Best of Turkey with Anzac Day
Best of Turkey with Anzac Day
$3375
Best of Turkey with Anzac Day
14 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Çanakkale, Izmir, Pamukkale, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, Göreme, Ankara
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Best of Turkey with Anzac Day" tour. Begin in the vibrant city of Istanbul, exploring iconic landmarks like the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the bustling Grand Bazaar. Pay your respects at the poignant Anzac Cove Dawn Service in Gallipoli, and delve into ancient history with visits to Troy and Ephesus. Experience the natural wonders of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia, including a stay in a rock-carved hotel. Connect with local traditions at a family-run farm in Cappadocia and enjoy the Mediterranean charm of Antalya. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and breathtaking scenery, all while staying in carefully selected accommodations and enjoying expert guidance throughout.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Arts Hotel Taksim
Meals Included: Dinner
Stand at the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia, embarking on a journey of discovery through ancient lands and the marauding empires who fought to rule it. Arriving in vibrant Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a memorable dinner to kick off your epic adventure.
Day 2: Discover Colorful Istanbul Dive Into Culture
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Arts Hotel Taksim
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend your day delving into a city where modern and ancient coexist effortlessly. Gain insights into the Ottoman Empire's power during your guided tour of the Topkapi Palace and see the 4th-century Egyptian obelisk. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. View the exquisite Blue Mosque, said to rival even the Great Mosque in Mecca. Consider an optional cruise navigating the waters of the Bosphorus.
Day 3: Journey To Troy And Çanakkale
Location: Çanakkale
Accommodation Name: Iris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Leaving Istanbul behind, you'll cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to Çanakkale. Visit the Archaeological Site of Troy and the replica wooden horse which famously ended a 10-year siege. Then, return to Çanakkale and Check in to your hotel, leaving later this evening to attend the Dawn Service.
Day 4: Experience The Poignant Anzac Cove Dawn Service
Location: Çanakkale
Accommodation Name: Iris
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Witness the stirring dawn tribute at Anzac Cove and pay your respects to the brave soldiers who lost their lives during poignant ceremonies held at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Return to your hotel in Çanakkale later this afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 5: Onwards To Gallipoli And Izmir
Location: Izmir
Accommodation Name: Mövenpick
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Cross the Dardanelle Strait again and visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. You'll be reminded of the sacrifices made by both sides during World War I before returning to Çanakkale and then on to Izmir where you'll spend the night.
Day 6: Explore The Ruins Of Ephesus And On To Pamukkale
Location: Pamukkale
Accommodation Name: Colossae Thermal
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Stroll through the ruins of Ephesus and see the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos before continuing to Pamukkale.
Day 7: Venture To Hierapolis And Antalya Connect With Locals
Location: Antalya
Accommodation Name: Delta Hotels by Marriott Antalya Lara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Later, we travel through scenic countryside and join the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains, where we’ll Connect With Locals and gain insights into their traditions at our Be My Guest lunch. Our stop for the next two nights is the Mediterranean retreat of Antalya. Enjoy some time on your own ambling through the winding lanes of its old city and admiring beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. This evening, join your companions for a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8: Antalya Free Time
Location: Antalya
Accommodation Name: Delta Hotels by Marriott Antalya Lara
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a day on your terms to soak up the enchanting seaside atmosphere of the Turkish Riviera, enjoy some time on your own ambling through the winding lanes of its old city and admiring beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. You may choose to embark on an optional yacht cruise and tour of Antalya's old Town as an optional experience.
Day 9: On The Road To Aspendos And Konya
Location: Konya
Accommodation Name: Dedeman
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Witness the world's best-preserved theater of antiquity during your first stop in Aspendos this morning, before continuing to Konya, where we will gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect whose remains lie in the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. We continue to the Karatay Tile Museum, spellbound by its exquisitely Seljuk-tiled dome, before returning to our hotel where we'll dine tonight.
Day 10: Continue To Cappadocia Stays With Stories
Location: Cappadocia
Accommodation Name: Exedra Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
See a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, at which weary travelers used to rest. We journey to Cappadocia with its honey-colored rocky spires providing an enchanting backdrop for our visit to the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at King’s Valley eco farm. Local host Ali shares how he created an eco farm on the very spot where his grandfather’s garden once stood, in an effort to preserve traditional farming and revive the local economy. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories located with views of the valley and ancient Ortahisar rock castle.
Day 11: A Day To Explore Spectacular Göreme Dive Into Culture
Location: Göreme
Accommodation Name: Exedra Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
The other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as we explore its volcanic landscape dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. We visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire the extraordinary rock-hewn churches and the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ. Dive Into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. This evening, indulge in the flavors of traditional pottery kebabs during a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 12: Onwards To Ankara
Location: Ankara
Accommodation Name: Grand Mercure Ankara
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Arriving in the youthful capital of Turkey today, we visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the final resting place of the country's beloved Atatürk, the first president of the modern Turkish nation. This evening we dine at our hotel in Ankara.
Day 13: Return To Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Arts Hotel Taksim
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Returning to Istanbul, Dive Into Culture with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Discover the hidden lanes and watch artisans at work while you wander the main thoroughfares. Spend some time haggling with passionate market vendors lining its labyrinthine lanes. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own. Delve into the depths of the Basilica Cistern, savor the intoxicating smells of the Spice Market or ascend Galata Tower for exquisite views of east and west. Finish the day with your Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable dinner.
Day 14: Farewell Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our epic journey into antiquity has come to an end as we bid Istanbul and newfound friends a fond farewell.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver will accompany you throughout the tour.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation in carefully selected and trusted hotels.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
Porterage and gratuities at restaurants are included.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
All tips, charges, and local taxes at hotels are covered.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
Visits to must-see sights and some surprise extras are included.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation like rail journeys.
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Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale
A ferry ride across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale is included.
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Optional Experiences and free time
Optional experiences and free time are part of the itinerary.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Optional Activities
Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the inclusions are not included.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees and related expenses are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and enjoy a ferry ride across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale.
Accommodation
Stay in cherry-picked hotels including the Arts Hotel Taksim in Istanbul, Iris in Canakkale, Movenpick in Izmir, Colossae Thermal in Pamukkale, Delta Hotels by Marriott Antalya Lara, Dedeman in Konya, and Exedra Hotel in Cappadocia.
Check out our Q&As
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What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes several unique cultural experiences such as learning about the art of pottery making in Avanos, visiting the Göreme Open-Air Museum to see rock-hewn churches and fairy chimneys, and joining the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains for a 'Be My Guest' lunch. Additionally, you will meet Ali, a local host in Cappadocia, who will share insights into traditional farming practices at his eco farm.
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What historical sites will we visit during the tour?
The tour covers numerous historical sites including the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, and the Hippodrome in Istanbul, the ancient ruins of Troy, the ancient city of Ephesus, the Cotton Castle Springs in Pamukkale, the Archaeological Museum in Antalya, the home of the Whirling Dervishes in Konya, and the underground city of Saratli. You will also visit Anzac Cove and the War Cemeteries at Gallipoli.
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Are there any special events or ceremonies included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes attending the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove, where you can witness the stirring dawn tribute and pay your respects to the soldiers who lost their lives during World War I.
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What kind of accommodations can we expect during the tour?
The tour features cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted. For example, in Cappadocia, you will stay at the Exedra Hotel, which has rooms carved from rock and features unique designs and handcrafted antiques.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals. Specific meals are provided on certain days, such as a memorable dinner on the first night in Istanbul and a Regional Dinner in Antalya.
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Is there any free time or optional activities during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes free time and optional activities. For instance, on Day 8 in Antalya, you have the option to embark on a yacht cruise and tour of Antalya's old town. Additionally, there is free time in Istanbul on the last day to explore the city on your own.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides luxury air-conditioned coach transportation with Wi-Fi in most countries. There is also a ferry ride across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale.
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What kind of support staff will be available during the tour?
An expert Travel Director and a professional Driver will accompany you throughout the tour. Additionally, audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Are there any special sustainability initiatives included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at King's Valley eco farm in Cappadocia. Local host Ali will share how he created an eco farm to preserve traditional farming practices and revive the local economy, advancing United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Monday
Apr 22, 2025 - May 05, 2025Wednesday - Tuesday
Apr 22, 2026 - May 05, 2026Book with Confidence
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions