Anzac Cove Beach | Anzac Day | Turkey
FROM: USD $2,035 pp

ANZAC Day Gallipoli 2023. Starts: 16th April. Take in the highlights of Turkey and attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli on this 11 day tour. Marvel at the spectacular landscape of Cappadocia and discover the remarkable Roman ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum. See Istanbul's iconic Blue Mosque and paddle in Pammukale's thermal pools. Visit legendary Troy and Gallipoli's WW1 battlefields, before commemorating the brave ANZACs on ANZAC Day in 2023.

Inclusions
Itinerary
Prices & Dates
Hotels
Reviews

Trip Highlights

ANZAC Service Site - Attend the ANZAC eve vigil on the Gallipoli Peninsula and as the sun rises, pay your respects at the Dawn Service
Istanbul - Take in the highlights of Istanbul including the iconic Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia mosque and the Underground Cistern
Pamukkale - Paddle in the thermal waters flowing down the white travertine terraces
Konya - Visit the Mevlana Museum (or Green Mausoleum) and discover the original home of a mystical Sufi Muslim group and their founder Mevlana
Troy - Enjoy a short tour of the famous city of Homeric legend and see the giant replica Trojan Horse
Gallipoli Peninsula - Learn about the Gallipoli Campaign, explore the WW1 battlefields, memorial sites and ANZAC Cove
Cappadocia - Delight in surreal landscapes, hermit cave villages and World Heritage Listed Goreme Valley with its rock cut churches and Zelve Monastery
Ephesus & Pergamum - Roam around the Roman ruins of ancient Ephesus, with its spectacular Library of Celsus and the hillside amphitheatre at Pergamum
Kilitbahir - Admire the imposing fortress on the west side of the Dardanelles built to control the strait at its narrowest point
Silk Road from Konya - Stop off at the traditional roadside inn of Sultanhan Caravanserai, a resting point of former weary travellers

Included

9 breakfasts and 4 dinners
1 night at the Dawn Service site
Guided sightseeing of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, Hagia Sofia (exterior), Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome area and Egyptian Spice Market
Cruise along Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul
Airport arrival transfer on day 1 from Istanbul International Airport at any time, or from Sabiha Gokcen Airport at 11am and 3pm only
9 nights 4 - 5 star hotels
Guided sightseeing of Ephesus, Pergamum, Pammukale/Hierapolis and Cappadocia
Guided sightseeing of Gallipoli, battlefields and war memorials (subject to site opening times set by the Anzac Day Organising Committee)
English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide
All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles

Not Included

International flights and visa
Tip for your tour guide and driver: as a guideline we recommend you budget USD $5 - 7 per day, per traveller for your guide and USD $2 per day, per traveller for your driver. Tipping your tour guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture
Tipping Kitty: USD$40pp, paid in local currency
Attendance Pass for ANZAC. Please see the Trip Notes for information on how to obtain your attendance pass - these are free of charge but need to be registered for in advance
Entrance Fees: USD$130-140pp, paid in local currency

Itinerary

Day 1

Istanbul

Sun 16th April 2023. 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.
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 2

Istanbul - Old City Tour

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 Sofia (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.
Overnight: Istanbul  |  Breakfast

Day 3

Cappadocia

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.
Overnight: Cappadocia  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4

Cappadocia's Goreme Valley

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.
Overnight: Cappadocia  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5

Konya's Whirling Dervish Museum

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.
Overnight: Pamukkale  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 6

Pamukkale & Ephesus

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.
Overnight: Kusadasi  |  Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7

Roman Ruins of Pergamum

Kusadasi - Pergamum - Ayvalik. 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 Ayvalik.
Overnight: Ayvalik  |  Breakfast

Day 8

Gallipoli - WW1 Battlefields

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.
Overnight: Ayvalik / Canakkale   |  Breakfast

Day 9

Troy & ANZAC Eve

Ayvalik – 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.
Overnight: Dawn Service site (ANZAC Cove)  |  Breakfast

Day 10

ANZAC Day - Gallipoli 2023

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 2023 national memorial services at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair are subject to confirmation.
Overnight: Istanbul

Day 11

Istanbul

Wed 26th April 2023. You tour ends after breakfast and hotel check out. We hope you have had a wonderful holiday in Turkey and a memorable ANZAC Day 2023 experience.
Breakfast

Prices & Dates

Departure dates are guaranteed with a minimum of 4 persons. 'Twin Share' prices are per person when there are 2 people sharing a room. 'Single Room' prices are applicable to those who don’t have anyone to share a room with or anyone wanting the privacy of a single room.

Available
Contact us to book
Not Available
2023
Twin Share
Single Room
USD $2,035
USD $2,705

Extra Prices

Twin Share
Single Room
Pre-Tour Accommodation
USD $115
USD $215
Post Tour Accommodation
USD $115
USD $215
Cappadocia by Night
USD $125
N/A

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard.

Kent Hotel, Istanbul

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 4 Star Hotel

The charming Kent Hotel is a great example of contemporary design and a friendly atmosphere. Guest rooms are superbly equipped with modern facilities including Wi-Fi connectivity, state of the art technology and bright marbled bathrooms. Enjoying a delicious Turkish meal at the in house Calcedoine Restaurant after a hard days sightseeing is highly recommended. The hotel is also fantastically located within a 10-minute walk of the Grand Bazaar and Old Town in the Bayazit area in the European side of Istanbul.

Crowne Plaza Nevsehir, Cappadocia

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

Situated only 15 minutes from the UNESCO World Heritage-listed site of Goreme, this modern hotel boasts an excellent location in Cappadocia. Its guestrooms are located in quiet zones to ensure you have a restful sleep and offer modern amenities including free WiFi so you can stay connected to friends and family back home. Guests can unwind in the indoor pool or book a revitalizing treatment at the onsite spa centre. A rich breakfast is served in the Gurme Restaurant, then for dinner head to the a la carte Manzara Roof Restaurant on the top floor for some delicious international cuisine.

Dinler Hotel, Cappadocia

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

The Dinler Hotel is conveniently located in Urgup, at the heart of Turkey's spectacular Cappadocia region. This large hotel offers comfortable guest rooms, with wonderful views of Urgup or the historic Kayakapi neighbourhood. Each of the rooms is equipped with an en suite bathroom and modern amenities including LCD satellite TV, free WiFi and 24-hour room service. There's no shortage of places to drink and dine at the Dinler Hotel which has a choice of five bars, a patisserie in the lobby and two restaurants. Enjoy a generous buffet breakfast at the Urgup restaurant and fine dining at Avanos, which offers Turkish and international cuisine. After a busy day of sightseeing, head back to the hotel for a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool or a sauna and Turkish bath at the fitness centre.

Pamukkale Doga Thermal Hotel , Pamukkale

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

Complete with both indoor and outdoor pools, the Doga Thermal Hotel is a modern hotel with excellent amenities. Guest rooms are bright and spacious with wonderful en suite facilities. There is complimentary Wi-Fi offered throughout and a sumptuous buffet served for breakfast and dinner. The spa facilities on offer include sauna, Turkish bath, hot spring bath, massage treatments and a fittness centre.

Richmond Ephesus Resort Hotel, Kusadasi

Our Category: Deluxe   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

With a beautiful sandy beach lining the shore between the hotel and the sea, the Richmond Ephesus Hotel is a perfect place to relax. Take a dip in one of the two pools or enjoy a delicious dinner and drink at one of the three restaurants. Rooms are spacious and comfortable with air conditioning throughout the hotel.

Halic Park Ayvalik, Ayvalik

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

Located just 230 metres from a beautiful Blue Flag beach on Cunda Island and 6km from the centre of Ayvalik, the Halik Park Ayvalik is the ideal place to enjoy some rest and relaxation by the Aegean Sea. Leisure facilities include a large outdoor pool with slides, an indoor pool, tennis court and a fitness centre. The hotel's spacious, en suite guestrooms are equipped with modern amenities including free WiFi, air conditioning, LCD TVs and a seating area. Each of the rooms also benefits from having a furnished balcony, some with panoramic sea views. Guests can take a stroll along the beach and soak up the sunshine at the landscaped pool area. Enjoy delicious cakes and refreshing drinks from the poolside bar and patisserie and dine on fresh seafood and tasty Turkish cuisine at the hotel restaurant.

Parion Hotel, Canakkale

Our Category: Superior   |   Regional Category: 5 Star Hotel

The Parion is an elegant property situated in the heart of Canakkale on the southern coast of the Dardanelles in Turkey. The hotel features 162 guest rooms and suites with en suit facilities, air conditioning, flat-screen satellite TV and a fully stocked minibar. Those looking for a bite to eat can check out the hotel restaurant, which serves a breakfast buffet and a la carte menus at lunch and dinner. There is also a hotel bar and room service is available.

Reviews

Travellers have rated this tour as 4.67 out of 5 based on 6 recent reviews

1  |  2  |  3

Murat was a fabulous tour guide - the right mix of detailed information also mixed with personal and cultural information. He was very organised, extremely pleasant to deal with - nothing was ever a problem. He went above and beyond many times, serving us meals at some very bus restaurants to help out.

The ancient sites were incredible - my only complaint was that I could not stay longer!

Some of the hotels were not very comfortable but I think this being a very busy time with the Anzac Centenary there was a shortage of accommodation of this standard.

• Submitted 22 Jun 2016
Tour
Guide
Country

Yesterday I received two hoodies regarding the celebration of the above mentioned Tour.

I wish to thank you for your follow up of these items. On the tour our bus only had S, M, and a few L, which only fitted a few people. Disappointing at the time.

Having received your correspondence previously regarding the tour (which I thought was excellent) I will now be shouting your praises as to the fact that your company followed through completing our experience of our holiday.

And leaving us with a wonderful memento of our trip.

Again many thanks and every success with your Tours of Turkey.

Kind regards,

Robyn Harris

Mt. Waverley Vic. 3149

• Submitted 16 Jun 2016
Tour
Guide
Country

Thought the entire tour was excellent. Metin was a wonderful tour leader, his knowledge on history and the areas visited was great. Metin showed a friendly nature, care for each one on the tour, his answers to questions were complete and helpful. Metin has a good sense of humour enjoyed by all on tour. I thought Metin was one outstanding tour leader. Our coach driver was also friendly + approachable and his driving skills were excellent.

Troy Jankowski • Submitted 21 May 2016

Metin was a fantastic guide! He was not only informative and knew so much about this history of the places we were visiting but was also hilarious and fun! We loved our time on the tour and don't think it would have been the same without Metin.

• Submitted 19 May 2016
Tour
Guide
Country

Metin really made the trip a never to be forgotten experience for me. We normally do our own organisation on our overseas trips, but this tour with On The Go gives me a new perspective on our future overseas holidays. The coach driver was also excellent.

Michael Walsh • Submitted 17 May 2016

Metin was excellent. He is very knowledgeable with Turkish history & the local history of areas and citiess we visited. Metin has a great sense of humour which gave us all a laugh from time to time. Thank you Metin for a great tour. Also a big thank you to our coach driver Yüksel.

Carol Peters • Submitted 13 May 2016

Fantastic time learning about a country that I had limited knowledge of. Metin has been a ripper in expressing his knowledge of locations, history, tips at places, a real pleasure. Have felt safe and comfortable all trip.

Phillip Barnes • Submitted 10 May 2016

I thought the tour was great, we saw a lot of the country & Murat was a very good guide who made sure we were looked after and went out of his way to help u & to make sure we enjoyed ourselves. The only problem with the tour it was that it was NOT long enough, it would have been great to spend more time in soem places so we migth have to go back again in a few years to see it again.

• Submitted 09 Jun 2015
Tour
Guide
Country

I had a fantastic time!! 2 weeks went by so fast because we were having such a good time, everyone on my tour (bus C) was friendly, on time, and easy to get along with. Loved all the sights we saw & felt very well looked after by tour guide & driver - had not travelled with on the go before, was very impressed with every aspect.

• Submitted 18 May 2015
Tour
Guide
Country

Reggie was amazing, he was extremely informative, fun and nothing was to much trouble for him. He really made us feel very comfortable and safe. I loved all the local eating,I would never normally risk eating local food when travelling............I truly got to experience the entirety of Turkey.

I am going to miss his cheeriness when I go home

xxxxx

• Submitted 25 Apr 2015
Tour
Guide
Country
1  |  2  |  3

In Brief

Range
Trip Type
Starts
Istanbul
Ends
Istanbul
Departs
16th April 2023
Group Size
Min 4 / Max 24
Hotel Rating
4 - 5 star
Tour Guide
Yes - escorted by a tour guide
Meals
Breakfast: 9, Dinner: 4
Visiting
Istanbul, Cappadocia, Pamukkale, Kusadasi, Ayvalik, Canakkale, Eceabat & Gallipoli
Countries
Sunset painting the sky orange in Istanbul
Sunset painting the sky orange in Istanbul
Hot air balloons floating over the stunning landscape of Cappadocia
The salt encrusted pools at Pamukkale
Coastline and sparkling blue water of Ayvalik
Sunset behind the Gallipoli Castle
Hot air balloons floating over the stunning landscape of Cappadocia
Sunset painting the sky orange in Istanbul

Tour Add-ons

Enhance your trip with these amazing added extras and add-ons

Extra Tour Info

ANZAC Travel Tips
Get the most out of your visit to Turkey over ANZAC Day
The Gallipoli Campaign
Learn more about the Gallipoli Campaign and the battalions
Beginner's Guide to ANZAC
Discover what happened at Gallipoli back in 1915
Updated
18th October 2021

Murat was a fabulous tour guide - the right mix of detailed information also mixed with personal and cultural information. He was very organised, extremely pleasant to deal with - nothing was ever a problem. He went above and beyond many times, serving us meals at some very bus restaurants to help out.

The ancient sites were incredible - my only complaint was that I could not stay longer!

Some of the hotels were not very comfortable but I think this being a very busy time with the Anzac Centenary there was a shortage of accommodation of this standard.

Melissa Jones
OTG000151Anzac 2023 Memorial Tour of Turkey - 11 daysEuropeSignatureEuropefalse0ANZAC Dayhttps://www.onthegotours.com/Turkey/ANZAC-2023-Memorial-Tour-of-Turkey-11-dayshttps://www.onthegotours.com/repository/AnzacSmokoItineraryMainWithTurkeyHighlightsAnzacDay-50911243424180_crop_flip_300_300_f2f2f2_center-center.jpgANZAC_Day_2023_Tours