Description
This is a 11-day tour that promises an unforgettable exploration of the country’s most iconic destinations, including the poignant shores of Gallipoli for the 2025 Dawn Service
This carefully curated travel experience takes you on a comprehensive journey through the historical and natural wonders of Turkey. As you travel with a group of 12 to 42 fellow adventurers, you’ll stay in a mix of accommodations, ensuring comfort throughout your trip.
The adventure begins in Istanbul, where you’ll enjoy an extended 3-night stay, providing ample time to immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of this vibrant city. With your local guide, explore the architectural marvels of the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace, and the magnificent Hagia Sophia. An extra full day in Istanbul means you’ll have the opportunity to delve into the city's Old Town, shop at the sprawling Grand Bazaar, and embark on an included Bosphorus River cruise, offering a unique perspective of this transcontinental metropolis.
Leaving Istanbul, the journey continues to Cappadocia, a region renowned for its surreal landscapes and fairy-tale rock formations. Here, you’ll have the option to partake in a sunrise hot-air balloon ride, soaring high above the desert-like terrain for a bird’s eye view of Pigeon Valley, Uchisar Castle, and other captivating sites. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is sure to be a highlight of the trip, offering unforgettable photographic opportunities.
The tour then takes you to Pamukkale, where you’ll marvel at the famous Cotton Castle pools, a series of natural terraces filled with mineral-rich hot springs. This site is one of the world’s most enchanting natural wonders, and the sparkling white travertine terraces are perfect for creating lasting memories and capturing Insta-worthy scenes. After a day of exploring Pamukkale, the journey continues to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, where you’ll walk through history and discover the myths and legends that have shaped this extraordinary place.
As you visit Troy, home of the legendary Trojan Horse, and the ancient city of Pergamum, you’ll be transported back in time to the days of ancient empires. But the pinnacle of the tour awaits at Gallipoli, where you’ll experience an emotional and unforgettable Dawn Service at ANZAC Cove. After camping out by the shores, you’ll witness the sunrise over the battlefields, a moment of deep reflection and tribute to the ANZAC soldiers who fought here. An extra day in Gallipoli allows you to explore the peninsula further, wandering without the crowds and connecting more deeply with the history of this sacred site.
After days filled with exploration and discovery, the tour offers a contrasting experience with a relaxing night by the seaside in Ayvalik. This picturesque town provides the perfect setting to unwind, reflect on the incredible journey, and enjoy the tranquil beauty of Turkey’s coastline. Throughout the tour, you’ll enjoy daily breakfasts, six dinners, and the convenience of complimentary airport transfers on the first day, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable travel experience.
This 13-day ANZAC Adventure is more than just a tour; it’s a deeply immersive journey through Turkey’s most bucket-list destinations, from vibrant cities to ancient ruins, desert-like paradises, and serene seaside towns. With every detail carefully planned, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, historical reflection, and natural beauty, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking both adventure and connection with the rich history of the ANZAC legacy.
Itinerary Downloadable Itinerary
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 Day 11
Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! If you're flying in today, keep your eyes peeled for the representative for your transfer to the hotel from Istanbul Airport. Meet in the hotel reception between 6:00PM to 7:00PM (please check the board in reception) for an informal meeting with your group and guide.
After the meeting, join in an optional group dinner at a local restaurant to get to know your new travel mates.
Included Activities
- Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities
- Group Dinner
Meals: None
Accommodation: Legacy Ottoman Hotel – 5 Star
Istanbul
It’s time to experience the magnificence of Istanbul. We will stroll through the historical heart of the old city, making stops along the way to the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, majestic Topkapi Palace and the Hagia Sophia. In the afternoon take an optional cruise down the Bosphorus river and see the epic skyline.
Included Activities
- Sightseeing of Blue Mosque
- Sightseeing of Hagia Sophia
- Sightseeing of Topkapi Palace Museum
- Bosphorus Boat Trip
Entrance Fees
- Blue Mosque – Free
- Hagia Sophia – 25 EUR
- Topkapi Palace Museum – 1500 TL
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Legacy Ottoman Hotel – 5 Star
Istanbul Cappadocia
Today we sit back and relax in the coach. Watch the amazing Turkish scenery unfold before us and see small towns and villages as we pass on by. We will drive through the capital city of Ankara before we reach Cappadocia. In the afternoon, we will visit Derinkuyu Underground City, a city complete with a church, wells, food stores, and even stables which is all located 60m under the ground. End the day with an optional traditional Hammam (Turkish bath). We will sleep overnight in Cappadocia.
Included Activities
- Sightseeing of Derinkuyu Underground City
Optional Activities
- Turkish Bath Experience – 30 EUR
Entrance Fees
- Derinkuyu Underground City – 13 EUR
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Avrasya Hotel – 4 Star
Cappadocia
Rise and shine, it will be an early start for our optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over the stunning landscapes and fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Or if preferred enjoy a leisurely start to the morning before we all fill up on breakfast. We will explore the UNESCO World Heritage listed Göreme, and tick off bucket list sights along the way including Göreme Musuem, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar and Cavusin. Tonight, get your dancing shoes on for our optional Turkish Night.
Included Activities
- Goreme Open Air Museum Visit
- Sightseeing of Cavusin
- Sightseeing of Pigeon Valley
- Sightseeing of Uchisar
Optional Activities
- Hot Air Balooning – 290 EUR
- Turkish Night Show – 35 EUR
Entrance Fees
- Goreme Open Air Museum – 20 EUR
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Avrasya Hotel – 4 Star
Cappadocia Ihlara Valley Pamukkale
It’s time to hit the road to Pamukkale. Along the way we will stop at Ihlara Valley, a unique honeycombed canyon with rock-cut underground dwellings and churches from the Byzantine period. Time to rest up at our overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Included Activities
- Photo Break over the Ihlara Valley
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Tripolis Hotel – 4 Star
Pamukkale Ephesus Selçuk
Get your cameras ready, as it is time to visit Pamukkale, or ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. Pamukkale is a natural site that contains hot springs and travertine, giving the appearance of terraces made by carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white castle and people have bathed in its pools for thousands of years. Our next stop is Ephesus which is a spectacular, well preserved ancient city. Ephesus was cited in the book of Revelations, and historians believe the Gospel of John was written here. Famed for the Temple of Artemis which was completed around 550 BC and is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. We will sleep overnight in the seaside town of Selçuk.
Included Activities
- Sightseeing of Pamukkale White Terraces
- Sightseeing of Ephesus Ancient City
Entrance Fees
- Pamukkale White Terraces – 30 EUR
- Ephesus Ancient City – 40 EUR
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Richmond Ephesus Resort – 5 Star
Selçuk Pergamum Ayvalık
After breakfast we continue to Pergamum, and visit the ruins of the Asklepion, an ancient healing centre. We will then drive to Ayvalik where you will have the afternoon to relax and discover the seaside town.
Included Activities
- Sightseeing of Asklepion Ancient City
Entrance Fees
- Asklepion Ancient City – 13 EUR
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Grand Temizel – 5 Sta
Ayvalik Troy Gallipoli (Overnight at ANZAC Cove)
Today we will depart for ancient city of Troy. You may of heard of Troy from Greek mythology or maybe just watched the Brad Pitt movie, but now you will visit the ruins and archaeological site of the city of Troy, and of course the famous wooden horse. In the evening we head to the shores of Gallipoli. Tonight, we will sleep under the stars at the ceremony space to ensure we have the best position for the Dawn Service.
Included Activities
- Sightseeing of the ancient city of Troy
Entrance Fees
- Troy Ancient City – 27 EUR
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Overnight Camp at ANZAC Cove
Gallipoli (ANZAC Cove) Canakkale
We wake before the break of dawn and watch as the sun rise over the battlefield, as we remember the soldiers who lost their lives on this exact day all those years ago. We will also attend the national ceremonies and services at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair later in the day.
This afternoon we will depart for Canakkale.
Included Activities
- Dawn Ceremony
- National Ceremonies
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Zileli Hotel – 3 Star
Canakkale Gallipoli Istanbul
Today we will explore the Gallipoli peninsula without the crowds. It is in silence and quiet contemplation we can truly capture the ANZAC spirit. Today provides a more in-depth and emotional experience to reflect and explore the history and heartbeat of this region. We will visit Kabatepe War Museum, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Jonston’s Jolly, North Beach, Ari Burnu, Hell Spit, Brighton Beach, Shrapnel Valley, Artillery Road, and the Turkish Memorial.
In the afternoon, we will drive back to where our adventure began, Istanbul.
Included Activities
- Sightseeing of Anzac Cove
- Sightseeing of Beach Cemetery
- Sightseeing of Lone Pine
- Sightseeing of Chunuk Bair
- Sightseeing of War Trenches
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Legacy Ottoman Hotel – 5 Star
Istanbul
Our trip will end in Istanbul after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast and check-out of the hotel by 11AM. If today is your last day in Turkey, make your way to the airport and check in for your return flight home.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Inclusions
- 5, 4 and 3 Star Hotels throughout
- 9 Breakfasts, 6 Dinners
- Transportation A/C coach
- Bosphorus boat trip
- Arrival airport transfer on first day of the trip.
- Services of experienced guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism
- Anzac Hoodie: Special edition 106th anniversary souvenir Travel Talk ANZAC hoodie
Sightseeing
- Blue Mosque
- Hagia Sophia
- Topkapi Palace Museum
- Derinkuyu Underground City
- Goreme Open Air Museum
- Cavusin
- Pigeon Valley
- Uchisar
- Ihlara Valley
- Pamukkale White Terraces
- Ephesus Ancient City
- Asklepion Ancient City
- Troy Ancient City
- Anzac Cove
- Beach Cemetery
- Lone Pine
- Chunuk Bair
- War Trenches
Exclusions
- International flights
- Travel Insurance
- Meals not stated above
- Items of a personal nature
- Tips and gestures
- Entrance fees to the sights and museums
- Optional activities
- Other services not stated in the itinerary
Single Supplement: The solo suppliment to have your own room on this trip is $1100.00
Dates and Rates: All prices are per person, based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers not wishing to pay a single supplement will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Dates are subject to availability.
Group Size: There is 12-42 People per departure on this deal.
Age Requirement: This tour is recommended for travellers aged 18 to 60. If you're outside this range, please contact us to discuss further.
Extra Services: Wanting to pair this tour up with another tour, cruise, or flight? Please contact our friendly Customer Service team to bundle this deal up!