Anzac Classic - 8 days
ANZAC Day Tour, Gallipoli 2013. Starts: 20th April. Experience ANZAC Day at Gallipoli and attend the Dawn Service without having to sleep out at ANZAC Cove. Our Classic ANZAC tour offers hotel accommodation on ANZAC Eve in addition to guided touring of Ottoman Istanbul, ancient Ephesus, Pammukale, coastal Kusadasi and more. This is our signature ANZAC Day holiday!
Day 1: Istanbul - Gateway to the Orient
Saturday 20th April 2013. Welcome to Turkey and the beginning of a memorable ANZAC experience! We meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel before you can start exploring amazing Istanbul on your own. Overnight - Istanbul
Day 2: Pamukkale - home of the calcium terraces
Istanbul - Pamukkale. After breakfast we head south to Pamukkale, home to one of Turkey's most famous and unique natural wonders the Pamukkale Thermal Pools. We aim to arrive late afternoon and the rest of the day is free to do as you please. Maybe opt for a refreshing dip in the hotel's indoor swimming pool. Overnight - Pamukkale (B, D)
Anzac Classic - 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: Anceint Ephesus & Thermal Pools
Pamukkale - Kusadasi.This morning we explore the Roman Hierapolis which stands at the top of Pamukkale. You will also be able to take a stroll along these unique terraces or take a relaxing dip in the invigorating thermal springs. The Pamukkale Thermal Springs are particularly impressive given that the pool is filled with ancient sunken Roman columns. Next up is Ephesus, arguable one of if not the best preserved classical city in the Eastern Med. Once we’ve had our fill of Roman sites, we get back to modern day with a visit to a fantastic leather garment shop in Kusadasi. Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D)
Day 4: Pergamum & Troy
Kusadasi - Gallipoli.Today we have an early start and begin our final travels to Gallipoli. On the way we stop at the Roman ruins of Pergamum, an ancient Greek city. Marvel at the impressive hillside amphitheatre and the neighbouring asclepion (healing temple). Next stop is the famous wooden horse of Troy where you can climb inside, get some pictures and also learn about the legend of Homer’s Troy. Later on we pass by the gorgeous Dardenelles by local ferry and arrive into Gallipoli in the evening. Overnight - Gallipoli Town (B, D)
Day 5: ANZAC Eve
Gallipoli. We take it easy this morning before embarking on a guided tour of ANZAC Cove (subject to opening hours and traffic conditions). Explore the evocative war memorials that dot this region, for example; Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Johnston’s Jolly, the trenches and Kabatepe - the modest ANZAC museum. In the afternoon, we enjoy an amazing exclusive ANZAC Eve Turkish BBQ before getting an early night.
If we are unable to visit the sites of ANZAC Cove today we will instead visit the small fishing village of Kilitbahir and Kilitbahir Fort. It was built in 1453 by Mehmet II the Conqueror, as part of his successful siege on former Istanbul, Constantinople. The famous naval battle of the Dardanelles in the Gallipoli campaign also happened here.
This evening after dinner why not take a stroll along the sleepy harbour before retiring to bed for an early night. Overnight - Gallipoli Town (B, L)
If we are unable to visit the sites of ANZAC Cove today we will instead visit the small fishing village of Kilitbahir and Kilitbahir Fort. It was built in 1453 by Mehmet II the Conqueror, as part of his successful siege on former Istanbul, Constantinople. The famous naval battle of the Dardanelles in the Gallipoli campaign also happened here.
This evening after dinner why not take a stroll along the sleepy harbour before retiring to bed for an early night. Overnight - Gallipoli Town (B, L)
Day 6: ANZAC Day - Gallipoli 2013
An early start this morning as we depart our hotel at approx 02:00am. You’ll be given a breakfast box as we return to Anzac Cove for the Dawn Service. As soon as the sun is up you’ll hear a poignant bugle call and the Dawn Service will commence.
Once the service has finished, you’ll have the opportunity to independently explore the trenches and memorial sites of the Cove. Next you can take a walk to the Australian Memorial Service at Lone Pine or New Zealand Memorial Service at Chunuk Bair. The Australian Memorial starts first followed an hour later by the New Zealand one. It is advisable that those wishing to attend the New Zealand service head straight there as it is quite a bit further. Later this afternoon, we head back to Istanbul for a rest after a moving day at Gallipoli. (Timing on 25 April subject to coach traffic) Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Once the service has finished, you’ll have the opportunity to independently explore the trenches and memorial sites of the Cove. Next you can take a walk to the Australian Memorial Service at Lone Pine or New Zealand Memorial Service at Chunuk Bair. The Australian Memorial starts first followed an hour later by the New Zealand one. It is advisable that those wishing to attend the New Zealand service head straight there as it is quite a bit further. Later this afternoon, we head back to Istanbul for a rest after a moving day at Gallipoli. (Timing on 25 April subject to coach traffic) Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Day 7: Istanbul Old City Tour & Bosphorus Cruise
After a good night’s sleep and some breakfast we head out on a relaxing 2 hour cruise along the border with Europe on Asia on the Bosphorus Strait. Once back on dry land we start to explore the city. Taking in the exotic Egyptian Spice Market, the iconic Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia before heading over to Topkapi Palace and the ancient Underground Cistern. After lunch we head to the famous Grand Bazaar where we will get the opportunity to barter with the market vendors and experience one of the world’s largest covered markets. The evening can be spent further exploring this great city or heading back to the hotel. Istanbul by night bolt on! With dinner, belly dancers and entertainment at a great Istanbul venue. It's an entertaining evening and a great farewell fling! (transport shuttle included). Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Day 8: Istanbul - your way
Saturday 27th April 2013. The tour ends after breakfast and we need to check out of the hotel by 12noon. We hope you had a truly memorable and enjoyable ANZAC Day experience.
Heading to Egypt, Jordan or Israel? Consider jumping a quick flight to Cairo to join our highly popular King Ramses - 14 day tour, Road to Jordan - 17 day tour or Pyramids, Petra, Promised Lands - 18 day tour, all conveniently timed to start today. (B)
Heading to Egypt, Jordan or Israel? Consider jumping a quick flight to Cairo to join our highly popular King Ramses - 14 day tour, Road to Jordan - 17 day tour or Pyramids, Petra, Promised Lands - 18 day tour, all conveniently timed to start today. (B)
Magnificent Egypt!
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Combine ANZAC day in Turkey with the best of ancient Egypt - taking in the legendary Pyramids of Giza, treasures of King Tutankhamen and the Valley of the Kings.
If you are interested in a combining this Anzac Classic tour with a holiday in Egypt take a peek at our 9 day King Tutankhamen or 14 day King Ramses tour both perfectly timed to commence on Saturday 27th April 2013, the very date your Anzac Classic tour ends. |
Tour Details
- Starts in: Istanbul / Ends in: Istanbul
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:7, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 3
- Hotel Rating: 4 star & Special Class
- Tour Guide: Yes
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