11 Day Incredible Turkey with Gallipoli ANZAC Day Dawn Service

Welcome to Turkey! You'll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the heart of Istanbul. The rest of the day is yours to explore as you see fit. Tonight you will have a welcome meeting in your hotel reception at approximately 7pm. Special InformationArrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed. If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel's discretion.

After breakfast, depart Istanbul and travel along the scenic coastline of the Sea of Marmara toward the historic region of Troy.On arrival, visit the impressive Troy Museum, where modern exhibits and archaeological discoveries bring the ancient city to life. Afterwards, step back in time as you explore the legendary ruins of Troy itself, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the tale of the Trojan Horse and the epic story of Helen of Sparta and Paris of Troy. Wander through the archaeological site and imagine the layers of history that have unfolded here over thousands of years.Later, continue to Çanakkale and check in to your hotel for a short rest. Late in the evening, prepare for a very early start as you depart around midnight. Crossing the Dardanelles by ferry, continue to Anzac Cove where you will arrive in the early hours to secure a place for the overnight stay ahead of the ANZAC Day Dawn Service. Inspiring Highlights Troy Trojan Horse Special Information Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

In the early hours of the morning, depart your hotel and travel to the Gallipoli Peninsula to attend one of the most moving commemorations in the world — the ANZAC Day Dawn Service. As the quiet darkness settles over the historic shoreline, take your place at the ANZAC Commemorative Site where a pre-service program shares stories, reflections and music, honouring the courage and sacrifice of those who served. As the first light of day breaks across the Gallipoli coastline, the Dawn Service begins. Surrounded by fellow Australians, New Zealanders and visitors from around the world, experience this deeply emotional ceremony in the very place where the ANZAC story began. It is a powerful and unforgettable moment of remembrance. Following the Dawn Service, you will make your way to one of two national commemorations. You may choose to attend the Australian National Service at Lone Pine Memorial, dedicated to the Australian soldiers who fought and fell here, or the New Zealand National Service at Chunuk Bair, where New Zealand troops played a significant role during the campaign. Both services provide a meaningful opportunity to reflect and pay tribute. After the commemorations conclude, rejoin your coach and begin the journey back to Istanbul. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest or explore at your own pace after this unforgettable and emotional experience. Inspiring Highlights Gallipoli Dawn Service National Commemorations Special Information Exact departure times from your hotel will be confirmed by your Tour Leader during your trip. Due to extensive road closures and security measures on ANZAC Day, coaches are unable to access the commemorative sites directly. Your coach will drop you at a designated point, after which you will walk with your Tour Leader to the ANZAC Commemorative Site. Please be aware that attending the services involves a moderate amount of walking, including uphill sections and uneven terrain. The walk to the Dawn Service site can take approximately 20–30 minutes depending on conditions and crowd flow. If attending the Lone Pine or Chunuk Bair services, additional walking will be required between commemorative areas. At the conclusion of the services, guests will walk to a designated coach collection point where your coach will meet you for the return journey. Comfortable walking shoes and warm clothing are strongly recommended, as temperatures can be cool in the early morning hours. IMPORTANT: All visitors attending the Gallipoli Dawn Service are responsible for completing the mandatory registration process. Please see 'Tour & Destination Information' for further information.

After breakfast, enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, St Sophia Museum and the Hippodrome. Later tonight you will be picked up from your hotel to join a dinner cruise experience up the Bosphorus. The waterway lies between Europe and Asia and passes under the suspension bridges, providing panoramic views of Ottoman summer palaces, waterside mansions and modern villas lining the coast. A truly memorable experience! Inspiring Highlights Old City Blue Mosque Grand Bazaar St Sophia Museum Hippodrome Bosphorus Dinner Cruise

This morning, we transfer to the airport for our included flight to Cappadocia, a region famed for its otherworldly landscapes and rich history. Upon arrival, we transfer to our hotel, where you can settle in and unwind. The rest of the day is yours to explore at leisure—perhaps take a stroll through the charming streets, admire the unique rock formations, or simply relax and soak in the atmosphere of this enchanting destination. Cappadocia, known for its breathtaking landscapes, is truly a place like no other, and it's sure to leave you with memories that will have you wanting to return again. To complete this exceptional experience, you'll spend the night in a carefully selected Cave Hotel, where the charm and character of the region come alive, offering you an unforgettable stay in a one-of-a-kind setting. Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4 hours. Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 25kg (55 lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed (additional fees are payable directly to the airline).

Today promises another unforgettable highlight! We begin by immersing ourselves in the lunar landscapes of Cappadocia, visiting the Göreme Open Air Museum, where ancient cave churches and frescoes bring history to life. We'll also marvel at the iconic fairy chimneys, unique rock formations that have become synonymous with this extraordinary region. Our adventure continues as we explore the fascinating underground cities, a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers carved deep into the earth. Inspiring Highlights Göreme - Open Air Museum Kaymakli - Underground City

After breakfast, we embark on a journey along the legendary Silk Road, stopping first at the impressive Sultanhani Caravansary, a beautifully preserved 13th-century resting place for travellers and traders. Continuing on to Konya, we visit the Mevlana Museum, dedicated to the life and teachings of the revered Sufi poet Rumi. Our travels then take us onward to Pamukkale, home of the stunning white calcium terraces. Inspiring Highlights Sultanhani Caravansary Mevlana Museum Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

This morning, we journey to the magnificent Travertines of Pamukkale, where the brilliant white calcium terraces create a surreal, almost otherworldly landscape. We also explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis, once a thriving Roman spa town. Take a moment to dip into the warm, mineral-rich waters of the hot springs, surrounded by the remains of ancient columns—a place once revered for its therapeutic powers. In the afternoon, enjoy a special demonstration of locally crafted leather goods, showcasing the region's rich artisanal traditions. We then continue our journey to Kuşadası, a beautiful coastal town, where we'll settle in for the evening. Inspiring Highlights Travertines Hierapolis Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Departing after breakfast, we begin our day with a guided tour of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Walk along its marble streets, admire the grand theatre, and take in the mystical atmosphere of this once-thriving metropolis. A short distance away, we visit the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, where remnants of its storied past remain. Later, you will return to Kuşadası where you will have the rest of the day at leisure. Inspiring Highlights Ephesus Temple of Artemis Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel in Kusadasi to Izmir airport for your flight to Istanbul. Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, where you can check in and settle in comfortably. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore Istanbul at your own pace. You might choose to take a casual stroll through the historic Sultanahmet district, visit the Grand Bazaar for some shopping, or simply relax at your hotel and enjoy the amenities. In the evening, consider dining at a local restaurant to savour Istanbul's diverse culinary offerings. Special InformationYour travel time today will be approximately 4.5 hours.

After breakfast, our tour through Turkey comes to an end. At the appropriate time please make your own way to the airport for your flight home. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience. Special InformationAirport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.