Sunday 21st April 2013. Welcome to Turkey and the start of your inspirational ANZAC experience! Airport to hotel arrival transfer. The remiander of the day offers free time for you to explore Istanbul - a city that straddles both Europe and Asia!

Enjoy our guided city tour taking in the hippodrome area, exotic Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, Hagia Sofia (exterior only) - Emperor Justinian's grand basilica, Topkapi Palace and more. Later this afternoon we'll wander the cavernous Grand Bazaar before walking to the waterfront, where located opposite is the colourful and ever lively Egyptian Spice Market. Time will be given for you to explore the exotic bazaar and possibly purchase some fresh or dried fruits, nuts, pistachios, Turkish Delight and other treats.

Istanbul - Gallipoli. An early morning departure to the WW1 battlefields on the Gallipoli Peninsular. The futile campaign, infamously known as Gallipoli, is poignantly etched in history. In the fierce struggle for Turkish territory, thousands perished as the odds were resolutely stacked against them. The Turks sustained terrible losses. Thousands of Australian, New Zealand, British, French and Indian Allied troops also died. Today, we tour the region with ease and without the crowds, as most ANZAC pilgrims will descend upon the peninsular tomorrow. Walk in the footsteps of the ANZAC’s with visits to ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly, the trenches and Kabatepe - the modest ANZAC museum. Early evening we travel to our hotel in the seaside village of Gallipoli for free time. Take a stroll around the waterfront before dinner at our hotel.

Returning to the Gallipoli National Park, we attend the Turkish International Service and watch the Turkish Air Force display at Mehmetcik Abide. Afterward we visit the small fishing village of Kilitbahir and tour the impressive Kilitbahir Fort. Kilitbahir - meaning lock of the sea, duly living up to its name. The fort was built in 1453 by Mehmet II the Conqueror, as part of his successful siege on Constantinople. Many of the naval battles of the Dardanelles in the Gallipoli campaign took place here, from the strategically placed fort prior to the army landings. After we sit down to relax at our exclusive ANZAC Eve Turkish BBQ before again returning to our hotel for a leisurely evening.

Gallipoli - Istanbul - hotel breakfast box. Departing our hotel at approx 02:00am, we return to the Dawn Service Site, soaking up the atmosphere of the morning and the heartfelt chants of the crowd. First light heralds a poignant bugle call and commencement of the Dawn Service. After the service, you can take time to independently explore the trenches and memorial sites before walking to the Australian Memorial Service at Lone Pine or New Zealand Memorial Service, Chunuk Bair. The service at Chunuk Bair usually starts about an hour after the Australian service at Lone Pine. If you’re a Kiwi, head straight to Chunuk Bair. Later this afternoon, we’ll journey back to Istanbul, arriving late in the evening and in need of a well-deserved rest after an emotion-filled day at Gallipoli. (Timing on 25 April subject to coach traffic)

Friday 26th April 2013. Istanbul. After breakfast - approx 09:00, join us for a 2 hour cruise along the Bosphorus - the strait that divides European from Asian Istanbul. Returning to the hotel before 12 noon and hotel check out. Our tour concludes at this time we hope you had a wonderful and truly memorable ANZAC experience.

If your flight does not depart till later in the day, after our cruise pop across the road to explore the mammoth Grand Bazaar and exotic Egyptian Spice market. The ideal spot for some last minute souviner shopping!