Excellent
Istanbul & Gallipoli
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.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour Overview
Duration
5 daysStarts
IstanbulEnds
IstanbulRange
HandpickedTour Guide
Yes - for included sightseeingGroup Size
Min 2 / Max N/AMinimum age
5 yrs, accompanied by an adultDeparts
DailyHotel Rating
4 starCountries
TurkeyArrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoMeals included
Breakfast: 3, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 1Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on
275 reviews
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Istanbul
Day 1 - Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! Arrive at Istanbul Airport and transfer to hotel in Sultanahmet. Consider arriving a day or two earlier or perhaps stay a day or two longer to take maximum advantage of a stay in Istanbul! Rest of day free.
Day 2 - Istanbul City Tour
Day 2 - 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.
Day 3 - Gallipoli Battlefields
Day 3 - 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.
Day 4 - Legendary Troy
Day 4 - 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.
Day 5 - Istanbul
Day 5 - 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.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Istanbul (From price)
Double
Twin
Single
Post-Tour Accommodation - Istanbul (From price)
Double
Twin
Single
Additional Excursions
Enhance your tour with these optional extras, helping you to get the most from your adventure.
Located in the Sea of Marmara off the coast of Istanbul, the Princes’ Islands are a chain of nine islands offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Turkey’s largest city. Buyukada is the largest island of the nine and one of the most attractive with two peaks and gingerbread-style villas lining the slopes.
£125
per passengerHotels
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
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.
Similar Tours
Explore more exciting tours in Turkey to discover even more unforgettable adventures!
Our customers say
Excellent
4.4 out of 5 based on 275 reviews