Ruin Adalia Hotel, Antalya (1 night) is located 400
metres from Mermerli Beach and is an Adult Only 4-star
hotel, with an outdoor swimming pool.
Dedeman Hotel, Konya (1 night) is a 5-star hotel,
located in the centre of Konya, next to one of the city’s
biggest shopping centres.
Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel, Cappadocia (3 nights) is a
unique 4-star cave hotel, parts of which date from the
5th century, spans a 19th-century mansion and houses
carved into a cliff.
This Trip Includes:
• Economy airfares Emirates Airlines: Auckland - Dubai / Dubai - Istanbul return plus internal airfare: Cappadocia - Istanbul.
• 21-day grand tour of Turkey staying at 4- and 5-star hotels, many with sea views and unique features like a cave hotel and luxury beach resorts: Istanbul (5 +1 nights), Canakkale (2 nights), Izmir (1 night), Kusadasi (3 nights), Pamukkale (1 night), Fethiye (2 nights), Antalya (1 night), Konya (1 night) Cappadocia (3 nights).
• Special experiences include tour of Gallipoli, opera concert and concert in underground cistern (subject to availability), Turkish coffee, carpet making demonstration, cooking class, paper marbling workshop, a private lunch and dinner cruise plus music from our artists, wine-tasting, stays in iconic beach hotels and cave hotel, Grand Bazaar and other great shopping spots, pottery factory visit, high tea at historic hotel and cultural shows including whirling dervishes.
• Historic and archaeological tours including to Ephesus, exclusive visit to Magnesia ancient city, Troy, visits to iconic mosques including Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque, temples and palace tours, Hierapolis, Aspendos, Pergamon, and Cappadocia ‘chimneys’, underground city, archaeological sites and famous caves.
• Numerous beautiful scenic opportunities including harbour cruises, the Turkish ‘Riviera’, cave structures, beaches, coastlines, 12 island cruise, swimming in the Mediterranean, Tinaztepe Cave visit and driving through this interesting and ever-changing countryside.
• All tours, tips, entrances, taxes, transfers, flights, accommodation as mentioned in the itinerary.
• All breakfasts, 16 Lunches, 12 Dinners, 1 high tea, wine-tasting and included drinks at selected meals.
• Hosted with care and music provided by the wonderful team of Stuart Coats and Russell Dixon, plus a local guide travelling with us for the next 3 weeks.
Important Information
• All itinerary details are subject to change, but changes will be replaced with a comparable or better option.
• Initial & Second deposits are fully refundable up until final balance due date, minus an administration fee of up to $500 plus any non-recoverable costs.
• All monies are non-refundable at final balance due date. This becomes an insurance claim.
• Bank transfer payments incur no surcharge. Credit card payments incur surcharge of 1.5%.
• Travellers need to be independently mobile and fit to travel.
• Bookings will only be accepted with initial deposit & booking form.
• All travellers must obtain comprehensive travel insurance for international travel and insurance for domestic travel is recommended.
• Please refer to our terms and conditions on booking form.
Mobility - Adventure Tour
All our trips are specifically designed for our core market, but this trip does contain travel challenges, either because of the region visited or the walking distances or uneven surfaces that arise at some sites. This is still a moderately paced tour, but you will be required to walk longer distances, walk on cobblestones and ancient ruins and stand in museums. To really get the best out of this tour you need to be able to stand or walk for a couple of hours comfortably, be it at a leisurely pace. You also need to be able to climb up to three flights of stairs at a leisurely pace. While we understand unexpected health challenges do occur, we need you to be aware there may be difficulties sourcing high quality medical care at times. We urge you to confirm with your doctor that you are in good health to undertake this trip.