Head to Turkey for a short break with a difference. Explore cosmopolitan Istanbul, pay your respects at Gallipoli and explore the ruins of legendary Homer's Troy with its famous Trojan wooden horse.
Trip Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Istanbul City Tour
This morning, we enjoy a guided tour of Istanbul's old city. Our tour includes visits to the stunning Blue Mosque famed for it’s blue Iznik tiles and unique 6 minarets, and the ruinous Hippodrome – now a small park of sorts and once scene of chariot races and political activities in Byzantine times. We will explore the exterior of the Hagia Sophia - constructed as a Basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, Topkapi Palace and the Underground Cistern – an ancient underground water tank - replete with carved and fluted Corinthian columns and a puzzling head of Medusa.
Please note that some sites are closed on certain days in Istanbul. Hagia Sofia - closed on Mondays, Topkapi Palace closed on Tuesdays and Grand Bazaar - closed on Sundays. So only external viewing will be possible on these days.
Overnight: Istanbul
Gallipoli Battlefields
Istanbul – Gallipoli/Canakkale. This morning, we drive to the Gallipoli Peninsular. On 25 April 1915, Allied soldiers including Australian and New Zealand troops (who famously became known as the ANZACs - an acronym for Australian and New Zealand Army Corps) landed at what has since become known as ANZAC Cove to commence the Allied offensive against the Turks with the intention of capturing the Ottoman capital and the road to Eastern Europe during WW1. Some half a million lost their lives in ferocious combat. A lasting legacy of this fateful campaign are the many poignant war memorials including the national memorials of Australia and New Zealand - Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, along with numerous carefully tended cemeteries, the remains of crudely dug trenches (most often the only form of protection for troops on both sides) and of course ANZAC Cove. Our brave men are remembered annually at the commemorative Dawn Service.
However, Gallipoli is a region that can be visited year-round, affording you the chance to pay your respects, perhaps place a flower on the grave of one of our brave troops and learn about the history of the men who came to be known as the ANZACs on our guided tour of the area.
Overnight: Canakkale | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Legendary Troy
Gallipoli –Troy - Istanbul. Early this morning we continue to Troy. If you’ve seen the movie - ‘Troy’ based on poet Homer’s ‘The Iliad’ you’ll be familiar with Paris, his prized Helen and Hector on the Trojan side and Agamemnon and Achilles on the Aechaean (Greek) side. The legend of the lost city of Troy and Homer’s poetry was brought alive by it’s rediscovery in 1863. Subsequent excavations revealed 9 ancient cities, one on top of the other, dating back to 3000BC! We enjoy a tour of the ruins and see a replica of the Trojan wooden horse that helped sack Troy. The tour of Troy finishes in late morning and the rest of the day is spent at leisure in Cannakale until 6pm when you are transferred back to Istanbul with a late evening arrival.
Overnight: Istanbul | Breakfast
Istanbul
Our Mini stay concludes after breakfast. If you wish to extend your stay to explore the sights in Istanbul and Turkey then please speak to one of our expert staff who can arrange extra nights accommodation and excursions for you.
Breakfast
Additional Info
Please Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, whilst the Hagia Sophia is closed on Mondays. Please consider this when booking. Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.
The airport arrival transfer is included for all flights arriving into Istanbul Airport.
This is a group tour not a private itinerary, as such touring and sightseeing will be conducted with other passengers.
Our Istanbul & Gallipoli Short Stay does not operate between 20 April - 30 April each year.
Prices & Dates
'Twin/Double' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to solo travellers and anyone wanting the privacy of their own room, based on a travelling party of at least 2 adults. If travelling solo, an additional ‘1-person’ supplement will apply, contact us for details.
Extra Prices
Hotels
The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.
Kent Hotel, Istanbul
The charming Kent Hotel is a great example of contemporary design and a friendly atmosphere. Guest rooms are superbly equipped with modern facilities including Wi-Fi connectivity, state of the art technology and bright marbled bathrooms. Enjoying a delicious Turkish meal at the in house Calcedoine Restaurant after a hard days sightseeing is highly recommended. The hotel is also fantastically located within a 10-minute walk of the Grand Bazaar and Old Town in the Bayazit area in the European side of Istanbul.
Ramada Old City, Istanbul
A member of the reputable Ramada chain, the Istanbul Old Town property is modern and comfortable with excellent amenities. Guestrooms are bright and spacious with contemporary amenities. Two restaurants are on offer and our personal favourite is the wonderful roof top restaurant, serving delicious local cuisine coupled with a magnificent view of the City and Sea. The perfect way to end the day. Located in the heart of the Old City, near the Basilica Cistern and walking distance from all of the major monuments.
Hotel Akol, Canakkale
Built in 1990 and recently renovated the Hotel Akol is a comfortable hotel with fantastic views across the Dardanelles. Guestrooms are bright and spacious and have excellent facilities including Wi-Fi being available throughout. There are a number of great restaurants and bars at the hotel, including Radika Fish Restaurant, arguably one of the finest sea food eateries in Canakkale. Sipping a cold beer in the evening at the trendy rooftop bar overlooking the city is the perfect way to end an evening. Well located on the seafront in the centre of town.
Kolin Hotel, Canakkale
Looking out across the Dardanelles, the modern and bright Kolin Hotel offers well appointed rooms with hard wood flooring and tasteful decor. The hotel also boasts a luxury spa, wellness centre and a number of mouth watering restaurants all set within perfectly manicured lawns. Sipping a sundowner on the roof bar, overlooking the beautiful strait, is the perfect way to end the day. The hotel is located on the water’s edge a short drive from the town centre with beautiful views out to sea.
At a Glance
Tour Add-ons
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