Day 1: 20 April
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! Overnight ? Istanbul
Day 2: Istanbul – Pamukkale – breakfast
South to Pamukkale, home to the naturally occurring thermal travertine pools. En route, we visit a carpet dyeing, weaving and manufacturing house. Dinner and overnight – Pamukkale
Day 3: Pamukkale – Kusadasi – breakfast
To Roman Hierapolis which sits at the top of Pamukkale?s travertine source, where we enjoy a short tour. Here, perhaps opt for a dip in the Pamukkale Thermal, an amazing pool full of sunken Roman columns. Continuing all things Roman, we enjoy a guided visit at Ephesus – perhaps the best-preserved classical city on the Eastern Med. We?ll also take in a fashion stop at a top-grade leather garment house, before driving to coastal Kusadasi, where we can relax and enjoy the hotel?s facilities. Dinner and overnight – Kusadasi
Day 4: Kusadasi – Ayvalik – breakfast
Driving north, we visit the Roman ruins of Pergamum with it’s steep hillside amphitheatre (good photo call) & neighbouring asclepion (ancient medical centre). We then continue to Ayvalik on the Aegean coast. Dinner and overnight – Ayvalik
Day 5: Ayvalik – Gallipoli – breakfast
Departing early, we enjoy a short visit to Homer?s Troy, famed for its Trojan wooden horse and the fabled Helen. Via a ferry crossing at Canakkale, we continue to the Gallipoli Peninsular. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour aboard the coach (where subject to traffic from time to time we can get off and explore) of the evocative war memorials that dot the region, for example; Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, The Nek and Johnston?s Jolly not to mention the masses of trenches and Kabatepe – the modest ANZAC museum (subject to timings) and memorial gardens. Tonight, we?ll relax at our exclusive catered ANZAC Eve Turkish BBQ before later grabbing some space at the atmospheric ANZAC Eve vigil. BBQ Dinner and overnight – Dawn Service site (ANZAC Cove)
Day 6, ANZAC day: Gallipoli – Istanbul
First light heralds the Dawn Service. After, with maps in hand, you’re free to explore the many memorials dotted en route as you make your way to Lone Pine or Chunuk Bair for the Australian or New Zealand National services. This afternoon, we return to Istanbul, arriving late tonight. (timings on 25 April subject to coach traffic). Overnight – Istanbul
Day 7: Istanbul – breakfast
Today, a classic city tour of Istanbul. This afternoon, enjoy an afternoon cruise on the stunning Bosphorus, the body of water which separates European from Asian Istanbul. When the sun sets, enjoy Istanbul by night! With dinner, belly dancers and entertainment at a central Istanbul venue, it’s a top value evening and a great way to celebrate the end of the ANZAC smoko tour (transport shuttles provided). Overnight ? Istanbul
Day 8: Istanbul – breakfast
End of arrangements.
I’ll like to attend the Gallipoli Dawn Service, but despise the jingoism & supercape crap that’s developed in the last decade or so.
Although we’re sure Hippy will be a bastion of respect and suitable behaviour. 😉
Are you doing any other travels this year? You know like places with mountain passes 🙂
cfsmtb: You lost me with ‘supercape’ but I know what you are saying. I like a free t-shirt as much as anyone but "Lest we forget" Gallipoli Tour 2007 shirts??
I was, of course, a lovely lad, full of respect for the fallen and the vets that were present. I froze my arse off and got 0hrs sleep sitting on a chair all night but given WWI conditions that was getting it easy.
I think the majority were really good and the Aussie service was particularly moving and sure, it was Oz-centric but there were Turkish vets present too (they were almost cheered louder than the Aussies!) and everyone seemed joined in the feeling that the waste of life shouldn’t have happened. That attitude that even if you didn’t know someone who fell at Lone Pine, pick a digger to remember and this will help prevent this happening again.
Although our government doesn’t seem to listen to people when it comes to NOT sending troops into war..
Greg: I’m hoping to get back to Oz actually! Other than that, nothing is planned and certainly no mountain passes for me unless it involves a train to the top and the descent 🙂
Having said that, sitting on a bus for 10hrs reading Josie Dew’s book ‘The Wind in My Wheels’ about her cycle touring travels really makes me want to take 12 months off and ride all over the planet!! *sigh* when am I going to find someone to just pay me for ticking over the kays on a bike?
Supercape: flag worn as a cloak. The very sight of one makes me psychotic. Flags belong on flag poles. And boxer shorts of course, especially the Union Jack.
Union jack also belongs on the roof of minis 😉
but, flags as a supercape – definately not!