Welcome to Turkey! A wonderful adventurous tour covering Istanbul, Gallipoli and the ANZAC Services, Troy, Bergama, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Cotton Castle Pamukkale, Bodrum, then one week yacht cruise. Including welcome cocktail, tea, coffee and snacks. Conference about ANZAC Dawn Service and Turkey, given by ANZAC experts who will come from Australia and New Zealand, in cooperation with our professional Turkish ANZAC guides. Arrival transfer from Istanbul Ataturk airport, all entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary, 4 star hotel accommodation, and our professional English speaking tour guides have the insight, knowledge and experience to give you the best ANZAC day tour money can buy. View first hand, some of the historical arts of Turkey. An ANZAC buffet BBQ dinner is also an option available to you. All you need to do is book with us and we will take care of all your travel needs!
Day 1 - Istanbul Arrival Day - Friday, 22nd April 2011 (Welcome cocktail and ANZAC conference included)
Welcome to Turkey! Meet at the Ataturk international airport, transfer to your 4 star hotel. Transfers from Sabiha Gokcen airport can be arranged at extra cost. You will be given your room key and the rest of the day is yours to explore Istanbul til 06:00pm. Between 06:00pm - 07:00pm we will have a conference about ANZAC Dawn Service and Turkey. The conference will be given by ANZAC experts who will come from Australia and New Zealand and by our professional Turkish ANZAC guides. Welcome cocktail, tea, coffee and snacks are included. You will meet with the other ANZAC participants and TravelShop Turkey Team. We recommend you to arrange your flights, to be at the hotel prior the conference starts.
Traditional 1001 Turkish nights departs optional from hotel lobby at 08:00pm. Includes Turkish dinner, drinks and entertainment. Enjoy the mystical atmosphere of Istanbul at night. Overnight 4 star hotel in Istanbul.
Day 2 - Istanbul City Tour - Saturday, 23rd April 2011 (Breakfast included)
We depart from the hotel at 08:30am for the Istanbul city tour.
TOPKAPI PALACE: The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed.
SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE: Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles.
HIPPODROME: Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine. Lunch break and then we head to the SPICE BAZAAR (Egyptian Bazaar) The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice.
After the Istanbul city tour you have the option to experience a Bosphorus cruise, you will have the chance to enjoy magnificent views of the Bosphorus straigt which is connecting Asia to Europe. Overnight 4 star hotel in Istanbul.
For those in a party mood we have an optional ANZAC party scheduled for tonight. Party information, prices and details can be found here >>>
Day 3 - Gallipoli Tour - Sunday, 24th April 2011 (Breakfast included - BBQ buffet dinner optional)
We depart for Gallipoli at 07:00am (4.5 hours drive). On the way we will have the chance to watch the latest documentary on the Gallipoli Campaign. A stop will be provided on the way down for supplies. We start our tour of the Gallipoli Peninsula a little after midday. The Gallipoli tour includes the Kabatepe War Museum, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine (Australias Memorial and Cemetery), Quinns Post, Turkish 57th Regiment Cemetery, The Nek and Chunuk Bair (New Zealand's Memorial and Cemetery).
After the tour we drive to the coast of Gabatepe for our big ANZAC BBQ and buffet dinner (optional). At approx 09:30pm we will depart for the ANZAC Dawn Service. Overnight at ANZAC Cove. If you dont want to stay outside at the ANZAC Commemorative Site overnight, we provide optional hotel accomodation at Gallipoli. This option is not available after your arrival in Turkey, pre-booking is required.
Day 4 - Dawn Service at Commemorative Site Gallipoli - Monday, 25th April 2011
Don't forget your sleeping bags, warm clothes, wet weather gear and torches because Gallipoli is still as dark and as cold today as it was 96 years ago when our ancestors landed. Please bring your hat, sunscreen and good walking shoes! Optional we provide sleepings bags, please let us know at time of booking.
04:30am ANZAC Day Dawn Service
10:30am Australian National Service
11.45am Turkish National Service
01:00pm New Zealand National Service
After the services with time permitting we will depart for the ancient city of Troy (about an hour drive). Your guide will explain the mythology surrounding Troy, the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. After Troy, we drive to our hotel (3 hours drive) in Ayvalik where we will have dinner at the fantastic beach front hotel and a comfy bed to rest your weary bodies. Overnight 4 star hotel in Ayvalik.
Day 5 - Bergama Tour & Kusadasi - Tuesday, 26th April 2011 (Breakfast and dinner included)
Drive to Pergamum (45 minutes drive) - see Asklepion, Zeus's alter, the Red Bassilcia etc. BERGAMA is the site of the Hellenistic - and later Roman city of Pergamon, ruled for several centuries by a powerful local dynasty. Its foremost attraction is the Kizil Avlu or "Red Basilica", a huge edifice on the river not far from the acropolis, originally built as a temple to the Egyptian god Osiris and converted to a basilica by the early Christians, when it was one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor addressed by St John in the book of Revelation - though sadly it's now a crumbling ruin with a mosque in one of its towers. After Pergamon we continue towards the city of Kusadasi. On the way, we will visit a place which continues to perform one of the oldest arts of Turkey; a carpet weaving centre, followed by an optional Turkish Bath. After a good scrub down we will check into our hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight 4 star hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 6 - Ephesus & Kusadasi - Wednesday, 27th April 2011 (Breakfast and dinner included)
At 08:30am we depart for Ephesus (20 minutes drive) - once the commercial centre of the ancient world - is a highlight of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times, dates in its latest form from the third century B.C. The tour of the ruins also includes a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus. After lunch, we will make a shopping tour in which you will be aware of the ancient arts of Turkey like leather manufacturing and jewellery. As this will be a guided tour, you will avoid the constant nagging and sometimes bullying that is well known in the markets of Turkey. Enabling you to enjoy the shopping experience whilst gaining the knowledge of the ancient craftsmen. Overnight 4 star hotel in Kusadasi.
Day 7 - Pamukkale Tour - Thursday, 28th April 2011 (Breakfast and dinner included)
At 08:30am we leave Kusadasi for Pamukkale (2.5 hours drive). In Pamukkale we shall visit the calcium terraces of Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) and the ruins of Hierapolis, walking around this natural phenomenon gives you the option of lying in the waters of the natural springs that flow down the calcium terraces. After our days activities we will check into our hotel intime for dinner and the rest of the evening is yours to explore the small village or relax around the pool bar. Overnight 4 star hotel in Pamukkale.
Day 8 - Pamukkale & Bodrum Friday, 29th April 2011 (Breakfast and dinner included)
At 08:30am we depart for Bodrum. Bodrum as a city is quickly becoming one of the most sort after destinations in Europe and with such a precedence, it offers some fantastic adventures for any age group. Visit the castle of St. Peter, the symbol of Bodrum. The Crusader castle was built by the knights of St. John between 1402 and 1409. After being defeated in Smyrna (The ancient name of Izmir), the knights came to Halikarnassos and began the construction of the castle.. 01:00pm Visit the ancient theater The theatre is located on the hillside overlooking Bodrum. The hillside theater that dates from the 4th century BC was built to seat 5.000 people. When rediscovered, it was not in very good condition and therefore has been recently restored. The view of the town from there is beautiful. After the Bodrum city tour depart for Bodrum Harbour for check in to yacht cruise to Turkish and Greek Island Tour. On the first day, our boat will be anchored at Bodrum port for dinner and overnight stay on the yacht.
Day 9 - Yacht Cruise Cos (Kos) Greek Site - Saturday, 30th April 2011 (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
While you have breakfast, you will be informed about the cruise programme. After the paper work at customs is completed we will cruise to Kos Island. Asclepion, known to be the birth place of Hippocrates, 'the Father of Medical Sciences', is located here. All the East-Mediterrenean people with health problems were treated in Kos (Ýstankoy). Kos; the second largest island of the 12 islands (Dodecanese islands) has a very mild climate and very fertile lands. The island houses a 560-year-old tree, a 211-year-old fountain and a 290 km long beach. Kos is one of the islands with the best night life. Nafklirou, a street full of bars, is always crowded, colourful, and full of life.
Day 10 - Yacht Cruise Nisiros - Tilos Greek Site - Sunday, 1st May 2011 (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Early in the morning we will set sail to Nisiros. The volcano on Nisiros island- which means 'the place with figs'- in the Aegean Sea- erupted in 1422 and is still active. Nikea village located on the side of the crater is constituted with white streets and a mosaic-style square. You can take an optional bus tour to the crater which is still active and where you can see the gases coming from the underground. On the way back after, a short village tour and a lunch break; we will cruise to Tilos Island. For dinner and overnight stay, we will anchor in the port of this small tranquil island.
Day 11 - Yacht Cruise Rhodes (Rhodos) Greek Site - Monday, 2nd May 2011 (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
Cruising to Rhodes early in the morning. Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese Islands.
The island is a very popular holiday place as it has one of the best-protected and the largest European Medieval city and has warm weather 300 days of a year. Rhodes has been a home for many civilizations; starting with the knights of St.John in the Middle Ages, then Ottomans and Italians; thus the island has a unique historical harmony and beauty. The main port Rhodes is the Rhodes City which bears the same name with the island. The other very touristic areas of Rhodes island are; Lyndos and Kamiros. The city, which is still surrounded by 12 meter-thick city-walls, gives you the feeling of travelling back to Medieval times especially when you walk around its narrow, stone-paved roads. After dinner, our guests are highly recommended to enjoy a Rhodes night out.
Day 12 - Yacht Cruise Simi (Symi) Greek Site - Tuesday, 3rd May 2011 (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
We will set sail for Simi Island early in the morning and arrive at the Monastry of Panormitis located in the southern part of Simi. It is possible to visit the Monastery and the Museum on this well-protected and peaceful bay. After having a swimming break on the eastern shores of the island, we will anchor at the port early in the evening. You can see the shore-side with its neo-classical houses and the peripheral districts. You are going to adore Simi for its pine and oak forests and unique bays.
Day 13 - Yacht Cruise Datca - Knidos Greek Site - Wednesday, 4th May 2011 (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
We will get into Turkish waters from Datca. You can enjoy a short-walk on the shore while your captain deals with the customs procedures. We will sail to Knidos after lunch. Knidos was a developed city in science, art and architecture. Eudoxos, a very popular astronomer and maths professor; Dr. Euryphon; Polygontos, a poular painter; Skopas and Bryaksis of Faros, the most famous sculptors of the era; Sostrates, the architect of Alexandrian light house -one of the seven wonders of the World-and Ktesias the doctor who saved the life of a Presian king from a disaster lived on this island. Dr. Euryphon and his students founded the second largest medical sciences school in Knidos.The island also homes the largest sun clock of its time which was erected by Eudoksos. Knidos was the home for Aphrodite's monument and at those times the city was famous for brothels and became popular for sailors and Arabic tradesmen.
Day 14 - Yacht Cruise Poyraz Turkish Site - Bodrum - Thursday, 5th May 2011 (Breakfast, lunch and dinner included)
We will anchoring in Karada Poyraz Bay and have the last swimming break in these beautiful blue waters. We will be sailing to Bodrum Port for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 15 - Bodrum The End - Friday, 6th May 2011 (Breakfast included)
After breakfast check out from the yacht cruise and your tour ends. From Bodrum we can arrange flights or coach transportation to anywhere in Turkey. If you choose to stay longer in Bodrum we can extend your accommodation and all so offer other options such as Jeep Safari, Aqua Park, scuba diving, fishing tour, Jeep Safari, Horse Safari, Turkish Night.
We hope you had a memorable tour and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another TravelShop Turkey Tour. Have a safe trip back home and thanks for choosing TravelShop Turkey.
Your 15 Days Silver ANZAC Day Tour Includes:
Welcome Cocktail
ANZAC Conference
A range of Gallipoli documentaries
8 breakfasts, 5 dinners at the hotel and full board at the yacht cruise
2 nights at 4 star hotel in Istanbul
1 night at 4 star beach hotel in Ayvalik
2 nights at 4 star hotel in Kusadasi
1 night at 4 star hotel in Pamukkale
Guided Istanbul city tour
Guided Gallipoli tour
Guided Troy tour
Guided Pergamon tour
Guided Ephesus tour
Guided Pamukkale tour
Guided Bodrum city tour
Dawn and National Services (Australian & New Zealand)
Fluent English speaking professional tour guide for the duration of the tour
All transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking new luxury coach
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary
Arrival airport transfers between 8:00am and 11:00pm every two hours
FREE T-Shirt
Places visited during Turkey and Greece Yacht Cruise:
Bodrum Turkish Site
Cos (Kos) Greek Site
Nisiros Greek Site
Tilos Greek Site
Rhodes (Rhodos) Greek Site
Simi (Symi) Greek Site
Datca Site Turkish Site
Knidos Greek Site
Poyraz Turkish Site
Yacht cruise including: Full board double cabin share basis for a week in a yacht, welcome cocktail, breakfast, lunch, dinner & afternoon tea, cake service per day on board, use of sport equipment on board, diesel, using water, crew service, yacht insurance, yacht's laundry, harbor taxes and mooring expenses.
Yacht cruise excluding: Soft drinks, drinking water and alcoholic beverages are excluded, these can be purchased on board for reasonable prices.
15 Days Silver ANZAC Day Tour Hotels:
All hotels of our 15 days Silver ANZAC Day Gallipoli Tour are excellent 4 star hotels at central locations.
The Feronya Hotel is situated at the Taksim Square in the heart of Istanbul. It is easy to go everywhere, including sightseeing places, shopping areas, night clubs, bars, cafeterias, cinemas etc. Istanbul is the Capital of European Culture 2011 so that we have limited rooms in this hotel. If you would like to stay in this hotel, please make early booking. You will stay at Feronya Hotel on bed & breakfast basis.
The Ayvalik Beach Hotel is situated directly at the beach and provides a swimming pool. After the Dawn Service, it will be good to relax here. You will have open buffet dinner at Ayvalik Beach Hotel.
The Grand Onder Hotel is situated in Kusadasi city center. It provides outdoor swimming pool, restaurant, snack bar, pool bar, laundry and ironing services, billiard, table tennis, dart board, table soccer, jakuzzi, sauna, fitness center, massage and wireless internet connection. You will have open buffet dinner at Grand Onder Hotel.
The Pam Thermal Hotel has a thermal spring which has its source within the hotel, fascinates everyone by its formation of beautiful red colored lime stones and thermal pools. You will enjoy every corner of the main hall which includes lobby, lobby bar, TV room and a market. You will have open buffet dinner at Pam Thermal Hotel.
Hotels may be substituted based on room availability.
Important information for the 15 Days Silver ANZAC Day Tour:
We provide very special hotels in Istanbul for our ANZAC day tour clients.
Most of the hotels will be booked out month in advance, so you need to book your ANZAC day tour well ahead.
We strongly recommend that you make your reservation as early as possible if you plan to attend the 96th commemoration of ANZAC Day at Gallipoli.
Our prices are valid until 25th of December 2010, then our prices may change, subject to availability.
We have special discounts available for you. We offer 5% discount on early bookings and 10% discount on full payments until 25th of December 2010.
Our conference about ANZAC Day and Turkey will take place in Istanbul on 23rd of April 2011.
ANZAC Tours 2011: Please consider Murti's ANZAC Day Gallipoli tours. We can arrange luxury ANZAC Day Tours, VIP Luxury ANZAC Day Tours, Quality ANZAC Day Luxury Gallipoli Tours, Dawn Service, Commemoration, Luxury ANZAC Day Airport Transfers, Luxury ANZAC Gallipoli Tours, Tailormade Luxury ANZAC Day Tours, Luxury ANZAC Day accommodation, Group VIP ANZAC Day tours, Luxury Gallipoli Tours.
First class ANZAC Day Tour, Deluxe ANZAC Tour, Superior ANZAC Day Tours, Quality ANZAC Tour. Gallipoli Peninsula. Visit Kabatepe War Museum, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australia’s Memorial and Cemetery, Quinns Post, The Nek, Chunuk-Bair New Zealand Memorial and Cemetery. Ultimately, we want you to thoroughly enjoy your tour and experience Turkey at its finest ANZAC Day Tours.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
