Anzac Coo-ee - 8 days
Starts: 22nd April. Awe inspiring Turkey, combining ANZAC Day at Gallipoli, a swag of sights including Ephesus, Pammukale, Roman ruins, coastal Kusadasi and more!
Day 1: Istanbul
Sunday 22nd April 2012. Welcome to Turkey and the start of a memorable ANZAC experience! Choice of shuttle transfers to hotel. Rest of the day free in Istanbul – a city that straddles both Europe and Asia!
Overnight - Istanbul Day 2: Istanbul old city tour
Today we enjoy a guided tour of the old city, taking in the stunning Iznik tiled Blue Mosque, Hippodrome area, Topkapi Palace, the 6th century Hagia Sofia (exterior only) and more. This afternoon, we take a relaxing cruise on a Bosphorus Strait. You'll see waterside palaces framed by a modern city skyline dotted with expansive domed mosques and towering minarets of traditional Ottoman style. Later you can opt to explore the mammoth Grand Bazaar and exotic Egyptian Spice Market.
When the sun sets, why not enjoy our optional
Istanbul by night bolt on! With dinner, belly dancers and entertainment at a great Istanbul venue. Transportation is provided and tickets need to be booked in advance.
Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Anzac Coo-ee - 8 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 3: Gallipoli
Istanbul - Gallipoli. Early this morning we drive to the WW1 battlefields on Gallipoli Peninsular. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour (subject to ANZAC Cove opening hours and traffic conditions) of the evocative war memorials that dot the region, for example; Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Johnston’s Jolly, the trenches and Kabatepe - the modest ANZAC museum. Early this evening, we’ll relax at our exclusive ANZAC Eve Turkish BBQ before later taking our places amongst the many at the Dawn Service site for the atmosphere charged ANZAC Eve vigil. Overnight - Dawn Service site (ANZAC Cove) (B, L)
Day 4: ANZAC Day - Gallipoli
First light heralds a poignant bugle call and commencement of the Dawn Service. After the service and armed with your maps, you’ve a chance to independently explore many of the trenches and memorial sites as you head up to Lone Pine or Chunuk Bair for the Australian or New Zealand National services. Later this afternoon we continue onwards to Ayvalik, where upon our late evening arrival, we check into our hotel for a well-earned rest after such an emotion-filled day.
Overnight - Ayvalik (D)
Day 5: Roman Pergamum
Ayvalik - Kusadasi. Today, we drive south. Set on a high hill are the Roman ruins of Pergamum with its amazing hill-side amphitheatre. We also visit the neighbouring asclepion - a Roman precursor to modern-day hospitals! Continuing to coastal Kusadasi, relax after an exciting day.
Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D)
Day 6: Ephesus & Pamukkale
Kusadasi - Pamukkale. This morning we enjoy a guided tour at the legendary Roman ruins of Ephesus. After a short stop at a leather factory, we continue to Pamukkale. Famous for its unique cascades of natural mineral rich pools, perhaps opt for a swim at Pamukkale Thermal Pools. Just beyond the thermal pools a stop is made at the Roman ruins of Hierapolis.
Overnight - Pamukkale (B, D)
Day 7: Pamukkale to Istanbul
Pammukale - Istanbul. This morning we drive back to Istanbul. En route we visit a carpet manufacturing house. Late afternoon and evening - free time in Istanbul.
Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Day 8: Istanbul
Sunday 29th April 2012. Tour ends after breakfast and hotel check out at 12noon. We hope you had a wonderful tour and memorable ANZAC experience. (B)
Magnificent Egypt!
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Do you fancy combining ANZAC day in Turkey with the best of ancient Egypt?
If so, take a peek at our 16 day Pharaoh's & Anzac's tour which combines a week of guided sightseeing in Egypt with all the highlights of our ANZAC Coo-ee tour. |
Note: Istanbul sites are closed on the following days, this in NO WAY affects your touring program: Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Market - closed Sunday, Hagia Sofia - closed Monday, Topkapi Palace closed on Tuesday.
Prices & Departure Dates
Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. Due to capacity restraints we do not offer single rooms on our ANZAC tours and therefore there is no single supplement to pay. We will match up all single travelers with another fellow passenger of the same sex.
Please note that if booking pre or post tour accommodation, single travellers will need to pay the single supplement for nights booked.
Anzac Coo-ee - 8 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Bolt-ons
Make the most of your time away! Listed below are the optional activities that are available on this trip. Please note that you will need to book these prior to travel as we cannot always guarantee availability of these activities once you are on holiday.
| When you've explored Istanbul by day, its time experience the city at night! As well as being a great way to get to know your fellow travellers, this evening out at a traditional Turkish venue includes a tasty 3 course meal and live entertainment including belly dancers. A top night out! |
Experiences
If you are interesting in trips with similar experiences to this one, then check out some of the ones we've listed below.
| Want to see how the other half live? Then take a look at our selection of tours that visit all the best palaces and forts around the world. Many of the wonderfully ornate edifices that we visit are now historical museums and sites of interest allowing you to have a good old look around. And when you've had your fill of sightseeing, it's time to live like a king and stay in one of the many hotels that have been converted from a palace or fort! |
| Nothing beats a little rest and relaxation by the sea - wind down from an action packed tour with a few days lazing on golden sands or spend your entire holiday soaking up the sun. From the coral rich Red Sea and the azure Aegean and Mediterranean to the crystal clear waters of the Indian ocean, choose from a wide range of idyllic destinations. |
What You See and What You Get
Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.
Trip Highlights
- Istanbul - old city, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Hagia Sofia (exterior only) and the Underground Cistern
- Gallipoli Peninsular - ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair memorials
- ANZAC Dawn Service
- Roman ruins of Pergamum and Ephesus
- Aegean Coast. Visits to carpet weaving and leather manufacturing houses
| - Bosphorus Strait - the strategic waterway dividing Europe and Asia
- Battlefields and trenches
- National services of Australia or New Zealand
- Pamukkale thermal pools and Roman Hierapolis
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What's Included
- 6 breakfasts, 1 Lunch (our ANZAC afternoon Turkish BBQ) and 3 dinners
- Guided sightseeing of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia (exterior only) and Hippodrome area.
- Guided sightseeing of Gallipoli - subject to site opening times as set by the ANZAC Day Organising Committee), Roman ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, Pamukkale/ Hierapolis
- English speaking, degree qualified Turkish tour guide
- All relevant transfers and transportation
| - 6 nights - 4 star hotels and Special Class hotels
- Afternoon Bosphorus cruise – Istanbul
- Airport arrival transfer on day 1 from Ataturk International Airport at any time of day or from Sabiha Gokcen Airport at 2.30pm and 8pm.
- Modern air-conditioned touring coach
- Commemorative ANZAC hoodie/ jumper
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What's Not Included
- International flights & visa
- Entrance Fees: $80-100 USD
| - Tip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow $3 - 5 USD per day, per traveller to cover tips for these mentioned above. Tipping your tour guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture
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Hotels
We have listed below the accommodation most likely to be used on this tour. Please note that while we cannot guarantee that these will be the exact properties that you will stay at, any alternatives we use will be of a similar standard with similar facilities. 'Our Rating' indicates how we feel each property rates according to normal Western hotel standards. 'Local Rating' indicates how the property is categorised/rated locally.
Novotel Istanbul - Istanbul
Spacious, modern, contemporary in design and adaptable, Novotel guest rooms make for a very enjoyable stay. Wake up each morning to a top full buffet breakfast.
| Our Rating: Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
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Located on the Aegean waterfront this resort style hotel offers comfortable rooms, 2 swimming pools, wellness centre, restaurant and bar with the beach at your doorstep.
| Our Rating: Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
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Tatlises Hotel - Kusadasi
Located 700m from town & 1km from Palm Beach, this resort style property offers views over the Aegean, spacious modern rooms & a large, inviting swimming pool.
| Our Rating: Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
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Lycus River is a beautiful spa hotel located in Pamukkale. Guest rooms are modern and the indoor pool, thermal facilities and spa therapies offer a nice treat.
| Our Rating: Superior —
Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel
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Postcards
Here's what some of our past travellers have written in to us and said about their experiences on this trip.
I have just returned from Turkey after doing a tour for Anzac Day. Having served in the military I have been meaning to do this for ages. It was more than I expected and all of the on the go staff were so friendly and helpful. You guys are so well organised you put the army to shame. Thanks for the great experience and I look forward to another, I am currently booking Egypt. Yay.
Liam, May 2010
Hi Dan
I just arrived back yesterday and want to forward my thanks and say how much I enjoyed the 8 Day Anazac Coo-ee Tour. Certainly was very special moment to witness.
Also our tour guide, Ibrahim, was absolutely brilliant. I've done a few tours across a number of different tour operators and his passion and knowledge certainly made the trip all that more special. I often say trying to get a group of Aussie's and Kiwis to go in one direction is trying to heard a group of cats, its impossible to keep them all going in one direction. Ibrahim certainly managed the impossible and got us where we needed to go and see everything that needed to be seen, a real class act.
Cheers,
Mike, Apr 2009
Hello,
Just wanted to write, and say thanks for a great trip. We had a good time, and it was hassle-free. And we had the best driver and guide - Tuncay and Mete. We did enjoy the gala dinner, but it would be great if this could happen at the start of the trip, as it was a good ice breaker. So thanks for a great time
Lynette Rogers, Apr 2009
Dear On the Go,
I want to thank you for the amazing tour, I enjoyed every moment of it.
Anzac Day services were very emotional, and for the amount of people - well organized.
I loved Istanbul by night! Food was delicious although it was really hard to concentrate while watching belly dancers ;)
Good job guys!
Chris S., Apr 2009
It was awesome! I really had a great time, thank you guys!
On the Go rocks!
Vanessa Winter, Apr 2009
I really enjoyed all the history and information that Sardar gave us. It was also a really good crowd - although perhaps a night out at the beginning would help people bond better. I think it was all very well organised + was really good fun!
Sally Johnson, Apr 2009
Hi John,
I wanted to let you know what a fabulous time we had in Turkey!
Everything was spot on, the guide, hotels, sights...
Especially Anzac Day experience - very touching.
Thank you for all your help with organizing our trip.
We will be in touch soon to talk about our next tour :)
Brian, Apr 2009
