Tour Description

Anzac Day Commemorations at Gallipoli

25 April 2025

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 fortress in Uchisar. Lunch today in a local restaurant. There will be an opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets, Turkish tiles, onyx, and potteries. Overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Optional (supplement applies): Night Tour with a Turkish Show and dinner

Day 7 – Tue 29th April: Cappadocia – Konya – Pamukkale (BD)

Early departure for Pamukkale. Pamukkale, meaning “Cotton Castle” in Turkish, derived its name from the striking natural landscape and is famous for its travertine terraces made from minerals deposited by thermal waters. En-route visit the 13th century Seljukian masterpiece, Sultanhan Caravanserai – one of the best examples of Seljuk architecture in Turkey and one of the largest medieval caravanserai in the country. These caravanserai were built to shelter the caravaneers, their animals and cargo and keep them safe from highwaymen as they travelled along the ancient Silk Route. Proceed to Konya where you will visit the Mausoleum of Mevlana, housing the tomb of Mevlana Rumi the great 13th-century Sufi poet and founder of the Mevlevi (Whirling) Dervish order. Continue to Pamukkale for an overnight stay.

Day 8 – Wed 30th April: Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Kusadasi (BD)

Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis, with its spectacular ruins and magnificent Necropolis, one of the best preserved in Turkey offering an insight into the funerary practices of the Greco-Roman era. Marvel at the spectacular lime terraces cascading down the side of the hill before travelling on to Selcuk to visit the Temple of Artemis ”one of the seven wonders of the ancient world”. Proceed to Kusadasi for a two night stay.

Day 9 – Thu 1st May: Kusadasi – Ephesus – Sirince – Kusadasi (BLD)

Today discover the ancient city of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of Turkey’s most significant ancient cities. Explore its marbled streets, visit the magnificent Library of Celsus, the impressive open-air Amphitheatre, and the Temple of Hadrian dating back to the 2nd Century. Lunch today will be in a nomadic tent in Selcuk to taste Turkish Gozleme. Continue to the village of Sirince, where you can experience one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey and take the opportunity to taste their delicious wines, before returning to Kusadasi.

Day 10 – Fri 2nd May: Kusadasi – Izmir – Istanbul (B)

This morning you will be transferred to Izmir Airport for your flight to Istanbul. On arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel where accommodation has been reserved for one night.

Day 11 – Sat 3rd May: Istanbul (B)

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

TOUR INCLUSIONS:

Arrival transfer from Istanbul (IST) Airport only on Day 1. Departure transfer to Istanbul (IST) airport only on Day 11 – shuttles at 9.00am or 1.00pm. (Note: supplements apply for transfers from/to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport)
Moderate-First and First Class hotels with private facilities
Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle
Complimentary 4G Wi-fi internet service onboard the coach
Economy Class domestic air ticket Izmir/Istanbul
Meals and sightseeing as indicated on the itinerary
Professional English-speaking guides
Entrance fees
Porterage at hotels
Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

TOUR EXCLUSIONS:

International airfares
Optional tours and excursions
Porterage
Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
Personal Expenses
Departure taxes
Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
Visas (unless specified)
Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Accommodation based on the below (or similar)

Istanbul

Radisson Hotel President Hotel – 23rd April

Titanic City Hotel – 25th & 26th April

Cappadocia

Dinler Urgup Hotel

Pamukkale

Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel

Kusadasi

Richmond Efes Resort

Istanbul

Kent Hotel

Double Beds
Please note a double bedded room can be requested but cannot be guaranteed. In Turkey double rooms are very limited.

Dress Codes
Modest dress is required for entrance to holy sites – Men: Long pants, Women – skirt or long pants and shoulders covered.

Hotels
On coach tours, hotels in regional areas (i.e Pamukkale) can be of a slightly lower standard than the other hotels on the tour.

Optional Tours
Optional tours offered during coach tours may not be guaranteed (even if pre-booked ex New Zealand) as they are subject to a minimum number of participants.

Porterage
Porterage for one suitcase is included in the tour price. Due to limited coach capacity, the single bag should not exceed the dimensions of 30”x18”x10” and not weigh more than 50lbs (25kg).

Sightseeing
All sightseeing tours require a moderate amount of walking around historical / cultural sites. This is particularly true in Cappadocia where walks can be up to 1 or 2 km long and where a good level of fitness will ensure you get a maximum enjoyment from your visit. On some tours you may visit a carpet or handicraft shop where the locals will show how their crafts are made. There is no obligation to buy any products at any of these places.

Transfers

Airport transfers are included on days of the tour ex Istanbul (IST) Airport, a surcharge will apply for transfers to or from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport. Departure transfer will be via scheduled shuttle at either 9.00am or 1.00pm. Private transfers at alternate times will incur a surcharge. Transfers are operated by drivers and are not guided. If arriving or departing Istanbul on any days other than the arrival or departure days of the tour, transfers are not included.

Enquire About This Itinerary

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.

Priced From:

$ 4739pp ^*