ANZAC DAY – COLONEL TOUR
Tour: ANZAC DAY – Colonel Tour
Embark on an unforgettable 15-day journey across Turkey, retracing the footsteps of heroes and discovering the wonders of ancient civilizations. From the moving ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli to the surreal landscapes of Cappadocia, this tour is a perfect blend of commemoration, culture, and discovery. Explore the vibrant heart of Istanbul with its iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. Stand where history was made on the battlefields of Gallipoli, and visit the legendary city of Troy and its world-class museum. Marvel at the grandeur of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world, and wander the quaint streets of Şirince. Take in the white terraces of Pamukkale and the healing waters of Hierapolis, before uncovering the ancient sites of Perge and Aspendos near the sparkling Mediterranean coast in Antalya. In Konya, connect with the spiritual legacy of Mevlana Rumi, then dive deep into prehistory at the Çatalhöyük Museum.
Day(s) : 15 Countries : Turkey Start City : Istanbul End City : Istanbul
Meals : 14 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners
Day 1 : 22nd April – Welcome to Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, meet your guide and the rest of your group.
Overnight : Istanbul Category : 4 star Hotel : Port Bosphorus Hotel
Day 2 : 23rd April – Istanbul Old City
After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace (including Hagia Irene and the Harem), the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar. Tonight don’t miss the optional Turkish Folklore evening.
Overnight : Istanbul Category : 4 star Hotel : Port Bosphorus Hotel
Day 3 : 24th April – Gallipoli Battlefields
On 24 April, the programme depends on official restrictions, as tours may be cancelled at the last minute if high-ranking dignitaries such as the Prime Minister or Ministers are in attendance. If tours are permitted, we plan to depart from Istanbul early in the morning for a short complimentary Gallipoli tour, after which we will take the ferry across to Çanakkale to check in at our hotel and enjoy some rest. Around midnight, we will depart the hotel, cross back by ferry, and continue to Anzac Cove, arriving at approximately 1:00am to secure a place for the overnight stay in preparation for the Dawn Service. If tours are not allowed, we will instead proceed directly to the hotel to rest until we depart for Gallipoli in the evening to ensure a good position at Anzac Cove for the long night ahead.
Overnight : Çanakkale Category : Special Class Hotel : MD Barbaros Hotel
Day 4 : 25th April – ANZAC Day at Gallipoli
Awake before sun rise for the ANZAC Day Dawn Service. We become aware of the almost deafening silence as the moving service to commemorate our fallen forefathers on this special day begins. You will then have the chance to attend the Australian or New Zealand Memorial service before returning to the hotel in the afternoon.
Overnight : Çanakkale Category : Special Class Hotel : MD Barbaros Hotel
Day 5 : 26th April – Troy, Troy Museum
Depart from Canakkale and head towards Troy where we will explore the and award-winning Troy Museum and the ancient city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the legendary city walls, stand where heroes like Achilles and Hector once battled, and marvel at the remnants of temples and theatres that whisper stories of a glorious past.
Overnight : Kuşadası Category : Boutique Hotel : Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel
Day 6 : 27th April – Ephesus, Sirince, Kusadasi
Absorb yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the site of the Temple of Artemis. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and theatre before continuing to the former Greek village of Sirince, famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
Overnight : Kuşadası Category : Boutique Hotel : Ilayda Avantgarde Hotel
Day 7 : 28th April – Pamukkale, Hierapolis
This morning we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before heading to the magnificent white calcium terraces, known as Travertines, in Pamukkale where we also tour the ancient city of Hierapolis. Take a dip, amongst ancient columns, in the hot springs that were used in Roman times for their therapeutic powers.
Overnight : Pamukkale Category : 4 star Hotel : Adem Pira Hotel
Day 8 : 29th April – Laodicea, Antalya
After breakfast we head for the resort town of Antalya, stopping along the way to visit isit the Laodicea which was the chief city of the Lycus River Valley region. The full name of the city was Laodicea ad Lyceum (Laodicea on the Lycus). The city was originally known as Diospolis (“the City of Zeus”). The Greek deity considered to be the greatest of the Olympian gods. Then, we will head to resort town, Antalya. We will visit Antalya Arecheological Museum in the afternoon.
Overnight : Antalya Category : Boutique Hotel : Ruin Adalia Hotel
Day 9 : 30th April – Perge, Aspendos
Full day tour of the ancient ruins of Perge and Aspendos. In Aspendos, you can see the Roman Theatre built in the 2nd century and seating 15,000 people. Side is one of the best classical sites in Turkey with its Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins.
Overnight : Antalya Category : Boutique Hotel : Ruin Adalia Hotel
Day 10 : 1st May – Konya, Silk Road
We will visit the mausoleum of Mevlana Celaleddin Rumi, the great 13th-century Sufi mystic and poet, whose teachings continue to inspire people worldwide. Inside the Mevlana Museum, we will explore his beautifully adorned tomb, ancient manuscripts, and exhibits on the Whirling Dervishes and their spiritual traditions.Continuing our journey along the legendary Silk Road, we will visit the Çatalhöyük Museum, which brings to life the fascinating history of one of the world’s oldest and most advanced Neolithic settlements.
Overnight : Konya Category : 4 star Hotel : Novotel Konya
Day 11 : 2nd May – Cappadocia, Sultanhani Caravansary, Underground City
Today we head to Cappadocia, visiting Sultanhani Caravansary, an ancient Silk Road stop off for merchants and traders. Later we explore the many levels of an underground city. After checking into our hotel we visit a traditional Turkish home for dinner. Here you can do a course and help cook if you wish.
Overnight : Cappadocia Category : Boutique Cave Hotel : Gamirasu Hotel
Day 12: 3rd May – Göreme
Marvel at the lunar landscape of Cappadocia today as we visit the Goreme Valley Open Air Museum and the fairy chimneys. We then visit Pigeon and Red Valley, followed by Cavusin village and lastly Avanos town where we will learn about hand-made pottery.
Overnight : Cappadocia Category : Boutique Cave Hotel : Gamirasu Hotel
Day 13: 4th May – Safranbolu
We depart from Cappadocia early in the morning and drive to the charming town of Safranbolu, known for its well-preserved Ottoman architecture. Upon arrival, we explore the historical Cinci Han and its nearby hamam, stroll around the iconic Safranbolu Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi), and visit the beautifully restored Kaymakamlar Evi to get a glimpse of traditional Ottoman lifestyle. We’ll also wander through the cobbled streets of the old town, stopping by local shops in a historical setting. Overnight stay in Safranbolu.
Overnight : Safranbolu Category : 3 star Hotel : Gulevi Safranbolu Hotel
Day 14: 5th May – Istanbul
After breakfast, we set off for Istanbul, enjoying scenic views along the way. Overnight in Istanbul
Overnight : Istanbul Category : 4 star Hotel : Port Bosphorus Hotel
Day 15: 6th May – Istanbul
After breakfast our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends and are transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Highlights
- Istanbul – Old City – UNESCO Heritage site
- Istanbul – St. Sophia Museum
- Istanbul – Blue Mosque
- Istanbul – Topkapi Palace (Hagia Irene and Harem)
- Istanbul – Hippodrome
- Gallipoli – Battlefields Tour
- Gallipoli – ANZAC Cove
- Gallipoli – Lone Pine – Australian Memorial
- Gallipoli – Johnson’s Jolly – original tunnels
- Gallipoli – The Nek – original trenches
- Gallipoli – Chunuk Bair – New Zealand Memorial
- Gallipoli – ANZAC Day – Dawn Service and ANZAC Memorial Services
- Troy – Ancient City and Museum – UNESCO Heritage site
- Site of the Temple of Artemis
- Ephesus – UNESCO Heritage site
- Sirince – Village
- Pamukkale – Calcium Travertines – UNESCO Heritage site
- Pamukkale – Hierapolis – Tour
- Sultanhani Caravansary
- Göreme – UNESCO Heritage site
- Göreme – Open Air Museum
- Cappadocia – Kaymakli – Underground City
- Perge – Ancient Site
- Aspendos – Ancient Site
- Side – Ancient Site
- Konya – Mevlana Museum
- Catalhoyuk Museum
- Sultanhani Caravansary
- Safranbolu
Inclusions
Tour includes
- Inbound Transfer – Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
- Outbound Transfer – Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
- Professional English-speaking tour guide for the duration of the tour
- Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking vehicle
- Entrance fees
- Tips except Driver and Guide
- 14 nights – accommodation
- 14 Breakfasts, 8 Dinners
Tour does not include
- Suggested optional activities
- Tips – Driver and Guide
- Compulsory Travel Insurance
- Optional Hot Air Balloon Tour
Dates:
From 22 Apr 2026 to 06 May 2026
Per Person in Double – $6,105 pp
Single Supplement – $2,204
