Frequently Asked Questions
Please check our Frequently asked questions for answers to your queries. If this doesn’t help, feel free to email us.
Do you provide airport transfers in Istanbul?
Arrival and departure transfers are available on request from the Atatürk International Airport, as well as the Sabiha Gökçen International Airport. Please contact us with your arrival and departure times and we will get back to you with a quote.
Do I need a visa to enter Turkey?
Depending on your nationality, you may be able to purchase a visa on arrival at any Turkish airport, provided your passport is valid for the length of your stay. You may be asked to show onward travel documents and sufficient funds for your stay.
New Zealand passport holders can stay for up to three months without a visa while Australian passport holders can purchase a three-month visa on arrival. These requirements are liable to change, so always check the current visa situation and costs prior to travel.
What should I expect at the Dawn Service?
The Dawn Service at the Anzac Commemorative Site is normally attended by around 10,000 people, with stadium seating and areas to relax and lie down in the lead up to the service. Portable toilet facilities are provided and there are snack food stalls where you can purchase kebabs, sandwiches, water and soft drinks. Keep in mind that no alcohol is permitted within the area and there is security screening on entry.
We will normally arrive at the Anzac Commemorative Site around 10 pm and settle in as we wait for the Dawn Service to commence. Temperatures can get very chilly and there is no indoor enclosure, so remember to bring warm clothing, sleeping bags and/or blankets. Once the sun rises, it can become very hot during the day, so bring layers that you can strip off for the mid-morning services at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair.
What happens after the Dawn Service at Anzac Cove?
If you want to attend the Australian National Service at Lone Pine, you will need to walk from Anzac Cove (around 1.5 hours) once the Dawn Service is complete. The walk from Lone Pine to where the Turkish National Service takes place is around 40 minutes and the same again to the New Zealand National Service at Chunuk Bair. It is not possible to attend all three, so decide beforehand which ones you would like to attend. The timings change slightly each year but are approximately as follows:
10:30 Australian National Service
11.45 Turkish National Service
13:00 New Zealand National Service
How can I access the services if I have limited mobility?
Guests with limited mobility should contact us in advance so we can make necessary arrangements for you to attend the ceremonies. The Department of Veterans Affairs may provide mobility assistance but this must be registered and booked in advance.
What happens after the ceremonies have finished?
Due to the number of people attending the Dawn Service and the ceremonies on the Gallipoli Peninsula, transport is heavily controlled and we aim to leave the site around 3:30 pm. After diplomats and government officials have departed the area, they will allow the tour buses in to pick up guests, firstly from Lone Pine where the Australian Service takes place and then at Chunuk Bair where the New Zealand Service is held.
Please be aware that the buses are only allowed to enter once all of the services are complete (and can only make the circuit once), so ensure you are at the designated meeting points at the times stated. We will have staff on hand at both meeting points to assist you.
Can I add extra nights of accommodation?
Yes, we are happy to organise additional nights at any of our hotels before or after your tour. Please get in touch when making your booking to arrange this.
What should I bring to the Dawn Service?
Because the Dawn Service takes place in the early hours of Anzac Day and you will be sleeping out at the site, we recommend you bring warm, waterproof and wind-proof clothing, as well as scarves, beanies and gloves. A warm sleeping bag or blankets are also highly recommended.
The midday sun can be strong, so a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen for the services at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair are essential. You’ll be able to purchase hot food, drinks and blankets within the Anzac Commemorative Area, although alcohol is strictly prohibited. We will provide a breakfast box for the morning of the Dawn Service.
How long should I visit Turkey for?
While the Anzac Day Dawn Service may be the main reason for your visit, Turkey is a spectacular country to explore and a couple of weeks is recommended to cover its main highlights. Whether you want to tour the ancient cities, relax aboard a Blue Cruise along the Turkish Riviera or delve into the bazaars of Istanbul, we offer a range of itineraries and experiences. Check out our 6, 8, 11 and 16-day Anzac Day itineraries that include visits to the mesmerising landscapes of Cappadocia and Pamukkale, the legendary city of Troy and gulet cruises along the idyllic Turquoise Coast.
When is final payment due?
Final payments for all tours are due six weeks in advance or you can opt to pay the full balance at the time of booking. Reservations made within six weeks of the tour date require full payment at the time of booking.
How can I make a group booking?
If you’re getting a group together to attend the Dawn Service at Gallipoli, you can either make the booking together and pay the deposit on a single card (with the balance paid separately) or you can make individual bookings and notify us that you would like to be accommodated together.