Anzac & Ancient Egypt - 16 days

Starts: 22nd April. Pay your respects at Gallipoli then head to Egypt to explore Pyramids tombs and temples, and round it off with snorkelling or relaxation time on the sunny coast of Dahab

Day 1: 22 April - Istanbul
Friday 22 April 2011. Welcome to Turkey and the start of your awesome 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
Enjoy a guided tour of the old city - Sultanahmet, taking in the stunning Iznik tiled Blue Mosque, Hippodrome area, 6th century Hagia Sofia and more. This afternoon, we spend a relaxing afternoon on a Bosphorus cruise. 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. A top value evening and a great way to break the ice and meet fellow travellers (transport shuttle included). Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Anzac & Ancient Egypt - 16 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
One of the many ANZAC grave sites near ANZAC Cove in Gallipoli
Day 3: Gallipoli
Istanbul - Gallipoli. A very early departure to the WW1 battlefields on Gallipoli Peninsular. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour (subject to timing 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, D)
Crowds at the ANZAC Dawn Service site in Gallipoli
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 return to Istanbul, where upon our late evening arrival, we check into our hotel for a well-earned rest after such an emotion-filled day. (Timing on 25th April subject to coach traffic) Overnight - Istanbul
Day 5: 26 April - Istanbul to Cairo
Tuesday 26th April 2011. Check out by 12 noon, then make your own way to Cairo where your Egyptian adventure begins.

Turkish Airlines offers open jaw flights between London, Istanbul and Cairo, check the THY website for more details or we can arrange flights on your behalf! If you provide us with your incoming flight details to Egypt we will be there to meet you at Cairo airport and transfer you to our hotel. Overnight Cairo

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. Overnight - Cairo (B)
A couple standing in front of the step pyramid
Day 6: Pyramids & Saqqara
Cairo - Aswan. A big day out. First to the Giza Plateau to see the pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx. Onwards to Saqqara, an ancient necropolis of sand-strewn tombs and home to the great step pyramid. Zhoser’s step pyramid was the first ever constructed in 27BC by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect. We later have a chance to relax and freshen up before taking the overnight seater train south to Aswan. Overnight - Train (B)
Day 7: Philae Temple
Arrive Aswan and check into our hotel. Today, we visit the High Dam and travel by boat to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Remainder of day and evening free. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Felucca fun - a group jumping over board into the River Nile in Egypt
Days 8 - 9: Felucca Cruising
Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning air excursion to the colossal Temple of Abu Simbel. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage on the River Nile downstream, stopping along the way at local villages and islands. If sailing by felucca is not for you, consider upgrading to a 5 star luxury Nile Cruise with our Pharaoh's Pass. Overnight - onboard Felucca (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Day 10: Kom Ombo & Edfu Temple
Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking in Kom Ombo we visit the temple before travelling to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, a huge complex that began construction in 237 BC! We then continue to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at it’s best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit to the Temple of Luxor is available alternatively, enjoy the facilities of our hotel. Overnight - Luxor (B)
Day 11: Valley of the Kings
Luxor - Dahab. Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor before crossing to the west side of the Nile and commencing our tour of the Valley of the Kings. One of the first sights you’ll see is the Colossi of Memnon. This huge pair of enthroned statues is all that remains of the temple of Amenophis III. Touring of Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and and after a little R&R Karnak Temple. This evening we travel by overnight bus to Dahab via Hurghada. Overnight - Bus (B)
Ladies enjoying a drink at a hotel pool bar
Days 12 - 14: Dahab
Arriving at Dahab, our base for the coming days, there is plenty of time to explore the Sinai – a region of incredible beauty. Dahab offers great diving, snorkelling, swimming and sun-worshipping possibilities. Check out our exciting range of 4 day dive bolt-ons. Optional excursions such as snorkelling at Dahab's Blue Hole or an energetic climb to the summit of Mt Sinai and a visit to St Katherine's Monastery are available. Our climb commences in the early hours of the morning and experiencing the magnificent sunrise atop a mountain is a truly great and humbling experience. Camel and jeep treks into the surrounding Sinai Desert are also available. Dahab waterfront is dotted with laid back cafes, bars and shops, perfect for eating, drinking and a little relaxing retail therapy. Overnight - Dahab (B:3)
Day 15: Cairo
Dahab - Cairo. Early this morning, we bid farewell to Dahab and travel back to Cairo, arriving early this afternoon. We later enjoy a guided visit at the Egyptian Museum. Prize exhibit has to be the priceless funerary treasures of King Tutankhamen, including his legendary solid gold death mask. Enjoy the remains of the day shopping and exploring Cairo. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Day 16: Sat 7th May 2011 - Cairo
Saturday 7th May 2011. Hotel check–out and included onward departure transfer to airport (B)

Botl-on Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel, possibly the most awe-inspiring temple of all ancient Egypt, with its gigantic rock–cut façade, was created to revere the mighty ruler Ramses II. Guarding the entrance to the temple, the 4 colossal statues of Ramses II sit majestically staring out across the desert, seemingly since time began. We offer an amazing excursion to visit the Temples of Abu Simbel on the morning of day 8. Click here for further information.