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  • ANZAC DAY

Anzac Cove
Istanbul Blue Mosque
Pamukkale

Turkey

Classical Turkey with Anzac Commemorations 2025

Classical Turkey with Anzac Commemorations 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 honor 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, mythology of Troy and the antiquity of Ephesus.


Your inclusions

  • 10 nights accommodation with private facilities
  • Arrival & Departure Istanbul (IST) Airport transfers on Day 1&11
  • Flight from Izmir to Istanbul (Economy class)
  • Air-conditioned transportation
  • Meals as indicated on itinerary (B breakfast, L lunch, D dinner)
  • Sightseeing as per itinerary
  • Professional English speaking guides


Your itinerary

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.

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. (There is no accommodation tonight).

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. A light breakfast box is provided today. 

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 (excluding the harem). 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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

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  • 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

 

Recommended by
Jessica

Hayley

Room Types

10 night small group tour

10 night small group tour

from $4739 per person share twin

  • Departs: 23 Apr 25
  • From $7099 per solo traveller

International flights are additional

Terms & Conditions

Sales until sold out. Prices and availability are subject to change without notice until time of confirmation. Prices displayed are per person, based on two people travelling together unless stated otherwise. All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Supplement applies for transfer to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport) and for pre-post-stay transfers). Prices are based on payment by cash or eftpos. Credit card fees will apply. Amendment and cancellation fees apply. Airfares are not included and are at an additional cost. Travel insurance is mandatory. Payment deadlines and conditions apply. FINANCE CONDITIONS: Lending criteria, fees, terms & conditions apply. Offer available for bookings made with House of Travel only. Not available for bookings made with MixandMatch. For finance terms and conditions visit hot.co.nz/payment-options. For full terms and conditions please ask your House of Travel Consultant. Supplier code: Innovative

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