0800 110 108
info@mondotravel.co.nz
From $18,850
18 nights
Monday 5th of April 2027 until Friday 23rd of April 2027
5–23 April 2027 | 19 Days
Hosted by Newstalk ZB’s Roman Travers
Discover the remarkable history, landscapes and hospitality of western Türkiye on this fully escorted 19-day journey. From the imperial grandeur of Istanbul and the poignant battlefields of Gallipoli to the ancient cities of Ephesus and Pergamon, the white terraces of Pamukkale and the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia, this is a journey through some of the country’s most fascinating destinations.
Hosted by Newstalk ZB favourite Roman Travers, this special group tour combines expert local guiding with fascinating historical sites, memorable culinary experiences and plenty of time to enjoy Türkiye at your own pace.
Explore the historic sights of Istanbul, including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace
Cruise the Bosphorus, where Europe and Asia meet
Pay tribute at the poignant Gallipoli battlefields, including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair
Discover the legendary ruins of Troy and ancient Pergamon
Explore the spectacular archaeological site of Ephesus
Enjoy a hands-on Turkish cooking experience with lunch
See the dazzling white terraces of Pamukkale and the ancient city of Hierapolis
Cruise the Dalyan River past ancient ruins and Lycian rock tombs
Explore the sunken ruins of Kekova by motorboat
Visit the remarkable Roman theatre at Aspendos
Discover the spiritual heritage of Konya and the Mevlana Museum
Experience the extraordinary volcanic landscapes of Cappadocia
Explore an ancient underground city and rock-cut churches
Witness a traditional Whirling Dervishes Sema ceremony in a historic Seljuk caravanserai
Enjoy comfortable hotels, included meals and expert local guides throughout
Auckland – Dubai
Depart Auckland this evening on your international flight to Dubai.
Dubai – Istanbul
Continue from Dubai to Istanbul, where you’ll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel.
This evening, meet your fellow travellers and local tour director over a Welcome Dinner.
Stay: Novotel Zeytinburnu or similar – 3 nights
Istanbul & the Ottoman Empire
Begin exploring Istanbul with a visit to the famous Blue Mosque and the historic Hippodrome, once the setting for Roman chariot races.
Continue to the Basilica Cistern, the remarkable underground Byzantine reservoir, before heading to the Spice Market. Your local guide will introduce you to the time-honoured Turkish tradition of bargaining before you have time to browse the colourful stalls.
The evening is free to explore Istanbul independently and enjoy dinner at your choice of restaurant.
Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia & the Bosphorus
Continue your Istanbul sightseeing with visits to Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, once the residence and administrative centre of the Ottoman sultans for 400 years.
Later, enjoy a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus, travelling towards the Old City from near the Black Sea. Admire Ottoman palaces, historic mansions and ancient fortresses lining this spectacular waterway between Europe and Asia.
Istanbul – Gallipoli – Çanakkale
Today is a particularly poignant part of the journey as we visit the Gallipoli Peninsula and commemorate the Australians and New Zealanders who lost their lives here during the First World War.
See Anzac Cove, the site of the ANZAC landing on 25 April 1915, as well as the Dardanelles, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair.
Continue to Çanakkale, situated at the entrance to the Dardanelles Strait.
Stay: Kolin Hotel or similar – 1 night
Çanakkale – Troy – Pergamon – Izmir
Travel to the legendary city of Troy, where archaeological excavations have revealed nine levels of habitation and uncovered evidence associated with the city famously captured around 1200 BC.
Continue to Pergamon to visit the Asklepion, one of the ancient world's most important centres of healing, before travelling onwards to Izmir on Türkiye's Aegean coast.
Stay: Kaya Thermal Izmir or similar – 2 nights
Ancient Ephesus & Izmir
Visit the Archaeological Museum at Selçuk, home to many of the artefacts excavated from Ephesus.
Then explore the magnificent ruins of Ephesus, one of the world's great archaeological sites. Walk along the Arcadian Way, admire the Library of Celsus and see the enormous ancient amphitheatre.
Continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, dramatically situated above the Ephesus ruins.
Later, enjoy a hands-on introduction to the flavours of the region with lunch and a cooking lesson at Bizim Ev.
Izmir – Pamukkale
Follow the fertile Maeander River Valley towards Pamukkale, renowned for its brilliant white limestone terraces.
En route, visit the town of Buldan and learn how traditional Buldan cloth is produced before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant.
The remainder of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy your surroundings before dinner at the hotel.
Stay: Colossae or similar – 1 night
Pamukkale – Dalyan – Fethiye
Visit the ancient city of Hierapolis before continuing towards the coast.
In Dalyan, board a riverboat for a scenic cruise along the Dalyan River, stopping to explore the ancient ruins of Caunos. See its remarkably preserved Greek theatre, early Byzantine basilica and striking Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs.
Continue to Fethiye, a beautiful coastal town known for its natural harbour and blue waters.
Stay: Alesta Yacht Hotel or similar – 1 night
Fethiye – Antalya
Enjoy a relaxed start before travelling along the scenic coastal road towards Antalya.
In Demre, explore the ruins of ancient Myra, including its impressive necropolis and theatre, and learn about the story of Saint Nicholas, who was once Bishop of Myra.
Continue to the Uçagız pier and board a motorboat to the island of Kekova, where ancient buildings, a theatre and sarcophagi lie partly submerged in the clear waters. Weather permitting, there may also be an opportunity for an optional swim.
Continue to Antalya for dinner at the hotel.
Stay: Akra Antalya or similar – 2 nights
Antalya – Perge – Aspendos
Today, discover two of Türkiye's remarkable ancient sites.
Explore Perge, home to some of the country's finest Hellenistic and Roman ruins, before continuing to Aspendos to see its exceptionally well-preserved Roman theatre, which is still used for performances today.
Return to Antalya for dinner.
Antalya – Konya
Explore Antalya's charming old harbour before travelling inland to Konya, once the capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire and renowned as the spiritual home of the Whirling Dervishes.
Visit the Mevlana Museum, formerly a dervish lodge and now a national monument. The distinctive turquoise-domed site honours the poet and mystic Rumi and offers an insight into the traditions of the Mevlevi Order.
Stay: Dedeman or similar – 1 night
Konya – Cappadocia
Visit the Karatay Medrese and İnce Minaret before travelling across the fertile plains towards Ürgüp, in the heart of Cappadocia.
Along the way, stop at one of Anatolia's best-preserved Seljuk caravanserais and explore the Saratli Underground City, offering a fascinating glimpse into Cappadocia's subterranean history.
Stay: Exedra or similar – 2 nights
The Underground Cities of Cappadocia
Discover the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia, beginning in Göreme with its volcanic scenery and rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings.
Continue to Pasabag Valley, famous for its distinctive mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and troglodyte dwellings.
Visit a Turkish carpet centre before enjoying a traditional lunch at Uchisar Kadıneli Restaurant, where local women prepare regional dishes. Continue to Adnan's Cave House for an insight into traditional life in Cappadocia.
This evening, enjoy dinner at the hotel before a very special cultural experience at a 13th-century Seljuk caravanserai: a traditional Sema ceremony of the Whirling Dervishes.
Please note that this is a religious ceremony rather than a performance or show.
Cappadocia – Istanbul
Begin the day in Avanos, where pottery has been practised for more than 4,000 years.
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to Istanbul. On arrival, transfer to your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Stay: Novotel Zeytinburnu or similar – 2 nights
Istanbul at leisure
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Istanbul. Take the opportunity to explore independently, browse the markets, shop for souvenirs or simply relax.
This evening, come together for a Celebration Farewell Dinner at a colourful local restaurant.
Istanbul – Dubai
After breakfast, enjoy a final morning and afternoon at leisure. A late hotel check-out has been arranged for your comfort.
Late this afternoon, transfer to the airport for your flight home via Dubai.
Dubai – Auckland
Arrive in Dubai early before continuing your journey to Auckland on your mid-morning flight.
Arrive Auckland
Arrive at Auckland International Airport this morning. Following entry formalities, transfer to your home port.
Accommodation is in quality hotels throughout the tour, with all rooms featuring private facilities.
Novotel Zeytinburnu or similar – Istanbul
Kolin Hotel or similar – Çanakkale
Kaya Thermal Izmir or similar – Izmir
Colossae or similar – Pamukkale
Alesta Yacht Hotel or similar – Fethiye
Akra Antalya or similar – Antalya
Dedeman or similar – Konya
Exedra or similar – Cappadocia
Fully escorted journey from New Zealand by Leisure Time Travel
Return international economy flights: Auckland – Dubai – Istanbul – Dubai – Auckland
15 nights' quality hotel accommodation
Twin/double rooms with private facilities
Tour admissions as detailed in the itinerary
Touring by modern air-conditioned vehicle
15 breakfasts
3 lunches
12 dinners
In-flight meals on international flights
Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Two local beverages per person with the Welcome and Farewell Dinners
Drinking water and one tea or coffee with other included meals
Hotel porterage – one piece per person
Vox/audio headsets for sightseeing
Gratuities to hotel and restaurant staff where indicated
Welcome reception with your local tour director
Bosphorus cruise
Gallipoli battlefield visits
Cooking lesson and lunch at Bizim Ev
Dalyan River cruise
Motorboat transfers to Kekova
Mevlana Museum
Saratli Underground City
Turkish carpet centre
Adnan's Cave House
Whirling Dervishes Sema ceremony
Also available: Door-to-door home collection and drop-off service from selected areas. Please ask us for details.
Airline taxes and surcharges – approximately $450 per person
Meals and morning/afternoon teas not specified in the itinerary
Drinks other than those specified
Personal expenses and telephone calls
Travel insurance
Luggage handling at airports
Gratuities for the tour director, coach driver and local guides
Twin/Double Share: NZ$18,850 per person
Single Supplement: NZ$3,250 per person
Airline taxes & surcharges: approximately NZ$450 per person
Non-refundable deposit: NZ$1,500 per person
Payment schedule
50% progress payment due 19 October 2026.
Balance of tour payment due 29 December 2026.
Group size: Minimum 10 passengers | Maximum 20 passengers
Modest dress is required at some cultural and religious sites in Türkiye. Clothing should cover the shoulders and knees, and shorts, skirts or dresses should fall below the knee.
For mosque visits, both men and women must have their shoulders and knees covered. Women are also required to cover their heads with a scarf.
Appropriate wraps and scarves may be available at entrances if required, sometimes at an additional cost.