Day1: Tuesday 14th April, Istanbul
Welcome to Istanbul, where you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Tonight, meet your guide and the rest of your group.
Overnight Istanbul
Day2: Wednesday 15th April, Istanbul old city Tour
After breakfast, you enjoy a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents, visiting the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Hippodrome.
(Breakfast)
Day3: Thursday 16th April, Ankara, Cappadocia
After breakfast, drive to the nation's capital, Ankara, visit the Mausoleum of Turkey's first President, Ataturk and learn a little about why he is so revered in this country. With Ankara behind us, we head for the surreal moonscape of Cappadocia.
Overnight Cappadocia
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day4: Friday 17th April, Goreme, Underground city
Today we tour the Goreme open-air museum, Pasabag, Uchisar castle and one of the fascinating underground cities, home to early Christians who hid underground from Roman persecution. Photo opportunities are everywhere so have your cameras ready! Tonight, don't miss the optional Turkish folklore evening featuring folklore and belly dancers... a night you won't forget!
Overnight Cappadocia
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day5: Saturday 18th April, Konya, Caravansary
Leaving Cappadocia we head south along an ancient Silk Road for the stunning Mediterranean Coast. We take time out along the way to visit Sultanhani Caravansary and the Mevlana Whirling Dervish Museum in Konya.
Overnight Antalya
(Breakfast)
Day6: Sunday 19th April, Saklikent Gorge, Fethiye
The Mediterranean coastline leads us to the recently rediscovered Saklikent Gorge. Along the way, we have the opportunity to visit a carpet village. Once at the gorge, walkthrough icy water and battle numerous small waterfalls set in sculpted limestone canyon walls, before taking a tube ride down the rapids.
Overnight Fethiye
(Breakfast
Day7: Monday 20th April, Pamukkale, Hierapolis
Leaving the coast behind we drive inland today to visit the calcium terraces of Pamukkale and the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient resort city overlooking the terraces.
Overnight Pamukkale
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day8: Tuesday 21st April, Aphrodisias, Kusadasi
This morning we continue towards Kusadasi, along the way to visit the ancient city of Aphrodisias, famous in Roman times for its marble sculptures, many of which can still be seen today.
Overnight Kusadasi
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day9: Wednesday 22nd April, Ephesus, Sirince
Absorb yourself in history today with a visit to the Temple of Artemis and a guided tour of Ephesus. Experience the mystical atmosphere of the ancient city and stadium. This afternoon we visit the former Greek village of Sirince, which is famous for its fruit wines. Carpet weaving has long traditions in Turkey and at the carpet village, we learn how the carpets are made by hand and what determines their value.
Overnight Kusadasi
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day10: Thursday 23rd April, Acropolis of Pergamum
This morning we will enjoy a display of locally handcrafted leather goods before driving along the Aegean coast to the ancient city of Pergamum. We visit the magnificent Acropolis of Pergamum, its impressive temples and library that made Pergamum a renowned cultural and political centre in its time.
Overnight Ayvalik
(Breakfast, Dinner)
Day11: Friday 24th April, Troy
Today we visit the archaeological ruins of Troy and we will enjoy BBQ lunch. As soon as we are able we will cross the Dardanelles to the Gallipoli peninsula and head straight to the Anzac area to secure the best spot possible.
Overnight ANZAC Cove
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Day12: Saturday 25th April, ANZAC Day at Gallipoli
Awake before sun rise to the ANZAC Dawn Service. We become aware of the almost deafening silence as we commemorate our fallen forefathers on this special day. Also attend the Australian &/or New Zealand Memorial services. After the services, we head to our hotel for some well deserved rest.
Overnight Guzelyali
(Dinner)
Day13: Sunday 26th April, Gallipoli
Depart for the Gallipoli peninsula early morning and tour this now serene site. Visiting original trenches and tunnels, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, Johnston's Jolly and The Nek before returning to Istanbul.
Overnight Istanbul
(Breakfast, Lunch)
Day14: Monday 27th April, Istanbul
After breakfast, our tour concludes and we say goodbye to our new friends.
(Breakfast)
