Departs Daily
Welcome to Turkey. On arrival please clear customs and immigration. In arrivals area you will be met by a representative of our local agent and then transferred to your tour hotel for three nights on a bed and breakfast basis.
Start your discovery of Istanbul with a visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum, residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1453 to 1852 (excluding the harem). Continue to the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616 and famous for its blue ceramic tiles; the Hippodrome which was once the centre of life where chariot racing and other public events took place; and the incredible Hagia Sophia Mosque, originally built in 537ad this marvel of engineering is famed for the giant dome – an incredible feat for the time period and considered as one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar, the world’s largest and oldest covered marketplace, featuring an intricate labyrinth of over 60 bustling streets.
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. The afternoon is at leisure.
Optional: Turkish dinner with belly dancing and folk dancing entertainment (supplement applies)
Early morning departure (between 6.30am and 7.00am) for Eceabat. On arrival in Eceabat (around 12.00noon) you will be met by the local guide and after lunch you will depart on a guided tour of Gallipoli. Visits include: 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 for an overnight stay. Overnight in Canakkale
Morning departure for a tour of Troy. Discover the Trojan Horse, Sacrificial Altars, the 3700-year-old city walls, houses of Troy I (3000B.C. - 2500 B.C.), the Bouleuterion (Senate Building), the Odeon (Concert Hall) as well as the remains of the various cities from Troy I through to Troy IX. Upon completion of the tour, return back to Canakkale then take the ferry to Eceabat for lunch at a local restaurant.
This afternoon, visit Kabatepe Simulation Center for a 3D recreation of many of the historical events of the campaign, followed by a local boat trip along the coastline for a sea perspective of the Gallipoli landing beaches. You will have the 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 above the wreck of the Milo, a steamer that was deliberately sunk in late 1915 to form a breakwater for William’s Pier. Late afternoon (around 5.30pm), transfer by tourist bus back to your Istanbul Hotel, arriving around 10.30pm. Overnight in Istanbul.
At leisure until your transfer to the airport.
Accommodation based on the below or similar
Tourist Class: Asur Hotel
Superior Tourist Class: Arena Hotel-Superior Room
First Class: Erboy Hotel
Tourist Class: Anzac Hotel (BB)
Superior Tourist Class: Limani Hotel (BB)
First Class: Kolin Hotel (HB)
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.
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
Transfers are operated by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.
Optional Tours
Optional tours offered during coach tours may not be guaranteed (even if pre-booked ex New Zealand) as they are subject to a minimum number of participants.
Private Sightseeing tours (if booked)
If a private sightseeing tour is booked it is important that you discuss the days arrangements with the guide as the touring programmes have a degree of flexibility. It is important to discuss with the guide so that any specific requirements can be met or addressed at the time.
Istanbul airport transfers:
For coach tours: airport transfers are included on days of the tour ex Istanbul (IST) Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport. Transfers from the hotel to the Istanbul Airport are on scheduled shuttles. Late evening or early morning flights may require private transfers at a supplement.
For City Stay Packages / Independent Arrangements / Private Tours: if included, airport transfers are from/to Istanbul (IST) Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gocken (SAW) Airport.
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 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.
