Marvellous Turkey with Anzac Commemorations

Start your discovery of Istanbul with a visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum, residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1453 to 1852. Continue to view the incredible Hagia Sophia Mosque (view from the outside) - originally built in 537ad this marvel of engineering is famed for the giant dome, an incredible feat for the time period and considered as one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders; the Hippodrome which was once the centre of life where chariot racing and other public events took place; and the Blue Mosque built between 1609 and 1616 and famous for its blue ceramic tiles. Your last stop will be the famous Spice Market, one of the most colourful bazaars in Istanbul offering numerous spices, Turkish delights, caviar, dried nuts and more!

Drive west to the Gallipoli Peninsula for a special day for New Zealand and Australian travellers with a visit to Anzac Cove, Nek, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine Cemetery and the 57th Regiment Memorial. The doomed assault on Gallipoli by New Zealand and Australian forces, in their own contingents for the first time in foreign service, is considered by many to have been the birth of national consciousness for these two countries. For the Turks, then part of the Ottoman Empire, the victory is regarded as the defining moment in the birth of the Turkish nation, with independence following just 8 years later. At the end of the tour, you will cross the Dardanelles and be transferred to your hotel in Canakkale.

After breakfast at the hotel drive to Troy - the site of the legendary Trojan War. Admire the ruins and a replica of the Trojan Horse, a wooden horse said to have been used during the Trojan War by the Greeks to enter the city of Troy and win the war. Continue across the Ida Mountains to arrive at Pergamum, the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty. Here you will visit the impressive Acropolis of Pergamum, perched on a high, steep-sided hill - one of the highest and most magnificent Acropolis in ancient history. Continue to Kusadasi for a two-night stay.

This morning there will be a short drive to the ancient city of Ephesus. Visit its magnificent library, theatre and temples and stroll through some 2000-year-old marbled streets. Capture the significance of the Library of Celsius and Hadrian’s Temple. Continue to the village of Sirince, one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. Discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like handmade carpets and tiles. Free time for shopping or to taste the local wines. Continue to Kusadasi for an overnight stay.

Travel through the plains and cotton farms for a tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis. Pamukkale, meaning "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, derived its name from the striking natural landscape and is famous for its travertine terraces made from minerals deposited by thermal waters. There will be time to admire the beauty of the lime cascades and to visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After breakfast, drive to the lakeside town of Koycegiz where you will take a boat cruise to Turtle Beach and have an opportunity to cover yourself in mud at the local mud bath. Continue to Fethiye for a two-night stay.

After breakfast, explore the quaint Greek village of Kayakoy. In the afternoon continue to Oludeniz and its stunning beach where you will have time for a swim before returning to Fethiye for overnight.
Optional (supplement applies): Sunset cruise with dinner.

Embark on a morning drive to Antalya. Walk in the Old Town, see Hadrian's Gate - a triumphal arch built in the name of the Roman emperor Hadrian who visited the city in the year 130CE, and visit Duden Waterfalls in Lara.

Early departure this morning for Konya, stopping en-route at the ancient Roman Theatre in Aspendos, considered to be one of the best-preserved theatres of antiquity. Upon arrival in Konya, tour the monastery of the Mervlana Whirling Dervishes. In the afternoon journey to biblical Cappadocia via Seljuk and visit ancient caravanserai on the Silk Road-the ancient trade route. These huge stone buildings were made to shelter the caravaneers, their animals and cargo and keep them safe from highwaymen. Continue to Cappadocia for a two-night stay.

Optional (supplement applies): Early morning hot air balloon tour

Embark on a full day excursion in Cappadocia, famous for its distinctive rock formations (referred to as 'fairy chimneys'), amazing caves and historical history. Visit the Kaymakli Underground City, Open Air Museum in Goreme, and natural fortress in Uchisar.

Optional (supplement applies): Turkish folklore evening with dinner

This morning you will depart for Safranbolu, stopping en-route in Ankara to visit the Memorial Museum and Mausoleum of Ataturk, burial place of the National Hero who founded the modern Republic of Turkey. Continue to the “open air museum” town of Safranbolu, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its well-preserved Ottoman era houses and architecture. Safranbolu is a typical Ottoman city and played a key role in the caravan trade over many centuries. Tonight, your accommodation is an old Ottoman Mansion in Safranbolu.

After breakfast visit the old town of Safranbolu where you can wander through the cobbled streets and discover beautiful Ottoman mansions, unique architecture, and the historical bazaar "Yemeniciler Carsisi" - make sure to taste the fine samples of Turkish Delights. Continue to Istanbul where an afternoon visit to the Grand Bazaar is planned.

This profoundly emotional day begins at dawn. Participate in the commemorative Dawn Service to remember and honour the countless lives lost. Following the Dawn Service, pay your respects at the battlefields and join the international services. In the afternoon drive back to Istanbul where accommodation is reserved for one night. *A light breakfast box is provided today.

Note: There is at least a 7km walk to Chunuk Bair. You will pass through various security measures before attending the official ANZAC commemorations. Prepare to be patient during security procedures.  

After breakfast you will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your onward flight.
Departure transfer will be via scheduled shuttle to Istanbul Airport at either 9:00am or 1:00pm.

• 24/7 local operator support in Turkey
• 15 nights’ hotel accommodation (no accommodation on night of 24th April)
• Breakfast daily at hotels
• 8 dinners
• Arrival transfer on Day 1 by private vehicle Istanbul Airport (IST)/hotel | Departure transfer on Day 16 by shuttle hotel/Istanbul (IST) airport (shuttles at 9:00am or 1:00pm).  (Surcharge applies for transfers from/to Sabiha Gocken (SAW) airport)
• Transportation by air-conditioned deluxe coach
• Complimentary 4G Wi-Fi internet service onboard the coach
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Professional English-speaking guides
• Museum entrance fees
• Porterage at hotels
• Local taxes and service charges
• Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

• International airfares
• Optional tours and excursions
• Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
• Personal Expenses
• Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
• Visas (unless specified)
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above