Shared Transportation / Small Group Sightseeing Tours
6 Days ex Istanbul
Departs April 21, 2025
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1 - Mon 21st April: Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul. On arrival, please clear customs and immigration and meet with our local representative who will transfer you to your Old City Hotel. Accommodation is reserved for two nights. Relax and absorb the atmosphere that is Istanbul.
Day 2 - Tue 22nd: Istanbul (BL)
Today is a chance to be introduced to Istanbul’s most incredible attractions. Our driver will meet you at your hotel and drive you to the tour’s starting point between 7.45am – 8.20am according to your hotel’s location. During this tour you will see some of the most important attractions in Istanbul. The morning starts with a visit to the Underground Cistern and ends with a walk through the Grand Bazaar, where 5000 shops, selling everything from rugs to lamps, are waiting for you. At lunch time, stop in a cosy local restaurant to sample some delicious Turkish food. In the afternoon, visit the Hippodrome, which was once the social center of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque, with its beautiful hand painted tiles and Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest masterpieces ever built.
Day 3 - Wed 23rd April: Istanbul – Gallipoli – Canakkale (BL)
This morning you will be picked up from the hotel between 6.30am and 7.00am and transferred to Eceabat, stopping en-route for breakfast (own expense). Arrive in Eceabat at approx. 12mid-day where you will be met by the local guide. After lunch, depart on a guided tour of Gallipoli visiting: Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, Anzac Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, Anzac Commemorative Site, Mehmetcik Statue, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly (Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels), Turkish 57. Infantry Regiment Cemetery, The Nek Cemetery and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. Upon completion of the tour you will be transferred to your hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 4 - Thu 24th April: Canakkale - Troy - Anzac Cove (B)
This morning, depart for a tour of Troy. Discover the Trojan Horse, Sacrificial Altars, the 3700-year-old city walls, Houses of Troy I 3000 BC-2500 BC, the Bouleuterion (Senate Building), the Odeon (Concert Hall) as well as the remains of the various cities from Troy I through to Troy IX. Return to Canakkale and spend the afternoon at leisure. Tonight at 8.00pm depart for the Commemorative site.
Note: there is no accommodation included this evening
Day 5 - Fri 25th April: Dawn Service – Istanbul (Lunch Box)
The schedule for Anzac Day Commemorations may vary. Below is the proposed programme:
5:30am Dawn Service at Anzac cove
10:30am Australian Service at Lone Pine
11:45am New Zealand Service at Chunuk Bair
Return to Ecabat and depart for Istanbul, arriving at your Old City Hotel late in the evening. Overnight Istanbul.
Day 6 - Sat 26th April: Istanbul (B)
This morning you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 4 nights’ hotel accommodation with private facilities (no accommodation on night of Thursday 24th April)
- Airport transfers by private van from/to Istanbul (IST) Airport (surcharge applies for transfers from/to Sabiha (SAW) Airport
- Transportation Istanbul/Gallipoli/Istanbul air-conditioned non-smoking vehicles (15-seater Mercedes Sprinter Passenger Van)
- Fully guided Istanbul sightseeing tour with English speaking guide
- Fully guided small group touring Gallipoli and Troy with English-speaking guides
- 4 x breakfast, 2 x restaurant lunch + 1 x lunch box for the dawn service
- Dawn Service, Australian and New Zealand Ceremonies
- Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- International airfares
- Optional tours and excursions
- Porterage
- 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
Accommodation based on the following (or similar)
The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.
Istanbul (Old City)
Value Class: Arena Hotel | Alzer | Celal Sultan
Canakkale
Value Class: Anzac Hotel / Kale 17 Hotel
ANZAC Commemorations - Important Notes
You will pass through various security measures before attending the official ANZAC commemorations. Please bring, water bottle, snacks, sun hat and sunscreen. Please prepare to be patient during the security procedures.
There is at least a 7km walk to Chunuk Bair from the Main Dawn Service to the New Zealand Commemorations
Please ensure you take a hat, gloves, warm socks, scarf, warm coat etc, as it will be cold on the Peninsula. It is also advisable to take a torch, rug, notebook and energy snacks for the day. Take a lightweight day pack to take food boxes, water bottle, snacks etc – so don’t forget these! Due to security measures there will be a long walk to the dawn service so please ensure you have good walking shoes. Toilet facilities on the Peninsula will be basic (port-a-loo style).
It is essential when registering for this tour that you are able to walk up to 7- 8 km unaided – it is a steep uphill walk between Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair.
Double Beds
Please note a double bedded room can be requested but cannot be guaranteed. In Turkey double rooms are very limited. Please ask on check-in with the hotel to see what is available.
Dress Codes
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.
Hotels
On coach tours, hotels in regional areas (i.e Pamukkale) can be of a slightly lower standard than the other hotels on the tour.
Sightseeing
All sightseeing tours require a moderate amount of walking around historical / cultural sites. This is particularly true in Cappadocia where walks can be up to 1 or 2 km long and where a good level of fitness will ensure you get a maximum enjoyment from your visit. On some tours you may visit a carpet or handicraft shop where the locals will show how their crafts are made. There is no obligation to buy any products at any of these places.
Transfers Istanbul / Gallipoli / Istanbul
Transfers are operated by air-conditioned Mercedes Sprinter Passenger Van (max 15-passengers).
Please note that no commentary will be provided - this is a transfer only. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.
Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.
