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Wonders of Turkey - With Anzac Day, Classic Group - 23 Apr 2026 to 23 Apr 2026
Operated by Insight Vacations
Tripcode: Z983M26
Overview
Destination:
Turk,
Start:Istanbul, Turkey
Finish:Istanbul, Turkey
Finish:Istanbul, Turkey
Duration:11 days
Type:Group tour (max 40)
Travel Period
April 2026 - April 2026
Fall in love with Turkey on this 11-day guided tour. Drive through the Maender River Valley to an organic farm, where you can walk the lush lands, then feast on fresh produce during a mouth-watering lunch. See the turquoise travertine pools in Pamukkale where ancient Romans used to soak — then dip into the spa at your hotel to indulge in its Turkish baths. Take a tour of a traditional cave house in Cappadocia with the local who lives there, then dine as you watch whirling dervishes dance nearby. Visit the Mausoleum of Atatürk, the resting place of the country’s first president, in Ankara. Travel to Istanbul, where you’ll see the infamous Blue Mosque before bargaining at the electric Grand Bazaar, which boasts more than 4,000 shops.
Highlights:
Standard inclusions
- 6 Dinner (D)
- 10 Breakfast (B)
Itinerary
Expand all 
Collapse all
Collapse allWelcome to Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. You’ll start in vibrant Istanbul, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and getting to know your fellow travellers over a delicious dinner.
Troy and Çanakkale
Depart Istanbul and head south towards the storied plains of Troy. Visit the archaeological site with your Travel Director to uncover the layers of myth and history behind the ancient city that inspired Homer’s Iliad. Learn how this UNESCO World Heritage Site has shaped understanding of the region's past. Continue to Çanakkale, a significant location during the Gallipoli campaign, where you’ll check into your hotel and enjoy an early evening at leisure. As you look ahead to tomorrow’s ANZAC Day dawn service, this evening is yours to rest before a meaningful morning of remembrance.
Canakkale
Dawn and first light signals the commencement of the annual Dawn Service. Attend alongside Australian, New Zealand and other foreign dignitaries and military personnel to honour the fallen soldiers. After the service pay your respects at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Cemeteries, whilst learning more about the events which lead to the Anzac troops fighting in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. This afternoon return to your hotel for the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps relax poolside and admire the beautiful surroundings or book in for one of the many treatments on offer at the hotel spa.
Gallipoli, Ephesus and Izmir
This morning, return to the Gallipoli Peninsula to explore the key sites of the 1915 campaign with your Travel Director. Visit Anzac Cove, where the troops first came ashore, and reflect at the Lone Pine Cemetery, the final resting place of many Australian soldiers. Continue to Chunuk Bair, a site of significance for New Zealand forces, and gain further insights into the events that shaped the ANZAC legacy. Later, journey south to Ephesus, where you’ll step back into the ancient world amid remarkably preserved Roman ruins. Walk through the city’s grand arcades and imagine daily life in one of antiquity’s greatest trading centres. Arrive in coastal İzmir this evening and enjoy dinner with your Travel Director and fellow travellers.
The Pools of Pamukkale
Head to Pamukkale, famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, and explore the area with your Travel Director. Along the way, see the ruins of the ancient Roman spa city of Hierapolis, founded in 190 B.C. You’ll see the city’s well-preserved theatre and its turquoise travertine pools. Later, head back to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.
The Underground City and Cappadocia
Departing from İzmir, travel inland across the Anatolian plains, continuing towards the striking region of Cappadocia. Visit the 13th-century seljuk Caravanserai, once a vital stop for Silk Road traders, and learn how these fortified lodges supported ancient commerce and culture. Later, descend into the fascinating Saratli Underground City, a maze of tunnels and rooms carved from soft volcanic rock, used for centuries as a refuge from invaders. Check in to your hotel in Cappadocia and enjoy dinner with your fellow guests. This evening, you may choose to join an Optional Experience and immerse yourself in local tradition with a Turkish folklore show, showcasing music, costume and dance unique to this region.
Visit UNESCO-Listed Göreme
Begin your day in Göreme, exploring the UNESCO-listed Open-Air Museum with its rock-hewn churches adorned with vibrant Byzantine frescoes. Continue to the cave home of a Cappadocian local for an Insightful Encounter into the region’s unique troglodyte heritage. Enjoy a fashion show highlighting fine local leatherwork. This afternoon, travel to the surreal landscapes of Paşabağ Valley, where striking fairy chimneys rise from the earth, and pause for photo stops at Uçhisar and Pigeon Valley. As evening falls, experience the spiritual tradition of the Whirling Dervishes in a moving performance that blends music, movement and meditation. Conclude your day with dinner at a local restaurant, savouring regional flavours while reflecting on Cappadocia’s extraordinary cultural and natural wonders.
Ankara
One for art lovers, this morning, you’ll learn about the art of pottery making in Avanos. A town based in Cappadocia, it is famous for its earthenware pottery. On your way, stop off at one of the best-preserved Seljuk Caravanserais in Anatolia. Continue your journey to Ankara, where you’ll visit the Hittite Museum and Anit Kabir, the Mausoleum of Atatürk—Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Perhaps relax in the spa and wellness centre at your hotel this evening.
From Cappadocia to Istanbul
Depart Cappadocia this morning and journey north-west to vibrant Istanbul, where Europe meets Asia across the shimmering Bosphorus. On arrival, step into the bustling heart of the city at the Grand Bazaar. One of the world’s oldest covered markets, it has welcomed traders and shoppers for over five centuries, offering everything from intricate jewellery and handwoven carpets to aromatic spices. Enjoy time to browse its labyrinth of alleys and soak up the lively atmosphere. This evening is yours to explore — you might savour meze in a traditional restaurant, cruise the Bosphorus at sunset or wander Sultanahmet to see its landmarks beautifully lit.
Discover Historic Istanbul
Explore the historic Hippodrome, once the sporting and social centre of Constantinople. Your day continues with your selection between two Insight Choice experiences. Step inside the Hagia Sophia Mosque, an architectural masterpiece blending Byzantine and Ottoman influences, or enjoy the Hagia Sophia Digital Experience for an immersive journey through its 1,500-year history. Later, visit the opulent Topkapı Palace, home to Ottoman sultans for nearly four centuries, and the Blue Mosque, famed for its striking Iznik tiles. Take to the water on a scenic Bosphorus cruise, admiring Istanbul’s skyline from the strait that divides Europe and Asia. This evening, join your fellow guests for a farewell dinner, raising a glass to your ANZAC Day journey through Turkey.
Farewell Istanbul
It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.
Dates
Select a date or submit general enquiry
Operator
Insight Vacations
The art of touring in style. We've been enriching the lives of curious travellers since 1978. Incredible travel is more than visiting amazing destinations, it's about the connections you make and how you spend every moment, from authentic experiences that enrich the mind to stylish hotels that rest the soul. Insightful Experiences: Come away enriched and informed. Dive into an incredible variety of included experiences, meet fascinating people and step into their lives. Our Local Experts take you to the heart of each place you visit. Insightful experiences will create memories about the sights you see and the stories behind them, ranging from a local expert talking you through the wonders of the Grand Canyon, to twirling on the dancefloor in Vienna. Superior Dining: Immerse yourself in local tastes and culture. Great food is at the heart of every journey, and we believe dining is an experience to be savoured. Dine the local way in handpicked restaurants and enjoy delicious seasonable, farm-to-table fare in Sicily. Or, step into the home of a local host in Bosnia to learn the secrets of their favourite dishes. Premium Comfort: Stay in style at highly rated hotels. Where you stay makes the difference between a good vacation and an unforgettable travel experience. We choose highly rated hotels that are hand-picked for their fantastic locations, giving you more time to enjoy your destination. Our most stylish hand-picked hotels include the Taj Aravial Resort & Spa in India and the five-star Bovey Castle in England, nestled within 275 acres of beautiful countryside. Personal Service: Everything is taken care of so you can simply relax. Expertly trained, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic, your Travel Director takes care of everything and makes your vacation personal to you. A true friend overseas, your Travel Director ensures a fabulous, seamless journey from start to finish. We make travel matter. Experience conscious and sustainable travel with Insight Vacations. Each of our tours includes a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER®️ Experience, which will teach you about your destination while also having a positive social or environmental impact on the local community.
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Please note: We are proud to be an independent agent to travel providers of hotels, flights and other related services. We are not a tour operator. Details and information on the offer are provided by 3rd party businesses and although we do our best to verify the information, we cannot guarantee its accuracy on all occasions. These offers are not available in conjunction with any other offer unless otherwise stated. Pricing and availability are subject to change without notice.
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