Istanbul to Gallipoli, Canakkale and Troy. 2 Day Tour with Hotel

Exploring Turkey’s Historic Treasures in Two Days

This 2-day guided tour from Istanbul offers a compelling way to visit two of Turkey’s most iconic sites: the Gallipoli battlefields and the ancient city of Troy. With a carefully planned itinerary that includes hotel accommodation, breakfast, and lunch, it combines history, culture, and scenic views into an accessible package. What truly makes it stand out is the knowledgeable guides who breathe life into the stories, making these sites more engaging and meaningful.

One aspect we genuinely appreciate is the smooth logistics—from hotel pickups in Istanbul’s old city to seamless transfers and well-paced tours. However, it’s a long day, especially on the second day, which might be tiring for some. Still, this tour is best suited for those eager to soak in history and willing to spend a couple of days on the move to experience Turkey’s highlights beyond Istanbul.

Key Points

• Comprehensive two-day experience covering Gallipoli and Troy with cultural and historical insights.
• Expert guides provide detailed storytelling, enhancing the site visits.
• Comfortable accommodation included, with breakfast and a local restaurant lunch.
• Hassle-free transfers from Istanbul’s old city, making logistics simple.
• Value for money considering included meals, hotel, guided tours, and entrance fees.
• Authentic sites and scenery that bring history vividly to life.

The Experience at a Glance: What You Can Expect

This tour manages to balance a packed itinerary with enough time to appreciate each site. We loved the way the schedule is designed—early starts, but with plenty of interesting stops that keep you engaged without feeling rushed. The tour is run by Crowded House Tours, a provider with solid reviews and a reputation for professionalism, which translates into a smooth experience from pickup to drop-off.

Day 1: Gallipoli – The Land of Remembrance

The adventure kicks off bright and early with pickups at 6:00 am from your Istanbul hotel—either in Taksim or Sultanahmet. The transfer to Eceabat, the gateway to Gallipoli, is about three hours, giving travelers a chance to settle in and prepare for a full day of exploration. A quick refreshment stop around 9:00-9:30 am (note: light breakfast available at extra cost) helps break the long drive and sets the tone for the day.

Arriving in Gallipoli, the day is packed with visits to some of the most poignant sites. We especially appreciated the guided commentary at Anzac Cove, where the landings during WWI are commemorated. The Lone Pine Australian Memorial and the ** Johnston’s Jolly trenches** are powerful reminders of the battles fought here. Guides are praised for their detailed knowledge, with one reviewer mentioning guides like Charre as highly engaging and well-informed.

Other highlights include the Beach Cemetery, the Respect to Mehmetcik Statue, Chunuk Bair, and the Nek. These spots are not just for photos—they’re places that evoke respect and reflection. Visiting the Turkish and Allied trenches, including Johnston’s Jolly tunnels, offers a tangible glimpse into wartime life. The 57. Regiment Turkish Memorial and the Australian and New Zealand memorials help paint a full picture of the diverse nations involved.

The day concludes with a hotel stay in Eceabat, offering a chance to rest after a 10-hour day. Reviewers frequently mention the guides’ storytelling skills, especially their balanced perspective that respects all sides of history. An Australian reviewer praised the guides for their “very informative and kind” approach, making the long day worthwhile.

Day 2: Troy – The Legendary City

The second day begins with a leisurely morning, giving travelers time to enjoy breakfast and perhaps visit local museums if they wish. The Museum of Troy or the Naval Museum can be explored at your own pace, adding some context before the guided tour.

Around 1:00 pm, the bus departs for the Troy archaeological site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a treasure trove of history. The guided tour takes you through various ruins, from the Trojan Horse to the 3700-year-old city walls. You’ll see the remains of Houses of Troy I (dating back to 3000 B.C.), the Bouleuterion (Senate Building), and the Odeon (Concert Hall).

Reviewers emphasize the site’s impressive layers—sites from Troy I through Troy IX—highlighting how the repeated settlement and destruction tell stories of resilience and legend. The Trojan Horse is a highlight, perfectly suited for photos and imagining those legendary stories.

Guides like Charre again shine here, sharing insights that make the ruins come alive. Some travelers mention that the current excavations in progress add an exciting touch of ongoing discovery. As one reviewer put it, “The layers of history in Troy are impressive.”

The tour wraps up around 5:30 pm, and travelers start heading back to Istanbul, arriving around midnight. The long day is packed but rewarding, especially for those fascinated by Homeric legends and ancient civilizations.

Hotel and Meals: Comfort and Convenience

Included in the package is overnight accommodation in Canakkale, with breakfast. The reviews reveal a mixed experience: most travelers appreciated the convenience and central location, allowing ample time to explore the town’s lively streets, full of restaurants and cafes. Some comments, however, noted noise levels and breakfast quality, so bringing earplugs or planning for an early start might be wise.

Meals during the tour are thoughtfully included—lunch at a local restaurant on Day 1 and breakfast at the hotel—adding value and saving you the hassle of finding suitable options amid busy schedules.

Practical Considerations

This tour is quite comprehensive but long—expect about 10 hours of travel and site visits each day. The group size is capped around 30, making it manageable and allowing for personalized attention from guides. The transportation is comfortable, and the guides are highly praised for their knowledge, humor, and respectful storytelling.

Importantly, the tour offers pickup service from major hotels in Istanbul’s old city, but it does not include pick-up from Asian side hotels, so plan accordingly. The price of $372.12 per person is reasonable considering the included meals, guided tours, hotel stay, and entrance fees.

Travelers should be prepared for early mornings, long drives, and a busy schedule but will be rewarded with immersive experiences and insightful narratives from guides like Charre and Barak.

Authenticity and Value

Many reviews highlight the authenticity of the experience—guides shared personal stories, Turkish perspectives, and detailed historical facts that you won’t get from generic tours. The value for money is evident in the all-inclusive nature: hotel stay, transport, meals, and expert guides, all coordinated smoothly.

While the hotel experience varied for some—noise and breakfast issues reported—the overall consensus remains positive, especially regarding the content and pacing of the tours. Most find this a worthwhile way to step outside Istanbul and truly connect with Turkey’s deep historical roots.

Who Is This Tour Best Suited For?

This tour is ideal for history enthusiasts, families, or couples eager to see Turkey’s battlefield and ancient sites in a manageable format. It’s perfect if you want a guided, informative experience that takes care of transportation, meals, and sightseeing logistics. However, it’s best suited for those comfortable with long days on the move.

If you’re someone who appreciates storytelling, authentic site visits, and a bit of adventure, this tour has plenty to offer. Just remember, it’s a busy schedule—so if you prefer relaxed, slow-paced travel, you might want to explore options with more free time.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup available on this tour?
Yes, pickup is offered from hotels in Istanbul’s old city (Taksim and Sultanahmet). However, it does not include Asian side hotels, so plan your accommodation accordingly.

What is included in the price?
The cost covers hotel stay with breakfast, lunch at a local restaurant, guided tours of Gallipoli and Troy, entrance fees, and transportation.

How long are the drives between sites?
The drive from Istanbul to Gallipoli takes about three hours. The second day’s drive from Canakkale back to Istanbul is around five hours, making long travel stretches, so be prepared.

Can I visit local museums on the second day?
Yes, free time is suggested for visiting the Museum of Troy or the Naval Museum in Canakkale during the morning before the guided tour.

Are guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise guides like Charre and Barak for their engaging storytelling, extensive knowledge, and balanced perspectives on historical events.

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, sun protection, and possibly earplugs if noise is a concern at the hotel.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most reviews indicate family-friendly pacing, but longer days and walking are involved, so consider the ages of children.

What is the cancellation policy?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with full refunds. Cancellations closer to the date are not refunded.

Final Thoughts

This 2-day Gallipoli and Troy tour from Istanbul offers a well-rounded, expertly guided experience that’s perfect for history buffs and curious travelers alike. Its value lies in the detailed storytelling, seamless logistics, and inclusiveness—covering transport, meals, and accommodations—making it a hassle-free way to explore Turkey’s most famous historic sites. While the schedule is demanding, those eager to connect with the stories of kings and soldiers, legends and battles, will find it deeply rewarding.

Whether you’re contemplating a trip to understand more about Turkey’s complex past or simply want to see these legendary sites without the hassle of planning, this tour delivers an authentic and educational escape from the city hustle—and leaves you with memorable stories to tell long after you return home.