Saturday 20th April 2013. Welcome to Turkey and the start of a memorable ANZAC experience! Airport to hotel arrival transfer. The remainder of the day offers free time for you to explore Istanbul - a city that straddles both Europe and Asia!

Istanbul - Pamukkale. Today we travel south to Pamukkale, home to the magnificent white calcium terraces known as the Pamukkale Thermal Pools. Late afternoon arrival and free time. Maybe opt for a refreshing dip in the hotel's indoor swimming pool.

Pamukkale - Kusadasi. Today we tour the Roman Hierapolis which sits at the top of Pamukkale’s travertine source, where we enjoy a short tour. Here, you can walk barefoot along the terraces allowing the mineral rich waters to wash over your feet or opt for a dip in the Pamukkale Thermal Springs - an amazing pool full of sunken Roman columns. Continuing all things Roman, we enjoy a guided visit at Ephesus - perhaps the best preserved classical city on the Eastern Med. We’ll also take in a fashion stop at a top-grade leather garment house, before driving to coastal Kusadasi, where we can relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities.

Kusadasi - Ayvalik. Driving north, we visit the Roman ruins of Pergamum with it’s steep hillside amphitheatre, a great photo opportunity, and neighbouring asclepion (ancient medical centre). We then continue to Ayvalik on the Aegean coast.

Ayvalik - Gallipoli. A very early departure, if open we'll stop at Homer's Troy - famed for its Trojan wooden horse. Crossing by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsular, this afternoon we enjoy a guided tour (subject to ANZAC Cove opening hours and traffic conditions) of the evocative war memorials that dot the region, for example; Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Johnston’s Jolly and the trenches. Early this evening, we’ll relax at our exclusive ANZAC Eve Turkish BBQ before later taking our places amongst the many at the Dawn Service site for the atmosphere charged ANZAC Eve vigil.

First light heralds a poignant bugle call and commencement of the Dawn Service. After the service and armed with your maps, you’ve a chance to independently explore many of the trenches and memorial sites as you head up to Lone Pine or Chunuk Bair for the Australian or New Zealand National services. Later this afternoon, we return to Istanbul, where upon our late evening arrival, we check into our hotel for a well-earned rest after such an emotion-filled day. (timings on 25 April subject to coach traffic)

This morning we enjoy a relaxing 2 hour cruise along the Bosphorus Strait. After we'll take a walk through the exotic Egyptian Spice Market before commencing a classic city tour, taking in the Hippodrome area, the stunning Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia - Emperor Justinian's grand basilica, Topkapi Palace and the ancient Underground Cistern. Later this afternoon we hone our bargaining skills at the famed Grand Bazaar – one of the largest covered markets in the world, boasting more than 4000 stores. Opt to further explore the city by night or return to our hotel with your guide for a little R&R.

When the sun sets, why not enjoy our optional Istanbul by night bolt on! With dinner, belly dancers and entertainment at a great Istanbul venue. It's an entertaining evening and a great farewell fling! (transport shuttle included).

Saturday 27th April 2013. Tour ends after breakfast and hotel check out at 12noon. We hope you have had a wonderful tour of Turkey and memorable ANZAC Day experience. 

Heading to Egypt, Jordan or Israel? Consider jumping a quick flight to Cairo to join our highly popular King Ramses - 14 day tour, Road to Jordan - 17 day tour or Pyramids, Petra, Promised Lands - 18 day tour, all conveniently timed to start today.