Istanbul, Gallipoli, ANZAC Day - Dawn Service and ANZAC Memorial Services, Istanbul City Tour to the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace, t
Highlights
Istanbul, Gallipoli, ANZAC Day - Dawn Service and ANZAC Memorial Services, Istanbul City Tour to the Blue Mosque, St. Sophia Museum, Topkapi Palace, the Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar,Troy, Ephesus, Sirince, Kusadasi, Pamukkale, Konya, Cappadocia
Itinerary
Upon arrival our staff will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul for the start of your trip.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
None
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Istanbul - pre-tour
Our trip begins this morning with a full day tour of Istanbul. Lying across two continents this historically important city played an integral role in the development of both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires. We visit the 17th century Blue Mosque, the Aya Sofya museum and explore the former residence of the Ottoman Sultans at Topkapi Palace before ending at the famous Hippodrome.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Embark on an early morning departure from Istanbul, venturing towards the landscapes of the Gallipoli Peninsula. Along the scenic drive, make a stop to replenish supplies and gather provisions for the journey ahead.
Upon arrival at this historic site, proceed directly to the iconic Anzac Cove, where you'll secure a comfortable spot on the grassy expanse to settle in for the memorable overnight experience. As darkness descends, reflect upon the sacrifices made on these hallowed grounds, preparing for the dawn of a momentous occasion.
OVERNIGHT:
Çanakkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Rise before dawn to partake in the deeply moving ANZAC Day Dawn Service. As the service commences, a profound hush descends, amplifying the solemnity of this poignant occasion. Pay tribute to the brave souls who sacrificed their lives on this historic ground. Following the dawn service, choose to attend either the Australian or New Zealand Memorial service, delving deeper into the individual stories of valor and camaraderie.
In the afternoon, embark on the return journey to Istanbul where we'll spend the night.
OVERNIGHT:
Çanakkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Leaving Canakkale, we journey to the legendary city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we'll delve into the award-winning Troy Museum and then explore the ancient city itself. Wander through its fabled walls, envision the battles of heroes like Achilles and Hector, and admire the remnants of temples and theatres that echo with tales of a magnificent past.
Our day ends with a drive to the coastal city of Kusadasi.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
After breakfast we drive to the Roman site of Ephesus. The city at one time housed 250,000 people and is regarded as one of the best preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean. We visit the Temple of Artemis, and explore the ancient marble streets of this ruined Roman city. This afternoon we visit the fruit wine growing village of Sirince and learn about the history of carpet weaving in Turkey.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
We travel east this morning to Pamukkale, site of the well known white calcium terraces known as Travertines. Pamukkale translates as 'cotton castles' and the naturally occuring geology here has created cloud like formations unlike anywhere else. We then head to the ancient city of Hierapolis to enjoy a dip in the hot thermal pools lodged amongst ancient columns left by the Romans who used the pools for their therapeutic powers.
This evening will be spent in a hotel in Pamukkale.
OVERNIGHT:
Pamukkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Travel back in time today as we follow the ancient Silk Road towards Konya. We learn more about the history of this important trade route with a stop at the Sultanhani Caravanserai before arrivingin Konya where we include a visit to the Mevlana museum - the former home of the original Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes.
The day ends in Cappadocia where an optional folklore evening is available.
OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia Cave hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Today we set out to explore the beautiful and surreal landscape of Cappadocia. Unlike nowhere else on earth, this bizarre setting creates a fairytale view full of improbable rock formations and underground villages. Often described as the jewel of Turkey we have a full tour here to explore the subterrenean churches and fortresses used by Christians to avoid persecution over a thousand years ago.
OVERNIGHT:
Cappadocia Cave hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
We leave early this morning for the drive to Ankara, Turkey's modern day capital city. We visit Anitkabir - mausoleum of the famed Mustafa Kemal Ataturk before returning to Istanbul by road. This is a long day's drive, and we can arrange an upgrade to an internal flight from Kayseri in Cappadocia if you prefer (please ask for current times & prices).
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Kayseri to Istanbul Flight Upgrade (inc. transfers)
Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing and shopping in Istanbul before we transfer you to the airport for your flight home.
OVERNIGHT:
N/A
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
Extra day in Istanbul - post-tour
included with
All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
All transport and transfers
Arrival and Departure Airport Transfers
Services of a local tour leader throughout
Entrance fees for included sightseeing
Meals as indicated in the itinerary
Tipping kitty
excluded by
International flights (available on request)
Visa fees
Travel insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tips for guide & driver
Any other items not mentioned above
Extras /
Upgrades
Single Room Supplement
This option guarantees you a single room in hotels throughout the tour. If you are a single traveller who would like to share, let us know and we will see if we can pair you up. The single supplement is payable if a room share cannot be arranged.
Extra night pre-tour
This option adds an extra night to the start of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability at the time of booking). Your airport arrival transfer is still included.
Extra night post-tour - Price from £30.00
This option adds an extra night to the end of your tour, staying in the same hotel as the main tour itself (subject to availability at the time of booking). Your airport departure transfer is still included.
Detailed Description
This 11-day tour of Turkey begins and concludes in Istanbul, with the ANZAC Day ceremonies as its focal point. The itinerary also encompasses captivating destinations such as Cappadocia, Pamukkale, and Kusadasi, including five UNESCO World Heritage sites.
This tour offers a unique blend of historical exploration and cultural immersion, centered around the ANZAC Day commemorations at Gallipoli. The journey begins in Istanbul, where participants delve into the city's rich past with visits to iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace.
The tour then ventures to Gallipoli, where the solemn ANZAC Day Dawn Service and memorial services pay tribute to the fallen soldiers. The itinerary also encompasses destinations such as Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Cappadocia, showcasing Turkey's diverse landscapes and ancient ruins. Throughout the tour, you'll have the opportunity to engage with local traditions, such as witnessing carpet weaving demonstrations and attending an optional Turkish folklore evenings.
