Taste of Türkiye

• Return international flights with Qantas Airways or one of our oneworld partners (economy class) ex SYD/*MEL/*BNE/*PER/*ADL/*AKL
• One-way domestic flight from Cappadocia to Istanbul

• 11 nights 4-star and 5-star accommodation

• Enjoy daily breakfast in Turkey

• English-speaking tour leader
• Airport taxes and surcharges

• Transportation by private A/C vehicles

• Return airport transfers

Depart from Australia (or New Zealand) for Istanbul, Türkiye.

Please note: Some guests will depart on day 2 and arrive on day 2.

Meals included: In-Flight

Upon arrival into Istanbul, make your way to Exit 13 and be met by the tour leader and transferred to the hotel. If you are too early for check in then luggage can be stored at the hotel until the room is ready.

The rest of the day is yours to explore this vibrant city at leisure.

Istanbul was the capital city of Byzantium, Roman Empires and Ottoman State. It is a fascinating city which crosses two continents, Europe and Asia.

The city is full of museums, bazaars, minarets, mosques, churches, palaces, and restaurants catering to everyone’s taste.

Overnight: La Quinta Hotel, Istanbul or similar

Meals included: None

After breakfast, enjoy an Istanbul city tour.

Visit the ancient Hippodrome, previously the scene of chariot races, containing three monuments: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.

Continue to the Sultan Ahmet Imperial Mosque, across from the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. Built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, it is known as the 'Blue Mosque' because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles.

The next stop is Topkapi Palace, the great residence of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries, housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain robes worn by the sultans and their families.

After a lunch break head to the famous Spice Bazaar, where the air is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice. Browse the authentic gifts, Turkish coffee, herbs, spices and handicrafts.

Please note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. If the tour is affected, it will be replaced with a visit to the Underground Cistern.

Overnight: La Quinta Hotel, Istanbul or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Depart for the battlefields of Gallipoli on an approximate 315km day.

Along the way, there will be a rest stop in a restaurant area.

Arrive in Gallipoli around midday and enjoy lunch (not included), before departing for the battlefields.

Visit Ari Burnu Cemetery, Anzac Cove, Beach Cemetery, Conk Bayiri (Chunuk Bair) and Lone Pine.

Following the tour, drive to the hotel in Canakkale.

Overnight: Troia Tusan Hotel, Canakkale or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

With approximately 400km of travel today, begin by visiting the famous archaeological site of Troy, known for the legends of the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy.

After the tour, continue to Pergamon.

Upon arrival, enjoy a lunch break before departing for a tour of the magnificent acropolis of Pergamon. Its impressive temples and library once made it a renowned cultural and political centre.

Pergamon is famous for its jewellery, stones and silver, so a stop at a jewellery centre is a must.

Arrive in Kusadasi this evening and check into the hotel.

Overnight: Comfort Ada Class Hotel, Kusadasi or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best preserved ancient sites in the world.

Visit the Temple of Artemis, Curetes Street, the famous Roman baths, Celsus Library, Grand Theatre and the House of the Virgin Mary.

After lunch, visit a place that continues to perform one of the oldest arts of Turkey; a carpet weaving centre.

Afterwards, enjoy a tour of the Turkish village of Sirince, known for its pretty white painted houses.

Sirince also has a fantastic reputation for making some of the best wines in Turkey - especially fruit wines. Visit a vineyard and learn how to make fruit wine with Turkish winemakers.

On the way back to the hotel, visit one of the famous leather production centres of the region.

Overnight: Comfort Ada Class Hotel, Kusadasi or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

This morning after breakfast, depart for Pamukkale on an approximately 450km drive. Upon arrival, store your luggage at the hotel until it is time to check-in.

Afterwards, visit the calcium terraces of Pamukkale (which means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish) and the ruins of Hierapolis. Walk around this natural phenomenon and take the opportunity to lie in the waters of the natural springs.

Optional Activity: Paragliding Tour ($220 per person)
After the Pamukkale trip, you have the opportunity to embark on a memorable paragliding tour. Enjoy a flight over the stunning and extraordinary white mountain and observe spectacular views.

This tour will end at approximately 17:30 and then you will be transferred back to your hotel so that you can enjoy the hot thermal pool.

Overnight: Tripolis Hotel, Pamukkale or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

After breakfast, early in the morning travel to Konya (approximately 550km day), stopping for coffee and a rest along the way.

Upon arrival, visit the imposing green-tiled Mausoleum of Mevlana, the mystic founder of the Sufi sect the ‘Whirling Dervishes’.

Afterwards, drive to Cappadocia and check into the hotel, then enjoy the evening at leisure.

Overnight: El Puente Cave Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Optional Activity: Hot Air Ballooning in Cappadocia ($620 per person)
Early this morning, why not take the opportunity to join an amazing optional experience over the spectacular landscape of Cappadocia. Enjoy a tour of North Cappadocia and visit to Uçhisar Castle - the highest point with mesmerising views, don't forget your camera!

Continue onto the Göreme Open Air Museum in the heart of Cappadocia that is famous for frescoes dating back to 10th century describing the life of Jesus Christ and monks.

Next, stop at Çavuşin, which is an abandoned village with old cave Greek houses.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Avanos (not included).

Afterwards, visit a workshop to see how the locals make pottery, then visit Pasabagi to see three headed fairy chimneys, a unique natural formation.

The next stop is Devrent Valley, also called 'Imagination Valley', where you can see natural rock formations. Enjoy some time shopping at a handicraft centre.

The last stop is the Three Beauties; three beautiful fairy chimneys with their hats, which is the symbol of Cappadocia. After the tour transfer back to the hotel.

Overnight: El Puente Cave Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a day to yourself to explore this magical destination.

Optional Tour: South Cappadocia Tour ($120 per person)
Meet your guide and driver in the hotel lobby at 09:00 for your full day trekking tour (approximately 4km walking) of Ihlara Valley, visiting fresco-covered churches.

Enjoy a lunch at leisure on the bank of Melendiz River in Ihlara Valley.

Continue to visit Selime Cathedral and Ozkonak, one of the best preserved underground cities in Cappadocia. Pass though the Nar Crater Lake during the journey.

Afterwards, drive back to Pigeon Valley which earned its name from the countless man-made pigeon houses that have been carved into the soft volcanic rock.

Overnight: El Puente Cave Hotel or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Optional Tour: Early Morning Jeep Safari ($130 per person)
Early this morning, take the opportunity to join an optional Jeep safari (not included).

Starting at 06:00, drive to Cappadocia Valley to explore the scenery while all the balloons are up in the air, following their path by land through the Fairy Chimneys.

You will be back at the hotel just in time to prepare for your return flight to Istanbul.

At the appropriate time, be transferred to Kayseri Airport for the domestic flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival be transferred to your accommodation to enjoy one final evening at leisure.

Overnight: Dedeman Hotel, Istanbul or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Enjoy a full day to yourself in Istanbul to soak up the sunshine, take in the views and spend time exploring this magnificent city.

Explore the city, shop in the local markets, relax at the hotel facilities or enjoy one of the many day trips Istanbul has to offer.

Overnight: Dedeman Hotel, Istanbul or similar

Meals included: Breakfast

Today, be transferred to the airport in time for the return flight back to Australia.

Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight

Please note: Some customers may arrive +1 day later.

After purchase, you will receive a receipt and a Purchase Confirmation, directing you to an online Passenger Information Form. You must complete the Passenger Information Form within 72 hours of purchase.
Any special requests, preferences and optional extras MUST be clearly stated in your Passenger Information Form. Any change requested after submitting your Passenger Information Form cannot be guaranteed, is strictly subject to availability and will incur surcharges as outlined in the Schedule of Fees below.
On purchasing this Travel Offer, you are bound by the General Terms and Conditions and the specific terms and conditions outlined in this Important Information. 
Please note: All countries and territories have different entry requirements in relation to vaccinations, quarantine/isolation periods and travel restrictions. Due to the evolving nature, we would ask all of our customers to monitor, meet and adhere to the specific requirements of their intended destination(s) in the lead-up to and immediately before travel, as well as any requirements post-travel upon their return. 
 

Qantas Tours packages are non-refundable. If your Qantas Tour package is affected by Covid-19 related travel restrictions and you are unable to travel, you will receive either a free date change (credit that is specific to your original package and purchase value) or an open credit less any non-recoverable supplier fees to the value of your original purchase for use on any other Qantas Tour or package available via the TripADeal website. 
Please note: Date change credits are subject to availability and not guaranteed until confirmed by TripADeal, not the tour operator you are due to stay with.
We recommend you consider purchasing travel insurance with Covid-19 protection. The standard cancellation policy will apply if you cannot travel because you have tested positive for Covid-19.
Please note: All additional charges are payable in AUD (unless otherwise stated). 

This travel offer is valid for travel on selected dates until 13 November 2023.
This travel offer is priced per person based on a twin share.
 
Single Traveller Supplement
For solo travellers, a mandatory single supplement of $750 applies. 
 
Departure Dates       
2023
June: 12
July: ^24
August: *07, *21
September: 04
October: 16, 23
November: 06, 13
Please note: See checkout for live dates and availability.
 
Surcharges
Please note: 
• Dates/months with a ^ incur a high season surcharge of $650 per person.
• Dates/months with a * incur a high season surcharge of $350 per person.
 
Departure Cities
Sydney, *Melbourne, *Brisbane, *Adelaide, *Perth or *Auckland 
 
Departure City Surcharges
• Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide or Perth: $100 per person
• Auckland: $700 per person 

Full-Service Airline(s) Used
• Cabin class: Economy Class
• Airlines: Qantas Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates or oneworld partners (subject to availability).
Please note: Qantas Tours cannot accommodate one-way flights. Travellers must take all included flights within the package, and any flights intentionally forfeited will result in later flights being subject to cancellation. 
 
Arrive Early in Istanbul, Turkey
$300 per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• Arrivals before your selected departure date can only be booked up to one month before check-out. Should you wish to arrive earlier, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
15 March 2023 - 20 April 2023
15 June 2023 - 10 August 2023
10 September 2023 - 10 October 2023
20 November 2023 - 20 January 2024
 
Stay Behind in Istanbul, Turkey
$300 per person, subject to availability
Please note:
• This fee does not include extra nights' accommodation, meals or airport transfers.
• A stay behind can only be booked up to one month after your package end date upon check-out. Should you wish to stay later, please contact Qantas Tours to request availability. *Additional costs may apply.
• No flight booking changes or cancellations are permitted after air tickets have been issued.
• Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking.
• Blackout dates apply to flights departing between the below date ranges:
15 March 2023 - 20 April 2023
15 June 2023 - 10 August 2023
10 September 2023 - 10 October 2023
20 November 2023 - 20 January 2024
 
Stopover Packages
Not available
 
Flight Class Upgrades
Not available
 
Domestic Flight Information
Baggage allowance per person
Economy Class
• 1 x 15kg of checked baggage
• 1 x 7kg carry on bag

4-Star and 5-Star Hotels (Self-Rated)
• Istanbul (days 2-4): La Quinta Hotel, Istanbul 
• Canakkale: Troia Tusan Hotel, Canakkale 
• Kusadasi: Comfort Ada Class Hotel, Kusadasi 
• Pamukkale: Tripolis Hotel, Pamukkale 
• Cappadocia: El Puente Cave Hotel 
• Istanbul (days 11-12): Dedeman Hotel, Istanbul 
Please note: Accommodation/rooms offered are based on a lead-in room type and are subject to availability based on seasonality. In the instance a property is not available, a similar standard of accommodation will be provided. Properties will be confirmed and included in your travel pack, which you will receive 4-6 weeks before travel.
 
Extra Nights
Not available
 
Maximum Room Capacity
2 people
 
Child Policy
• No child discounts. The full price applies to all children travelling with their parents.
• Valid for children 12 years old and over.
Please note: Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors are allowed.
 
Triple Share
Not available
 
Bedding Configuration
Double or Twin (subject to availability)

Minimum group size 10, maximum group size 18 per vehicle.
 
Optional Tours/Activities
• Day 7: Paragliding tour - $220 per person
• Day 9: Hot air ballooning in Cappadocia - $620 per person
• Day 10: South Cappadocia tour at $120 per person
• Day 11: Early morning Jeep safari $130 per person
Please note:
• The optional tours listed above must be purchased on checkout or over the phone before submitting your passenger information form (subject to availability). 
• Some tours require minimum numbers to operate.

• Visa fees and requirements 
• Meals/beverages not stated in the deal offer
• Recommended gratuities/tipping 
• Optional activities/tours 
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• City tax

ACCOMMODATION TERMINOLOGY USE
4-Star
A 4-star property is comfortable, well-appointed and provides a good quality of service and level of comfort. Amenities such as restaurants, luggage handling etc are limited per property. Guest rooms are stylishly decorated and include a range of enhanced amenities. Properties in the 4-star category usually require public transport, taxi or rideshare to the centre of town.
 
5-Star
5-star properties offer a higher level of service and comfort, fine dining establishments, room service and well-designed public areas.
There is a greater focus on individual services such as concierge, porters, and spa facilities. Guest rooms are well-appointed and have quality bedding, bath products and a range of in-room amenities. They generally have easy access to various dining, entertainment and shopping options.  
 
TOUR GUIDE VS. TOUR LEADER
Tour Guide
Often locals with intimate knowledge of an area, its culture, and history. Their role entails providing commentary, routing the tour, and seeing that people have a good time. They are a licensed, qualified expert who supplies specific information on the history, art, architecture and culture of the city/village/attraction where they are guiding the tour. The guide meets the group at the required place and leaves it at the end of the tour; they do not travel with the group. 
 
Tour Leader
An experienced person tasked with ensuring the smooth operation of tours, as well as providing practical support to passengers throughout the whole trip. Their role primarily includes assisting with accommodation, transportation between locations, and communication with tour guides at each stop. A tour leader may provide general guidance around a city or village and offer information on the place visited on the bus. However, they are not required to have specific art, architecture, or historical knowledge. They are not allowed to provide a guided tour or commentary of a city/village/attraction once there and, if caught doing so, can be fined. 
Please note: Tour leaders/guides are not a standard inclusion in all travel offers. Tour leaders/guides will only be made available when required to enhance the experience of the destination featured. 
 
CLIMATE & AVERAGE TEMPERATURES
Istanbul
Temperatures in May, June, September and October are between 22°C and 30°C in the day. Be sure to bring a light jacket for the cooler evenings in the shoulder months which could drop to 13°C.
July and August tend to have highs of 25°C and lows of 20°C. April and November are the cooler months with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C; bring some warmer clothing during this period.
 
Cappadocia
Cappadocia has a continental climate characterised by dry summers and sometimes snowy winters.
Rainfall is sparse and the region is largely semi-arid to arid.
There is a sharp difference in the temperature between day and night and it is not uncommon to have cold nights interspersed with hot days.
 
Kusadasi
There are two main seasons in Kusadasi: the cold season and the hot season, which basically correlate with winter and summer in other parts of Europe.
The shoulder seasons, autumn and spring, experience weather patterns that are a mix of both the cold and warm seasons.
 
FLIGHTS
Seat Selection & Frequent Flyer Points
We do not arrange seat selection for you. It is important to highlight that some Airlines do not allow pre-selected seats. We strongly suggest you contact the Airline directly with seating allocation requirements and or arrive at the airport earlier to arrange your seating. While we do not add frequent flyer member details to bookings, you can do this directly with the airline once you have your flight information.
 
Passport Validity
Customers must provide valid passport details either at the time of purchase or no later than 45 days before the departure date. Failure to do so may result in the cancellation of the booking. Customers will be responsible for any costs and fees incurred in this instance.
 
COACH TOUR
Meals
Daily breakfast is included in the package. For meals not included, the tour leader (when available) will offer assistance with reservations, suggestions and directions to local restaurants. It is your responsibility to notify Qantas Tours of any dietary requests/requirements. Please note: We will do our best to meet your requests/requirements; however, we cannot guarantee that we will always be able to.
 
Luggage
You will be responsible for all your personal belongings whilst on tour. You must carry your own luggage from the vehicle to the hotel room and back to the vehicle. The driver will assist with the uploading and offloading of bags from the vehicle.
 
OTHER
Mobility
If you would love to travel with Qantas Tours and require wheelchair access please contact our friendly sales and service team to inquire on your behalf.
 
Fitness Level Required
A moderate level of fitness will be required which may involve more physical activity, including biking, longer day hikes or extended walking and standing, low-altitude treks, and water-based activities such as canoeing or low-grade kayaking.
Guests using any walking aid other than a walking stick would be advised to reconsider as surfaces may be uneven.
Please note: If you have any concerns please consult your healthcare provider prior to purchase/travel.
 
Gratuities/Tipping
Land
Gratuities (tips) are not included for the services of the tour leader (when available) and driver throughout the tour. The recommended tip is €5 EUR per person per day. This covers the guide/leader and the driver and will be collected on tour. 
Please note: Tipping for services provided is always a matter of personal discretion; however, please be aware that many locals consider tipping part of their normal remuneration, and they may approach you for payment; there's no need to be intimidated by the request.
 
Sightseeing
Please note: If entrance to a site is affected by changes in operating hours or public holiday closures, your itinerary, where possible, may be adjusted, or a similar activity will be offered in its place (subject to availability).
 
Shopping
Shopping overseas can be a daunting and confusing experience, especially when there is a language barrier. Please be very cautious when foreign currencies and prices are involved. If paying by credit card, please pay close attention to the amount you are being charged and keep all your receipts. 
Do not make any purchases you are not comfortable with or feel pressured into. If you are uncertain or need assistance with the language barrier, please seek assistance from your Tour Guide/Leader.
Please refer to our Terms and Conditions regarding shopping for further information.

A tourist visa is a strict requirement if travelling on an Australian passport. You will be able to start your eVisa application process once you receive your final travel documentation 4-6 weeks prior to departure.
Important: Visa rules may have changed since Covid-19. 
Some countries and airlines may require you to obtain an additional visa before arrival. Please check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering.
Please note: Passengers who are not Australian citizens must also check with the respective consulate or visa agency to determine what their visa requirements are and what personal identification is required.
It is also important to note that some areas of employment, such as journalism, government authorities and charity organisations, may have additional restrictions in applying for visas. This may, in turn, affect the type of application required.

Voluntary Changes
This includes booking changes requested by you, including but not limited to those changes requiring an airline ticket or a Purchase Confirmation reissue.
• Changes - $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Name Changes Due To Passenger Error
• If the incorrect name has been provided, charges of $100.00 per booking and any additional charges applied by the airline/cruise company/accommodation/other travel providers.
 
Supplier Fees
In the event the Qantas Tour you have purchased is unable to proceed, and/or a travel Supplier is unable to fulfil the Qantas Tour due to external circumstances (Limitation of Liability e.g. a Force Majeure event), there may be a fee or amount of money that is withheld by our Suppliers and is unrecoverable. This may be due to non-refundable airline tickets, cancellation penalties with cruise cabins or unrecoverable payments with our land/accommodation partners. If refunds are not available from Suppliers, we will endeavour to obtain a travel credit on the best terms available and communicate these outcomes to you. In the event we are unable to obtain a refund or travel service credit, or part thereof, this cost is passed on to the customer as a Supplier Fee.