12-Day Best of Turkey | ANZAC Day
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Child age: 0-12
Highlights
Welcome to Turkey, where ancient wonders meet buzzing bazaars and sun-soaked coastlines. In 12 days you’ll tick off Gallipoli, with the chance to experience the ANZAC Day Dawn Service. Plus, you’ll see Troy, Ephesus and Pamukkale, chill out at Fethiye’s Blue Lagoon, and get hands-on with local village crafts. Then it’s off to Cappadocia: fairy chimneys, underground cities, and views of hot air balloons in the sky. Expect big history, bigger views, and a suitcase that somehow comes home heavier.
Dates & Prices
Price in USD (per person, based on double occupancy)
Itinerary
Hello and welcome to Istanbul! You’ll meet your crew before heading straight out on a tour of the city. After you’ve ticked off the mosques and wandered the markets, it’ll be time to feast. So, join us for a welcome dinner with a Turkish delight tasting (to kick things off on a sweet note, like we should).
Istanbul, Turkey
The most populous city in Turkey and the country's economic, cultural and historic center. The city's biggest attraction is its historic center, partially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cultural and entertainment hub is across the city's natural harbor, the Golden Horn, in the Beyoglu district.
Out of Istanbul, we'll make our way to Canakkale.Shortly after ferrying across the Dardanelles (casually crossing continents), we’ll arrive in the sparkling town of Canakkale. Today we’ll discover that “Troy” means way more than a Hollywood blockbuster. We’ll unpack the legends, the layers, and the history behind the epic war with a guided tour of the ancient ruins of the region.Thought that was it? Nope. We'll take a tour of this beautiful town too - and even see the legendary Trojan Horse monument.This evening we’ll lock in a great spot for tomorrow’s Dawn Service, then settle in for the night at ANZAC Cove — sleeping beachside under the stars.
Troy
The ruins of the ancient city of Troy, the famous setting of Homer's masterful epic The Iliad, are located within the Canakkale province of Turkey, on the country's Aegean coast.
Canakkale, Turkey
This city and seaport in Turkey sits on the southern coast of the Dardanelles (also called the Hellespont) at their narrowest point. It is the largest major city near the site of ancient Troy.
With the sun rising behind us, we’ll attend the Dawn Service at ANZAC Cove, followed by the Australia and New Zealand ceremonies. It’s an early start, but a seriously meaningful one. You’ll have some time to reflect, pay respect, and soak in the atmosphere before we move on.After the ceremonies, we’ll regroup, grab our bags, and refuel with lunch back in Çanakkale. Then it’s wheels up as we make our way to Izmir.We’ll roll into Izmir and head out to explore the palm-lined promenades of this town known as the 'Pearl of the Aegean’. Rest up — our adventure in the birthplace of Homer (no kids, that isn't Homer from Springfield) continues tomorrow.
Canakkale, Turkey
This city and seaport in Turkey sits on the southern coast of the Dardanelles (also called the Hellespont) at their narrowest point. It is the largest major city near the site of ancient Troy.
Izmir, Turkey
A vibrant city on Turkey's Aegean coast, known for its modern vibe and rich historical sites.
Izmir, you were incredible. Ephesus, here we come!Did you know Mark Antony and Cleopatra used to hang out here at Ephesus back in the day? And now here we are, walking in their footsteps some 2,000 years later in what is now the best preserved classical city on the Mediterranean. We'll have a chance to see the well-preserved ruins of this ancient port city including the Temple of Artemis and the Library of Celsus before heading back on the road to our next wonder, Pamukkale.Ah yes, there she is. Even more spectacular than Instagram & Pinterest had ever suggested and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Pamukkale's flowing waters of arid ridges and white calcium terraces formed by mineral waters are almost too much. We'll enjoy an included dinner at our hotel tonight, with more time to explore tomorrow.
Izmir, Turkey
A vibrant city on Turkey's Aegean coast, known for its modern vibe and rich historical sites.
Ephesus
The amphitheater at the ruins of Ephesus is still in excellent condition. The Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Basilica are other notable buildings. The Temple of Artemis was located on the outskirts of the city.
Pamukkale, Turkey
This site near Denizli, Turkey is known as the "White Castle" for its white limestone cliffs. For thousands of years, the inhabitants of and visitors to the area have used the thermal pools to relax.
This morning we’ll farewell Pamukkale and hit the road towards the coast — swapping white terraces for full-on turquoise vibes.Along the way, we’ll make a quick stop at Ölüdeniz to check out that unreal Blue Lagoon. Stretch the legs, snap the pics, and enjoy the sea-air reset.We’ll swing by Kayaköy later on. If you’re keen, you can opt in for a BBQ dinner at a local restaurant and settle in for a relaxed evening with the crew.Then it’s on to Fethiye, where the pace slows right down. Tonight’s yours: waterfront wander, chill dinner, early night… whatever your reset looks like.
Pamukkale, Turkey
This site near Denizli, Turkey is known as the "White Castle" for its white limestone cliffs. For thousands of years, the inhabitants of and visitors to the area have used the thermal pools to relax.
Oludeniz, Turkey
Oludeniz is Turkish for "Dead Sea," named for the calm waters offshore. Located at the junction of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, it is a popular tourist destination, especially for Europe's yachting community.
Kayaköy, Turkey
Kayaköy is an abandoned stone village in southwestern Turkey, known for its well-preserved empty houses and stunning valley views. It offers a unique glimpse into history and a peaceful atmosphere for travelers.
Fethiye, Turkey
Fethiye is a small coastal city on the southwestern tip of Turkey. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, featuring exquisite Mediterranean coastlines. Fethiye is one of Turkey's most famous tourist hubs and is particularly popular during the summer.
This morning will be free to soak up Fethiye at your own pace. Think waterfront strolls, a lazy beach session, or a wander through the markets for snacks and souvenirs. If you feel like getting out on the water, you can opt into a boat tour with lunch onboard: turquoise water, sun on your face, and a front-row seat to Türkiye’s coastline doing the absolute most.
Fethiye, Turkey
Fethiye is a small coastal city on the southwestern tip of Turkey. It is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations, featuring exquisite Mediterranean coastlines. Fethiye is one of Turkey's most famous tourist hubs and is particularly popular during the summer.
Fethiye, you were fab. But we’ve got places to be. Konya is a whole mix — ancient roots, grand mosques, market streets, modern student energy, and the legacy of Rumi all in one place. First up, we’ll meet a Sufi master for an intro to whirling dervish traditions. Then it’s home-cooked dinner time at our homestay for a cosy, local end to the day.
Konya, Turkey
Located in the Central Anatolia region of Turkey, Konya is a city with population of 1,174,536. Historically, it was the capital of the Seljuq Sultanate of Rum and the Karamanids.
Waving goodbye to Konya this morning, we’ll set our sights on another UNESCO World Heritage spot: Cappadocia.We’ll roll into Cappadocia and head straight to the Göreme Open Air Museum to explore its rock-cut monasteries and cave churches. Next up, we’ll meet Mr Galip — a UNESCO-recognised pottery legend — for a live demo (and yeah… souvenirs will be very, very tempting).
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is known for its fairy-tale speckled rock formations: strange rock formations, caves, and historical relics of semi-hermit people. It is also one of the two most popular place for hot air balloon rides on earth.
Leaving this city without a hot air balloon moment? Naurrr. Sign up for an optional sunrise experience to see the balloons drift across the valley and lock in those photo ops. Later, we’ll hike the Red Valley, weaving past honey-coloured rocks and proper other-worldly views. Finally, if you’re keen to level up your Turkish food game, you can jump into an optional cooking class. And yep, it’s inside a cave!
Cappadocia, Turkey
Cappadocia, located in central Turkey, is known for its fairy-tale speckled rock formations: strange rock formations, caves, and historical relics of semi-hermit people. It is also one of the two most popular place for hot air balloon rides on earth.
We’ll leave Cappadocia behind today and make our way to the capital, Ankara.On the way, we’ll stop at Lake Tuz for a salty, sparkly photo break — cameras at the ready.Hello Ankara! You’ll have a free evening to do you. If you’re keen for a culture hit, head to Anıtkabir — the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, founder and first President of modern Türkiye (aka the name in Turkish history). Or keep it simple and hunt down a cosy spot for dinner with the crew.
Lake Tuz, Turkey
Tuz Golu, or Salt Lake, is one of Turkeyâs best-kept secrets. The countryâs second-largest lake is frosted with white minerals. Spanning almost 650 square miles (more than 1,600 square kilometers), the Lake Tuz salt lake seems to extend into infinity.
Ankara, Turkey
As the capital of Turkey, Ankara is the center of the country's government and an important commercial and industrial city. A very old city, it contains ancient Hittite, Phrygian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman archaeological sites.
Catch ya’ later, Ankara. Time to hit the road to Istanbul.Nice to see you again, Istanbul. You’ll have a free afternoon to roam the streets, soak up the chaos in the best way, and lock in any last-minute shopping. Tonight, you can round things off with an optional farewell dinner with your crew.
Istanbul, Turkey
The most populous city in Turkey and the country's economic, cultural and historic center. The city's biggest attraction is its historic center, partially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cultural and entertainment hub is across the city's natural harbor, the Golden Horn, in the Beyoglu district.
And just like that, after 12 days of culture, epic landscapes, and all the “how is this real?” moments — your trip will come to an end. Hug it out, swap numbers, and get those last pics in… because the group chat’s about to become your new travel diary.
Includes & Excludes
Price Includes
Additional Notes
- START/END TIMES: Trip starts in Istanbul at 16:00 and ends in Istanbul at 10:00.
- GROUND HANDLERS: This trip is operated on behalf of Contiki by our trusted third-party supplier, SGA, and led by one of our own wonderful Contiki Trip Managers.
- ANZAC Departure - An Attendance Pass is required to attend the Dawn Service on Anzac Day for this departure. In order to obtain an online Attendance Pass travellers are required to register at the following website: https://commemorations.teg.com.au/. Once the registration is complete, an online Attendance Pass will be issued, which is mandatory for all visitors regardless of which country they are from. Please note for the night in Canakkale if attending the Anzac Ceremony we sleep under the stars so pax should pack a sleeping bag and warm clothes. For those not attending the Ceremony hotel rooms will be available for the night at no extra cost, please contact us to let us know if travellers are not attending the Ceremony in order to ensure enough rooms are available.
- NOTE: Please note our multi-share rooms accommodate a maximum of 8 people of the same gender.
Policies
All purchases are subject to re-confirmation within 2-3 business days after booking. Please do not book airline tickets until you have received the confirmation.
Complete operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, is included on your e-ticket. You must print the e-tickets and take them along on your trip; they are your proof of purchase.
Travel Documents
Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Each passenger must carry a valid travel document. (Valid visa for countries needed) (E.g. Green Card, Passport, Re-Entry Permit, and etc.) Tour operator is not responsible for lost or stolen personal items.
Cancellation penalties per person (request day and departure day are not counted)
30 days or more prior to departure - $175/person penalty.
2-29 days or more prior to departure - $280/person penalty.
Day of departure no show or late - 100% per person.
If the tour include airtickets, additional $75+airline surcharge will be charged as penalty.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
30 days or more prior to departure - $175/person penalty.
2-29 days or more prior to departure - $280/person penalty.
Day of departure no show or late - 100% per person.
If the tour include airtickets, additional $75+airline surcharge will be charged as penalty.
Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.
Trips require a minimum number of participants to avoid cancellation. We reserve the right to cancel a scheduled trip to fully refund affected customers although tour companies will make every effort to maintain normal operations.
The refund amount will be credited directly to your TakeTours wallet as credits for future use. Or the refund can also be forwarded directly to your credit card with a 6% handling fee.
NOTE: We cannot grant any refunds more than 30 days after completion of the tour.
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