Anzac Bonzer - 11 days

Starts: 23rd April. Commemorate the brave ANZAC's and embrace history at Gallipoli. Then check out amazing Turkey taking in Roman ruins of Ephesus, Perge and Aspendos; the stunning Mediterranean and spectacular Cappadocia.

Day 1: 23 April - Istanbul
Saturday 23rd 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: 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)
Anzac Bonzer - 11 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Australians at the ANZAC dawn service site in Turkey
Day 3: ANZAC Day - Gallipoli
Gallipoli - Ayvalik. First light heralds a poignant bugle call and the start of the Dawn Service. Afterwards, armed with your maps, independently explore more of the many 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 depart Gallipoli for the Aegean coast. On arrival at Ayvalik we check-in to our hotel for a well-earned rest after a day filled with emotion (Timing on 25 April subject to coach traffic). Overnight - Ayvalik (D)
Day 4: Kusadasi
Ayvalik - Kusadasi. Today, we drive south. Set on a high hill are the Roman ruins of Pergamum and awesome 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)
People in the cascading, mineral rich pools of Pammukale
Day 5: Ephesus
Today, we enjoy a guided tour at the legendary Roman ruins of Ephesus. Positively the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean, Ephesus, under the Romans was a vast city with a population nearing 250,000. Rumoured to have been founded in the 13th century BC, it became the Roman capital of Asia Minor. It revelled in its prosperity from commerce and visiting pilgrims who came to see the its great Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders. Exemplifying the finesse of Roman urban life, Ephesus boasts carefully restored elements within the huge archaeological area include the Great Theatre once capable of seating 25,000 spectators at one time, Curetes Way (one of the main thoroughfares) the Temple of Serapis, the elegant façades of the Temple of Hadrian and the awesome Library of Celsus. Off Curetes Way, are ancient public toilets, a brothel, remains of fountains and various temples. Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D)
Day 6: Pamukkale
Kusadasi - Pamukkale. Driving east, a short stop is made at a leather factory before arriving at Pamukkale - famed for its unique cascades of natural mineral rich pools. Here we can paddle our feet in the warm water flowing over the terraces or perhaps opt for a swim at the Pamukkale Thermal Baths. Overnight - Pamukkale (B, D)
Goreme Valley and a hot air balloon in Cappadocia
Day 7: Cappadocia
Pamukkale - Cappadocia. Today, we travel north-east to the famed fairy castles of Cappadocia. En route we break at Konya and visit the Mevlana Whirling Dervish Museum and an old caravanserai in Sultanhani. Overnight - Cappadocia (B, D)
Day 8: Cappadocia
Whole troglodyte villages, subterranean churches and fortresses hewn from the soft, eroded volcanic rock have made Cappadocia one of Turkey’s finest attractions. Guided tour of the Goreme Valley, Zelve with its phallic-like eroded landscape of so-called ‘fairy chimneys’ and notable rock formations within the region. Tonight, why not join us on our optional 'Cappadocia by night!' With a 3 course dinner, beer, wine, belly dancers and entertainment its a top night out! Tickets can only be purchased before arriving in Turkey. Overnight - Cappadocia (B)
Hagia Sofia and the Bosphorus in Istanbul
Day 9: Cappadocia
Cappadocia - Istanbul. Today, we return to Istanbul via Ankara, the nation’s capital. Here, we visit the mausoleum of Atatürk - the founding father of modern Turkey. Arriving Istanbul late evening, we check into our hotel. Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Day 10: Istanbul - the old city
Enjoy our guided classic city tour taking in the Hippodrome area, exotic Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Underground Cistern and more. Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Day 11: 3 May - Istanbul
Tuesday 3rd May 2011. Tour ends after breakfast and hotel check out at 12noon. Maybe check out the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Market for some last minute souviner shopping before departing for the airport. (B)

Heading to Egypt?
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.

Check out our 6 day Pharaohs Adventure or 10 day Egypt Unplugged tours, both perfectly timed to start Tue 4th May 2011, giving you a day to travel from Turkey to Egypt before your Egyptian Adventure begins.

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.