Tour Description

Anzac Day at Gallipoli 2024

Commemorative Small Group Tour

An in-depth Gallipoli programme, with specialist guide

Small Group Tour (min: 10 / max: 18 participants)
10 Days ex Istanbul

Departs on 20 April 2024

The opportunity for New Zealanders and Australians to remember their forebears who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. Mark the 109th anniversary of Anzac Day and the National Day of Remembrance in New Zealand and Australia to honour the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACS) who fought with bravery on the Peninsula. We return to honour the Anzac Day pledge “We will remember them”.

Tour Highlights:

Visit the majestic sites in Istanbul of Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the fabulous Grand Bazaar
Explore the Gallipoli Peninsula and Anzac sites in depth before attending the commemorative services on Anzac Day
View Gallipoli from the Dardanelles by boat

OPTION TO EXEND TO ANY OF THE ANCIENT KINGDOMS DESTINATIONS

Itinerary
Accommodation
Important Information

Day 1: Istanbul (D)

Welcome to Istanbul. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the Vogue Supreme Hotel for two nights accommodation. Dinner is included this evening at the hotel to meet your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Istanbul (BL)

This morning depart on a half day tour exploring the main Ottoman sites of the ancient city, including Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace, which was main residence of Ottoman Sultans, and the Blue Mosque. Lastly is a stop at the Grand Bazaar for time to explore at your own leisure. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 3: Istanbul – Canakkale (BL)

Transfer to Canakkale. You are reserved at the Akol Hotel or similar for four nights including breakfast. (A close base to the Gallipoli Peninsula to ensure you make the most of your time whilst in this area and avoid long delays in traffic for those departing the Peninsula on 25 April.)
Over the next two days visit: Beach Cemetery, Anzac Cove, Hill 60, Ari Burnu Cemetery which houses the graves of 252 commonwealth soldiers, including 42 unidentified graves, Anzac Commemorative Site, Mehmetcik Statue, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly, Turkish and Allied trenches, and tunnels, 57. Regiment Turkish Cemetery, The Nek Cemetery and Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. Visit the Turkish village of Eceabat and the Fort of Kilitbahir on the West side of the Dardanelles, in the form of a clover, built by Sultan Mehmet II and the Maori Pah the recently opened commemorative site where the NZ Maori Contingent made its camped before the assault on the heights of Chunuk Bair during World War I. Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Day 4: Gallipoli (BLD)

Continue with your visit of the Gallipoli Peninsula. This afternoon join a cruise along the Dardanelles, to gain insight of the Gallipoli Peninsula battlefield, from the sea. Continue this afternoon with a visit to Suvla Bay Vineyard for a demonstration and wine tastings. Dinner is included this evening.

Day 5: Canakkale – Gallipoli (BD)

Today is a day at leisure to rest before attending the commemorations. An early dinner is included.
This evening depart for Gallipoli (time to be advised) to secure your place ready for the early morning commemorations. (BD)

Today’s 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.

Day 6: Gallipoli (B)

Anzac commemorative services.

The current timetable for the Dawn Service is 5.30am – subject to change. After the Dawn Service make your way uphill to attend the New Zealand service at Chunuk Bair. There is at least a least a 7km walk to Chunuk Bair. If assistance is required, this can be organised through NZDF online.

You will pass through various security measures before attending the official Anzac commemorations. Please bring warm clothing, water bottle, snacks, sun hat and sunscreen. Please prepare to be patient during the security procedures. Return to the hotel after services.

Note: a simple boxed breakfast is included today

Day 7: Canakkale – Sirince (BLD)

This morning transfer to Sirince where accommodation is reserved for two nights, including breakfast. Enroute you will visit the ruins of ancient Troy famous with its wooden horse, before you continue to the ruins of ancient health site of Asklepion in Pergamon. Dinner is included this evening at your hotel.

Day 8: Sirince – Ephesus – Sirince (BL)

After breakfast you will depart to visit the main sites and ruins of ancient Ephesus including the Tomb of Pollio, The Temples of Hadrian and Domitian, Library of Celsius, various baths, the Bouleuterion (council chambers), Great Theatre, Home of Virgin Mary, Temple of Artemis, and St John’s Basilica. Continue to the Greek Village for wine tastings before returning to your hotel in Sirince.

Day 9: Sirince – Izmir – Istanbul (BD)

This morning transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul for overnight. Afternoon at leisure in Istanbul. A farewell dinner is included.

Day 10: Istanbul – Departure Day (B)

Transfer to the Airport for your onward flight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

Small group tour – based on a minimum of 10 & maximum of 18 participants
Private specialist Gallipoli guide
First Class Hotels as specified or similar with private facilities
All transfers
Commemorative Service at Gallipoli on 25 April
Breakfasts daily
6 lunches
Welcome Dinner
3 dinners at hotel or local restaurants
Farewell Dinner at local restaurant
Flight Izmir – Istanbul
Boat tour at Gallipoli Peninsula
Wine tasting and dinner at Suvla Winery
Wine tasting at Sirince
Bottled water on coach each day
Porterage at hotels
Tipping for group activities
Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

International airfares
Optional tours and excursions
Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
Porterage
Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
Personal Expenses
Departure taxes
Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
Visas (unless specified)
Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Accommodation based on the below or similar

Istanbul

Vogue Supreme Hotel

Canakkale

Akol Hotel (or similar)

Sirince

Sirince Hotel (to be advised)

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

Sightseeing

All sightseeing tours require a moderate amount of walking around historical / cultural sites. This is particularly true in Gallipoli where walks can be up to 2 hours to get to Chunuk Bair 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.

Itineraries are prepared as a guideline only. Some variations may apply due to prevailing local conditions in a country. Transfer times, ferry schedules and flight schedules booked by Innovative Travel may be reconfirmed by the local operators upon arrival and are subject to change. Vouchers will be exchanged for valid travel documentation.

Itineraries

Hotel check-in/out

Times are normally Check-in: 2pm/Check-Out: 12noon. The only way to guarantee an early check-in or late check-out is to pre-book the night before (early check-in) or night after (late check-out). Otherwise, early check-in and late check-out are subject to availability when you are there.

Double Beds

Please note we will request your preferred room type but cannot guarantee one will be available. Please ask on check-in to see what is available.

Non-Smoking Rooms

As a policy Innovative Travel request nonsmoking rooms for all guests. These rooms are requested and are subject to availability.

Tipping

Tipping is an accepted practice throughout the world. In the majority of countries tipping acts as a supplement to a basic wage. It is however discretionary. If you believe you have received efficient service, then service should be rewarded. In order to assist you in determining a fair and reasonable tip Innovative Travel have provided guidelines in the comprehensive travel notes provided in your documentation. These guidelines have been determined in consultation with our local operators to minimise the potential stress tipping may cause. In some countries guides talk openly about tipping and will suggest a higher sum is required. This is not the case unless you feel it is appropriate. All group related tipping is included. Guidelines are for any additional tipping services.

On a lighter note:
Please remember that religious beliefs, traditional customs, and daily manners may differ from country to country, these may seem quite strange at first. These idiosyncrasies are part of what makes travelling a special experience. Please be patient if you think things are happening at a different pace than you are used to and respect the differences in culture.

If you need assistance relating to travel arrangements provided, please contact our Local Agent immediately as they are there to assist you. The Local Agents details are listed on your itinerary and vouchers. Please note it is easier and often faster for them to assist you initially.

TOUR CONDITIONS

Tour conditions, cancellation, and amendment fees as per Ancient Kingdoms brochure and special conditions a per the registration form. 100% cancellation fees will be charged for all bookings cancelled less than 70 days before departure. No refund is available for cancellation after commencement or on any services not used.

Travel Advisory Information can change at any time, and we suggest clients refer to The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Travel Trade Advisory website at www.safetravel.govt.nz prior to departure for the latest up to date information and general advice regarding the countries you are visiting.

Enquire About This Itinerary

Tour Registration Form

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.

Priced From:

$ 7295pp ^*