Gallipoli - Anzac Cemetary
Istanbul - View from the Bosphorus
Goreme Town on Sunset in Cappadocia
Marvellous Turkey with Anzac Commemorations

Marvellous Turkey with Anzac Commemorations

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Anzac Day Commemorations at Gallipoli

25 April 2025

 

Coach Tour (min 2 / max 28 passengers)
15 days ex Istanbul
Departs Saturday 12 April 2025


This special departure of our Marvellous 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.

Discover the incredible history of Turkey, a land rich in culture, cuisine and heritage, the great crossroad between Europe and Asia.   A land of contrasts, from ancient sites, the WW I history of the Gallipoli Peninsula, lush cotton fields, incredible fairy chimney landscape of Cappadocia, together with a warm welcome. Discover Turkey’s magnificent southern coastline where you can immerse yourself in local village life and swim in the sparkling turquoise waters of Oludeniz's Blue Lagoon.

Highlights:
  • Be captivated by the exotic charm of Istanbul
  • Experience the historical significance of Gallipoli and participate in the Commemorative Dawn Service, a moving experience at Gallipoli, where some say three nations discovered their identity
  • Uncover the fabled city of Troy, the legendary setting of the Trojan War
  • Explore the ancient marvel of Ephesus, housing one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
  • Discover the picturesque village of Sirince
  • Witness the natural wonder of Pamukkale, often referred to as the "Cotton Castle"
  • Discover the coastal town of Koycegiz and embark on a boat ride to turtle beach
  • Explore the quaint Greek village of Kayakoy and take a swim in the Oludeniz's Blue Lagoon
  • Tour the monastery of the Whirling Dervishes, known as Mervlana, in Konya
  • Discover an ancient underground sanctuary city, dating back millennia, amidst Cappadocia's otherworldly landscape

Day 1 - Saturday 12th April: Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. On arrival you will be met by a representative of our local operator and transferred to your tour hotel where accommodation is reserved for two nights on a bed and breakfast basis. Tonight meet your tour companions at a welcome briefing hosted by your tour director.

Day 2 - Sunday 13th April: Istanbul (B)

Start your discovery of Istanbul with a visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum, residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1453 to 1852.  Next, view the incredible Hagia Sophia Mosque from the outside - an incredible feat for the time period and considered as one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Continue on to the Hippodrome which was once the centre of life where chariot racing and other public events took place; then visit the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616 and famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Your last stop will be the famous Spice Market, one of the most colourful bazaars in Istanbul offering numerous spices, Turkish delights, caviar, dried nuts and more! Overnight stay in Istanbul.

Day 3 - Monday 14th April: Istanbul - Gallipoli – Canakkale (BD)

Drive west to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a special day for New Zealand and Australian travellers with a visit to Anzac Cove, Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine Cemetery and the 57th Regiment Memorial. The doomed assault on Gallipoli by New Zealand and Australian forces, in their own contingents for the first time in foreign service, is considered by many to have been the birth of national consciousness for these two countries. For the Turks, then part of the Ottoman Empire, the victory is regarded as the defining moment in the birth of the Turkish nation, with independence following just 8 years later. At the end of the tour, you will cross the Dardanelles and be transferred to your hotel in Canakkale. Overnight stay in Canakkale.

Day 4 - Tuesday 15th April: Canakkale - Troy - Pergamum – Kusadasi (BD)

Begin the day with a visit to Troy-site of the legendary Trojan War. Admire the ruins and a replica of the Trojan Horse, a wooden horse said to have been used during the Trojan War by the Greeks to enter the city of Troy and win the war. Continue on across the Ida Mountains to arrive at Pergamum, the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty. Here you will visit the impressive Acropolis of Pergamum, perched on a high, steep-sided hill - one of the highest and most magnificent Acropolis in ancient history. Continue on to Kusadasi for a two-night stay.

Day 5 - Wednesday 16th April: Kusadasi - Ephesus - Sirince – Kusadasi (BD)

This morning there will be a short drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. Visit its magnificent library, theatre and temples and stroll through some 2000-year-old marbled streets. Capture the significance of the Library of Celsius and Hadrian’s Temple. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like handmade carpets and tiles. Continue to the village of Sirince, one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. Free time for shopping or to taste the local wines. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.

Day 6 - Thursday 17th April: Kusadasi - Hierapolis – Pamukkale (BD)

Travel through the plains and cotton farms for a tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis. 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. There will be time to admire the beauty of the lime cascades and to visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight stay in Pamukkale.

Day 7 - Friday 18th April: Pamukkale - Koycegiz – Fethiye (BD)

After breakfast, drive to the lakeside town of Koycegiz where you will take a boat cruise to Turtle Beach with an opportunity to cover yourself in mud at the local mud bath. Continue on to Fethiye for dinner and overnight.

Day 8 - Saturday 19th April: Fethiye–Kayakoy Greek Village & Oludeniz–Fethiye (B)

After breakfast, explore the quaint Greek village of Kayakoy. In the afternoon there will be a short drive to Oludeniz with time for a swim at its stunning beach. Overnight Fethiye.

Optional (supplement applies): Sunset cruise with dinner

Day 9 - Sunday 20th April: Fethiye - Antalya (BD)

Embark on a morning drive to Antalya. Walk in the Old Town, see Hadrian's Gate - a triumphal arch built in the name of the Roman emperor Hadrian who visited the city in the year 130CE, and visit Duden Waterfalls in Lara. Overnight stay in Antalya.

Day 10 - Monday 21st April: Antalya - Aspendos - Konya – Cappadocia (BD)

Early departure this morning for Konya, stopping en-route at the ancient Roman Theatre in Aspendos, considered to be one of the best-preserved theatres of antiquity. Upon arrival in Konya, tour the monastery of the Mevlana Whirling Dervishes. In the afternoon journey to biblical Cappadocia via Seljuk and visit ancient caravanserai on the Silk Road-the ancient trade route. These huge stone buildings were made to shelter the caravaneers, their animals and cargo and keep them safe from highwaymen as they travelled along the ancient Silk Route. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Day 11 - Tuesday 22nd April: Cappadocia (B)

Optional (supplement applies: Early morning balloon tour

Embark on an excursion in Cappadocia, famous for its distinctive rock formations (referred to as 'fairy chimneys'), amazing caves and historical history. Visit the Kaymakli Underground City, Open Air Museum in Goreme, and natural fortress in Uchisar. Overnight in Cappadocia.

Optional (supplement applies): Turkish folklore evening with dinner is available tonight

Day 12 - Wednesday 23rd April: Cappadocia - Istanbul (B)

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul where accommodation is reserved for one night.

Day 13 - Thursday 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. (There is no hotel accommodation tonight).
 

NOTE: The itinerary for 24th & 25th April is subject to the final timings at the Gallipoli Peninsula.  

Day 14 - Friday 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 one night. (B) Note: a light breakfast box is included today

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.  

Day 15 - Saturday 26th April: 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 15 - shuttles at 9.00am or 1.00pm. (Note: supplements apply for transfer from/to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport)
  • First Class Hotel accommodation with private facilities (no hotel accommodation on night of 24th April)
  • Transportation by air-conditioned deluxe coach
  • Complimentary 4G Wi-fi internet service onboard the coach
  • Domestic air ticket Kayseri-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
  • 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 following or similar.
The hotel selection may change – please use this as a guideline only.

Istanbul (Taksim Area)

Doubletree Hilton Piyalepasa

Canakkale

Kolin Hotel

Kusadasi

Charisma De Luxe Hotel

Pamukkale

Adempira Termal & Spa Hotel

Fethiye

Marina Boutique Hotel

Antalya

Best Western Khan Hotel

Cappadocia

Crown Plaza Nevsehir

Istanbul (Old City)

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.
 

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.

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