Anzac Day Tour-12 Days
12 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Cappadocia, İstanbul, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kuşadası, Ayvalık, Pergamon Ancient City, Gallipoli Peninsula
Tour operator:
Tour code:
AN-12
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
25 - 30
Age range:
18-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a 12-day Anzac Day Tour that takes you through the vibrant and historic landscapes of Turkey. Begin your journey in Istanbul, where you'll explore the bustling city and the serene Princes' Islands. Experience the rich history of Cappadocia with its underground cities and fairy chimneys, and marvel at the natural beauty of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle pools. Discover the ancient wonders of Ephesus and Pergamum, and relax in the charming seaside town of Ayvalik. The highlight of the tour is an unforgettable Dawn Service at ANZAC Cove, where you'll camp under the stars and pay tribute to the soldiers of Gallipoli. With comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and a mix of included and optional activities, this cultural and youth-focused tour offers a unique blend of history, nature, and camaraderie.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star
Welcome to Turkey! At the Istanbul airport terminal keep your eyes peeled for the Travel Talk sign for your transfer to the hotel.
Meet in the hotel reception between 7pm to 8pm (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.
Accommodation
Antik Hotel – 4 Star
Included Activities
Welcome Meeting
Optional Activities
Group Dinner
Day 2: Istanbul, Princess Islands
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, we will take a ferry from Istanbul to Büyükada and explore the largest of the Princes Islands.
See lavish mansions and summer villas, and beautiful natural scenery, as you sit back and relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Accommodation
Antik Hotel – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing in Princess Islands
Day 3: Istanbul City Tour, Bosphorus Cruise
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Ottoman Legacy Hotel – 5 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation
Antik Hotel – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
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 1700 TL
Day 4: Istanbul, Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia, İstanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation
Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Derinkuyu Underground City
Optional Activities
Turkish Bath Experience - 30 EUR
Entrance Fees
Derinkuyu Underground City - 13 EUR
Day 5: Cappadocia
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation
Avrasya Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
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
Day 6: Cappadocia, Ihlara, Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Tripolis Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation
Tripolis Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
Photo Break over the Ihlara Valley
Day 7: Pamukkale, Ephesus, Selçuk
Location: Ephesus, Kuşadası, Pamukkale
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Marina Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
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.
Accommodation
Signature Blue Resort - 5 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Pamukkale White Terraces
Sightseeing of Ephesus Ancient City
Entrance Fees
Pamukkale White Terraces - 30 EUR
Ephesus Ancient City - 40 EUR
Day 8: Selçuk, Pergamum, Ayvalık
Location: Ayvalık, Pergamon Ancient City
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hotel Grand Temizel - 5 Star
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we continue to Pergamum, and 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.
Accommodation
Hotel Grand Temizel - 5 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast, Dinner
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Asklepion Ancient City
Entrance Fees
Asklepion Ancient City - 13 EUR
Day 9: Ayvalik, Troy, Gallipoli (Overnight At Anzac Cove)
Location: Gallipoli Peninsula
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we will depart for the 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.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of the ancient city of Troy
Entrance Fees
Troy Ancient City - 27 EUR
Day 10: Dawn Service, Gallipoli, National Ceremonies, Canakkale
Location: Gallipoli Peninsula
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Troia Tusan Hotel - 4 Star
Meals Included: Dinner
We will wake before the break of dawn and watch as the sun rise over the battlefield, we will 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.
Accommodation
TBC
Meals Included
Dinner
Included Activities
Dawn Ceremony
National Ceremonies
Day 11: Canakkale, Gallipoli, Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Legacy Ottoman Hotel - 5 Sta
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
Accommodation
Antik Hotel – 4 Star
Meals Included
Breakfast
Included Activities
Sightseeing of Anzac Cove
Sightseeing of Beach Cemetery
Sightseeing of Lone Pine
Sightseeing of Chunuk Bair
Sightseeing of War Trenches
Day 12: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our trip will end in Istanbul after we say goodbye to our new friends over breakfast and check-out of the hotel by 11:00am.
Meals Included
Breakfast
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in 5, 4, and 3 star hotels throughout the tour.
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Meals
Enjoy 10 breakfasts and 6 dinners during the tour.
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Transportation
Travel in an air-conditioned coach and enjoy a Bosphorus boat trip.
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Airport Transfer(s)
Arrival airport transfer is provided on the first day of the trip.
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Tour Guiding
Benefit from the services of an experienced guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
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Anzac Hoodie
Receive a Travel Talk ANZAC hoodie as part of the tour package.
What's Not Included
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to various sites are not included in the tour package.
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Tipping and Gratuities
Tipping and gratuities are not included and are at your discretion.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities are available but not included in the tour package.
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Items of a Personal Nature
Personal expenses are not covered in the tour package.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be arranged separately.
Add Ons
Local Payment: £0
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with an air-conditioned coach, enjoy a scenic Bosphorus boat trip, and benefit from an arrival airport transfer on the first day of the trip, ensuring a seamless and comfortable journey.
Accommodation
Enjoy a comfortable stay in a mix of 5, 4, and 3-star hotels throughout the tour, including the Ottoman Legacy Hotel, Avrasya Hotel, Tripolis Hotel, and Marina Hotel, ensuring a relaxing and luxurious experience.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides accommodation in 5, 4, and 3-star hotels throughout the trip.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour includes 10 breakfasts and 6 dinners.
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses an air-conditioned coach for transportation and includes a Bosphorus boat trip.
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Is there an airport transfer included in the tour?
Yes, an arrival airport transfer is provided on the first day of the trip.
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Will there be a guide during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes the services of an experienced guide licensed by the Ministry of Tourism.
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Is there any special clothing provided for the tour?
Yes, a Travel Talk ANZAC hoodie is provided as part of the tour.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Gallipoli?
The highlight is the unforgettable Dawn Service spent camping out by ANZAC Cove for sunrise over the battlefields.
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What activities are included in the visit to Cappadocia?
In Cappadocia, the tour includes sightseeing of Derinkuyu Underground City, Goreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley, Uchisar, and Cavusin.
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What can I expect to see at Pamukkale?
At Pamukkale, you will see the Cotton Castle pools, which are one of the world's most magical natural hot springs, and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
There are always single travellers on our tours. If you don't mind being roomed with another single traveller of the same gender, then you do not need to pay a single supplement, however, this excludes all of our North American tours where the sharing option for a solo traveller is not available, and the single supplement must be applied if you are travelling alone. The single supplement is for travellers who would like to stay in a private room for the duration of the tour. PLEASE NOTE: The single private option is not always available, especially for sailing tours and camping.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
Our tours are suitable for any traveller above 18 years old. The majority of Travel Talkers are from the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada or Europe, however we always have travellers from all over the world. What brings them together is a passion for travel, discovering authentic cultures and experiencing unique adventures with like-minded travellers.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
At Travel Talk, we believe that travel is a force for good and show our support through various initiatives and charity organizations, as well as keeping the principals of responsible and sustainable travel at the core of our ethos. These values are engrained in our business culture and the design of our trips just the same. Together with our guests, we strive to make a positive impact on local p
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Over 20 years
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Wednesday - Sunday
Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Travel Talk Tours allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 61 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Travel Talk Tours requires a minimum deposit of 100 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 travel talk tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 85% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.