This trip generates 27 kg of CO2-e per person per day. Learn more about our climate commitment.
ANZAC Day Dawn Service





Learn about the legend and legacy of the ANZACs at the Dawn Service in Gallipoli
On April 25th, 1915, Allied troops landed on the Gallipoli Peninsula. The military campaign that followed was disastrous for the Allies yet came to define the national psyches of Australia and New Zealand. Travel to these solemn battlefields on the anniversary of the landing and wander through Anzac Cove to the Nek and Lone Pine. Walk through the trenches, attend a moving dawn service and hear the stories of heroism and camaraderie immortalised in Australia's Anzac history. This journey provides a great opportunity to pay respect to the fallen of World War I and to reflect on what they fought for.
4.2
5 reviewsStart: Istanbul, Turkey
End: Istanbul, Turkey
- Duration
- 2 days
- Group size
- 1 to 99
- Minimum age
- 18 years old
- Style
- Basic
- Theme
Our themes categorise trips based on a common interest or activity, while showcasing the highlights of a destination.
- Festival, Independent - Short Breaks
- Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Why you'll love this trip
- Pay your respects to the fallen at Gallipoli – a moving and educational experience regardless of your age or background.
- Take part in the true Antipodean pilgrimage – something every Australian and New Zealander should experience at some point.
- Focus on the Anzac Day Dawn service, with all logistics to and from the site taken care of for you.
- Start and end in Istanbul, making this trip to Gallipoli easy to organise during your stay in Turkey.
- Have a barbeque dinner in Eceabat before making your way to the Anzac Commemorative site, where you’ll settle in for the night, ready for dawn.
Itinerary
Hosgeldiniz. Welcome to Turkey! You’ll meet at the Hotel Centrum in Istanbul at 11 am this morning before transferring by private bus to Gallipoli. Midway, in the afternoon, we will stop for lunch (own expense). When you finally arrive on the Gallipoli Peninsula, stop to explore the town of Eceabat and enjoy a barbeque dinner before making your way to the Anzac Commemorative site. Please be ready for long delays upon entry, as all visitors will be security screened. For any Australian or New Zealander visiting the Shores of Turkey, a visit to the battlefields of the Gallipoli Peninsula is a must. The battle at Gallipoli in WW1 is seen as a turning point in both nations (and the Republic of Turkey). The names of ANZAC Cove, the Nek and Lone Pine have a special place in the hearts of Antipodeans and are just some of the places you can visit today. You’ll be struck by the beauty and serenity here, which is in stark contrast to the stories your local guide will tell you of the events that unfolded here. Stay overnight in the ceremonial area near ANZAC Cove, under the stars.
- Camping under the stars (1 night)
- Dinner
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
The night can be very cold, so it’s imperative you bring a sleeping bag for the night. It’s not possible to sleep during the night, due to the crowds that visit each year and the seating arrangements. To make the most of the experience, come well rested.
This is a sober affair, and no alcohol is allowed at the event. Other refreshments are provided on site for a reasonable price. Toilet facilities are also available.
After the main ceremony and rendition of the last post, there is an opportunity to visit other country ceremonies. You may also want to seek out graves that may have personal significance. Later, between noon and 1 pm, re-board your bus back to Istanbul. Stop on the way, in the late afternoon for a quick lunch (own expense). Arrive back in Istanbul, around 8 pm, when your trip comes to an end. It’s highly recommended you arrange an additional night's accommodation for the evening or plan any departure for the late evening. If you need help organising accommodation, just ask your booking agent at the time of booking.
- Breakfast
Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours. Visitors should be prepared to walk up to 8 kilometres between commemorative sites, including the Anzac Commemorative Site , Lone Pine Cemetery, and Chunuk Bair. The terrain is mostly uphill and includes several steep segments, particularly between Anzac Commemorative and Chunuk Bair. After the services at Anzac Commemorative Site , all visitors are required to walk uphill to Chunuk Bair to reach the designated departure point for coaches. There is no transportation provided from the lower areas to the departure point unless arranged in advance for those with certified mobility needs.
We recommend that elderly guests or those with mobility concerns consider these requirements carefully and ensure any accessibility needs are clearly noted during the registration process (see IMPORTANT NOTES below).
Inclusions and activities
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Before you book you should know
- This trip starts early on Day 1 and also a very late finish on Day 2. Please ensure that you allow sufficient time if you plan to travel on these days.
- Be prepared to walk up to 8 kilometres between commerorative sites in mostly uphill terrain.
All visitors attending the 2026 ANZAC commemorations at Gallipoli, will require an attendance pass. Visitors are required to apply for this pass prior to event. Details on how to apply are presented below.
Please refer to the important information section of our Essential Trip Information for up to date information on the 2026 event as it is made available to us by local and overseas authorities.
This trip does not include any accommodation. The overnight stay on the Gallipoli Peninsula is spent sleeping under the stars at the commemoration site. Warm clothes and a sleeping bag are recommended, there is no camping equipment provided.
This event is organized by the Australian, New Zealand and Turkish governments and details can change. For this reason, we will provide an updated advice one month prior to departure.
Attendees of the dawn service and ANZAC commemorations should register online with either the Department of Veteran Affairs in New Zealand and OR Australia.
We recommend applying for this pass in advance at the link below. Australian Citizens: https://commemorations.teg.com.au
New Zealand citizens can register on the above link or check with the Veteran Affairs in New Zealand for updates.
Mobility Assistance
Mobility support is very limited and is only available to those who pre-register their accessibility needs during the Attendance Pass registration process via the official Gallipoli Commemorations website.
Priority is given on a ‘most in need’ basis, and support cannot be guaranteed for all requests.
All visitors requiring mobility assistance must bring their own equipment (e.g. wheelchairs or walkers), as these are not provided on site.
On-site assistance may be available at the Information Tent at the Anzac Commemorative Site, but again, only for pre-registered individuals.
IMPORTANT ITINERARY INFORMATION
1. No accommodation is provided on this tour. You will sleep out under the stars as the ANZAC's did many years before.
2. This Short Break Adventure starts at 11 am on Day 1, and finishes at approximately 8pm on Day 2.
3. You will be picked up on Day 1 from a centrally located Hotel listed in the Essential Trip Information for this itinerary.
TURKEY: We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest information on travelling in Turkey before your departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all areas of your itinerary. We have links to prominent government travel advisories and regular updates on issues affecting this trip on our Travel Alerts page - https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts.
4. It is important that you have your passport with you as well as any register confirmation (qr code, if applicable) email as they will be required for entrance to the site.
Visa information is provided by Sherpa, a third-party. The "Add connection" feature shows transit visa requirements only and does not include full entry visa needs. Please note, additional service fees apply if you choose to purchase a visa through Sherpa.
Travel and visa requirements
No accommodation included on this trip. We camp out overnight - bring a sleeping bag.
Centrum Hotel Istanbul
Hoca Paşa Mh. İbn-i Kemal Caddesi No:14
Istanbul
34080
TURKEY
Description
Hotel Centrum Istanbul is at the heart of the old city. Rooms are modern and with private bathrooms, in room safes, satellite TV and free Wifi. There are many restaurants and cafes nearby and the hotel is within walking distance to the Sultanahmet district and landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome and Grand Bazaar. The hotel is well-serviced by nearby public transport.
Instructions
Intrepid can assist with pre-booking an arrival transfer from the airport - enquire with your agent. Please advise your flight arrival details, including which airport in Istanbul, at least 14 days prior to your departure.
There are two international airports servicing Istanbul. Istanbul Airport (IST) is 50kms/30miles northwest of central Istanbul, on the European side. Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) is 50kms/30miles southeast of central Istanbul, on the Asian side. From either airport you can take a metered taxi to the joining point hotel. The taxi fare will cost approx. TRY1500-2300.
We recommend screenshotting or printing the below details as wifi in both airports is unreliable.
If you cannot find your transfer representative, or if your flight is delayed, please call the number listed below in the ‘Problems and emergency contact information’ section.
Arriving at Istanbul Airport (IST)
If you have pre-booked an arrival transfer, you will be met outside the Arrivals Hall. After collecting your luggage, proceed through the Arrivals Hall and exit through Gate 9. On the left-hand side, you’ll see a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign.
Due to airport regulations, drivers have to wait offsite so you will need to wait for a short period of time before they arrive at the pick-up area. Once the driver arrives, the transfer representative will escort you to meet the driver (two floors down).
The journey from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour but can increase to 90 minutes or more during rush hour.
If you’d like to take public transport, you can use the HAVAIST bus service, which is located one level down from the Arrivals Hall. Please enquire at the information booths on the transport level for schedule times and to purchase prepaid tickets (TRY18). You will require the bus for Eminounu; it’s then a short walk to your hotel.
Arriving at Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW)
If you have pre-booked an arrival transfer, you will be met outside the Arrivals Hall. After collecting your luggage, proceed through the Arrivals Hall, exit, and cross the road between columns 9 and 10 to Simit Sarayi bakery. You’ll find a transfer representative holding an Intrepid sign.
Due to airport regulations, drivers have to wait offsite so you will need to wait for a short period of time before they arrive at the pick-up area.
The journey from the airport to the hotel will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes but can increase to 2 hours or more during rush hour.
If you’d like to take public transport, we recommend using the HAVABUS bus service to Kadikoy and then taking the ferry to Eminounu. From there, it’s a short walk to your hotel.
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July 2026
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