ANZAC Day Express - 4 days
4 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey
Visiting: Istanbul, Gallipoli
Tour operator:
Tour code:
159/ANEX
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Group size:
2 - 32
Age range:
16-
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact On The Go Tours with specific dietary requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on a memorable 4-day journey with the ANZAC Day Express tour, immersing yourself in the poignant history of Gallipoli and the vibrant culture of Istanbul. Begin your adventure in Istanbul, where you can independently explore iconic sites like the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. Travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula to attend the ANZAC eve vigil and the moving Dawn Service, paying homage at ANZAC Cove and visiting historic memorials and trenches. Return to Istanbul for a scenic cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, capturing stunning views of the city's skyline and Ottoman architecture. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, including two nights in 4-star hotels and one night at the Dawn Service site, with breakfast included. This small group tour, led by an English-speaking tour organizer, offers a unique opportunity to connect with history and fellow travelers.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Wed 23 April 2025. Welcome to Turkey. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the incredible city of Istanbul. Istanbul is easy to get around on foot and there are plenty of attractions dotted about the old city known as Sultanahmet. Maybe head to the Grand Bazaar or the Egyptian Spice Market, both open today! This evening after our welcome meeting opt for a drink in the bar, a great way to break the ice and meet fellow travellers.
Day 2: Canakkale
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation Name: Dawn Service site (ANZAC Cove)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Istanbul - Gallipoli. Spend the morning at leisure in Istanbul. This afternoon we drive to Gallipoli. En route to the peninsula we'll stop for a bite to eat, stretch our legs and stock up on supplies for the evening ahead. Upon arrival (exact time subject to Dawn Service Site opening hours) you will be given instructions about where to meet with your coach on 25 April, after the services have concluded. Once we're in Anzac Cove you are free to visit the memorials and trenches that dot the area before taking our places amongst the many at the Dawn Service site for the atmosphere-charged ANZAC Eve vigil.
Day 3: Anzac Day - Gallipoli
Location: Gallipoli
Accommodation Name: Hotel
Gallipoli - Istanbul. A poignant bugle call along with first light heralds the start of the Dawn Service. Lasting around an hour, the service is a special and moving experience and it's possible to lay a wreath at ANZAC Memorial site after the service has concluded. 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 4: Istanbul
Location: Istanbul
Meals Included: Breakfast
Sat 26 April 2025. After breakfast (9:00am), you're welcome to join us on a 2 hour cruise along the Bosphorus, the strait that divides European from Asian Istanbul. Returning to the hotel before 12 noon, hotel check-out. This marks the end of a memorable 4 day ANZAC experience.
What's Included
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Accommodation
4 star -
2 breakfasts
Enjoy 2 breakfasts during your tour.
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2 nights 4 star hotels
Stay for 2 nights in 4-star hotels.
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1 night at the Dawn Service site
Spend 1 night at the Dawn Service site.
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Morning boat cruise along the Bosphorus Strait – Istanbul
Experience a morning boat cruise along the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul.
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English speaking tour organiser
Benefit from the services of an English-speaking tour organiser.
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Airport arrival transfer on day 1
Receive an airport arrival transfer on day 1 from Istanbul International Airport at any time, or from Sabiha Gokcen Airport at 11am and 3pm only.
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Modern air-conditioned touring coach
Travel in a modern air-conditioned touring coach.
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Maximum Group Size: 32 persons
The tour accommodates a maximum group size of 32 persons.
What's Not Included
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International flights and visa
International flights and visa are not included in the tour package.
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Guided commentary is not given on this tour
The tour does not include guided commentary.
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Attendance Pass for ANZAC
Attendance Pass for ANZAC is not included.
These are free of charge but need to be registered for in advance. -
Tip for your tour organiser and driver
Tips for your tour organiser and driver are not included.
As a guideline, budget EUR €3 - 5 per day, per traveller for your tour organiser and EUR €2 per day, per traveller for your driver.
Age Policy
18yrs or 16yrs accompanied by an adult
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with a modern air-conditioned touring coach, including an airport arrival transfer and a morning boat cruise along the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul.
Accommodation
Enjoy 2 nights in 4-star hotels in Istanbul and experience a unique overnight stay at the Dawn Service site on the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size for the ANZAC Day Express tour?
The maximum group size for the ANZAC Day Express tour is 32 persons.
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Is there a guided commentary provided during the tour?
No, guided commentary is not given on this tour.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, an airport arrival transfer is included on day 1 from Istanbul International Airport at any time, or from Sabiha Gokcen Airport at 11am and 3pm only.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 2 nights in 4-star hotels and 1 night at the Dawn Service site.
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Is there a cruise included in the tour itinerary?
Yes, there is a morning boat cruise along the Bosphorus Strait included in the tour.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 2 breakfasts.
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Do I need to register for an attendance pass for the ANZAC services?
Yes, you need to register for an attendance pass for the ANZAC services. These passes are free of charge but need to be registered for in advance.
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What is the recommended tipping guideline for the tour organiser and driver?
The recommended tipping guideline is EUR €3 - 5 per day, per traveller for your tour organiser and EUR €2 per day, per traveller for your driver. Tipping is an entirely personal gesture.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Ensuring our footprint is light and that the benefits of travelling reach the local communities you visit is paramount to us. We’re proud to say that when travelling with us, the large majority of your holiday funds remain within the countries you visit, supporting local economies at a grass roots level.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1998
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
With English-speaking tours, it's not a huge surprise that most on our travellers are from English-speaking countries or have English as their second language. Our group tours cater for everyone from 18 years old to 70+
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
On The Go Tours allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform on the go tours, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
On The Go Tours requires a minimum deposit of 500 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of on the go tours charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.