| Duration: | 2 days - Istanbul to Istanbul |
| Countries Visited: | Turkey |
| Age Guide: | 18-55 years |
| Max Group Size: | 40 |
| Transport: | Private Vehicle |
| Accommodation: | No Accommodation (0 Nights) |
| What's Included: | 1 Breakfast, 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner - Fully Escorted - Local Guide |
| Local Payment: | NO LOCAL PAYMENT |
| Highlights: | Gallipoli - Dawn Service |
| Optional Highlights: | No optional highlights |
| Pre-Departure Meeting: | The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 9 am on DAY ONE of your tour. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your crew and fellow passengers.
In addition the crew will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunization certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting.
Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting.
All passengers MUST bring:
1. Passport.
2. Vaccination Certificate.
3. Travel Voucher.
4. Travel Insurance Policy. |
| Meeting Point: | Kafkas Hotel
Hudavendigar Caddesi No.35
Sirecki, Istanbul
Turkey
Tel: +90 212 520 96 01
Please contact Kumuka Worldwide or your agent if you would like pre or post tour accommodation booking at this hotel. |
| Introduction: | What should have been a quick campaign at Gallipoli in 1915 became a long drawn out battle and Australians and New Zealanders now mark 25 April as their Remembrance Day. The Anzac service is held at dawn, traditionally among soldiers the favoured time for attack. In addition to the memorial service, on this tour you will visit the battlefield, museum and memorial sites. |
| Day 1: | Istanbul to Gallipoli. At 9.00am on the first day of the trip we will meet up, introduce ourselves to one another and generally run through the trip. This meeting takes place at the above meeting point in Istanbul. We advise all our clients to book a room for the previous night at this Hotel (which we are happy do on their behalf) as we depart from there.
Following the meeting we drive down to Gallipoli, arriving early afternoon we have time to visit the battlefield sites of Chunuk Bair, Anzac Cove and the 57th Battalion. Please be aware that there will be many tourist buses and delays over the Anzac event are inevitable. We then drive back to Keshan for free time and to have dinner and then we drive south to Anzac.
Tonight is the night we head out to the night vigil spot close to ANZAC Cove and Ataturk’s memorial. Expect to walk most of the way, as the roads will be closed to all traffic. We have a full night here that culminates in a six o’clock morning service in memory of the soldiers that died on this peninsular between 1915 and 1916 in one of WW1’s most tragic offensives. |
| Day 2: | Gallipoli to Istanbul. After the six o’clock service has reached completion, we have afree morning to drive through the wonderfully maintained and eerily beautiful graveyards arriving at Chunuk Bair and Lone Pine Cemetery for the memorial services. You also have the option to walk up to the memorial sites. The memorial services take up most of the day and after this amazing day if we have time we can continue our tour of Gallipoli, taking in more battle sites and memorials where the Turkish, New Zealand and Australian troops perished. It is possible to visit the trenches and to feel what it must have been like to be part of the battle for the Bosphorus. After a picnic lunch we will all head back to the Museum where we say farewell to the Anzac Peninsular and head back to Istanbul along the North coast of the Sea or Marmara. We arrive back in the Sultan Ahmet area where this tour ends. NO Accommodation on Day 2. |
| Finishing Point: | Kafkas Hotel
Hudavendigar Caddesi No.35
Sirecki, Istanbul
Turkey
Tel: +90 212 520 96 01
Please contact Kumuka Worldwide or your agent if you would like pre or post tour accommodation booking at this hotel. |
| Staying in Touch: | Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:
Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.
Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.
Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka
Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts
Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does! |
| Tour Feedback: | Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback
Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com |
| Please Note: | A real highlight of the tour will be exploring the Gallipoli peninsular, though we would like you to be aware that there will be many tourist buses and delays over the Anzac event are inevitable and to be expected. Timings will be approximate due to the volume of people and tour buses and also the National Parks road restrictions and walking and waiting times will vary. Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs smoothly. |
| What's Not Included: | All optional excursions, visas and meals unless otherwise stated in the itinerary. |
| Insurance: | Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office.
Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance. |
| Passport: | Your passport is a valuable document and you should exercise extreme care in keeping it safe. We recommend that you keep your passport on you at all times, preferably in a money belt that is worn under your clothing. We advise that you take copies of relevant pages in your passport and any visas that you may purchase in case of loss or damage. Your tour leader will require your passport details at the pre-departure meeting. Again, we recommend that you have a photocopy of all passport details, kept separate. Your passport must be valid for six months after the END of your tour, and must have one blank page for each country to be visited. |
| Visa Requirements: | It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Europe trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this.
EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.
|
| Medical Information and Vaccination: | Vaccinations:
No vaccinations are compulsory in Turkey however we do advise that you are up-to-date with your tetanus and polio vaccines. You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information.
We also recommend:
- A dental check-up prior to travelling.
- That you know your blood group in case of emergency.
That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking.
You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details.
Medical Supplies:
Your tour coach has a well-equipped medical kit that by law must remain sealed and can only be used in an emergency. We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items:
Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills.
A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops. |
| Climate: | For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com.
Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything! |
| Security: | Turkey, like the rest of the world, is no stranger to theft. You must exercise extreme care with wallets, cameras and other valuables especially in towns or busy tourist areas. We advise that you make copies of your passport, credit cards, airline tickets and your insurance policy and that you keep a careful note of both used and unused traveller’s cheque numbers.
At times when you are unable to store your valuables in safety deposit boxes in hotels we recommend that you carry some sort of money belt or hidden pouch for safekeeping of valuable items. |
| Books and Reading Material: | You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit. |
| Money: | We recommend an average of US$15-20 per day. This of course depends on your own spending habits, the number of optional excursions you wish to take and the amount of additional snacks, souvenirs and drinks you wish to buy along the way. Be aware that some places are more expensive than others and your expenses will vary enormously.
· US dollars cash is more widely accepted than pounds sterling.
· Carry most of your money in Traveller’s cheques - small denominations are preferable.
· It is often a good idea to have a small amount of the currency of the country you are visiting prior to arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport.
· Credit cards are accepted in the larger cities. You can also get money from ATMs. Do not however depend on using your credit card as your major source of funds.
· Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful. |
| Local Customs: | Be aware that revealing bare flesh can cause offence. Covering shoulders, arms and legs can save you a lot of hassle. This is true for men as well as women. Similarly we advise against tight or revealing clothing. Generally on beaches you can wear what you like and in larger cities attitudes towards dress are more relaxed. Be sure to exercise a conservative approach in smaller more remote areas.
Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe. |
| Luggage and Personal Equipment: | How much should I take?
· A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards Travellers Cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.
· On the trip you will require a sleeping bag for camping at Anzac Cove in Gallipoli and you may find it useful to have a ground sheet or tarpaulin to protect you from early morning dew. It can be very cool and rain is a possibility, be prepared.
TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!! |
| Personal Effects: | We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.
Generally conditions will be warm and dry however do account for long sleeves and long trousers in religious or more remote areas. Also remember that you are sleeping under the stars on the evening before Anzac Day and evenings can get a very chilly so don’t forget to pack a jumper. You may also find a hat, gloves and thermals useful if you feel the cold!
Personal Effects:
Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen. |
| Time: | Turkey is 2 hours ahead of GMT. Remember that time is not quite so valuable to the Turks and often tasks that should take five minutes can take an hour. Be patient and consider it as all part of the Turkish experience. |
| Language: | Turkish is the official language although English is widely spoken as a second language in the larger towns. English will be widely spoken in the major tourist attractions of the main cities. Take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable. |
| Photography: | All types of camera film are readily available in Turkey; however, it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free.
As a guideline, most people use approximately one to two rolls of 36 per week. Fast film (200-400 ASA) may be useful at times and black & white film is nice to use for portraits of local people. A zoom lens is also useful.
Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.
It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations. Most Middle Eastern countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders and in any government buildings. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your film and/or camera confiscated. |
| Food: | Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. |
| Pre and Post Tour Accommodation: | All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader, driver and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends.
If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
Please be aware that accommodation availability can fill very quickly especially during high season and recommend that you book this as soon as possible. It will NOT be possible to confirm any pre tour accommodation made 2 weeks or less prior to your arrival. |
| Tipping and Bargaining: | In Turkey tipping is a way of life and very much expected. For many tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. Sales and service taxes are imposed in some restaurants and bars.
Bargaining is also expected and in all souq’s and bazaars prices are inflated to accommodate such a practice. Rule of thumb is to cut the offer in half and work upwards. This can sometimes be hard work but so not let yourself be intimidated by stallholders, you can always say no and walk away. |
| Drug Policy: | Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund. |
| Contact Details: | KUMUKA WORLDWIDE
UK OFFICE
Hillswood Business Park 3000
Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS
Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782
Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com
AUSTRALIAN OFFICE
Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Email: sales@kumuka.com.au
www.kumuka.com.au |
| Map: |  |