12 Day Gallipoli Dawn Service & Türkiye Tour W/Flights

Today you will depart on your flight to Istanbul in Türkiye. You will have a stopover along the way at the destination provided by the airline. Stopovers may be in excess of 5 hours.

NOTE: Due to airline schedules and availability, you may be required to depart on Day 0.

MEALS: In-Flight

OVERNIGHT: In Flight

Welcome to Istanbul! Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be greeted by your local tour representative who will assist with your group transfer to the hotel. After checking in, take some time to settle in and enjoy the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. You might like to wander through the nearby streets, relax at a café, or simply unwind after your flight.

NOTE: The 1x group transfer is booked for the majority of arrivals. You may be required to wait for the transfer upon arrival. You are free to make your own way should you decide not to wait.

MEALS: In-Flight

OVERNIGHT: Ramada Plaza Tekstilkent, Istanbul

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel between 8:00 am and 9:30 am to begin your full-day city tour. Start with a visit to the magnificent Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque, built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet. Known as the Blue Mosque, its stunning interior is decorated with thousands of blue Iznik tiles. From here, continue to the Hippodrome, once the heart of Byzantine social life and home to grand chariot races and celebrations. You’ll see the famed Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the Column of Constantine that still stand today.

In the afternoon, explore the lively Grand Bazaar, one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, where you can browse hundreds of shops for Turkish crafts, jewellery, and souvenirs. Afterwards, visit the impressive Topkapi Palace, once the residence of Ottoman sultans and now a fascinating museum displaying imperial treasures and artefacts.

NOTE: The order and timings of the city tour may vary.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Ramada Plaza Tekstilkent, Istanbul

After an early start, you’ll depart Istanbul around 6:30 am for your journey to Gallipoli. Enjoy a short morning tea break along the way before arriving at Gallipoli around midday. Upon arrival, take a relaxing lunch break before beginning your guided tour of the historic battlefields.

Your first stop is the Gabatepe Museum, which offers insightful exhibits about the Gallipoli Campaign. Continue to the Ariburnu Cemetery and Anzac Cove, where the ANZAC troops first landed in 1915. These are among the most significant sites of the campaign. The tour then visits other notable locations including the Beach Cemetery, Shrapnel Valley, and Plugges Plateau, each with their own poignant stories from the war.

After exploring the battlefields, you’ll travel to your hotel in Çanakkale for an overnight stay.

APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 270km

APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 4hr 00min

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Iris Hotel, Çanakkale

After breakfast, depart for the short journey across the Dardanelles to the legendary ancient city of Troy, located approximately 1.5 hours away including the scenic ferry crossing. Explore one of history’s most iconic archaeological sites, intertwined with the famed characters of Hector, Achilles, Helen of Troy, Paris, Agamemnon, and Priam, and see the replica Trojan Horse that commemorates the epic tales of the Trojan War. Your guide will bring to life the mythology and history surrounding Troy, the Trojan Horse, and Helen of Troy while you walk among ancient walls, gates, and ruins that span multiple layers of civilisation dating back to the Bronze Age.

Upon returning to your hotel, we recommend you get some rest for a few hours. We will leave the hotel at 11:30pm to get to ANZAC Coveat the Gallipoli peninsula. Get settled with our complimentary sleeping bag and yoga mat [which will be donated to homeless people afterwards] and spend a memorable night under the stars at ANZAC Cove just like the ANZACs did. There will be hundreds of people at ANZAC Cove tonight, creating a sense of community and camaraderie. Documentaries will be played through the night and facilities are available. Your guide will on hand to take care of any needs you may have. Immerse yourself in the sprit of the night and enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience..

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: ANZAC Cove

The official pre service program begins at 1:30 am, with last entry at 3:00 am before temporary road closures and the closure of the ANZAC Commemorative Site. Conditions can be cold, dark, and windy, so please bring warm clothing, wet weather gear, a torch, a hat, sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes. Weather on the Gallipoli Peninsula is highly changeable, especially overnight and in the early morning.

The Spirit of Place program commences at 5:00 am, followed by the ANZAC Day Gallipoli Dawn Service at 5:30 am. Later in the morning, you may attend either the Lone Pine Australian Memorial Service at 10:00 am or the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial Service at 11:30 am, noting that it is only possible to attend one of these ceremonies due to the timings.

Coach loading for departure begins from Chunuk Bair or Hill 261 at 1:00 pm. Following the ANZAC commemorations, you will depart the peninsula at approximately 3:00 pm and travel back to your hotel in Canakkale.

The remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to rest and reflect on the day, with dinner at the hotel.

NOTE: For more details on 2026 registration, refer to the follow link: https://www.dva.gov.au/recognition-and-commemoration/commemoration-services/overseas-commemorative-services/anzac-day-gallipoli-turkiye

MEALS: Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Iris Hotel, Çanakkale

Drive to Pergamon (approximately 2 hours, around 55 km) to explore its rich historical sites including Asklepion, Zeus’s Altar, and the Red Basilica. Pergamon was a significant Hellenistic and later Roman city, ruled for centuries by a powerful local dynasty. Its most notable landmark, the Red Basilica, is a massive structure originally built in the 2nd century AD as a temple dedicated to the Egyptian gods Osiris, Isis, and Serapis. Later transformed into a Christian basilica in the 5th century, it became one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor mentioned by St John in the Book of Revelation. Though now a crumbling ruin with a mosque in one of its towers, the Red Basilica showcases impressive Roman brick architecture and an extensive sacred precinct that once included immense walls, rotundas, and courtyards.

After a guided tour of Pergamon, continue towards Kusadasi (approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes, 199 km). En route, visit a local carpet weaving centre where one of Turkey’s oldest arts still thrives. There is also an optional Turkish Bath experience for a traditional scrub and relaxation before arriving at your hotel in Kusadasi. Dinner will be served at the hotel, followed by overnight accommodation.

APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 260 km

APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 4hr 00min

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Ladies Beach Suite Hotel, Kusadasi

OPTIONAL: Turkish Bath

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at around 9:00 am for a fully guided tour of one of the world’s most iconic ancient cities. Begin your day at Ephesus, an exceptionally well-preserved classical city, famed for its grand avenues, temples, and amphitheatres. As you explore, picture the ancient Greeks and Romans who once walked these streets.

Next, visit the remarkable Temple of Artemis, once counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Although only fragments remain, you’ll learn about its impressive size and the role it played as a centre for worship, festivals, and trade. Continue to see the beautiful Isa Bey Mosque, a striking example of Seljuk architecture, and visit the Virgin Mary Church, considered one of Christianity’s most significant sites.

After returning to your hotel, your evening is free to discover the many local dining options and vibrant atmosphere in Kusadasi at your leisure.

MEALS: Breakfast, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: Ladies Beach Suite Hotel, Kusadasi

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up from your hotel at about 9:00 am for the drive to Pamukkale. Upon arrival around midday, check in at your hotel and enjoy lunch before heading out to explore one of Türkiye’s most unique natural wonders.

In the afternoon, visit the famous calcium terraces of Pamukkale, also known as the “cotton castle”, where bright white mineral-rich waters have formed dramatic travertine pools on the hillside. Wander through this spectacular landscape and discover the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient spa city that has attracted visitors for centuries. You’ll also have the option to relax in the warm natural spring waters – a truly memorable experience.

APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 200km

APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 2hr 30min

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Pam Thermal Hotel, Pamukkale

After breakfast, enjoy the thermal pool and soak up the sun until 10:00 am before departing for Istanbul. It’s a long drive, but with plenty of stops along the way to stretch and enjoy the scenery, you can relax and watch the landscape pass by. Upon arrival in Istanbul, the evening is yours to unwind and explore. Overnight in Istanbul.

APPROXIMATE TRAVEL DISTANCE: 570 km

APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIME: 7 hr 30 min

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Ramada Plaza Tekstilkent, Istanbul

This morning you will check of the hotel after a final breakfast. This tour provides 1x group departure transfer, which is booked at a certain time to link up with the majority of the departures. You may take this transfer or make your own way there. Enjoy your onward journey.

MEALS: Breakfast, In-Flight

OVERNIGHT: In-Flight

NOTE: Due to airline schedules and availability, you may arrive home on Day 13.

MEALS: In-Flight

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your cave hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore the local area at your own pace.

NOTE: Flight and transfer arrangements are organised by our local supplier. Final timings will be provided once you are on tour.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Niche Cave Hotel, Cappadocia

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel for a full-day guided sightseeing tour of Cappadocia. Depending on availability, you will enjoy either the Red or Green Tour.

The Red Tour explores northern Cappadocia, known for its fairy chimneys, unique rock formations and historic villages. The Green Tour explores southern Cappadocia, including its underground cities, scenic valleys and historic monasteries.

After your tour, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

NOTE: The Red or Green Tour will be allocated based on availability and confirmed prior to departure. Specific attractions and sightseeing stops may vary and cannot be guaranteed.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Niche Cave Hotel, Cappadocia

OPTIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON:

For those who have booked the optional hot air balloon experience, start your morning with a spectacular sunrise flight over Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys and valleys before returning to your hotel for breakfast.

Enjoy a 45–60 minute hot air balloon flight, including return hotel transfers, snacks, a non-alcoholic champagne celebration and a flight certificate.

NOTE: Flights are subject to weather conditions and availability. The experience must be confirmed to fit with the scheduled sightseeing tour.

After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax or explore at your own pace.

NOTE: Flight and transfer arrangements are organised by our local supplier. Final timings will be provided once you are on tour.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: Ramada Plaza Tekstilkent, Istanbul

OPTIONAL HOT AIR BALLOON:

For those who have booked the optional hot air balloon experience, start your morning with a spectacular sunrise flight over Cappadocia’s famous fairy chimneys and valleys before returning to your hotel for breakfast.

Enjoy a 45–60 minute hot air balloon flight, including return hotel transfers, snacks, a non-alcoholic champagne celebration and a flight certificate.

NOTE: Hot air balloon flights are subject to weather conditions and availability. This experience can only be arranged if flight timings allow sufficient time before your scheduled departure to Istanbul. Availability on this day cannot be guaranteed.

This morning you will check of the hotel after a final breakfast. This tour provides 1x group departure transfer, which is booked at a certain time to link up with the majority of the departures. You may take this transfer or make your own way there. Enjoy your onward journey.

MEALS: Breakfast, In-Flight

OVERNIGHT: In-Flight