Turkey ANZAC Tour: An Unforgettable Journey

Today we begin the sightseeing Turkey tour with a picturesque commute to the famous Spice (Egyptian) Bazaar. We will board a private boat at Eminonu to cruise and sightsee along the Bosphorus, a strait that divides Europe from Asia. During this scenic tour, we will see old and new historical sites such as mosques, castles, and palaces adorning the amazing waterfront. Later, we will dine for lunch at a local Turkish restaurant. Lastly, we will ride via the Bosphorus Bridge to Camlica Hill, one of the largest hills in Istanbul, where we will have some free time to sightsee and enjoy the 360-degree panoramic views of the city. We will be transferred back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

After checking out of the hotel, we will continue our Turkey tour with a 4-hour drive to Eceabat. Upon arrival, we will have lunch in this quaint little town located on the eastern shore of the Gelibolu Peninsula, on the Dardanelles Strait. Afterward, we start our touring day with a visit to the historical Gallipoli ANZAC Memorials. During this tour, we will relive the war through such historical sites as the Kabatepe War Museum, ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, the Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels (Johnston’s Jolly), and The Nek and Chunuk Bair New Zealand memorial.

End of the tour, we cross the Dardenelles by car ferry to Canakkale to check in the hotel and overnight stay.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Troy. The Greek poet Homer wrote about the ancient city of Troy in The Iliad. Troy is one of the world’s most important archaeological sites because of its place in literature & what it tells us about a critical early period in the development of European civilization. The large replica of the Trojan horse at the front of the ruins is part of the myth of the Trojan War. After the tour, we will return to the hotel to have free time at leisure to rest till we depart to join Dawn Service by early morning.

The day begins at first light with the Dawn Service held at the ANZAC Commemorative Site. Later, the Australia memorial service is held at Lone Pine followed by the New Zealand service is held at Chunuk Bair. After the ceremonies, we are transferred back to the hotel in Edremit for an overnight stay.

After checking out of the hotel, we begin our tour of Turkey by heading to Bergama, a city in the Izmir Province, to explore the Hellenistic and later Roman city of Pergamon. This ancient city is known as one of the 7 churches of Asia and was famous for having a large library that rivaled Alexandria in Egypt. After lunch, we travel to Kusadasi, a resort town located approximately 140 kilometers/86 miles away. On the way, we stop in the town of Selcuk, known for its carpet weaving, to learn about the unique and treasured Turkish carpets. We will watch a short demonstration of how these carpets are skillfully and beautifully made. After arriving in Kusadasi, we check into our hotel and the remainder of the day is free for leisure. Kusadasi is one of Turkey’s largest and most cosmopolitan seaside resorts, offering great sandy beaches, excellent shopping, and a lively nightlife. We have an overnight stay in Kusadasi.

After breakfast in Kusadasi, we head over to the historical city of Ephesus, located about 15 kilometers/9 miles away, to proceed with our tour of Turkey. This ancient city is one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the world. Here, we will see the Agora, Odeon, public toilets, Roman Baths, Grand Theatre, Marble Street, and much more. Then, we will have lunch at a local Turkish restaurant. Next, we tour the House of Virgin Mary and visit the chapel where she is said to have spent her last days. Afterwards, we visit the Artemis Temple site, which is one of the 7 Wonders of the Ancient World. Finally, we head to Sirince, an old Greek Orthodox village most famous for its local wine, olive oil, and 19th-century architecture. We end the day with a transfer back to the hotel in Kusadasi for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, we will check out the hotel and drive to Pamukkale on a scenic route. Upon arrival, continue the day with a visit to Pamukkale. This natural phenomenon leaves thick white layers of limestone & travertine cascading down the mountain slope, which resemble a frozen waterfall. There will be free time to walk on the terraces (where allowed). We then visit Hierapolis, which is adjacent to Pamukkale. The ruins of the ancient city cover more than a mile. We visit the Martyrium of St. Philip where the apostle is said to be buried in a worship chamber surrounded by eight chapels. After the tour of Pamukkale, transfer to Denizli Çardak Airport for the flight to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.

On day two, start your day with a visit to the famous Hagia Sophia basilica, followed by a tour of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. Explore the ancient Hippodrome and the Grand Bazaar before enjoying lunch. After lunch, visit Topkapi Palace, the center of the Ottoman Empire. Return to the hotel for overnight in Istanbul.

Departure After checking out of the hotel, there will be a transfer to Istanbul’s airport for the departure flight.