ANZAC 2025 Memorial Tour of Turkey
ANZAC Day Gallipoli 2025. 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 2025.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Istanbul
Day 1 Istanbul
Wed 16th April 2025. 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.
Day 2 Istanbul - Old City Tour
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 Sophia (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.
Day 3 Cappadocia
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.
Day 4 Cappadocia's Goreme Valley
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.
Day 5 Konya's Whirling Dervish Museum
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.
Day 6 Pamukkale & Ephesus
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.
Day 7 Roman Ruins of Pergamum
Day 7 Roman Ruins of Pergamum
Kusadasi - Pergamum - Assos. 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 Assos.
Day 8 Gallipoli - WW1 Battlefields
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.
Day 9 Troy & ANZAC Eve
Day 9 Troy & ANZAC Eve
Assos – 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.
Day 10 ANZAC Day - Gallipoli 2025
Day 10 ANZAC Day - Gallipoli 2025
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 2025 national memorial services at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair are subject to confirmation.
Day 11 Istanbul
Day 11 Istanbul
Sat 26th April 2025. You tour ends after breakfast and hotel check out. We hope you have had a wonderful holiday in Turkey and a memorable ANZAC Day 2025 experience.
Tour Highlights
Included
Not Included
Prices & Dates
Hotels
This impressive 5-star hotel is located in the upmarket Beyoglu district of Istanbul and a free shuttle is provided to the city centre, home to the Grand Bazaar, Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sofia, amongst other attractions. Rooms at the DoubleTree by Hilton are elegant and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows, ensuite bathrooms, air-conditioning and a flatscreen TV. Some rooms feature a balcony. There is free Wi-Fi at the property and amenities include an indoor pool with whirlpool, fitness centre and sun terrace. There are two onsite restaurants and a daily breakfast buffet.
Burcu Kaya Hotel, nestled in Cappadocia's Ortahisar District, offers an enchanting stay with its outdoor pool overlooking fairy chimneys, charming stone rooms, and a peaceful garden. The air-conditioned rooms combine authentic decor with modern comforts like flat-screen TVs, minibars, and private bathrooms with complimentary toiletries. Guests can enjoy meals prepared with locally sourced ingredients at the on-site restaurant or relax with a drink by the lobby bar's fireplace. The hotel also offers activities such as table tennis, darts, and billiards, along with 24-hour assistance. Conveniently located, the hotel is a 5-minute walk from Ortahisar town center.
Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel is ideally located just a short drive from the Pamukkale Travertines surrounded by mountains. Guest rooms are modern and comfortable equipped with private bathrooms, air conditioning and satellite tv channels. There is a restaurant and bar onsite offering Turkish and international cuisine. The hotel features a Thermal Pool, Outdoor Swimming Pool, 2 Red Thermal Pools, Turkish bath and sauna as well as an array of luxurious spa treatments to indulge in after a day of sightseeing.
Set within beautifully landscaped gardens and boasting an incredible panoramic view of the Aegean Coast, the Ramada Hotel & Suites is the perfect place to relax and soak up the sun by its large outdoor pool, or pamper yourself at the spa. Comfort is guaranteed in the spacious guest rooms, which are modern and well equipped. The hotel offers a choice of three bars, a buffet restaurant and an à la carte restaurant, serving tasty Italian cuisine. A variety of bars and restaurants can also be found within walking distance of the hotel, near Kusadasi's pretty marina.
The Eden Gardens hotel is a wonderful beachfront hotel located near to the historical town of Assos, surrounded by forest. Guest rooms are contemporary offering private bathrooms, satellite tv channels and a balcony with a sea or garden view. There is a restaurant onsite that serves local Turkish dishes using fresh local ingredients. The property also features a swimming pool, private beach, fitness centre and spa - the perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing.
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 spacious guest rooms en suite facilities, air conditioning, flat-screen satellite TV and a minibar. Those looking for a bite to eat can check out the hotel restaurant, which serves a tasty breakfast buffet and offers an a la carte menu at lunch and dinner. There is also a hotel bar and room service is available.
Tour Reviews
Wonderful tour and fantastic tour guide, couldn’t have wished for more. The only disappointment was the accommodation in Cappadocia, apparently we were upgraded however the accommodation (guest rooms) were absolutely filthy, also the air con didn’t work or the fridge. There was no ventilation so we had to leave our door open with chain on which is not acceptable. The floor was so filthy we had to wear jandles at all times. Talking to the other guests they thought their rooms, especially the floors were filthy and also had issues with amenities. Our bathroom/toilet also had an awful smell, smelt like a men’s public urinal. We had to spend 2 nights in this accommodation, all the other accommodations were wonderful however this particular one certainly let the tour down. Would also like to say our guide and bus driver were absolutely amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour, it was just a shame about the Cappadocia accommodation or the tour would have been perfect.
The tour, guide and driver were fantastic. The Blue Mosque was closed on the day of the tour which was disappointing. I also would ask On the Go tours admin to review the pre tour options ie the spice market and cruise as they are duplicated again in other tours. The back street tours goes to the spice markets and the cruise is undertaken during the main tour. The guide however for the spice market tour and cruise was very good. Also some consideration should be given to the ballooning operator and people were getting better prices independently sometimes up to $400 cheaper
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.
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
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.
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