15 DAYS BODRUM AND BLUE CRUISE TOUR by Travel Shop Turkey

Tour Itinerary

15 DAYS SILVER ANZAC GALLIPOLI TURKEY TOUR ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Istanbul Arrival Day - Friday, 22nd April 2011

(Airport transfer from IST, welcome cocktail and ANZAC conference inclusive)

Welcome to Istanbul! We are waiting for you directly at the gate behind passport control / immigration at Ataturk International Airport (IST). Watch out for the TravelShop Turkey sign. Arrival airport transfer from Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW) can be arranged at additional expenses. Transfer to your four star hotel, you will be given your room key and the rest of the day is yours to explore Istanbul until 6:00 p.m.

Between 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. we will have a conference about ANZAC Dawn Service and Turkey. The conference is held by ANZAC experts from Australia and New Zealand and by our professional Turkish ANZAC tour guides. Welcome cocktail, coffee, tea and snacks are included. You will meet your fellow ANZAC Day Gallipoli tour members and the TravelShop Turkey staff. We recommend you to arrange your international flights, to be at Ataturk airport in time and check-in your hotel prior our ANZAC conference starts.

Traditional 1001 Turkish nights departs optional from hotel lobby at 8:00 p.m. The show includes all meals, two local drinks, belly dancers, Anatolian Folklore groups, featuring popular instruments and Turkish singers. Return transfer to your hotel around midnight. Overnight 4 star hotel in Istanbul.

Day 2 - Istanbul City Tour - Saturday, 23rd April 2011

(Breakfast inclusive)

We depart from the hotel after breakfast at 8:30 a.m. for your guided Istanbul city tour.

Topkapi Palace: Beginning from the Mehmed the Conqueror, the Topkapi Palace which was the official residential of the Ottoman Sultans until the Sultan Abdulmecid the thirty-first Sultan's time has been used as a center for the state administration, education and art of the Empire approximately 400 years. The palace is full of examples of Ottoman architecture and also contains large collections of porcelain, robes, weapons, shields, armor, Ottoman miniatures, Islamic calligraphic manuscripts and murals, as well as a display of Ottoman treasure and jewelry.

Sultanahmet Imperial Mosque: The mosque, built between 1609 and 1616, is popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. With its six minarets and a great cascade of domes, the mosque is a worthy sibling to Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia). Pope Benedict XVI visited the Sultan Ahmed Mosque on 30th November 2006 during his visit to Turkey. It marks only the second papal visit in history to a Muslim place of worship.

Hippodrome: Today the area is officially called Sultan Ahmet Square, and is carefully maintained by the Turkish authorities. The course of the old racetrack has been indicated with paving, although the actual track is some 2 m below the present surface. The surviving monuments of the Spina, the two obelisks and the Serpentine Column, now sit in holes in a landscaped garden. The German Fountain, an octagonal domed fountain in neo-Byzantine style, which was constructed by the German government in 1900 to mark the German Emperor Wilhelm II's visit to Istanbul in 1898, is located at the northern entrance to the Hippodrome area, right in front of the Blue Mosque.

Spice Bazaar: The Spice Bazaar, or Egyptian Bazaar is one of the oldest bazaars in the city. Located in Eminonu, it is the second largest covered shopping complex after the Grand Bazaar. The air here is filled with the enticing aromas of cinnamon, caraway, saffron, mint, thyme and every other conceivable herb and spice.

After your Istanbul city tour there is an option to experience a Bosphorus boat cruise, enjoy the magnificent views of the Bosphorus straight which is connecting Asia to Europe, the best way of seeing the Bosphorus in all its beauty. With the shores rising to heights up to 200m, lined with palaces, ruins, villages, and gardens, this is one of the most beautiful stretches of scenery in Turkey. Overnight 4 star hotel in Istanbul.

For those in a party mood we have an optional ANZAC party scheduled for tonight.

Day 3 - Gallipoli Tour - Sunday, 24th April 2011

(Breakfast inclusive - BBQ buffet dinner optional)

We depart for Gallipoli at 7:00 a.m. (4.5 hours distance). On the way we will watch the latest documentaries about 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 your guided Gallipoli tour we drive to the coast of Gabatepe for our optional ANZAC BBQ and buffet dinner. At approx 9:30 p.m. we depart to ANZAC Cove to get a good spot for the ANZAC Dawn Service. Overnight at ANZAC Cove Commemorative Site. If you do not wish 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 warm clothes, sleeping bags, wet weather gear, torches, hat, sunscreen and good walking shoes because Gallipoli is still as cold and dark as it was 96 years ago! Optional we provide sleepings bags, please let us know at time of booking.

04:30 a.m. ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Commemorative Site

10:30 a.m. Australian National Service at Lone Pine Memorial

11.45 a.m. Turkish National Service

01:00 p.m. New Zealand National Service at Chunuk Bair Memorial

After attending the ANZAC services, with time permitting we will depart for the ancient city of Troy (about an hour drive). Troy is one of the most famous cities in the history, remembering us Hector, Achilles and Achaean Greeks, the sake of Helen, Paris, Agamemnon and Priam. Your guide will explain the mythology surrounding Troy, the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy. After Troy, we drive to our hotel (3 hours distance) 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 inclusive)

Drive to Pergamum (45 minutes distance) - 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 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 our guided Pergamon tour we continue towards 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-in your hotel in Kusadasi. Overnight 4 star hotel in Kusadasi.

Day 6 - Ephesus & Kusadasi - Wednesday, 27th April 2011

(Breakfast and dinner inclusive)

At 8:30 a.m. departure to Ephesus (20 minutes distance) - once the commercial centre of the ancient world - is a highlight of any visit to Turkey. Ephesus, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, considered one of the Seven Wonders, dates in its latest form from the third century B.C. The guided Ephesus tour 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 jewellery and leather manufacturing. On this 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 & Hierapolis Tour - Thursday, 28th April 2011

(Breakfast and dinner inclusive)

At 8:30 a.m. we leave Kusadasi for Pamukkale (2.5 hours distance). We visit the "Cotton Castle" calcium terraces of Pamukkale and ancient 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. Check-in your hotel in time for dinner and the rest of the evening is yours to explore the small village or relax around the swimming pool. Overnight 4 star hotel in Pamukkale.

Day 8 - Pamukkale & Bodrum Friday, 29th April 2011

(Breakfast and dinner inclusive)

At 8:30 a.m. 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.. 01:00 p.m. 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 inclusive)

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 inclusive)

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 inclusive)

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 inclusive)

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 inclusive)

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 inclusive)

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 inclusive)

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 ANZAC day 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.

15 DAYS SILVER ANZAC GALLIPOLI TURKEY TOUR INCLUDES:

Arrival airport transfer between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. (every two hours)

Welcome Cocktail

ANZAC Conference in Istanbul

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

Fully guided Istanbul City Tour

Fully guided Gallipoli Tour

Fully guided Troy Tour

Fully guided Pergamon Tour

Fully guided Ephesus Tour

Fully guided Pamukkale Tour

Fully guided Bodrum City Tour

Dawn and National Services (Australian & New Zealand)

Professional English-speaking tour guides

Transportation in a fully air-conditioned, non-smoking coach

All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary

Arrival airport transfers between 8:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. every two hours

FREE ANZAC Tour 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 GALLIPOLI TURKEY TOUR PRICES IN EURO:

Per Person

Shared Double

Single

4 Star Hotel

€ 995.00

€ 1,415.00