Istanbul, Gallipoli, ANZAC Day - Dawn Service and ANZAC Memorial Services, Istanbul Tour, Troy, Ephesus, Pamukkale
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, ancient Troy, Ephesus, Sirince, Kusadasi, Pamukkale
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
Following breakfast, you will embark on a fully guided tour of Istanbul, the extraordinary city that uniquely spans two continents. Your day of exploration features visits to its most iconic landmarks, including the Blue Mosque, the St. Sophia Museum, and the historic Hippodrome. You will also have the opportunity to wander through the vibrant Grand Bazaar and explore the magnificent Topkapi Palace, complete with entry to the renowned Hagia Irene and the Harem. This evening, be sure not to miss the optional Turkish Folklore experience for a memorable night of local culture and entertainment.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
Please be aware that on 24 April, official security protocols and restrictions associated with high-level attendance will likely prevent a comprehensive tour of Gallipoli. Instead, we will depart Istanbul in the morning and travel to Çanakkale. Upon arrival, your guide will arrange a flexible programme tailored to local conditions and the preferences of the group. After you check into the hotel and have some time to rest, we will depart at approximately midnight. We will cross via ferry and head to Anzac Cove, arriving at around 1:00 am to secure a location for the overnight wait prior to the Dawn Service.
OVERNIGHT:
Çanakkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Awaken before sunrise to participate in the deeply moving ANZAC Day Dawn Service. As the commemorations begin, you will experience the reverent and almost deafening silence dedicated to honouring our fallen forefathers. The morning begins with a pre-service programme at 1:30 am. Please be advised that the final entry deadline is 3:00 am, after which site access closes and temporary road closures are enforced. The 'Spirit of Place' introductory segment starts at 5:00 am, paving the way for the official Dawn Service to commence at 5:30 am.
Later in the morning, you will have the opportunity to attend the national services. The Australian Memorial Service at Lone Pine is scheduled for 10:00 am, and the New Zealand Memorial Service at Chunuk Bair follows at 11:30 am. Finally, coach boarding for our departure will commence at 1:00 pm at Chunuk Bair and Hill 261, before we return to the hotel for a restful afternoon.
OVERNIGHT:
Çanakkale hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
We will depart from Çanakkale and journey towards Troy to explore the award-winning Troy Museum and the ancient city of Troy, a prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site. Step back in time as you walk through the legendary city walls and stand where mythical heroes such as Achilles and Hector once battled. You will have the opportunity to marvel at the fascinating remnants of temples and theatres, each whispering captivating stories of a glorious past. We'll end our day in the coastal town of Kusadasi where we'll spend the night.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
Immerse yourself in history today with a guided tour of Ephesus and a visit to the ancient site of the Temple of Artemis. Experience the mystical atmosphere of the ruined city and its spectacular theatre before continuing to the picturesque former Greek village of Sirince, renowned for its delightful fruit wines. Turkish carpet weaving boasts a long and rich heritage; during a visit to a traditional carpet village, you will discover how these magnificent pieces are meticulously crafted by hand and learn the fascinating details that determine their value.
OVERNIGHT:
Kusadasi hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast, Dinner
EXTRAS:
None
This morning, we will enjoy a wonderful display of locally handcrafted leather goods before travelling to Pamukkale. Here, you will discover the magnificent white calcium terraces, famously known as the Travertines, and embark on a tour of the ancient city of Hierapolis. You will also have the opportunity to take a relaxing dip amongst ancient columns in the thermal hot springs, which were celebrated in Roman times for their therapeutic properties. Following these explorations, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight to Istanbu, where you'll spend you final evening.
OVERNIGHT:
Istanbul hotel
MEALS:
Breakfast
EXTRAS:
None
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
Denizli to Istanbul Flight
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 8-day tour, focuses on ANZAC Day commemorations while also exploring diverse regions of Turkey, including Troy and the newly opened museum, Ephesus, Pamukkale and Kusadasi.
This eight-day tour begins in Istanbul, immersing you in the city's rich history and culture through guided visits to iconic landmarks like the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. You'll then embark on a poignant journey to Gallipoli, where you'll pay homage to fallen soldiers at the ANZAC Day Dawn Service and explore the historic battlefields.
The adventure continues with a visit to the legendary city of Troy and its award-winning museum, followed by explorations of ancient Ephesus, the charming village of Sirince, and the stunning white terraces of Pamukkale. Along the way, you'll witness traditional carpet weaving, learn about the therapeutic hot springs of Hierapolis, and savor the flavors of Turkish cuisine. The tour concludes back in Istanbul, leaving you with cherished memories of a diverse and enriching experience
