Independent Holiday with local transport/regular sightseeing
6 Days ex Istanbul
Departs April 21, 2026
Istanbul Old City (2) |Canakkale (1) | Anzac Cove (no accommodation) (1) | Istanbul Old City (1)
Embark on a memorable journey through Istanbul and Gallipoli, immersing yourself in the rich history and culture of Turkey. Explore Istanbul's iconic landmarks, then pay tribute at the ANZAC Commemoration in Gallipoli, where you'll honour the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers during World War I. A truly unforgettable experience.
Highlights:
- 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
- Participate in the Commemorative Dawn Service, a moving experience at Gallipoli, where some say three nations discovered their identity
- Be captivated by the exotic allure of Istanbul
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1 - Tue 21 April: Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul. On arrival at Istanbul International Ariport you will be met by a representative of our local operator and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel where accommodation is reserved for two nights. Remainder of day at leisure.
Day 2 - Wed 22 April: Istanbul (BL)
Today is a chance to be introduced to Istanbul’s most incredible attractions. Your 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. In this tour you will see some of the most important attractions in Istanbul. The morning starts with a visit to the Topkapi Palace, where you can see amazing treasures and imagine how Sultan's life was and ends with a walk through the Spice Bazaar. At lunch time, stop in a cosy local restaurant so you can 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 - Thu 23 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 - Fri 24 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. Afternoon at leisure. Tonight at 8:00pm depart from Eceabat to the Commemorative site.
Note: there is no accommodation included this evening
Day 5 - Sat 25 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
*A light lunch box is provided today
Return to Eceabat and depart for Istanbul, arriving at your Old City Hotel late in the evening.
10:30am Australian Service at Lone Pine
11:45am New Zealand Service at Chunuk Bair
*A light lunch box is provided today
Return to Eceabat and depart for Istanbul, arriving at your Old City Hotel late in the evening.
Day 6 - Sun 26 April: Istanbul (B)
This morning you will be transferred by private vehicle to Istanbul Airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
- 4 nights’ hotel accommodation (no accommodation on night of Friday 24th April)
- 4 x breakfast
- 2 x restaurant lunch
- 1 x lunch box for the dawn service
- Airport transfers by private van from/to Istanbul (IST) Airport. Surcharge applies for transfers from/to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport
- Transportation Istanbul/Gallipoli/Istanbul - air-conditioned non-smoking vehicles (Mercedes Sprinter Passenger Van – max. 15-seater)
- Fully guided small group Istanbul sightseeing tour with English speaking guide
- Fully guided small group touring Gallipoli and Troy with English-speaking guides
- 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
- Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
- Visas (unless specified)
- Travel Insurance (compulsory)
- 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 | 1207 Hotel Special Class (previously called Alzer Hotel) | Celal Sultan
Canakkale
Value Class: Artur Hotel
Anzac Day Commemorative Services - Pre-Registration
All New Zealand and Australian travellers attending the Anzac Day Commemorations must pre-register on the official Government site. Click here to register.
ANZAC Day Commemorations - Important Notes
Regulations surrounding the Anzac Celebrations are subject to change. The arrival time and distance to walk to the site is outside of the control of the tour operator.
You will pass through various security measures before attending the official ANZAC commemorations. Tale a water bottle, snacks, sun hat and sunscreen and 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.
Ramadan
In 2026, Ramadan is 18 Feb - 19 Mar (dates may vary). After 30 days, or on sighting the full moon, Eid Al Fitr is celebrated & most public and private institutions close for at least three days. The Islamic holy month of Ramadan (called Ramazan in Turkey) is a special time. The holy month, and the 3-day holiday that follows it, can affect travellers’ plans. Being an Islamic holiday, Ramazan begins 11 days earlier each succeeding year.
NOTE: On the Ramadan Feast Day and Kurban Bayrami, the Spice Bazaar & Grand Bazaar are closed all day and all museums in Turkey will be closed until 1pm.
NOTE: On the Ramadan Feast Day and Kurban Bayrami, the Spice Bazaar & Grand Bazaar are closed all day and all museums in Turkey will be closed until 1pm.
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.
