Best of Turkey with Anzac Day

Best of Turkey with Anzac Day

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14 Days From

$3150

$3100

Best of Turkey with Anzac Day

14 Days Starting and ending in Istanbul, Turkey

Visiting: Istanbul, Çanakkale, Gallipoli, Izmir, Ephesus, Antalya, Konya, Cappadocia, Göreme, Ankara

Tour operator:

Trafalgar

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Medium

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing

From: $3150 $3100 Operator discount: -$50

NB: Prices correct on 10-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Turkey with the "Best of Turkey with Anzac Day" tour. This cultural adventure begins in the vibrant city of Istanbul, where you'll explore iconic landmarks such as the Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia. Experience the poignant Anzac Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli, and delve into the ancient ruins of Troy and Ephesus. Discover the natural wonders of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs and the unique landscapes of Cappadocia. Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch with the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains and stay in charming, handpicked accommodations, including the rock-carved Exedra Hotel in Cappadocia. Travel in comfort aboard a luxury air-conditioned coach, with a ferry ride across the Dardanelles. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a deep connection with Turkey's rich heritage.

Highlights

  • content:

    Must-see Highlights

    • Explore Istanbul
    • Visit Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Anzac Cove and the War Cemeteries at Gallipoli, ancient ruins of Troy, ancient city at Ephesus, Cotton Castle Springs in Pamukkale, Archaeological Museum in Antalya, home of the Whirling Dervishes at Konya, underground city of Saratli and Goreme Open-Air Museum

  • content:

    Make Travel Matter®

    Nevsehir: Meet Ali, our local host and Cappadocian local, for a tour of his family-run farm. See the sport where his grandfather’s garden once stood, taste freshly baked bread and fresh and dried fruits grown on pigeon natural fertilizer, the traditional farming method for producing a rich and nutritious harvest.  This experience advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11: Resilient Cities and Communities. Thanks to Ali’s work to revive the traditional farming practices unique to this region of Cappadocia, the region has regained pride in their local traditions.  It also advances United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal SDG 12: Sustainable Production and Consumption. Using exclusively traditional farming practices, the farm is one of the few to be producing traditional and rare fruits, herbs and old grains, typical of the region.

  • content:

    Be My Guest

    Antalya: Enjoy a Be My Guest lunch with the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains near Antalya.

  • content:

    Trafalgar Difference

    Cappadocia: The Exedra Hotel's rooms, carved from rock, boast unique designs and handcrafted antiques. During construction, a chapel was uncovered, inspiring the name 'Exedra,' a gathering place in ancient Rome.

Itinerary

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Day 1: Welcome To Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Arts Hotel Taksim

Meals Included: Dinner

Stand at the ancient crossroads between Europe and Asia, embarking on a journey of discovery through ancient lands and the marauding empires who fought to rule it. Arriving in vibrant Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel before joining your Travel Director and fellow travelers for a memorable dinner to kick off your epic adventure.

Day 2: Discover Colorful Istanbul Dive Into Culture

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Arts Hotel Taksim

Meals Included: Breakfast

Spend your day delving into a city where modern and ancient coexist effortlessly. Gain insights into the Ottoman Empire's power during your guided tour of the Topkapi Palace and see the 4th-century Egyptian obelisk. Visit Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. View the exquisite Blue Mosque, said to rival even the Great Mosque in Mecca. Consider an optional cruise navigating the waters of the Bosphorus.

Day 3: Journey To Troy And Çanakkale

Location: Çanakkale

Accommodation Name: Iris

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Istanbul behind, you'll cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to Çanakkale. Visit the Archaeological Site of Troy and the replica wooden horse which famously ended a 10-year siege. Then, return to Çanakkale and Check in to your hotel, leaving later this evening to attend the Dawn Service.

Day 4: Experience The Poignant Anzac Cove Dawn Service

Location: Gallipoli

Accommodation Name: Iris

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Witness the stirring dawn tribute at Anzac Cove and pay your respects to the brave soldiers who lost their lives during poignant ceremonies held at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. Return to your hotel in Çanakkale later this afternoon and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 5: Onwards To Gallipoli And Izmir

Location: Izmir

Accommodation Name: Mövenpick

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Cross the Dardanelle Strait again and visit Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair. You'll be reminded of the sacrifices made by both sides during World War I before returning to Çanakkale and then on to Izmir where you'll spend the night.

Day 6: Explore The Ruins Of Ephesus And On To Pamukkale

Location: Ephesus

Accommodation Name: Colossae Thermal

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Stroll through the ruins of Ephesus and see the House of Virgin Mary at Mt. Koressos before continuing to Pamukkale.

Day 7: Venture To Hierapolis And Antalya Connect With Locals

Location: Antalya

Accommodation Name: Marmara Antalya

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Tread in the footsteps of the ancients who sought relief and relaxation at the Roman health spa at Hierapolis, then admire the bubbling pools and delicate white cascades of water of Pamukkale's Cotton Castle Springs. Later, we travel through scenic countryside and join the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains, where we’ll Connect With Locals and gain insights into their traditions at our Be My Guest lunch. Our stop for the next two nights is the Mediterranean retreat of Antalya. Enjoy some time on your own ambling through the winding lanes of its old city and admiring beautifully preserved Ottoman architecture. This evening, join your companions for a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Antalya Free Time

Location: Antalya

Accommodation Name: Marmara Antalya

Meals Included: Breakfast

Enjoy a day at your own pace, taking in the captivating seaside ambiance of the Turkish Riviera. Stroll through the charming, winding streets of the old city, where you can admire the well-preserved Ottoman architecture. For an Optional Experience, you may choose a yacht cruise and guided tour of Antalya's historic old town.

Day 9: On The Road To Aspendos And Konya

Location: Konya

Accommodation Name: Dedeman

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Witness the world's best-preserved theater of antiquity during your first stop in Aspendos this morning, before continuing to Konya, where we will gain insights into the mystical Whirling Dervish sect whose remains lie in the Mevlana Museum and Mausoleum. We continue to the Karatay Tile Museum, spellbound by its exquisitely Seljuk-tiled dome, before returning to our hotel where we'll dine tonight.

Day 10: Continue To Cappadocia Stays With Stories

Location: Cappadocia

Accommodation Name: Exedra Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

See a well-preserved 13th-century caravanserai, at which weary travelers used to rest. We journey to Cappadocia with its honey-colored rocky spires providing an enchanting backdrop for our visit to the underground city of Saratli on the ancient Silk Road. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at King’s Valley eco farm. Local host Ali shares how he created an eco farm on the very spot where his grandfather’s garden once stood, in an effort to preserve traditional farming and revive the local economy. Tonight we stay in one of Trafalgar's Stays With Stories located with views of the valley and ancient Ortahisar rock castle.

Day 11: A Day To Explore Spectacular Göreme Dive Into Culture

Location: Göreme

Accommodation Name: Exedra Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

The other-worldly landscapes of Cappadocia take center stage today as we explore its volcanic landscape dotted with caves and troglodyte dwellings. We visit the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire the extraordinary rock-hewn churches and the fairy chimneys of Paşabağ. Dive Into Culture to learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. This evening, indulge in the flavors of traditional pottery kebabs during a Regional Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 12: Onwards To Ankara

Location: Ankara

Accommodation Name: Grand Mercure Ankara

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Arriving in the youthful capital of Turkey today, we visit the Museum of Anatolian Civilisations and the final resting place of the country's beloved Atatürk, the first president of the modern Turkish nation. This evening we dine at our hotel in Ankara.

Day 13: Return To Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Accommodation Name: Arts Hotel Taksim

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Returning to Istanbul, Dive Into Culture with a visit to the Grand Bazaar. Discover the hidden lanes and watch artisans at work while you wander the main thoroughfares. Spend some time haggling with passionate market vendors lining its labyrinthine lanes. Enjoy the rest of the day on your own. Delve into the depths of the Basilica Cistern, savor the intoxicating smells of the Spice Market or ascend Galata Tower for exquisite views of east and west. Finish the day with your Travel Director and fellow companions for a memorable dinner.

Day 14: Farewell Istanbul

Location: Istanbul

Meals Included: Breakfast

Our epic journey into antiquity has come to an end as we bid Istanbul and newfound friends a fond farewell.

What's Included

  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver

    An expert Travel Director and professional Driver are included in the tour.

  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted

    Accommodation in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted is included.

  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities

    All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.

  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes

    All hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are included.

  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals

    Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.

  • Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras

    Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras are included in the tour.

  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing

    Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing are included.

  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)

    Travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation is included.

  • Ferry across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale

    A ferry ride across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale is included.

  • Optional Experiences and free time

    Optional experiences and free time are part of the tour.

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What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the starting and ending points of the tour are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities and excursions not mentioned in the inclusions are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and related expenses are not included.

Dining Summary

  • 11 Dinner (D)
  • 13 Breakfast (B)

Dive Into Culture

  • : Learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos.
  • Istanbul: Haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and over 5,000 shops.

Check out our Q&As

  • What unique cultural experiences are included in the tour?

    The tour includes a Be My Guest lunch with the Yazir community in the Taurus Mountains near Antalya, a visit to the Göreme Open-Air Museum to admire rock-hewn churches, and a pottery making demonstration in Avanos. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to haggle for souvenirs at Istanbul's Grand Bazaar.

  • What is the significance of the Anzac Cove Dawn Service?

    The Anzac Cove Dawn Service is a poignant tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the Gallipoli campaign in World War I. The tour includes attending this stirring dawn tribute and participating in ceremonies at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair.

  • What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    You will stay in cherry-picked hotels such as the Arts Hotel Taksim in Istanbul, Iris in Çanakkale, Movenpick in Izmir, Colossae Thermal in Pamukkale, Delta Hotels by Marriott Antalya Lara, Dedeman in Konya, and Exedra Hotel in Cappadocia. The Exedra Hotel offers unique rooms carved from rock with handcrafted antiques.

  • How does the tour contribute to sustainable tourism?

    The tour includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at King's Valley eco farm in Cappadocia, where local host Ali shares how he uses traditional farming practices to preserve the local economy and environment. This experience supports United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals for Resilient Cities and Communities, and Sustainable Production and Consumption.

  • What transportation is provided during the tour?

    The tour provides travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, and includes a ferry ride across the Dardanelles from Eceabat to Canakkale.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 1947

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

Reviews of this operator

Renato Arrieta  

Best tour I joined so far

14-Jan-2023

My first time with Trafalgar and I see no reason why I should not join them again.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
King Ng, Lafayette, California  

Very well planned trip with timely breaks during the coach ride..

08-Nov-2021

It was a well organized tour group and we hit lots of interesting and beautiful scenes. Like our previous trips with Trafalgar, tourists were treated with well manner and professional tour guide/director, making our trip very enjoyable and delightful!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Best of Egypt

14-Jan-2023

We really did see the best of Egypt and beyond. Our tour guide, Mohammad, guided us through the rich history and the urban and rural life of such a unique and delightful country. We felt very safe and pampered.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Marshal Daguio  

Wonderful Best Of Turkey

06-Nov-2021

It was my first time with Trafalgar Tour and I had a wonderful trip from day 1 till the last day. The Tour Director, Yocel Atik is very knowledgeable and Excellent. The health director and coach driver are helpful and supportive as well. The hotels selected were comfortable especially Rixos Hotel and Movenpick Hotel. The Best of Turkey is better than I expected.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Barbara, Canada  

Irish Experience

09-Nov-2021

I am single and travel alone. I always feel secure and well-looked after when I travel with Trafalgar

Feefo Trusted Reviews

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Tuesday - Monday

Apr 22, 2025 - May 05, 2025
$3150 $3100

Operator discount: -$50

Wednesday - Tuesday

Apr 22, 2026 - May 05, 2026
$3345

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.

    Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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