Classical Turkey with Anzac Commemorations
Coach Tour (min 2 / max 28 passengers)
11 Days ex Istanbul
Departs: 23 April 2025 This special departure of our very popular Classical Turkey coach tour is timed to experience the moving Anzac Day commemorations. It offers a meaningful moment for New Zealand and Australian participants to honour their ancestors who bravely fought at Gallipoli during World War I. After attending the Anzac Day Commemorations embark on a journey through Turkey, exploring some of its most remarkable destinations. Marvel at the vivid colours of exotic Istanbul, awesome scenery of Cappadocia, the other-worldly landscape of Pamukkale, and the antiquity of Ephesus.
Highlights:
- Participate in the Commemorative Dawn Service, a moving experience at Gallipoli, where some say three nations discovered their identity
- Be captivated by the exotic allure of Istanbul
- Discover a millennia old underground sanctuary city amongst the moonscape of Cappadocia
- Visit one of the largest and best-preserved Seljuk caravanserai in Turkey
- Marvel at the surreal beauty of Pamukkale's landscapes
- Delve into the ancient sites of Ephesus and Selcuk, home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
- Itinerary
- Accommodation
- Important Information Day 1 - Wed 23rd April: Istanbul Arrive Istanbul Airport. On arrival you will be met by a representative of our local agent and transferred to your tour hotel where accommodation is reserved for one night on a bed and breakfast basis. Tonight meet your tour companions at a welcome briefing hosted by your tour director. IMPORTANT NOTES: The itinerary for 23rd, 24th, 25th April is subject to change due to security measures at the Gallipoli Peninsula. On the night prior to the Dawn Service the time for departure will be confirmed in Istanbul. Due to security measures, there will be a long walk to the dawn service. It is a steep uphill walk between Anzac Cove and Chunuk Bair therefore essential that you are able to walk up to 7- 8 km unaided. Toilet facilities on the Peninsula will be basic (port-a-loo style). Day 2 - Thu 24th April: Istanbul - Gallipoli - Anzac Cove (B) Morning at leisure. In the afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel and driven west to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Dinner (own arrangements) in Canakkale, followed by a late evening departure to Anzac Cove, where you will join the gathering crowd and immerse yourself in the atmosphere. It is a night filled with anticipation and a night where sleep is not on the agenda. (Note: There is no accommodation tonight). Day 3 - Fri 25th April: Anzac Day Commemorations - Istanbul (B )
This profoundly emotional day begins at dawn. Participate in the commemorative Dawn Service to remember and honour the countless lives lost. Following the Dawn Service, pay your respects at the battlefields and join the international services. In the afternoon drive back to Istanbul where accommodation is reserved for two nights. NOTE: There is at least a 7km walk to Chunuk Bair. You will pass through various security measures before attending the official ANZAC commemorations. Prepare to be patient during security procedures. A light breakfast box is provided today. Day 4 - Sat 26th April: Istanbul (B)
Embark on a full day guided tour of some of the best sites of Istanbul, the city where east meets west. Originally founded as Byzantium, then known as Constantinople, after Constantine the Great, Istanbul is home to many fascinating sites. The first stop on your tour is Topkapi Palace Museum, residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1453 to 1852. Continue to the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616 and famous for its blue ceramic tiles; the Hippodrome which was once the centre of life where chariot racing and other public events took place; and view the incredible Hagia Sophia Mosque from the outside - originally built in 537ad this marvel of engineering is famed for the giant dome, an incredible feat for the time period and considered as one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Your last stop will be the famous Grand Bazaar. With over 60 streets and 4000 shops, there is a bargain to be found for everyone here. Day 5 - Sun 27th April: Istanbul - Cappadocia (BD)
After breakfast depart for Cappadocia. Take a picturesque trip along the Salt Lake, one of the largest hypersaline lakes in the world, before arriving in Cappadocia for an overnight stay. Day 6 - Mon 28th April: Cappadocia (BL)
Optional (supplement applies): Early morning Balloon tour
Embark on a full day excursion in Cappadocia, famous for its distinctive rock formations (referred to as 'fairy chimneys'), amazing caves and historical history. Visit the Kaymakli Underground City, the Open Air Museum in Goreme and the incredible natural fort
- Price:
- $4,739