Anzac Day Special – Option D
from $1832

ANZAC Day 2020 commemorations at Gallipoli have been postponed until 25 April 2021

Coach tour including dawn ANZAC Day Commemorations6 Days ex IstanbulDeparts 21 April 2020

For many New Zealanders, attendance at the ANZAC Day Dawn Ceremony is a pilgrimage to be undertaken at least once during their life. From the sacrifice and horrors of a doomed campaign grew mutual respect and admiration, resulting in firm friendships amongst the nations of New Zealand, Australia, and Turkey.

New Zealand marks the anniversary of the Gallipoli landings each year on Anzac Day - 25 April - remembering not only those who died there, but all who have served the country in times of war. The Gallipoli battlefields are now part of the 33,000 hectare Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park, or the Peace Park.

This 6 day itinerary is focused around the April 25th ceremonies and commemorations on the Gallipoli peninsula and also includes time in Istanbul and an exploration of the mythical city of Troy.

Highlights:

  • Attend the Dawn Service at ANZAC Cove
  • Experience the moving New Zealand Memorial Service at Chunuk Bair
  • Explore Istanbul's Grand Bazaar - one of the oldest and largest marketplaces in the world
  • Step into mythology with a guided tour of the famed City of Troy.
  • Itinerary
  • Accommodation
  • Important Information

Day 1: Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. On arrival please clear customs and immigration. In the arrivals area you will be met by a representative of our local agent and then transferred to your tour hotel. Remainder of day at leisure to unwind following your travel.

Tonight meet your tour companions on your Anzac coach tour at a welcome briefing. Your accommodation is reserved for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 2: Istanbul (B)

After breakfast at the hotel, depart for a guided tour of some of the best sites of Istanbul, the city where east meets west. Originally founded as Byzantium, then known as Constantinople after Constantine the Great, Istanbul is home to many fascinating sites. The first stop on your tour is Topkapi Palace, once the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans and now a fascinating museum. Next, a visit to the incredible St. Sophia. Originally built in 537ad, this marvel of engineering is famed for the giant dome – an incredible feat for the time period. Later, visit Blue Mosque and finally have a visit to the Grand Bazaar – one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. For centuries this marketplace has been the centre of trade in the city which has been a confluence of many civilisations. With over 60 streets and 4000 shops, there is a bargain to be found for everyone here.

Tonight optional dinner with belly dancing.

Day 3: Istanbul - Gallipoli – Canakkale (B D)

After breakfast depart Istanbul for a special day for New Zealand and Australian travellers with the beginning of your Gallipoli experience. On arrival, visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair, places sacred to the psyche of New Zealanders.

The doomed assault on Gallipoli by New Zealand and Australian forces, in their own contingents for the first time in foreign service, is considered by many to have been the birth of national consciousness for these two countries. For the Turks, then part of the Ottoman Empire, the hard-fought victory is regarded as the defining moment in the birth of the Turkish nation, with independence following just 8 years later.

The mutual respect earned and shown by all three countries has ensured a firm and lasting friendship between these nations.

Toward the end of the day, cross the Dardanelles for dinner and overnight at your hotel.

Day 4: Troy - Anzac Day Ceremonies (B D)

The ancient history of this region is brought to life after breakfast this morning as you step into the pages of history with a visit to Troy. This famed city was the scene of heroic deeds from such legends as Achilles, Paris, Ulysses, Priam, and the incomparably beautiful Helen – “the face that launched a thousand ships.” Immortalised by Homer in his epic The Iliad, Troy was thought to be entirely fictitious until it was discovered by pioneering archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in the 1870’s. The replica wooden horse adds further depth to the experience.

Late this evening depart for the Gallipoli Peninsula to secure your spot for the Dawn Service.

The itinerary is very much subject to the final timings at the Gallipoli Peninsula. You will be updated on Tuesday 23 April as to your programme for today.

Note: There is no accommodation tonight. Entertainment and activities are provided to entertain the crowd throughout the night in the lead up to dawn. It is strongly advised to prepare for all weather possibilities as you spend the night in an open air environment and it can become cold.

A reminder to ensure you have Turkish cash for any extras prior to your departure.

Day 5: Gallipoli – Istanbul (B)

A special day for all today as the all-night activities build toward the moving remembrance ceremonies commemorating all those who sacrificed so much.

April 25th marks the day that thousands of young soldiers stormed the beaches of the Gallipoli Peninsula in a heroic yet doomed attempt to control the sea route from Europe to Russia. By the conclusion of the campaign more than 130,000 men had died, including close to a sixth of all New Zealanders who had landed on the peninsula.

Winston Churchill, then the First Lord of the Admiralty who had championed the campaign, was removed from his post and enlisted as an infantry officer on the front lines of the Western Front. Although haunted by the failed Gallipoli campaign for decades, when he took office during the Second World War he wrote: “All my past life had been a preparation for this hour and for this trial.” That included his Gallipoli failure.

Attendance at the New Zealand service at Chunuk Bair will follow other commemorations and, for many New Zealanders, is an unforgettable culmination of this pilgrimage of respect for those who gave so much.

A simple boxed breakfast is included today.

At the conclusion of the days activities you will be transported back to Istanbul.

Notes on the Anzac Commemorations: Today’s itinerary is very much subject to the final timings at the Gallipoli Peninsula. You will be updated on 23 April as to your programme for today.

There is no accommodation tonight. A reminder to ensure you have Turkish cash for any extras prior to your departure. We suggest you carry your passport at all times on this day for security reasons. A simple boxed breakfast is included today for tomorrow's breakfast

You will pass through various security measures before attending the official ANZAC commemorations. Please bring water bottle, snacks, sun hat and sunscreen, and also cold weather gear for the open-air overnight. 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.

Day 6: Istanbul (B)

Your ANZAC experience ends after breakfast with a departure transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

  • A/C transportation
  • Accommodation in listed first class hotels (or similar)
  • Meals & sightseeing as per itinerary - daily breakfast and 2 dinners
  • Professional English-speaking guides
  • Local taxes and charges
  • Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

  • Departure & airport taxes
  • Visa fees
  • Personal insurance
  • Tips & personal expenses
  • Optional tours
  • Any service not clearly mentioned in the programme

Notes

Transfers

Airport transfers are only included on days of the tour ex Istanbul Ataturk (IST) Airport - a surcharge will apply for transfers to/from Sabiha Gocken (SAW) airport.If you are arriving or departing Istanbul on any days other than the arrival and departure days of the tour transfers will not be included in the price of the coach tour.

Porterage for one suitcase is included in the tour price. Due to limited coach capacity the single bag should not exceed the dimensions of 30”x18”x10” and not weigh more than 50lbs (23kg). A charge of US $4 per travelling day is collected by the tour director for each additional piece of baggage or if the suitcase exceeds established weight and/or dimension limitations.

On the night prior to the Dawn Service the time for departure will be confirmed when you are in Istanbul. 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. It is advisable to 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).

**DOUBLE BEDS**Please note we have requested a double bedded room but cannot guarantee one will be available. In Turkey double rooms are very limited. Please ask on check-in with the hotel to see what is available.

Rooms on the tour are run-of-house and room sizes/styles may vary.The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.

Accommodation based on the below or similar

Istanbul

Renaissance Bosphorus Istanbul Hotel

Canakkale

Kolin Hotel

Istanbul

Renaissance Bosphorus Istanbul Hotel

ANZAC Day Activities

There is no accommodation overnight on April 24. Entertainment and activities are provided to entertain the crowd throughout the night in the lead up to dawn. It is strongly advised to prepare for all weather possibilities as you spend the night in an open air environment and it can become cold.

A reminder to ensure you have Turkish cash for any extras prior to your departure.

The itinerary is very much subject to the final timings at the Gallipoli Peninsula. You will be updated on 23 April as to your programme for ANZAC Day.

It is strongly advised that you carry your passport at all times on this day for security reasons. A simple boxed breakfast is included today for tomorrow's breakfast

You will pass through various security measures before attending the official ANZAC commemorations. Please bring water bottle, snacks, sun hat and sunscreen, and also cold weather gear for the open-air overnight. 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. A reasonable level of fitness is required.

Dress Codes Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.

HotelsOn coach tours, hotels in regional areas (i.e Pamukkale) can be of a slightly lower standard than the other hotels on the tour.  

SightseeingAll 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.

TransfersTransfers are operated by drivers and are not guided. Some drivers may only have a basic command of English.

Optional ToursOptional 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 Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gocken Airport. Transfers from the hotel to the Airport may be on scheduled shuttles. Late Evning or early morning flights may require private transfers at a supplement.

For independent / private tours: if included, airport transfers are applied ex Ataturk Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gocken Airport.

Enquire About This Itinerary

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. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). 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.

First Class / 21 April 2020 - 27 April 2020 / Per Person Twin Share
$1832
  • First Class
  • 21 April 2020 - 27 April 2020
  • Per Person Twin Share
First Class / 21 April 2020 - 27 April 2020 / Single Room
$2527
  • First Class
  • 21 April 2020 - 27 April 2020
  • Single Room
First Class / 21 April 2020 - 27 April 2020 / Triple Rate (price for 3 PAX)
$5457
  • First Class
  • 21 April 2020 - 27 April 2020
  • Triple Rate (price for 3 PAX)
Class
  • First Class
Travel Date
  • 21 April 2020 - 27 April 2020
Room Type
  • Per Person Twin Share
  • Single Room
  • Triple Rate (price for 3 PAX)

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