Day 1 - Istanbul - Gateway to the Exotic East
Tuesday 23rd April 2013. Welcome to Turkey and the start of your awesome ANZAC experience! Choice of shuttle transfers to hotel. Rest of the day free in Istanbul – a city that straddles both Europe and Asia!
Day 2 - ANZAC Eve at Gallipoli
Istanbul - Gallipoli. Today its an early morning departure to the WW1 battlefields on Gallipoli Peninsular. This afternoon, 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, the trenches and Kabatepe - the modest ANZAC museum. 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.
Day 3 - ANZAC Day - Gallipoli 2013
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. (Timing on 25th April subject to coach traffic).
Day 4 - Istanbul Old City Tour
This morning we spend a couple of hours cruising the Bosphorus before embarking on a guided sightseeing tour of the old city, taking in the stunning Iznik tiled Blue Mosque, Hippodrome area, Topkapi Palace, the 6th century Hagia Sofia (exterior only) and more. This afternoon time is given for you to explore the mammoth Grand Bazaar and exotic Egyptian Spice Market, the later located opposite from the ferry terminal. From here you can opt to stay and discover the old city by night or return with your guide to our hotel 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! Transportation included.
Day 5 - Istanbul - your way
Saturday 27th April 2013. Our tour concludes after breakfast and hotel check out at 12noon. This morning or later today after hotel check out, consider venturing over to the colossal Grand Bazaar for some of those last minute souviner purchases.