FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Please see below for some of the commonly asked questions regarding our tours.

 I notice that you stay 2 hours away from Gallipoli prior to Anzac Day, why is this?
 
 How does the Airport transfers work at Ataturk International Airport?

 I have heard from friends that the ferry crossings at Gallipoli can sometimes be very crowded. Will this affect travelling times and is there any risk of us missing the Anzac Day Commemorations?

 My friends booked there ANZAC tours some time ago and I would now like to join them in the same hotel and bus. Is this a problem?

 I see that you have either Welcome Drinks or the Gala Evening (first night for 4 and 6 day tours) on the first night. Will I arrive in Istanbul in enough time to attend this?

 Do you have toilets on your buses and are there regular toilet stops during travelling times?

 Do you provide transfers back to the airport after the end of each tour?

 Where do we stay on the night of the 24th April?

 I am travelling alone and was wondering if you have many people who travel alone on your tours? Also what are my options for accommodation?

 How many people will be on my tour?

 Do I need a Visa to visit Turkey?

 Which currency do I need for Turkey and do I need to Exchange Money before leaving home?

 I have heard there can be long delays at Gallipoli when looking at the various sites before Anzac Day. Is this true?

 After the Dawn Service will the buses take us to the other ceremonies or will we have to walk?

 If I want to arrive in Istanbul early or stay longer than the tour can I arrange hotel accommodation through Sammy's Travel?

Q: I notice that you stay 2 hours away from Gallipoli prior to Anzac Day, why is this?

A: It is difficult to get good quality accommodation close to the Gallipoli region and as we visit the battlefields on the 23rd April we want to ensure that you have decent accommodation to stay at and relax prior to the overnight stay at Anzac Cove on the 24th.



Q: How does the Airport transfers work at Ataturk International Airport?

A: In order to get a transfer from the airport upon arrival you will need to provide us with your flight information well ahead of time. We will confirm we have received it at time of confirming your booking and hotel details. We will run transfers between 8am and 11pm on the days specified for your tour and our vehicles will go from the airport to the city once we have sufficient number of passengers to warrant the trip. If you would prefer not to wait or if you arrive outside of these times it is easy to catch a taxi from International Arrivals to your hotel or we can provide a private transfer service for GBP 10 per person.



Q: I have heard from friends that the ferry crossings at Gallipoli can sometimes be very crowded. Will this affect travelling times and is there any risk of us missing the Anzac Day Commemorations?

A: The ferry crossings from Eceabat to Canakkale can be very busy during the Anzac Day period. Unfortunately our travelling times are dependent on the ferry running properly and subject to the number of buses trying to cross so therefore times given are best estimates. We ensure that on the night of the 24th we leave with ample time to spare so we can get to the ferry early. Sammys's Travel do their best to ensure all times quoted in itineraries are accurate but due to the business of the Anzac period and often delays are unavoidable.



Q: My friends booked there ANZAC tours some time ago and I would now like to join them in the same hotel and bus. Is this a problem?

A: Providing you let us know at time of booking that you wish to join your friends or be part of a group then we will do our best to accommodate you. However if you make a booking close to Anzac Day then we may have already allocated hotels and bus groups. Once again we will do our best to accommodate you but we cannot make any promises.



Q: I see that you have either Welcome Drinks or the Gala Evening (first night for 4 and 6 day tours) on the first night. Will I arrive in Istanbul in enough time to attend this?

A: We reccomend that if you want to attend the Welcome Drinks or the Gala Dinner that you ensure you arrive early enough in Istanbul. To allow for traffic/transfer delays and any flight/passport control problems then we suggest you try and get a flight arriving prior to 4pm on the day. We will do our best to get all passengers to their hotel in enough time to attend the Dinner but we cannot be responsible for any delays outside of our control.



Q: Do you have toilets on your buses and are there regular toilet stops during travelling times?

A: Unfortunately it is not common to have toilets on buses in Turkey so it is very hard for us to provide. However we will stop at regular stops along the way so all passengers can use toilet facilities. Unplanned stops cause delays to travelling times so we try and keep to these planned ‘comfort stops' for the benefit of all passengers.

 

Q: Do you provide transfers back to the airport after the end of each tour?

A: Our tours only include arrival airport transfers but your guide and hotel staff will be only to happy to arrange transfers or taxis for you so please discuss your requirments with them.



Q: Where do we stay on the night of the 24th April?

A: Due to the number of visitors to the Gallipoli Peninsula at this time of year and the need to get a good position at Anzac Cove we arrive late at Gallipoli on the night of the 24th and spend the night at Anzac Cove. We suggest you take warm clothes and maybe even a sleeping bag and blanket if you wish to try and sleep there.



Q: I am travelling alone and was wondering if you have many people who travel alone on your tours? Also what are my options for accommodation?

A: Every year we have many people (both male and female) who travel alone on our tours and it is a great way to meet new people. In regards to accommodation you can either pay slightly more for a single room or if you do not mind we can match you up with someone else who is travelling on their own and put you in a twin room. This way you will pay the double rate.



Q: How many people will be on my tour?

A: Groups are broken up into buses and generally there will be no more than 40 people in a group.



Q: Do I need a Visa to visit Turkey?

A: It depends on what passport that you are travelling on. The arrangement is very easy if you hold an Australian, New Zealand or British passport. Visa's can be purchased at the airport in Turkey before going through passport control. We suggest you check if you need a Visa before travelling.



Q: Which currency do I need for Turkey and do I need to Exchange Money before leaving home?

A: The most common currency in Turkey is the YTL (New Turkish Lira) although other currencies are accepted. At Ataturk International Airport when you arrive there are a number of ATM machines that can be used with cards that are set up to be used overseas. You may like to check with your bank before leaving home if your card is ready for international use.



Q: I have heard there can be long delays at Gallipoli when looking at the various sites before Anzac Day. Is this true?

A: Visiting the various sites ahead of Anzac Day can be busy as there are many tour companies taking people to the region. We visit Gallipoli on the 23rd and therefore miss much of the crowds who tend to visit on the 24th. When you visit the Kabatepe War Museum you will be asked by your guide to get in line and your guide will purchase the tickets for your group and hand them out in the line which will reduce many delays.



Q: After the Dawn Service will the buses take us to the other ceremonies or will we have to walk?

A: Our buses do go to each of the ceremonies but the buses are unable to move until everything has been cleared from the Dawn Service and this can take some time. The majority of people walk from the Dawn service to the Australian service and then to the Turkish and New Zealand service. After the NZ service which is the last one of the day you will need to look for the Sammy's Travel Meeting Point and congregate there as soon as possible. This part of the day can be especially hectic and the buses can only stop quickly for us to load passengers so if you are late then there is a chance that you will not get on your bus.



Q: If I want to arrive in Istanbul early or stay longer than the tour can I arrange hotel accommodation through Sammy's Travel?

A: Yes, at time of booking please let us know that you wish to book additional nights and we will arrange this for you. If you arrive in Istanbul early without booking additional accommodation then we will be unable to help you because all accommodation is pre-allocated and you will need to find your own accommodation for these nights. You will be emailed confirmation of your hotel prior to your departure and any changes to your hotel accommodation upon arrival will be subject to a GBP 20 administration fee.