Day 1 – Tuesday 16 April
For those members travelling on our group flights you will be met by your local guide at Istanbul Ataturk Airport and transferred to your hotel for check in and breakfast. This afternoon will be free to relax and recover from a long flight. In the evening join tour members for welcome dinner at the hotel.
Overnight: Istanbul B D
Day 2 – Wednesday 17 April
After breakfast enjoy a cruise along the Bosphorus, seeing beautiful Mosques, Palaces and old wooden houses on both the European and Asian shoreline. Lunch will be followed by a visit to the Florence Nightingale Museum.
Overnight: Istanbul B L
Day 3 – Thursday 18 April
Begin today with a guided tour of famous sights of the old city, including the Hippodrome and the beautiful Blue Mosque. Following lunch at Panoramic Restaurant explore the Topkapi Palace, the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years. Then visit the Undergound Cistern before returning to the hotel.
Overnight: Istanbul B L
Day 4 – Friday 19 April
This morning travel by coach to Gallipoli with lunch upon arrival at Kum Hotel. In the afternoon drive along the coast for your first visit to Ari Burnu cemetery, where the Dawn Service was held until 2000 and Beach cemetery, where the grave of John Simpson Kirkpatrick “the man with the donkey” rests. Take in the stunning view of Plugges Plateau, the Sphinx and finish with a stop at the beautiful Shrapnel Valley Cemetery. Enjoy dusk at Anzac Cove.
Overnight: Gallipoli B L D
Day 5 – Saturday 20 April
After breakfast cross the Dardanelles for a guided tour of the ruins of ancient Troy and on return stop at the Dardanos Battery gun emplacements for discussions on the naval assaults of 1915. Lunch will be in Cannakale, followed by a guided tour of Fort Çimenlik war relics and naval museum.
Overnight: Gallipoli B L D
Day 6 – Sunday 21 April
Begin today with a guided walking tour of ‘Old Anzac’ front line positions from Lone Pine to the Nek. Return to hotel for lunch. In the afternoon tour the Anzac beaches for discussions on the landings, including a walk up to Plugges Plateau, then visit the northern area to Hill 60 and Suvla. Following dinner, attend optional film night.
Overnight: Gallipoli B L D
Day 7 – Monday 22 April
This morning we head to the southern tip of the Peninsula for a guided tour of the landing at Cape Helles and Krithia Battlefields, including a short walk to Achi Baba, one of the highest points the Allied forces tried to capture. Return to hotel for lunch. This afternoon enjoy a tour of battlefields from the Turkish side, with expert Turkish historian and guide.
Overnight: Gallipoli B L D
Day 8 – Tuesday 23 April
After breakfast enjoy a special highlight boat tour of the Gallipoli coast from Anzac Cove to Suvla Bay for an unforgettable view of the valleys and ridges from the sea, just as the Australian soldiers would have seen it on the landing 97 years ago (weather permitting). In the afternoon travel up to the Anzac heights for a guided walking tour from Chunuk Bair down Rhododendron Ridge to northern outposts, or, optional easier walking tours. Following dinner, attend an optional special Turkish theme night with belly dancing.
Overnight: Gallipoli B L D
Day 9 – Wednesday 24 April
Further guided touring of Anzac area including any special requests from tour members, before returning to hotel for a barbecue lunch. This afternoon will be free for rest in preparation for Anzac Day.
Overnight: Gallipoli B L D
Day 10 – Thursday 25 April ANZAC DAY
Early departure from hotel to attend Anzac Day. Dawn Service and the Australian national ceremony at Lone Pine. Return to hotel for lunch with the remainder of day free for rest or optional guided walking tours of battlefields, conditions permitting.
Overnight: Gallipoli B L D
Day 11 – Friday 26 April
Today we leave the battlefields behind for return trip to Istanbul, with lunch en route at Kosk restaurant. This afternoon and evening will be free for personal sightseeing, shopping and time to explore the many colorful and interesting cafes of this wonderful city. Perhaps take a walk down Istiklal Street, a pedestrian street with its old trams.
Overnight: Istanbul B L D
Day 12 – Saturday 27 April
After breakfast, we visit a carpet showroom for an interesting presentation on the background of Turkish carpets. Then visit Hagia Sophia, one of the great marvels of architecture and the most important Byzantine monument in Istanbul. After lunch we visit the Grand Bazaar with over 4000 shops, for final shopping and souvenir hunting. The remainder of the day is free before attending a farewell dinner whilst enjoying a magnificent view of Istanbul by night.
Overnight: Istanbul B L D
Day 13 – Sunday 28 April
Tour ends with a transfer to the airport for return flight to Australia or onward flight to other destination.
Breakfast will be served in the morning B
Please Note: Itinerary subject to change according to prevailing circumstances.
