16 DAYS SILVER SPECIAL ANZAC TOUR TURKEY 2011 by Travel Shop Turkey

Tour Itinerary

16 DAYS SILVER SPECIAL ANZAC TOUR TURKEY ITINERARY:

Day 1 - Istanbul Arrival Day - Sunday, 22nd April 2012

(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 hotel, you will be given your room key and the rest of the day is yours to explore Istanbul until 6:00pm

Between 6:00pm - 7:00pm 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 8:00pm 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 at Feronya hotel in Istanbul.

Day 2 - Istanbul City Tour - Monday, 23rd April 2012

(Breakfast inclusive)

We depart from the hotel after breakfast at 8:30am 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: 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: 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 at Feronya hotel in Istanbul.

Day 3 - Troy Tour & ANZAC Cove - Tuesday, 24th April 2012

(Breakfast inclusive - BBQ buffet dinner optional)

After breakfast departure to Gallipoli at 7:00am (approx. 4.5 hours distance). On the way to Gallipoli we will watch the latest documentaries on the Gallipoli campaign. We arrive at Gallipoli on the coast of Gabatepe for lunch.

The governments of Australia and New Zealand have announced that the Gallipoli peninsula will be closed on 24th April 2012 for safety and security purposes, cemeteries and memorials cannot be visited as in previous years. Therefore, we will visit the Gallipoli peninsula and doing our guided Gallipoli tour after ANZAC Day on 26th April.

Today we will visit the Trojan horse and the ancient city of Troy, located on the other side of the Dardanelles (approx. 1.5 hours distance including ferry).

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 your guided Troy tour we drive to the coast of Gabatepe for our optional ANZAC BBQ and buffet dinner. At approx 9:30pm 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 accommodation at Grand ANZAC hotel in Canakkale. This option is not available after your arrival in Turkey, pre-booking is required.

Please note: In 2012 the ANZAC Commemorative Site will open later than it has in previous years. The new opening time will be 1800hrs (6:00pm) on 24th April, the ANZAC Commemorative Site will not open before the designated opening time.

Day 4 - ANZAC Dawn Service at Commemorative Site Gallipoli

Wednesday, 25th April 2012

(Buffet dinner inclusive)

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 97 years ago! Optional we provide sleepings bags, please let us know at time of booking.

05:30-06:15 Dawn Service, ANZAC Commemorative Site, North Beach

10:00-10:45 Australian Memorial Service, Lone Pine

11:15-12:00 Turkish 57th Regiment Memorial Service

12:30-13:15 New Zealand Memorial Service, Chunuk Bair

After attending the ANZAC services, drive to our hotel in Canakkale where we will have dinner (not included) at the hotel and a comfy bed to rest your weary bodies. Overnight at Grand ANZAC hotel in Canakkale.

Day 5 - Gallipoli Tour & Kusadasi - Thursday, 26th April 2012

(Breakfast and dinner inclusive)

We start our tour of the Gallipoli peninsula after breakfast. 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 Zealands Memorial and Cemetery). After our guided Gallipoli 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 at Albora hotel in Kusadasi.

Day 6 - Ephesus & Kusadasi - Friday, 27th April 2012

(Breakfast and dinner inclusive)

At 8:30am 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 at Albora hotel in Kusadasi.

Day 7 - Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour - Saturday, 28th April 2012

(Breakfast and dinner inclusive)

At 8:30am 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. After our days activities we will 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 at 4 star hotel in Pamukkale.

Day 8 - Pamukkale & Bodrum - Sunday, 29th April 2012

(Breakfast inclusive)

At 8:30am 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 at 4 star hotel in Bodrum.

Day 9 - Relax Day in Bodrum - Monday, 30th April 2012

(Breakfast inclusive)

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 at 4 star hotel in Bodrum.

Day 10 - Koycegiz Dalyan Mud Bath - Fethiye Oludeniz - Tuesday, 1st May 2012

(Breakfast inclusive)

At 8:30am 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 - Blue Lagoon Oludeniz - Antalya - Wednesday, 2nd May 2012

(Breakfast inclusive)

After breakfast depart to Antalya (5 hours distance). 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 at 4 star hotel in Antalya.

Day 12 - Antalya Perge Aspendos Tour - Thursday, 3rd May 2012

(Breakfast lunch and dinner inclusive)

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 at 4 star hotel in Antalya.

Day 13 - Antalya - Cappadocia - Friday, 4th May 2012

(Breakfast inclusive)

Early morning we have a long drive to Cappadocia (8 hours distance). 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 at cave hotel in Cappadocia.

Day 14 - Cappadocia Tour - Saturday, 5th May 2012

(Breakfast inclusive)

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 9:30am 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 at 4 star hotel in cave hotel Cappadocia.

Day 15 - Cappadocia & Ankara City Tour - Sunday, 6th May 2012

(Breakfast inclusive)

We depart at 9:00am for Ankara during the trip (4 hours distance). 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 distance). Overnight at Feronya hotel in Istanbul.

Day 16 - Istanbul - End of ANZAC Tour - Monday, 7th May 2012

(Breakfast inclusive)

After breakfast, check out from your hotel before 11:00am. Please make your own arrangements for departure transfers or simply ask TravelShop Turkey staff.

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.

16 DAYS SILVER SPECIAL ANZAC TOUR TURKEY INCLUDES:

Arrival airport transfer between 8:00am and 11:00pm (every two hours)

Welcome Cocktail

ANZAC Conference in Istanbul

A range of Gallipoli documentaries

14 breakfasts, 7 dinners

3 nights at Feronya hotel in Istanbul

1 night at Grand ANZAC hotel in Canakkale

2 nights at Albora hotel in Kusadasi

1 night at hotel in Pamukkale

2 nights at Boutique hotel Kalender 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 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)

Professional English-speaking tour guides

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

All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary

Travel insurance according to TURSAB law 1618

NEW: Due to a change in the law no 1618 regulation of Turkish Travel Agencies Association, a travel insurance became obligatory. When you book your ANZAC Day tour, your insurance will be arranged and send to you via email. Please note that this insurance is different from the one you have in your country and we advise you to arrange your own travel insurance additionally.

16 DAYS ANZAC TOUR INFORMATION

Bus size for this tour:

46 seats

Group size maximum:

38 people

Average age range:

25 - 35 years

Visitors should register their intention to visit at www.gallipoliregistration.com to assist with advance planning for the commemorations and to receive updates should there be any changes to the arrangements for the commemorations.

16 DAYS SILVER SPECIAL ANZAC TOUR TURKEY PRICES IN EURO:

Per Person

4 Star Hotel

Shared Double € 1,019.00

Single € 1,349.00