Welcome to Turkey! A wonderful adventurous tour covering Istanbul, Gallipoli and the ANZAC Services, Troy, Bergama, Ephesus, Kusadasi, Cotton Castle Pamukkale, Antalya, Cappadocia and Ankara. 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 Izniktiles.
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 (Buffet dinner included)
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 in time 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 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. Overnight 4 star hotel in Bodrum.
Day 9 - Relax Day in Bodrum - Saturday, 30th April 2011 (Breakfast included)
The day is yours. You do not have to wake up early, enjoy the sunshine and take in the views and natural magnificent beach & crystal clear sea and explore the city, shop in the local markets, relax on the beach or enjoy one of the many day trips you have to choose from. These include Aqua Park, scuba diving, fishing tour and many more. Overnight 4 star hotel in Bodrum.
Day 10 - Pamukkale - Koycegiz / Dalyan (Mud Bath) - Fethiye (Oludeniz) - Sunday, 1st May 2011 (Breakfast included)
At 08:30am we depart for Koycegiz. There we board a boat and cruise across Lake Koycegiz where we will have numerous opportunities to swim. We head for Turtle Beach, where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet and have a traditional Turkish lunch. On our return journey back to Koycegiz we visit the mud-bath to cover ourselves in MUCK, before jumping in the natural thermal springs. After the cruise we take a short bus trip to our night stop in Oludeniz.
Day 11 - Antalya - Monday, 2nd May 2011 (Breakfast included)
After breakfast depart to Antalya (5 hours drive). On the way we shall see one of the best panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Lunch break on the way. We will be passing from ancient Likya and you will have the chance to take photos of breath taking scenes. In ancient times it covered all Pamphylia that means "the land of all tribes". Attalia, the ancient name of Antalya, is derived from that of the Pergamon king Attalos II Philadelphus, who founded the city on the Pamphylian seacoast around 150 BC. It is know that it was visited by St. Paul by way of Perge in 46 A.D., that it was an important trading centre in the 2nd century A.D. and that the Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 A.D. was commemorated with new monuments. Check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to discover Antalya. Overnight 4 star hotel in Antalya.
Day 12 - Antalya Perge Aspendos Tour - Tuesday, 3rd May 2011 (Breakfast lunch and dinner included)
PERGE : According to the geographer Strabon, Perge has been founded by Akhas who came down here after the Trojan wars. Perge was first mentioned in 334 BC when Alexander the Great passed through here. In the following years, Perge went under the control of Pergamon when the Kingdom of Pergamon became a part of the Roman city. Especially in the first and the second centuries BC, Perge became one of the richest towns in Pamphylia. Therefore it is not a surprising that St. Paul started his campaign in Anatolia from Perge in 46 AD. The people of Perge loved and respected their Artemis to such an extent that Christianity had to wait for another 400 years to enter here. In the Byzantine period, Perge was the seat of the bishop. Even though Arabs raided Perge in the 7th century AD, when Seljuk Turks settled the area, records show the existence of an older race living here. After the tour, departure for Aspendos. Lunch break on the way.
ASPENDOS: The eastern land of Antalya was called Pamphylia in ancient times. The Toros Daglari (Taurus Mountains) forms a beautiful back drop to the fertile coast, rich with fields of cotton and vegetables. Aspendos (Belkis) lies 47 km east of Antalya in the Pamphylian plain. In 486 BC, Greeks and Persians had a great battle here (the Greeks won, they didn't stay in the area for long). During the reign of he Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-80 AD) Aspendos got its theatre, which is the best preserved of all. It was built by Romans and maintained by Byzantines and Seljuks. The ruins of the ancient city are extensive and include a stadium, an agora, and a basilica. Overnight 4 star hotel in Antalya.
Day 13 - Antalya - Cappadocia - Wednesday, 4th May 2011 (Breakfast included)
Early morning we have a long drive to Cappadocia (8 hours drive). Check in to your hotel. After having some rest, you will have the chance to go to the famous traditional Turkish Night, you will enjoy Whirling Dervishes, Belly Dancing & Traditional Turkish Folklore accompanied by traditional Turkish food. We recommend it should not be missed. Overnight cave hotel in Cappadocia.
Day 14 - Cappadocia Tour - Thursday, 5th May 2011 (Breakfast included)
Today we will get to know the Cappadocia region, a volcanic area in which the geological formation started 10 million years ago. As a result of these formations phallic like pillars have come to life. The beautiful horse country "Katpatuka," (as the Persians called her) is an unbelievable strip of land, enchanting and mysterious. Our guided tour will start at 09:30am and cover Avcilar, Pigeon Valley, Goreme Open Air Museum Dervent Valley, Uchisar Castle and the pottery village of Avanos. If you want to join our optional activity of Hot Air Ballooning, please contact with your guide and register because it will take place early the next morning. Dinner at your hotel. Overnight 4 star hotel in cave hotel Cappadocia.
Day 15 - Cappadocia & Ankara City Tour & Istanbul - Friday, 6th May 2011 (Breakfast included)
We depart at 09:00am for Ankara during the trip (4 hours drive). Visit Ataturk Museum at the Ataturk Mausoleum. (Ataturk is the founder of the modern Turkey) Lunch break. After the break, we will have city tour of Ankara which is the 2nd biggest city and the capital of Turkey. Then depart for Istanbul (5 hours drive). Overnight 4 star hotel in Istanbul.
Day 16 - Ankara City Tour & Istanbul - Saturday, 7th May 2011 (Breakfast included)
After breakfast, please check out from your room before 11:00am, as your ANZAC day tour ends today. Please make your own arrangements for departure or simply ask us.
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 16 Days Special ANZAC Day Tour Includes:
Welcome Cocktail
ANZAC Conference
A range of Gallipoli documentaries
14 breakfasts, 7 dinners
3 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
2 nights at apart boutique hotel in Bodrum
1 night at 4 star hotel in Fethiye / Oludeniz
2 nights at 4 star hotel in Antalya
2 nights at cave hotel in Cappadocia
Guided Istanbul city tour
Guided Gallipoli tour
Guided Troy tour
Guided Pergamon tour
Guided Ephesus tour
Guided Pamukkale tour
Guided Bodrum city tour
Guided Dalyan Mud Bath
Guided Antalya Aspendos and Perge tour
Guided Cappadocia tours
Guided Ankara 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
16 Days Special ANZAC Day Tour Hotels:
The hotels of our 16 Days Special 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.
The Green House Apart Hotel offers its guests the best in bright, spacious and airy apartments and provides a large swimming pool. The apartments were built with a modern outlook and the comfort of their guests in mind. All contain: Fully equipped kitchen and dining area, Cable TV. with international channels, telephone, air conditioning / heating system, balcony, and room service. You will have open buffet dinner at Green House Hotel.
The Dorian Hotel is located in Oludeniz, distance only 350 metres to the beach and 500 metres to the Blue Lagoon. Each room has a balcony, a phone, an air conditioning, a TV, a minibar, a shower and a hairdryer. All of the rooms having a mountain, a garden or sea view. There are two swimming pools for kids and two pools for adults. Some of the activities which are done at the hotel are table tennis, dart, billards and Turkish night.
You will have open buffet dinner at Dorian Hotel.
This hotel is located in the best part of Antalya. Provides swimming pool, fitness center, table tennis, volleyball, dart, basketball, wireless internet, shopping center, boutique, market, hair dresser, photo, hammam, sauna, massage and laundry services. You will have all-inclusive accomodation in this hotel including alcohol, all meals and drinks.
The Gamirasu Cave Hotel is an exquisitely restored cave house opened in 1999, in Ayvali village near Urgup in the heart of Cappadocia. The hotel is located in a restored thousand-year-old Byzantine monastic retreat which offers modern conveniences without distracting from the spiritual feeling of the area which has been known to be inhabited for more than five thousand years. Wireless Internet Connection is available. You will stay here on bed & breakfast basis.
Hotels may be substituted based on room availability.
Important information for the 16 Days Special 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.
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