ANZAC 2025 Memorial Tour of Turkey - 11 days
ANZAC 2025 Memorial Tour of Turkey - 11 days
ANZAC 2025 Memorial Tour of Turkey - 11 days
11 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Pergamum, Gallipoli
Tour operator:
Tour code:
151/AMT
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 32
Age range:
16-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable 11-day journey through Turkey with the ANZAC 2025 Memorial Tour. This cultural adventure begins in Istanbul, where you'll explore iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace, and enjoy a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. Delve into the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, marvel at the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, and wander through the ancient Roman ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum. Pay homage at the ANZAC Service Site on the Gallipoli Peninsula, attending the poignant Dawn Service. Discover the legendary city of Troy and the fortress of Kilitbahir. With guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and an English-speaking guide, this small group tour offers a profound exploration of Turkey's rich history and breathtaking scenery.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Wed 16th April 2025. Welcome to Turkey and the start of a unforgettable ANZAC experience! Airport to hotel arrival transfer. Spend the rest of the day at leisure. If you are arriving to Istanbul early, we recommend joining our optional Backstreets Of Istanbul Tour taking place today. The tour commences at 9am. For further details of the excursion, please see our tour Trip Notes. This evening meet your guide and fellow travellers at a welcome meeting.
Day 2: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we set off on guided tour of the old city, taking in the stunning Iznik tiled Blue Mosque, historic Hippodrome area, 6th century Hagia Sophia (exterior only), ancient Underground Cistern, Topkapi Palace and more. This afternoon, we take a relaxing cruise on the Bosphorus Strait. Look out for waterside palaces framed by a modern city skyline dotted with expansive domed mosques and towering minarets of traditional Ottoman style. Afterwards there's free time to independently explore. From here you can either stay and discover the old city by night or return with your guide to our hotel for a little rest and relaxation.
Day 3: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Istanbul - Cappadocia. Today we depart Istanbul and begin our lengthy journey across the country towards Cappadocia. We'll make a number of stops on route. After arriving into Cappadocia this afternoon, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 4: Cappadocia's Goreme Valley
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Perhaps the jewel in Turkey’s crown, Cappadocia is an extraordinary national treasure. Gaze in awe at this unbelievable landscape with its cave dwellings and phallic ‘fairy chimneys’ landscape that are the stuff of fables. Whole troglodyte (hermit) villages, subterranean churches and fortresses have been hewn from the soft, porous, eerily eroded rock of Cappadocia. A guided tour of the region takes us to the World Heritage listed Goreme Valley where we’ll see stunning examples of rock-cut Byzantine churches, chapels and temples, and Zelve monastery with its jaw-dropping landscape of towering eroded rocks.
Day 5: Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cappadocia - Konya - Pamukkale. It's an early departure this morning as we head for Pamukkale. On the way we visit the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece of Sultanhan Caravanserai before arriving in Konya. In Konya we visit the Mevlana Museum also known as the Green Mausoleum which is the original lodge of the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes. We then continue our drive to Pamukkale for our overnight stay.
Day 6: Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Pamukkale - Ephesus - Kusadasi. Famed for its unique cascades of natural mineral rich pools, Pammukale captures the heart of any traveller. Here we can paddle our feet in the warm water flowing over the terraces or take a relaxing dip in the Pamukkale Thermal Baths. Just beyond the thermal pools we make a stop at the Roman ruins of Hierapolis.
This afternoon we continue to the legendary Roman ruins of Ephesus. Easily the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, Ephesus stood as a vast Roman city with a population nearing 250,000. Rumoured to have been founded in the 13th century BC, it became the Roman capital of Asia Minor and enjoyed prosperity thanks to commerce and visiting pilgrims who flocked for a glimpse of the magnificent Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders. Strong archeological remains can be seen at Ephesus including the Great Theatre (once capable of seating 25,000 spectators at one time), Curetes Way (one of the main thoroughfares) the Temple of Serapis, the elegant façades of the Temple of Hadrian and the awesome Library of Celsus - underlining its status as a centre point for Roman urban life. Off Curetes Way are ancient public toilets, a brothel, remains of fountains and various temples. We end our day at our hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 7: Ayvalik
Location: Pergamum
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Assos
Meals Included: Breakfast
Kusadasi - Pergamum - Assos. This morning we drive north, stopping at the Roman ruins of Pergamum and its impressive hillside amphitheatre. We also visit the neighbouring Asclepion - a Roman precursor to modern-day hospitals - before continuing onto to Assos.
Day 8: Eceabat & Gallipoli
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Assos / Canakkale
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we explore ANZAC Cove and the many memorials dotted across the WW1 battlefields. Our guided tour takes in sights including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair Memorial and cemetery, the Nek, Johnston’s Jolly and the many fortified trenches still clearly visible amongst the scrub after all these years.
Day 9: Cappadocia
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation Name: Overnight: Dawn Service site (ANZAC Cove)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Assos – Troy - Kilitbahir - Gallipoli. After a morning at leisure we enjoy a short-guided tour of Troy. The legend of the lost city of Troy and Homer’s poetry was brought to life by its rediscovery in 1863. We then continue to the village of Kilitbahir, situated on the eastern shore of the Gallipoli peninsula and dominated by the fortress of the same name. After exploring Kilitbahir we stop in the town of Eceabat for dinner (at your own expense) before entering the Cove. Once we're in Anzac Cove you are free to visit the memorials and trenches in the area before taking our places among the many at the Dawn Service site for the atmosphere-charged ANZAC Eve vigil.
Day 10: Anzac Day - Gallipoli 2025
Location: Gallipoli
Gallipoli - Istanbul. Today, the 25th April is the reason we came to Turkey and Gallipoli. Dawn and first light signals the commencement of the annual Dawn Service, attended by Australian, New Zealand and other foreign dignitaries, military personnel and a strong following of regular Australian and New Zealand folk. The poignant and emotive service commemorating this important and historical date gives us time to reflect. Lest we forget.
The service lasts for an hour and public wreath laying at the ANZAC Memorial site is possible afterwards. Later this morning Australians have the opportunity to pay their respects at the Lone Pine Memorial Service, while New Zealanders can attend the service at Chunuk Bair. After the Chunuk Bair service we anticipate an early afternoon departure time from Gallipoli, for our return journey to Istanbul. Please note: the 2025 national memorial services at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair are subject to confirmation.
Day 11: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sat 26th April 2025. You tour ends after breakfast and hotel check out. We hope you have had a wonderful holiday in Turkey and a memorable ANZAC Day 2025 experience.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
4 - 5 star -
9 breakfasts and 4 dinners
The tour includes 9 breakfasts and 4 dinners.
-
9 nights 4 - 5 star hotels
Accommodation for 9 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels is included.
-
1 night at the Dawn Service site
Spend 1 night at the Dawn Service site.
-
Guided sightseeing of Ephesus, Pergamum, Pammukale/Hierapolis and Cappadocia
Enjoy guided sightseeing tours of Ephesus, Pergamum, Pamukkale/Hierapolis, and Cappadocia.
-
Guided sightseeing of Istanbul
Experience guided sightseeing of Istanbul, including the Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, Hagia Sophia (exterior), Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome area, and Egyptian Spice Market.
-
Guided sightseeing of Gallipoli
Participate in guided sightseeing of Gallipoli, including battlefields and war memorials, subject to site opening times set by the Anzac Day Organising Committee.
-
Cruise along Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul
Enjoy a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul.
-
English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide
The tour includes an English-speaking, degree-qualified Turkish tour guide.
-
Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 from Istanbul International Airport at any time, or from Sabiha Gokcen Airport at 11am and 3pm only.
-
All relevant transfer and transportation
All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles are included.
What's Not Included
-
International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour.
-
Attendance Pass for ANZAC
The Attendance Pass for ANZAC is not included.
These are free of charge but need to be registered for in advance. -
Tip for your tour guide and driver
Tips for your tour guide and driver are not included.
It is recommended to budget EUR €5 - 7 per day, per traveller for your guide and EUR €2 per day, per traveller for your driver. -
Entrance Fees
Entrance fees are not included and are estimated to be EUR €265-285 per person, paid in EUR.
Age Policy
18yrs or 16yrs accompanied by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel in private, modern air-conditioned vehicles with all relevant transfers included. The tour also features a cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, providing a scenic and comfortable journey across Turkey.
Accommodation
Enjoy 9 nights in 4 to 5-star hotels and a unique overnight experience at the Dawn Service site. The tour offers a blend of comfort and cultural immersion, ensuring a memorable stay throughout Turkey.
Check out our Q&As
-
What is the significance of the ANZAC Day service on this tour?
The ANZAC Day service is a poignant and emotive event commemorating the historical significance of the Gallipoli Campaign during World War I. It includes a Dawn Service attended by dignitaries, military personnel, and visitors, providing a time for reflection and remembrance.
-
What can I expect to see during the guided tour of Istanbul?
During the guided tour of Istanbul, you will visit the Blue Mosque, the historic Hippodrome area, the exterior of the Hagia Sophia, the Underground Cistern, and Topkapi Palace. You will also enjoy a cruise on the Bosphorus Strait, offering views of waterside palaces and the city's skyline.
-
What activities are included in the visit to Cappadocia?
In Cappadocia, you will explore the surreal landscapes and visit the World Heritage listed Goreme Valley. The tour includes viewing rock-cut Byzantine churches, chapels, temples, and the Zelve Monastery, all set against the backdrop of Cappadocia's unique geological formations.
-
What historical sites are visited in Ephesus?
In Ephesus, you will explore the well-preserved Roman ruins, including the Great Theatre, Curetes Way, the Temple of Serapis, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Library of Celsus. These sites highlight Ephesus's significance as a major Roman city and cultural center.
-
What is the experience like at the Pamukkale thermal pools?
At Pamukkale, you can paddle in the warm, mineral-rich waters flowing over the white travertine terraces or take a relaxing dip in the thermal baths. The site also includes a visit to the Roman ruins of Hierapolis, located just beyond the thermal pools.
-
What is the itinerary for the day at Gallipoli?
The day at Gallipoli includes exploring ANZAC Cove and visiting various memorials and cemeteries such as Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. The tour covers significant WW1 battlefields and fortified trenches, providing insight into the historical events that took place there.
-
What is the accommodation arrangement for the night of the ANZAC Day service?
On the night of the ANZAC Day service, accommodation is provided at the Dawn Service site at ANZAC Cove, allowing participants to fully experience the atmosphere of the ANZAC Eve vigil.
-
What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
-
Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
-
Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Saturday
Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 600 USD 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 on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.