Marvellous Turkey with Anzac Commemorations 2024

Start your discovery of Istanbul with a visit to the Topkapi Palace Museum, residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 1453 to 1852 (excluding the harem).  Next, view the incredible Hagia Sophia Mosque from the outside - an incredible feat for the time period and considered as one of the world’s greatest architectural wonders. Continue on to the Hippodrome which was once the centre of life where chariot racing and other public events took place; then visit 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! Overnight stay in Istanbul.

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. Overnight stay in Canakkale.

Begin the day with a visit to Troy-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 on 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 on 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. Afterwards you will have the opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like handmade carpets and tiles. Continue to the village of Sirince, one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. Free time for shopping or to taste the local wines. Overnight stay in Kusadasi.

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. Overnight stay in Pamukkale.

After breakfast, drive to the lakeside town of Koycegiz where you will take a boat cruise to Turtle Beach with an opportunity to cover yourself in mud at the local mud bath. Continue on to Fethiye for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, explore the quaint Greek village of Kayakoy. In the afternoon there will be a short drive to Oludeniz with time for a swim at its stunning beach. Overnight Fethiye.

Optional: Sunset cruise with dinner (surcharge applies).

Embark on a moring 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. Overnight stay in Antalya.

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 Mevlana 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 as they travelled along the ancient Silk Route. Dinner and overnight in Cappadocia.

Optional: Early morning balloon tour (surcharge applies)

Embark on an 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 Ushisar. Upon completion of the tour, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Istanbul where accommodation is reserved for one night.

Optional:Turkish folklore evening with dinner is available tonight (surcharge applies)

Morning at leisure. In the afternoon you will be picked up from your hotel and driven west to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Dinner (own arrangements) in Canakkale, followed by a late evening departure to Anzac Cove, where you will join the gathering crowd and immerse yourself in the atmosphere. It is a night filled with anticipation and a night where sleep is not on the agenda. (There is no hotel accommodation tonight).

NOTE: The itinerary for 23rd-25th April is very much subject to the final timings at the Gallipoli Peninsula. You will be updated on Thursday 23 April as to the final programme.

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. (B) Note: a light breakfast box is included 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 transfer to the airport for your onward flight.

• Arrival transfer from Istanbul (IST) Airport only on Day 1 (supplement applies for transfer from Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport)
• First Class Hotel accommodation with private facilities (no hotel accommodation on night of 24th April)
• Transportation by air-conditioned deluxe coach
• Complimentary 4G Wi-fi internet service onboard the coach
• Domestic air ticket Kayseri-Istanbul OR Ankara-Istanbul
• Meals and sightseeing as indicated on the itinerary
• Professional English speaking guides
• Entrance fees
• Porterage at hotels
• Departure transfer to Istanbul (IST) Airport only on Day 14 - shuttles at 9.00am or 1.00pm (supplement applies for transfer to Sabiha Gokcen (SAW) Airport)
• Turkey Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel

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