10 Day Anzac Day Tours From Istanbul

Discover a 10-Day Tour Covering Istanbul and Gallipoli for $1,550

This 10-day Anzac Day tour from Istanbul offers an in-depth experience of Turkey’s iconic sights, historical battlefields, and cultural highlights. Priced at $1,550 per person, the trip combines city exploration, historic battlefield visits, and special Anzac Day commemorations. The tour includes hotel or port pickup, all entrance fees, and transportation on an air-conditioned coach, making logistics straightforward for travelers.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is its blend of guided sightseeing in Istanbul, a full-day Bosphorus cruise, and the chance to witness the Anzac Day memorials at Gallipoli. The tour is suitable for those who want a rundown of Turkey’s top attractions with the added emotional weight of the Gallipoli remembrance. The tour’s reviews highlight knowledgeable guides and well-organized logistics, but note that the Dalyan boat tour is not included in the package.

Key Points

• Includes all entrance fees and transportation on an air-conditioned coach
• Full-day Istanbul tour with Bosphorus cruise and visits to key sites like the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia
• Guided battlefield tour at Gallipoli, including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, and Chunuk Bair
• Special Anzac Day memorial services held at Gallipoli’s war sites
• Combines city sightseeing and historic battlefield visits with shopping and cultural experiences
• Tour concludes with drop-off at Kusadasi Bus Station for return to Istanbul

Exploring Istanbul’s Historic Heart and Bosphorus

The tour begins with hotel or port pickup in Istanbul, setting the stage for a full-day guided city tour. Visitors visit the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, both celebrated landmarks showcasing Istanbul’s religious and architectural history. The Hippodrome, adorned with the Obelisk of Theodosius, the Serpentine Column, and the German Fountain of Wilhelm II, offers a glimpse into the city’s ancient athletic and political life.

A highlight is the Bosphorus cruise, which provides spectacular water views of wooden villas, marble palaces, and fortifications lining the shoreline. The cruise also features prominent sights such as Dolmabahçe Palace, Yıldız Palace pavilions, Ciragan Palace, and the Rumeli Fortress, all built by Ottoman sultans or conquerors. Travelers observe the Bosporus Bridge and Camlica Hill, offering panoramic vistas of Istanbul.

Shopping and Culture Along the Water

After the cruise, the tour continues on land with shopping opportunities for local souvenirs. Visitors learn about traditional silk weaving, jewelry, handicrafts, and leatherwear. The guide shares practical tips on haggling and selecting high-quality Turkish souvenirs. This part of the tour is designed to give insight into Istanbul’s vibrant craft scene, making it an engaging contrast to the historic sites.

The round-trip transfer from hotel or port ensures a smooth experience, and the all entrance fees included mean no surprises on site. This city tour offers a comprehensive snapshot of Istanbul, perfect for those wanting to see the main sights in a single day.

Journey from Istanbul to Gallipoli

On Day 3, the tour departs Istanbul early and heads toward Gallipoli, a significant site for World War I history and Anzac Day commemorations. The drive takes travelers through scenic Turkish countryside with stops for lunch preparations. Along the way, a Gallipoli film screening helps set the context for the battlefield visits.

The guided battlefield tour visits key locations such as Anzac Cove, Hell Spit Cemetery, Lone Pine, The Nek, and Chunuk Bair War memorial. The guide narrates stories of battle hardships and heroism, bringing the events to life through detailed commentary. All these sites are notable for their historical importance and emotional resonance.

Honoring Anzac Day at Gallipoli

The core of the tour is the Anzac Day commemorations on April 25th. Visitors are guided to secure early spots at Gallipoli for the dawn service, an essential part of the experience. The day includes visits to memorial services at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, where Australian and New Zealand soldiers are honored.

The Dawn Service requires warm clothes, sleeping bags, and torches due to the cold, dark conditions at Gallipoli. The emotional significance of this day is a profound aspect of the tour, offering a meaningful way to pay respects and learn about the sacrifices made during the war.

Post-commemoration Activities and Optional Troy Visit

After the memorial services, the tour proceeds to return to Edremit, where the group enjoys dinner and some relaxation. The following day, there is an optional visit to the ancient city of Troy, a site famous for the legendary Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. Although optional, this visit offers a glimpse into Turkey’s mythological and archaeological history, complementing the battlefield experience.

Moving South to Kusadasi and Ancient Ruins

From Edremit, the tour travels to Kusadasi, a lively seaside town. En route, visitors stop in Selçuk for a demonstration of traditional Turkish carpet weaving, an insight into Turkey’s craft traditions. Once in Kusadasi, travelers have free time, with an option for a Turkish bath to relax after days of touring.

The next stop is Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. The guided visit includes the Temple of Artemis, Odeon, Celsus Library, and the amphitheater with a capacity of 25,000. Walking through Ephesus offers a tangible sense of ancient Roman urban planning and architecture.

Pamukkale’s Natural Wonder and Hierapolis

On the eighth day, the tour visits Pamukkale, recognized for its terraced mineral-rich thermal pools listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The visit also includes Hierapolis, the nearby ancient city that flourished during Roman times. This natural and historical combo makes Pamukkale a highlight for lovers of natural beauty and archaeology alike.

Relaxing in Dalyan and the Mud Baths

The final days take travelers to Dalyan, famous for its rock tombs, mud baths, and beach. The tour includes boat trips to swim in thermal springs and mud baths, where covering oneself in mud is believed to have health benefits. Visitors also enjoy a swim at Turtle Beach, where the Aegean and Mediterranean seas meet.

Practical Details and Logistics

This tour is organized by Samyeli Travel and includes all taxes, fees, and handling charges. The group size is flexible up to 999 travelers, with professional guides who speak fluent English. The transport is on an air-conditioned coach, and security is provided throughout. All entrance fees are included, and the tour features a commemorative Anzac Day T-shirt.

The tour starts at Cankurtaran in Istanbul and ends at Olimpos Beach in Antalya, with transport arranged back to Kusadasi Bus Station for return to Istanbul. The non-refundable policy requires travelers to be certain of their plans, and cancellations are only possible if weather conditions require it.

Final Thoughts: Who Will Appreciate This Tour?

This 10-day Istanbul and Gallipoli tour suits those interested in history, particularly World War I and Anzac Day remembrance, as well as travelers eager to explore Istanbul’s iconic sites. The combination of city sightseeing, battlefield visits, and natural wonders like Pamukkale offers diverse experiences packed into a manageable schedule.

The guides’ expertise, the well-organized logistics, and the inclusion of all entrance fees enhance the value. However, those seeking a more relaxed pace or specific activities like the Dalyan boat tour should note that certain extras are not included. This tour provides a rich, respectful, and rundown of Turkey’s cultural and historical highlights, ideal for those with an interest in military history, ancient ruins, and Turkish tradition.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation on this tour comfortable?
Yes, the tour uses an air-conditioned coach to ensure a comfortable journey between locations.

Are all entrance fees included?
Absolutely, all entrance fees are covered in the price, including sites at Istanbul, Gallipoli, Ephesus, and Pamukkale.

What should I bring for the Anzac Day dawn service?
Warm clothes, sleeping bags, wet weather gear, and torches are recommended due to the cold and dark conditions at Gallipoli.

Can I visit Troy during this tour?
Visiting Troy is optional on the day after Gallipoli and requires an additional activity fee.

Is physical fitness required?
Yes, travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level to handle walking at archaeological sites and battlefield tours.

What’s the main highlight of this tour?
The Anzac Day commemorations at Gallipoli are the most meaningful aspect, coupled with visits to Istanbul’s historic sites and the natural beauty of Pamukkale.