ANZAC DAY 2025 - 8 day
ANZAC DAY 2025 - 8 day
ANZAC DAY 2025 - 8 day
8 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Turkey
Tour operator:
Tour code:
658
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 20
Age range:
8-95
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
This 8-day tour, focuses on ANZAC Day commemorations while also exploring diverse regions of Turkey, including Troy and the newly opened museum, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Kusadasi.
This eight-day tour begins in Istanbul, immersing you in the city's rich history and culture through guided visits to iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. You'll then embark on a poignant journey to Gallipoli, where you'll pay homage to fallen soldiers at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and explore the historic battlefields.
The adventure continues with a visit to the legendary city of Troy and its award-winning museum, followed by explorations of ancient Ephesus, the charming village of Sirince, and the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale. Along the way, you'll witness traditional carpet weaving, learn about the therapeutic hot springs of Hierapolis, and savor the flavors of Turkish cuisine. The tour concludes back in Istanbul, leaving you with cherished memories of a diverse and enriching experience.
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. Fly to Istanbul
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.
We end the day with a short domestic flight back to Istanbul where we spend our final evening.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
DAY 8: 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
Travel in comfort with all transport and transfers included, featuring an early morning departure from Istanbul, scenic drives, and a domestic flight from Denizli to Istanbul.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays in Istanbul, Canakkale, and Kusadasi hotels, with amenities to ensure a relaxing experience after each day's adventures.
Check out our Q&As
-
Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, arrival and departure airport transfers are included in the tour package.
-
What is special about the site of Pamukkale?
Pamukkale is known for its white calcium terraces called Travertines, which translate as 'cotton castles.' The naturally occurring geology has created cloud-like formations unlike anywhere else. You will also visit the ancient city of Hierapolis and enjoy a dip in the hot thermal pools among ancient columns left by the Romans.
-
What meals are included in the tour?
Meals included in the tour are indicated in the itinerary. Generally, breakfast and dinner are provided on most days, with some exceptions.
-
What historical sites will be visited in Troy?
In Troy, you will visit the award-winning Troy Museum and explore the ancient city itself. You will wander through its fabled walls, envision the battles of heroes like Achilles and Hector, and admire the remnants of temples and theatres.
-
What will I see during the Ephesus Roman ruins tour?
During the Ephesus Roman ruins tour, you will visit the Temple of Artemis and explore the ancient marble streets of this well-preserved Roman city. The tour also includes a visit to the fruit wine-growing village of Sirince and a lesson on the history of carpet weaving in Turkey.
-
What is not included in the tour package?
The tour package does not include international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, meals not indicated in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, personal expenses (e.g., laundry), and tips for the guide and driver.
-
Is there any free time during the tour?
Yes, on the last day of the tour, you will have free time for some last-minute sightseeing and shopping in Istanbul before being transferred to the airport for your flight home.
-
What can I expect during the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Gallipoli?
During the ANZAC Day Dawn Service in Gallipoli, you will rise before dawn to partake in a deeply moving service. A profound hush descends as the service commences, amplifying the solemnity of the occasion. You will pay tribute to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives on this historic ground. Following the dawn service, you can choose to attend either the Australian or New Zealand Memorial service.
-
What kind of activities are included in the Istanbul city tour?
The Istanbul city tour includes visits to the 17th century Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya museum, the Topkapi Palace, and the famous Hippodrome.
-
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).
-
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.
-
When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
-
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
-
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.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Book with Confidence
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.