Gallipoli on ANZAC Day
Few travel experiences are as moving as standing at Gallipoli on ANZAC Day. As the first light of dawn breaks across ANZAC Cove and the commemorations begin, it's impossible not to reflect on the courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy of those who served. For many travellers, it's a journey that carries deep personal significance and offers a powerful connection to history.
The ANZAC Day - Colonel Tour combines this unforgettable commemorative experience with a remarkable journey through Turkey. Beyond Gallipoli, the itinerary explores some of the country's most fascinating historical and cultural treasures, from the grand landmarks of Istanbul and the legendary city of Troy to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the white terraces of Pamukkale and the extraordinary landscapes of Cappadocia.
Rich in history, culture and meaningful moments, this 15-day journey offers the opportunity to experience the spirit of ANZAC Day while discovering the incredible diversity that makes Turkey one of the world's most rewarding destinations to explore.
15 Days | Start City Istanbul End City Istanbul | Group Size Min 2 Max 20 | Minimum Age 8 Years
A Journey of Remembrance & Discovery
Attending the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli is undoubtedly the centrepiece of this journey. Travellers spend the night of 24 April in Çanakkale before crossing by ferry shortly after midnight to ANZAC Cove, allowing ample time to settle in before the commemorations begin. The following morning includes the Dawn Service before continuing to the Australian Memorial Service at Lone Pine and the New Zealand Memorial Service at Chunuk Bair.
While Gallipoli is the emotional heart of the tour, the journey continues well beyond the peninsula. From ancient civilisations and archaeological wonders to dramatic landscapes and vibrant culture, this itinerary provides a broader understanding of Turkey's rich history and enduring connection to ANZAC heritage.
Tour Highlights
From significant ANZAC sites and ancient civilisations to breathtaking landscapes and authentic cultural experiences, this tour showcases some of Turkey's most memorable destinations.
Attend the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli, one of the most meaningful commemorative experiences for travellers
Explore the legendary city of Troy and its award-winning museum, where mythology and history come together
Walk through the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the Mediterranean
Discover the natural wonders of Pamukkale and Hierapolis, famous for their dazzling white terraces and thermal waters
Explore the charming Ottoman town of Safranbolu, renowned for its beautifully preserved architecture and historic atmosphere.
Tour Itinerary
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Welcome to Istanbul!
On arrival, you'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This evening, take the opportunity to meet your tour guide and fellow travellers as you prepare for your journey through Türkiye.
Overnight Istanbul Hotel Port Bosphorus Hotel
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After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour through Istanbul's historic Old City, the world's only city spanning two continents. Visit iconic landmarks including the Blue Mosque, St Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace, featuring Hagia Irene and the Harem, the Hippodrome, and the Grand Bazaar. This evening, you may wish to join an optional Turkish Folklore Evening.
Meals Breakfast Overnight Istanbul Hotel Port Bosphorus Hotel
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Today, visit the historic battlefields of Gallipoli and gain insight into one of the most significant campaigns of the First World War. Explore key sites including ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, The Nek, Johnston's Jolly, and the original trenches and tunnels that remain as powerful reminders of the past.
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Çanakkale Hotel Hilton DoubleTree Canakkale
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Rise before dawn to attend the moving ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli. Experience this powerful commemoration before attending either the Australian Memorial Service at Lone Pine or the New Zealand Memorial Service at Chunuk Bair. Return to your hotel later in the afternoon following this unforgettable day of remembrance.
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Çanakkale Hotel MD Barbaros Hotel
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Travel to the ancient city of Troy and explore this legendary UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the award-winning Troy Museum before wandering through the remains of the ancient city, where legends of Achilles, Hector and the Trojan War continue to captivate visitors from around the world.
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Kuşadası Hotel Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel
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Step back in time as you explore the remarkable ruins of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. Visit the site of the Temple of Artemis before continuing to the charming village of Şirince, famous for its local fruit wines. You'll also gain insight into the traditional art of Turkish carpet weaving and learn what makes these handcrafted pieces so highly valued.
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Kuşadası Hotel Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel
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After breakfast, enjoy a showcase of locally crafted leather goods before visiting Pamukkale's spectacular white calcium terraces. Explore the ancient city of Hierapolis and, if you wish, take a dip in the thermal waters among the historic ruins, once prized by the Romans for their healing properties.
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Pamukkale Hotel Adem Pira Hotel
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Journey towards the Mediterranean coast, stopping en route to explore the ancient city of Laodicea, once an important centre in the Lycus River Valley. Continue to the resort city of Antalya, where you'll visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum and discover artefacts that showcase the region's rich history.
Meals Breakfast Overnight Antalya Hotel Ruin Adalia Hotel
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Discover two of Türkiye's most impressive archaeological sites today. Explore the ancient city of Perge before continuing to Aspendos, home to one of the world's best-preserved Roman theatres. You'll also visit Side, renowned for its Temple of Apollo and fascinating ancient ruins.
Meals Breakfast Overnight Antalya Hotel Ruin Adalia Hotel
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Visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the renowned Sufi mystic and poet Rumi. Learn about the spiritual traditions of the Whirling Dervishes before continuing along the historic Silk Road to the Çatalhöyük Museum, which brings one of the world's oldest known settlements to life.
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Konya Hotel Novotel Konya
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Travel into the heart of Cappadocia, stopping at the historic Sultanhani Caravansary, once an important resting place for Silk Road merchants. Later, explore a fascinating underground city before enjoying dinner in a traditional Turkish home, where you'll have the opportunity to take part in a hands-on cooking experience.
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Cappadocia Hotel Gamirasu Hotel
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Marvel at Cappadocia's extraordinary landscapes as you explore the Göreme Open-Air Museum and the region's famous fairy chimneys. Continue to Pigeon Valley and Red Valley before visiting Çavuşin Village and the pottery-making town of Avanos, where traditional craftsmanship continues to thrive.
Meals Breakfast, Dinner Overnight Cappadocia Hotel Gamirasu Hotel
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Depart Cappadocia and travel to the beautifully preserved Ottoman town of Safranbolu. Explore historic sites including Cinci Han, the nearby hammam, the iconic Clock Tower, and the restored Kaymakamlar House. Wander through the cobbled streets lined with traditional architecture and local shops, offering a glimpse into centuries-old Turkish life.
Meals Breakfast Overnight Safranbolu Hotel Gulevi Safranbolu Hotel
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After breakfast, return to Istanbul, enjoying scenic countryside views along the journey. The remainder of the day is free to relax or enjoy your final evening in this vibrant city.
Meals Breakfast Overnight Istanbul Hotel Port Bosphorus Hotel
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After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. Transfer to the airport for your onward flight and bid farewell to your fellow travellers as your memorable journey through Türkiye concludes.
Meals Breakfast
Note Hotel accommodation in Çanakkale on 24 April is available —so you can rest before this important moment. After check-in, we depart around midnight, cross the Dardanelles by ferry, and arrive at Anzac Cove at approximately 1:00am, allowing you to comfortably secure your place ahead of the Dawn Service. The actual hotels used for any given tour may change due to many reasons such as group size, availability, time of year, hotel standard has dropped or simply we found a better hotel. If and when that happens, it will be to a hotel of equal or higher standard and will be at no extra cost.
Hierapolis Theatre
What’s included
Complimentary Airport Transfers
Accommodation Hotel (12 nights), Boutique Cave Hotel in Cappadocia (2 nights)
Meals 14 breakfasts, 8 dinners
Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle, ferry transfers for the ANZAC Day commemorations
Professional English-speaking local tour guides at each site
Entrance fees & Tips (except Driver and Guide)
Activities
Istanbul Blue Mosque | Hagia Sophia | Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem) | Hippodrome | Grand Bazaar
Gallipoli & ANZAC Day ANZAC Cove | Lone Pine Memorial | Chunuk Bair Memorial | The Nek | Johnston's Jolly | ANZAC Day Dawn Service and Memorial Services
Ancient Turkey Troy Ancient City and Museum| Temple of Artemis | Ephesus | Laodicea | Perge | Aspendos | Side
Pamukkale White Calcium Terraces | Hierapolis | Thermal Pools
Fethiye & Antalya Kayaköy Greek Village | Necropol Museum | Perge | Aspendos Amphitheatre
Konya & Cappadocia Mevlana Museum | Çatalhöyük Museum | Sultanhani Caravansary | Underground City | Göreme Open Air Museum | Pigeon Valley | Red Valley | Avanos Pottery Village
Safranbolu Historic Ottoman Old Town | Cinci Han | Kaymakamlar House | Safranbolu Clock Tower
Optional activities are also available at an additional charge, including the Cappadocia Hot Air Balloon experience and Turkish Folklore Evening
Book by 31 October 2026 and enjoy 25% off!
From $6,929 per person share twin based on select departures between 22 April to 06 May 2027
Note Children aged between 8 to 11 receive a 25% discount. Single Supplement applies.
Our 2028 tour prices are currently the same as our 2027 rates as part of a limited-time promotion. Please note that 2028 prices are subject to review and may increase. Secure your place now to take advantage of today's pricing.
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Minimum Age of 8. Whilst there is no Maximum Age set it is assumed the customer is fit enough to take part in the activity or tour. Health documents may be requested.
Single travellers are obliged to pay Single Supplement and will have the hotel room to themselves.
We include hotel accommodation in Çanakkale on 24 April—so you can rest before this important moment. After check-in, we depart around midnight, cross the Dardanelles by ferry, and arrive at Anzac Cove at approximately 1:00am, allowing you to comfortably secure your place ahead of the Dawn Service.
The latest information regarding ANZAC Day at Gallipoli may be found at this Department of Veteran Affairs - ANZAC Day page
We require a copy/image of your passport in order to book flights. You will need to have your passport handy at check-in for any domestic flights. Domestic flight times may vary due to various circumstances.
Your booking gives injured sea turtles a second chance. By choosing our tours, you are not only discovering Türkiye’s cultural and natural heritage, but also actively contributing to marine conservation. With every reservation of USD 1,000 or more, we make a donation to support the daily care and feeding of injured sea turtles, specifically Caretta caretta (loggerhead turtles).
Mevlana Museum Mosque in Konya, Turkey
Terms & Conditions Prices are per person and are subject to availability at the time of booking. A deposit may be required to confirm a reservation, with full payment due prior to departure. Itineraries, accommodation, sightseeing and transportation arrangements may be amended due to operational requirements, local conditions or circumstances beyond the operator's control. Valid passport, visa (if required) and comprehensive travel insurance are the responsibility of the traveller. Cancellation and amendment fees may apply. Pricing is to be used as a guide, and pricing will be based on your selected departure date. Travel agent & credit card service fees may apply. For full terms & conditions details, please contact our Wanderlust Travel Experts for details.
Interested in this experience? Mention this Deal Code: 1243 when speaking with your travel agent. Don't have an agent? Click here to connect with one of our experts.
