Inclusions:

• Return international economy flights, taxes and current fuel surcharges (unless a land only option is selected)
• All accommodation
• All meals
• All sightseeing and entrance fees
• All transportation and transfers
• English speaking National Escorts (if your group is 10 or more passengers) or Local Guides
• Turkey visa fees for Australian passport holders (see visa section below)
• Specialist advice from our experienced travel consultants
• Comprehensive travel guides

The only thing you may have to pay for are personal expenditure e.g. drinks, optional excursions or shows, insurance of any kind, customary tipping, early check in or late check out and other items not specified on the itinerary.

Itinerary:

Days 1-2 Fly to Istanbul (D)

Fly overnight to Istanbul, the ‘city where East meets West’. You will be met on arrival and transferred to your city centre hotel ahead of this evening’s welcome dinner and briefing. Regarded as one of the World’s greatest cities, and certainly one of the most influential in the history of the last two millennia, Istanbul (formerly Byzantium and Constantinople) is a melting pot of the old and new: a vibrant, modern metropolis built around a historical heart where Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman treasures compete for the limelight. The setting is equally dramatic: straddling the Bosphorus and flanked by the Golden Horn, the city’s imperious skyline is an imposing sight, especially from the water. We have two full days for guided visits to the key sights at the start of the tour, along with a boat trip on the Bosphorus, with a further half day at the end with the chance to explore further either on your own or on one of our optional excursions.

Day 3 In Istanbul (B,L,D)

Explore Istanbul’s landmark sites. Visit the remains of the once mighty Hippodrome and marvel at the Blue Mosque’s exquisitely tiled walls before continuing to the Hagia Sophia, the crowning achievement of the Byzantine Empire. Discover the mesmeric beauty of Topkapi Palace and its extraordinary treasures, then immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with a chance to enjoy a traditional Turkish coffee at one of its original coffee shops. Later dine at the atmospheric Cicek Pasaji (Flower Passage) which is a small, covered street of traditional restaurants that serve typical Turkish mezes with raki.

Day 4 In Istanbul (B,L,D)

In the morning explore some of the city’s lesserknown locations, a chance to uncover the real beating heart of the city away from its most famous sights. First visit one of Istanbul’s hidden gems in the UNESCO-listed Fener and Balat districts. Walk through the colourful, labyrinth-like streets of these historical neighbourhoods, whose rich history dates back to Byzantine times, with Armenian, Jewish and Orthodox influences still present today. You will also visit the Egyptian Bazaar, the second largest covered market in Istanbul and famous for its amazing array of herbs and spices. This is still the best place to buy Turkish delight, dried fruit, exotic spices and herbs. Nearby is Tahtakale, the traditional hardware district, with its beautiful but little-visited 16th-century Rüstem Pasha Mosque. This afternoon, enjoy a private cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, the waterway that divides Europe and Asia, to witness the city’s minaret-studded skyline and its most famous sites from the water, including the dramatic Rumeli Fortress, Dolmabahce Palace and the sultan’s former summer residence – Beylerbeyi Palace. Later you have the chance (optional) to experience a traditional Turkish Bath in one of the city’s oldest and most prestigious hammams, or if you prefer you can save this for the last afternoon of the tour when you return to Istanbul. In the evening enjoy your dinner at a fish restaurant overlooking the Bosphorus.

Day 5 Via Gallipoli to Canakkale    (B,L,D)

After breakfast drive approximately 4 hours to reach the arid hills of the Gallipoli Peninsula. After a short break at the town of Gallipoli, visit the key battlefields and memorials from World War I. These include the Helles Memorial, built to commemorate the 20,956 missing British and Commonwealth soldiers. You will also visit Anzac Cove, where in the early hours of 25th April 1915, the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) made a landing and set up a base from which the front line was supplied over the next 10 months. You will also explore Shrapnel Valley and the evocative Lone Pine Memorial, on a plateau 120 metres above sea level, from where there are wide-ranging views across the peninsula. Later visit Chunuk Bair Memorial, commemorating the New Zealand dead, then continue to the Gallipoli War Museum and see letters written by soldiers, along with displays of uniforms and armaments used by both sides. Later travel from Europe to Asia across the Dardanelles – either by ferry or across the 1915 Canakkale Bridge, the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a suspended central span of over two kilometres. After checking into the hotel in Canakkale enjoy a complimentary drink as the sun sets across the water – your chance to raise a toast in memory of the 111,000 lives lost (46,000 Allies, 65,000 Turkish) in one of the WWI’s bloodiest campaigns.

Day 6  Troy  (B,L,D)

After breakfast, discover the fabled UNESCO World Heritage site of Troy, with its multi-layered history and wonderful legends. See the legendary walls of Troy and the replica of the wooden Trojan Horse. This afternoon will be yours to enjoy free at leisure, returning for dinner at your hotel in Canakkale. Later in the evening, you will be transferred to the Anzac Commemorative Site which opens to the public at 10.30pm on 24th April.

Day 7 Anzac Day Dawn Service (B,L,D)

For breakfast today, you will be provided with a breakfast box to take to the Anzac Service. The pre-service Anzac programme commences at 1.30am in the morning on 25th April, as follows: 5am Spirit of Place 5.30am Official Anzac Day Gallipoli Dawn Service 10am Australian Memorial Service, Lone Pine Cemetery 11:30am New Zealand Memorial Service, Chunuk Bair At 1pm the coach will transfer you from Chunuk Bair to your hotel in Canakkale. There you can relax and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure

Day 8 Via Pergamon to Selcuk

After breakfast, drive to the Greco-Roman city of Pergamon, perched on its acropolis, with farreaching views of the plains all around. Visit the Altar of Zeus, the temples of Trajan, Dionysus and marvel at the magnificent 10,000 seat theatre at the Temple of Athena. Continue to Bergama to enjoy a special lunch at a typical village house. You will be divided into smaller groups and hosted by a number of local families, a perfect chance to try Turkish home cuisine and meet your hosts in their homes. Later, drive on to Selcuk.

Day 9 Ephesus  (B,L,D)

This morning you will explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world. Later travel into the hills behind Ephesus, to visit the chapel built on the spot where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent the last days of her life, in the company of Saint John to whom she was entrusted by Jesus Christ before he was crucified. Enjoy a picnic lunch today along with a cookery class experience. Watch some Turkish cooking techniques and then take the chance to prepare and cook some of the food. Later learn how handwoven Turkish carpets are produced, then continue to the beautiful old village of Sirince, set on the forested hillside. This region is known for its olive oil, fruit and wine production, and you can take the opportunity to visit one of the vineyards or olive oil producers. In the evening Dinner at a traditional koftecisi, specialising in grilled kebabs and meatballs.

Day 10 Via Magnesia to Pamukkale   (B,L,D)

After breakfast set off to the little-visited ancient site of Magnesia, which dates back to 400-350BC and was an important city in the fertile Menderes (Meander) valley. Our partner in Turkey is a proud sponsor of the archaeological excavations here, which allows us special access to archaeological areas that are normally restricted. Later continue to the extraordinary thermal waters and geological formations of Pamukkale (which literally translates as ‘Cotton Castle’) where you have the chance to relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities including the thermal pool.

Day 11 Pamukkale to Antalya   (B,L,D)

After breakfast set out to explore the Hellenistic site of Hierapolis, which was an important trading post on the routes connecting East to West. Later, during the Roman Period, Hierapolis became famous as a thermal centre, with its massive bath houses built to serve visitors from around the ancient world. Upon arrival at the site, you will be greeted by spectacular views of the calcium pools that have been formed by the spring waters of Hierapolis over thousands of years. Explore the ancient site, including its fabulous necropolis and one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world. Later drive south to the coastal city of Antalya for a two-night stay

Day 12 In Antalya visit Perge and Aspendos (B,L,D)

Today you will visit the impressive ruins of Perge and Aspendos, as well as the picturesque waterfalls of Manavgat, rounded off with a boat trip along Antalya’s attractive shoreline. The ancient Greek city of Perge, located close to Antalya, was capital of the region of Pamphylia. While there is a wealth of historical remains to see here, the theatre, memorial fountain, city gate, agora, baths and gymnasium especially stand out. Next, you will visit the nearby city of Aspendos, famous for its incredibly well-preserved Roman theatre, said by many to be the best example in the Mediterranean world. En route back to Antalya you will have a chance to see the beautiful Manavgat waterfalls, as they cascade over a wide area surrounded by channels and terraces. Enjoy a change of pace in the afternoon as you head out on a private boat tour from Antalya, lasting around two hours, with the chance to swim or just relax and take in the coastal scenery. Later there’s the chance to eat at one of Antalya’s traditional restaurants in the heart of the old city, a fitting end to a varied and busy day.

Day 13 to Konya   (B,L,D)

Drive northeast from the coast onto the Anatolian Plateau, a sparsely populated region of rolling steppes bordered by the Taurus Mountains in the south. Arriving at the traditional town of Konya, you will have the chance to visit the Mausoleum of Mevlâna, the founder of Whirling Dervishes, before dinner and your overnight stay.