ANZAC DAY 2025 - 11 day
ANZAC DAY 2025 - 11 day
ANZAC DAY 2025 - 11 day
11 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Turkey
Tour operator:
Tour code:
659
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
8-95
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
This 11-day tour of Turkey begins and concludes in Istanbul, with the ANZAC Day ceremonies as its focal point. The itinerary also encompasses captivating destinations such as Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Kusadasi, including five UNESCO World Heritage sites.
This tour offers a unique blend of historical exploration and cultural immersion, centered around the ANZAC Day commemorations at Gallipoli. The journey begins in Istanbul, where participants delve into the city's rich past with visits to iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
The tour then ventures to Gallipoli, where the solemn ANZAC Day Dawn Service and memorial services pay tribute to the fallen soldiers. The itinerary also encompasses destinations such as Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia, showcasing Turkey's diverse landscapes and ancient ruins. Throughout the tour, you'll have the opportunity to engage with local traditions, such as witnessing carpet weaving demonstrations and attending an optional Turkish folklore evenings.
Highlights
Itinerary
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul for the start of your trip.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour
DAY 2: Istanbul, old city tour
Our trip begins this morning with a full day tour of Istanbul. Lying across two continents this historically important city played an integral role in the development of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We visit the 17th century Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya museum and explore the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace before ending at the famous Hippodrome.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 3: Transfer from Istanbul to ANZAC Cove
Embark on an early morning departure from Istanbul, venturing towards the landscapes of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Along the scenic drive, make a stop to replenish supplies and gather provisions for the journey ahead.
Upon arrival at this historic site, proceed directly to the iconic Anzac Cove, where you'll secure a comfortable spot on the grassy expanse to settle in for the memorable overnight experience. As darkness descends, reflect upon the sacrifices made on these hallowed grounds, preparing for the dawn of a momentous occasion.
OVERNIGHT:
Canakkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 4: ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Gallipoli. Return to Istanbul
Rise before dawn to partake in the deeply moving ANZAC Day Dawn Service. As the service commences, a profound hush descends, amplifying the solemnity of this poignant occasion. Pay tribute to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives on this historic ground. Following the dawn service, choose to attend either the Australian or New Zealand Memorial service, delving deeper into the individual stories of valor and camaraderie.
In the afternoon, embark on the return journey to Istanbul where we'll spend the night.
OVERNIGHT:
Canakkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 5: Ancient Troy and Troy Museum
Leaving Canakkale, we journey to the legendary city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we'll delve into the award-winning Troy Museum and then explore the ancient city itself. Wander through its fabled walls, envision the battles of heroes like Achilles and Hector, and admire the remnants of temples and theatres that echo with tales of a magnificent past.
Our day ends with a drive to the coastal city of Kusadasi.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 6: Kusadasi, Ephesus Roman ruins tour
After breakfast we drive to the Roman site of Ephesus. The city at one time housed 250,000 people and is regarded as one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We visit the Temple of Artemis, and explore the ancient marble streets of this ruined Roman city. This afternoon we visit the fruit wine growing village of Sirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 7: Drive to Pamukkale and Hieropolis.
We travel east this morning to Pamukkale, site of the well known white calcium terraces known as Travertines. Pamukkale translates as 'cotton castles' and the naturally occuring geology here has created cloud like formations unlike anywhere else. We then head to the ancient city of Hierapolis to enjoy a dip in the hot thermal pools lodged amongst ancient columns left by the Romans who used the pools for their therapeutic powers.
This evening will be spent in a hotel in Pamukkale.
OVERNIGHT:
Pamukkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 8: Drive the Silk Road to Konya. Onwards to Cappadocia
Travel back in time today as we follow the ancient Silk Road towards Konya. We learn more about the history of this important trade route with a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai before arrivingin Konya where we include a visit to the Mevlana museum - the former home of the original Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes.
The day ends in Cappadocia where an optional folklore evening is available.
OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia Cave hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 9: Cappadocia Full Day Tour
Today we set out to explore the beautiful and surreal landscape of Cappadocia. Unlike nowhere else on earth, this bizarre setting creates a fairytale view full of improbable rock formations and underground villages. Often described as the jewel of Turkey we have a full tour here to explore the subterrenean churches and fortresses used by Christians to avoid persecution over a thousand years ago.
OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia Cave hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 10: Cappadocia, drive to Ankara, return to Istanbul
We leave early this morning for the drive to Ankara, Turkey's modern day capital city. We visit Anitkabir - mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk before returning to Istanbul by road. This is a long day's drive, and we can arrange an upgrade to an internal flight from Kayseri in Cappadocia if you prefer (please ask for current times & prices).
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Kayseri to Istanbul Flight Upgrade (inc. transfers)
DAY 11: Istanbul, free time, transfer to airport
Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing and shopping in Istanbul before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Istanbul - post-tour
What's Included
What's Not Included
Mode of Transport
All transport and transfers are included, with arrival and departure airport transfers, and travel by road between destinations such as Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Konya, and Cappadocia.
Accommodation
Stay in comfortable hotels throughout the tour, including accommodations in Istanbul, Canakkale, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia, ensuring a restful experience after each day's adventures.
Check out our Q&As
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What historical sites will be visited in Istanbul?
In Istanbul, the tour includes visits to the Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya museum, Topkapi Palace, and the Hippodrome.
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What is the significance of the ANZAC Day Dawn Service?
The ANZAC Day Dawn Service is a deeply moving ceremony held at Gallipoli to honor the soldiers who sacrificed their lives during the Gallipoli Campaign. It includes a dawn service and the option to attend either the Australian or New Zealand Memorial service.
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What is the significance of the visit to Troy?
The visit to Troy includes exploring the legendary city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the award-winning Troy Museum. You will see the remnants of temples and theatres and learn about the battles of heroes like Achilles and Hector.
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What meals are included in the tour?
Meals are included as indicated in the itinerary. Typically, breakfast is provided daily, and some dinners are included as well.
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Is there an option to upgrade the return journey from Cappadocia to Istanbul?
Yes, there is an option to upgrade to an internal flight from Kayseri in Cappadocia to Istanbul. Please ask for current times and prices.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
All accommodation is provided as stated in the itinerary. This includes hotels in Istanbul, Canakkale, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia.
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Is there a local tour leader provided throughout the tour?
Yes, the services of a local tour leader are provided throughout the tour.
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What can I expect to see in Cappadocia?
In Cappadocia, you will explore the surreal landscape filled with improbable rock formations and underground villages. The tour includes visits to subterranean churches and fortresses used by Christians to avoid persecution over a thousand years ago.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, arrival and departure airport transfers are included in the tour package.
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Are entrance fees for sightseeing included?
Yes, entrance fees for included sightseeing are covered in the tour package.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Tuesday - Friday
Apr 22, 2025 - May 02, 2025Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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