Day 1

15 April - Arrival to Istanbul (D)

Arrival to Istanbul and meet with shuttle transfer to hotel. In the afternoon our tour leader will brief us about the next days of our journey. In the evening we'll join the "Exclusive Anzac Welcome Party" including dinner and Turkish style entertainment

Day 2

After breakfast we will start to discover the magnificent sights of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and the Underground Cistern. In the afternoon we will also join a Bosphorus cruise and spend memorable hours on the fascinating strait that seperates Asia and Europe.

Day 3

Today we will depart Istanbul for Cappadocia, the “fantasy land” of rock formations: chimneys, cones and needles. Three million years ago 3 active volcanos spewed large amounts of rock and ash in the area. Packed by rainfall, it became porous and is thus easily eroded. The rock is known as tufa and chimneys formed as a result of boulders preventing the tufa beneath them from eroding.

Day 4

Besides its natural beauty, Cappadocia was the heart of the Hittite Empire and it hosted Cimmerian, Persian, Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. Today we will explore the natural and historical beauties of Cappadocia including the Goreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley and Uchisar. We'll also visit local handicraft manufacturers and learn about the traditional art.

Day 5

After breakfast we'll head our way down to the Mediterranean coast. On our way we'll discover Kervansaray and give a short break in Konya to visit the Mevlana Museum. Late in the evening we'll arrive in Fethiye

Day 6

After breakfast we'll depart for the peaceful lagoon of Oludeniz and swim in the tranquil waters of the Med (if the weather allows). In the afternoon we'll visit Kayakoy (Karmylassos), old Greek town famous for impressive old stone houses.

Day 7

21 April - Tlos and Saklikent (BD)

Today we'll first visit the ancient ruins of Tlos. Then we'll proceed to the spectacular Saklikent Gorge. The impressive rocks and ice-cold water of the canyon will provide for us an experience of some unique hours.

Day 8

After breakfast we'll depart for Pamukkale. We will first visit the ancient town of Hierapolis, which was the cure centre founded about 160 BC by the king of Pergamum. Our day will continue with the discovery of the magnificent white calcium formations of Pamukkale. In the afternoon we'll head our way to Selcuk/Kusadasi region where we'll stay overnight.

Day 9

The best preserved classical Greco-Roman city on the Mediterranean, Ephesus, will be the first stop of the day. Here we will explore the Agora, Odeon, Curetes Street, Celsus Library, Roman baths, Grand Theatre and the Marble Street. We'll also discover the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and then the House of Virgin Mary. Legend has it that Virgin Mary, accompanied by St. John, came to Ephesus at the end of her life, around 37 and 45 AD.

Day 10

After breakfast we'll depart for the legendary city of Troy, the setting of Homer's epic, Iliad, involving a giant wooden horse. In the afternoon we'll cross the Dardanelles and arrive in Eceabat, nearest town to Anzac Cove. After spending some time here, we'll depart for the Dawn Service area in Gallipoli.

Early in the morning we'll attend the Dawn Service and the national ceremonies. After the ceremonies we'll spend a few additional hours in the area to learn more about the Gallipoli Campaign. In the afternoon we'll start our way back to Istanbul.

Our journey will end after breakfast. (Additional nights in Istanbul can be included)

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Rain coat depending on the weather condition on Anzac Eve

Any entrance fees, flights, visas, travel insurance, extra meals and drinks, items of a personal nature, tips, laundry and other services not stated in the itinerary.