Solo Traveller prices available on request
Istanbul with Gallipoli (Operates Daily)
Independent Holiday with local transport/regular sightseeing
6 Days ex Istanbul
Departs: Daily
Experience the vibrant fusion of East and West in Istanbul, exploring iconic landmarks like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Grand Bazaar. Then, journey to Gallipoli, a historic battlefield honouring the ANZAC and Turkish WWI soldiers. This extension offers a deep cultural and historical immersion, blending ancient wonders with poignant remembrance.
Highlights:
- 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
- Discover the soul of Istanbul in the heart of its historic Ottoman treasures
- Honour the sacrifices at Gallipoli's hallowed grounds, a poignant tribute to valor
- An evocative boat trip along the Landing beaches at Gallipoli - retrace the footsteps of the Anzacs
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information
Day 1: Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. On arrival at Istanbul International Airport you will be met by a representative of our local operator and transferred by private vehicle to your tour hotel where accommodation is reserved for the following three nights. Remainder of the day at leisure.
Day 2: Istanbul (BL)
Embark on a small group tour of Istanbul today. Begin at Topkapi Palace, where you can see amazing treasures and imagine how Sultan's life was. Your journey continues with a stroll through the bustling Grand Bazaar, where 5000 shops, selling everything: from rugs to lamps, are waiting for you. At lunch time, stop in a cosy local restaurant so you can experience some delicious Turkish food. In the afternoon, visit the Hippodrome, which was once the social centre of Istanbul, the Blue Mosque, with its beautiful hand painted tiles, and Hagia Sophia: one of the greatest masterpieces ever built. Istanbul’s charm will captivate you instantly.
Note: Topkapi Palace closed Tuesdays | Grand Bazaar closed Sundays
Day 3: Istanbul (B)
This morning visit the vibrant Spice Market before departing on a short Bosphorus Cruise, the picturesque waterway which divides the two great continents of Europe and Asia. While the boat crosses between the two sides, you will view waterside residences, Ottoman wooden kiosks (masterpieces of old Turkish architecture), Palaces of marble, modern apartments and the historical Rumeli Fortress built by the conqueror of Istanbul to control and protect the Bosphorus. Afternoon is at leisure.
Day 4: Istanbul - Gallipoli - Canakkale (BL)
Early morning departure (between 6:30am and 7:00am) for Eceabat, arriving around 12:00noon. On arrival you will be met by the local guide and escorted to a local restaurant for lunch. 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 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery, The Nek Cemetery and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. Upon completion of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Canakkale for an overnight stay.
Day 5: Canakkale - Troy - Landing Beaches - Istanbul (BL)
Morning departure for a tour of Troy. Discover the Trojan Horse, Sacrificial Altars, the 3700-year-old city walls, the Bouleuterium (Senate Building), the Odeon (Concert Hall) as well as the remains of the various cities from troy I to Troy IX. Upon completion of the tour, return to Eceabat for lunch.
This afternoon, visit Kabatepe Simulation Center for a 3D recreation of many of the historical events of the campaign, followed by a boat trip along the coastline for a sea perspective of theGallipoli landing beaches. A unique opportunity to see Brighton Beach, Beach Cemetery, ANZAC Cove, Ariburnu Cemetery, and the ANZAC Commemorative site at North Beach from the sea, just as the soldiers of 1915 did. You also have the possibility to snorkel over the wreck of the Milo, a steamer that was deliberately sunk in late 1915 to form a breakwater for William’s Pier. Late afternoon (approx. 5:30pm), transfer by tourist coach back to your Istanbul Hotel, arriving around 10:30pm.
Day 6: Istanbul (B)
This morning you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your onward flight.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
- 5-nights’ hotel accommodation
- Breakfast daily at hotels
- 3 lunches
- Arrival and departure transfers from/to Istanbul (IST Airport) by private vehicle
- A/C Tourist Coach transfers Istanbul/Canakkale/Istanbul (non-guided)
- Sightseeing tours with professional licensed guides (small group or regular tours)
- Local boat trip of landing beaches
- Entrance fees
- Local taxes and charges
- 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 below (or similar):
The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.
Istanbul
Superior Tourist Class: Arena Hotel / 1207 Hotel Special Class (previously called Alzer Hotel)
First Class: Celal Sultan Hotel
Deluxe Class: Vogue Hotel Supreme or Sura Haghia Sophia Hotel
Canakkale
Superior Tourist Class: Artur Hotel
First Class: Buyuk Truva Hotel
Deluxe Class: Doubletree by Hilton 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.
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.
Dress Codes
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.
Istanbul: Topkapi Palace closed Tuesdays | Grand Bazaar closed Sundays
Transfers
Transfers are operated by drivers and are not guided. 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 may be 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 available in some destinations 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.
