Anzac Day Tour

Experience the must see places of Turkey including Istanbul, Gallipoli Battlefields and the Anzac Services, Troy (time permitting), Pergamum, the ancient ruins of Ephesus, the hot springs of Pamukkale, a mud bath in the middle of Lake Koycegiz, then finish in the magnificent Fethiye/Oludeniz. From Fethiye we start our famous ANZAC DAY 4 day Boat Party that will take you to Olympos.
This tour will ensure you leave Turkey with many great memories of the beach, sun, sand, blue cruises and parties!

Start Date: Wednesday 22/04/2009
Finish Date: Wednesday 06/05/2009
Start: Istanbul
Finish: Olympos
Places Visited: Istanbul, Gallipoli, Troy, Pergamon, Kusadasi, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Dalyan Mud Baths, Fethiye, Antalya, Cappadocia, Ankara
Duration: 15 Days
Price: Double - Triple: 509.00 Pound - PP | Single: 609.00 Pound - PP

"If you are travelling alone and would prefer to pay the lower rate, then we can match you up with someone of the same gender to share a twin/triple room during the tour (Subject to Availability). For pre & post accommodation only single rooms available."

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Arrival in to Istanbul. Welcome to Turkey!
Fee transfer from Ataturk Airport between 08:00 - 24:00. Check into your 3 star hotel. Meeting at 19:00 : information about the tour and welcome drink.
Today you can join us on the optional Bosphorus Cruise at 14:30 and/or the Turkish Night at 19:30.

Note: Paid airport transfers from Sabiha Gokcen Airport in Istanbul on the 22nd April are also available. For customers arriving on the Easy Jet Flight from London Luton we can meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel for £15 per person.

Important Note: Please provide your full arrival flight details (full flight details including airline name, flight number, terminal number, arrival time) no later than the 7th April 2009 if you wish to use our free airport transfer service. If you do not provide these then we cannot guarantee an airport transfer.

Breakfast included.
This morning we partake in a fully guided tour of the only city to span two continents.
TOPKAPI PALACE The great palace of the Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th centuries housing an exquisite collection of crystal, silver, and Chinese porcelain, robes worn by the sultans and their families, the famous jewels of the Imperial Treasury, miniatures, the Holy Mantle; enshrining relics of the Prophet Mohammed.
HAGIA SOPHIA One of the greatest marvels of architecture, constructed under Emperor Justinianus in the 6th century as a basilica. Later a church, a mosque and finally a museum.
SULTANAHMET IMPERIAL MOSQUE Across from St. Sophia built in the 16th century by the architect Mehmet, is known as the BLUE MOSQUE because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik tiles.
HIPPODROME Ancient Hippodrome, the scene of chariot races, with the three monuments; the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.
The rest of the day is yours to explore Istanbul or you can join us on the optional Bosphorus Cruise at 14:30 or/and the Turkish Night at 19:30. There is also an optional Anzac Party that starts at 21:00!

Breakfast, lunch and Anzac BBQ Open Buffet Dinner included.
At 6:30am we depart to Gallipoli (4.5 hrs drive) and stop under the way to pick up supplies for lunch and the overnight stay at Anzac Cove. On the way we will have the chance to watch the latest documentary on the Gallipoli Campaign.
In Gallipoli we will have a fully guided tour : the Kabatepe War Museum, Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, The Nek and the Chunuk Bair War memorial. Exploring the peninsular is a real highlight of the tour, but please be aware that there will be many, many tourist buses and delays over the Anzac event are inevitable.
At the end of the evening we head to Anzac Cove to get a good spot for the Dawn Service which starts early the following morning. Overnight: Anzac Cove.

Dinner included.
At first light the Dawn Service starts, a truly moving experience.
After the Dawn Service you have the option to walk up to the memorial sites.
04:30 Dawn Service.
10:30 Australian National service.
11.45 Turkish National Service.
13:00 New Zealand National service.
After the services, time permitting, we depart for the ancient city of Troy (1 hour drive). Your guide will explain the mythology surrounding Troy, the Trojan Horse and Helen of Troy.
After Troy, return to our hotel where we will have dinner. The evening is yours. You can enjoy the beach and the pool, relax and have fun with your new friends.
Over Night in 3 star Hotel in Ayvalik.

Breakfast and dinner included.
Drive to Pergamum (45 minutes) - see Asklepion, Zeus alter, Red Basilica etc.
BERGAMA is the site of the Hellenistic - and later Roman - city of Pergamum, ruled for several centuries by a powerful local dynasty. Its foremost attraction is the Kizil Avlu or "Red Basilica", a huge edifice on the river not far from the acropolis, originally built as a temple to the Egyptian god Osiris and converted to a basilica by the early Christians, when it was one of the Seven Churches of Asia Minor addressed by St John in the book of Revelation - though sadly it's now a crumbling ruin with a mosque in one of its towers.
Then departure for Kusadasi. On the way, we will visit a place which continues to perform one of the oldest arts of Turkey; a carpet weaving centre.
Then we have the option of a Turkish Bath before checking into your hotel. Have a rest till dinner time.
After having dinner at your hotel, you will have the free time to stroll.
Overnight 3 star Hotel in Kusadasi.

Breakfast and dinner included.
At 08:30 we depart for Ephesus (20 min drive) - once the commercial centre of the ancient world - is a highlight of any visit to Turkey.
The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis.
Her enormous temple, once considered one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times, dates in its latest form from the third century B.C. The tour of the ruins also includes a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsius.
After lunch, we will make a shopping tour in which you will be aware of the ancient arts of Turkey like leather manufacturing and jewellery.
As this will be a guided tour, you will avoid the constant nagging and sometimes bullying that is well known in the markets of Turkey.
Enabling you to enjoy the shopping experience whilst gaining the knowledge of the ancient craftsmen.
Overnight 3 star Hotel Kusadasi.

Breakfast and dinner included.
At 08:30 we depart for Pamukkale (2.5 hour drive).
We then arrive at Pamukkale for lunch.
Afterwards we shall visit the calcium terraces of Pamukkale (cotton castle) and the ruins of Hierapolis, then walk around this natural phenomenon and give you the option of lying in the waters of the natural springs.
Afterwards, we will check into our hotel in Pamukkale. Dinner will be served at the hotel and the rest of the night is yours.
Overnight in 3 star Hotel Pamukkale.

Breakfast and dinner included.
After Breakfast depart for Dalyan (4 hour drive).
Dalyan is a very popular small town not spoiled by buildings.
The wonderful 7 kilometres sandy Iztuzu Beach, which is accessible by a 45 minutes boat trip, is one of the last nesting areas for the Caretta Caretta, Sea Turtles. Lunch break. A 15 minutes boat trip will take you to the sulphur bath which is a different experience for many people visiting the city.
Caunos, the ancient city near modern Dalyan, was founded around the 9th century BC. Caunos is famous for its rock-cut tombs. After the tour, return to your hotel. Resting & dinner.
The night is yours.
Overnight in 3 star Hotel Fethiye.

Breakfast and dinner included.
After breakfast depart to Antalya (5 hour drive).
On the way we shall see one of the best panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea. Lunch break on the way.
We will be passing from ancient Lycian and you will have the chance to take photos of breath taking scenes.
In ancient times it covered all Pamphylia that means "the land of all tribes". Attalia, the ancient name of Antalya , is derived from that of the Pergamum king Attalos II Philadelphus, who founded the city on the Pamphylian seacoast around 150 BC.
It is know that it was visited by St. Paul by way of Perge in 46 A.D., that it was an important trading centre in the 2nd century A.D. and that the Emperor Hadrian's visit in 130 A.D. was commemorated with new monuments.
Check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to discover Antalya.
Overnight in 3 star Hotel Antalya.

Breakfast and dinner included.
PERGE: According to the geographer Strabon, Perge has been founded by Akhas who came down here after the Trojan wars.
Perge was first mentioned in 334 BC when Alexander the Great passed through here. In the following years, Perge went under the control of Pergamum when the Kingdom of Pergamum became a part of the Roman city. Especially in the first and the second centuries BC, Perge became one of the richest towns in Pamphylia. Therefore it is not a surprising that St.Paul started his campaign in Anatolia from Perge in 46 AD.
The people of Perge loved and respected their Artemis to such an extent that Christianity had to wait for another 400 years to enter here. In the Byzantine period, Perge was the seat of the bishop. Even though Arabs raided Perge in the 7th century AD, when Seljuk Turks settled the area, records show the existence of an older race living here. After the tour, departure for Aspendos. Lunch break on the way.
ASPENDOS: The eastern land of Antalya was called Pamphylia in ancient times.
The Toros (Taurus Mountains) forms a beautiful back drop to the fertile coast, rich with fields of cotton and vegetables. Aspendos (Belkis) lies 47 km east of Antalya in the Pamphylian plain. In 486 BC, Greeks and Persians had a great battle here (the Greeks won, they didn't stay in the area for long).
During the reign of he Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius (161-80 AD) Aspendos got its theatre, which is the best preserved of all. It was built by Romans and maintained by Byzantines and Seljuk's.
The ruins of the ancient city are extensive and include a stadium, an agora, and a basilica.
Dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in 3 star Hotel Antalya.

Breakfast including.
Early morning we have a long drive to Cappadocia (8 hour drive).
Check in to your hotel. After having some rest, you will have the chance to go to the famous traditional Turkish Night, you will enjoy Whirling Dervishes, Belly Dancing & Traditional Turkish Folklore accompanied by traditional Turkish food.
We recommend it should not be missed.
Overnight Cave Hotel in Cappadocia.

Breakfast and dinner included.
Today we will get to know the Cappadocia region, a volcanic area in which the geological formation started 10 million years ago.
As a result of these formations phallic like pillars have come to life.
The beautiful horse country "Katpatuka" (as the Persians called her) is an unbelievable strip of land, enchanting and mysterious.
Our guided tour will start at 09:30 and cover Avcilar, Pigeon Valley , Goreme Open Air Museum , Dervent Valley , Uchisar Castle and the pottery village of Avanos.
If you want to join our optional activity of Hot Air Ballooning, please contact with your guide and register because it will take place early the next morning.
Dinner at your Hotel.
Overnight in Cave Hotel Cappadocia

Breakfast & Dinner included.
We depart at 09:30 for one of the most interesting sites of Cappadocia - Derinkuyu Underground City.
The Christians hid from the armies of Rome and the raids of hostile tribes in these self sufficient cities in which there were halls for stocks of crop, barns, rooms, kitchens & ventilation channels.
This afternoon we will depart for Ankara with a lunch break during the trip (4 hour drive).
Overnight in 4 star Hotel Ankara.

Breakfast included.
Visit Ataturk (founder of the modern Turkey) Museum at the Ataturk Mausoleum. Lunch break.
After the break city tour of Ankara which is the 2nd biggest city and the capital of Turkey.
Then departure for Istanbul (5 hour drive).
Over night in 3 star Hotel Istanbul.

Breakfast included.
After breakfast check out from the hotel.
We hope that your tour was a memorable one and we look forward to seeing you in the future on another V-GO Turkey Tour. Have a safe trip back home and thanks for choosing V-GO Travel Turkey!

Please bring a day pack for the stay at Anzac Cove and the next day in Gallipoli as once you put your main luggage on the coach on the morning of the 24th in Istanbul you will not have chance to access it again until arriving in Ayvalik the evening of the 25th. Your main luggage will be securely locked away in the coach overnight. Please note that Gallipoli is still as dark and as cold today as it was years ago when your ancestors landed.
We suggest that you bring sleeping bags, blankets and warm clothes and even wet weather gear in the event that it rains. You might also bring a torch.

Tour Includes:

Airport transfer from Ataturk Airport 23/04/09 between 08:00-24:00.
Accommodation:
. 3 nights at 3 star hotel accommodation in Istanbul.
. 1 night at 3 star hotel accommodation in Ayvalik.
. 2 nights at 3 Star Hotel accommodation in Kusadasi.
. 1 night 3 star hotel accommodation in Pamukkale.
. 1 night 3 star hotel accommodation in Dalyan - Fethiye.
. 2 nights 3 star hotel accommodation in Antalya.
. 2 nights accommodation in Cappadocia in authentic cave Hotel.
. 1 night 4 star hotel accommodation in Ankara.
Meals:
. 13 Breakfasts, 1 Anzac Lunch, 1 Anzac BBQ Open Buffet Dinner, 7 Dinners.
Transport:
. Air Conditioned (Non Smoking) Coach.
Entrance Fees as in the itinerary.
Professional English speaking Guide

Tour does not include:

Meals unless stated
Departure Airport Transfers
Drinks
Flight Tickets
Personal Expenses
Tips for Guides and Drivers

Optional Activities available to 15 Day Tour:

1. Traditional Turkish Night - 1001Nights: 22-23/04/08 19:30
2. Bosphorus Cruise: 22-23/04/08 14:30
3. ANZAC PARTY: 23/04/08 21:00
4. Turkish Bath: 22-23/04/08 during the day/evening in Istanbul or 26/04/08 evening in Kusadasi.
5. Hot Air Ballooning Cappadocia 04/05/08 05:00.

Start Date	Double - Triple	Single
Wednesday 22/04/2009	509.00	609.00
		[ Enquiry Form ]

General Travel Information:

When booking an Anzac tour it is important to ensure that your tour operator is a member of TURSAB which is the Turkish regulatory body of tourist activities. It is illegal for non-members to operate tours in Turkey without a TURSAB license and membership number.
V-GO's Travel is a member of TURSAB (License No:4563).

Notice:

Before you book with any agency, it is most important that you check all the details of the services offered. Low budget offers usually don't cover many services, such as: quality, entrance fees, standard of the coaches, accommodation in Gallipoli, professional lecture about Gallipoli, private security, professional guide (not an escort or offside), references of the agency & background.

The Australian Dept of Veteran Affairs is making special arrangements for those with special needs in an effort to assist aged and infirm visitors.
Read more about this at: Australian Government.
Also note from their website: "Travel by passenger car to these services is not allowed and on completion of the Dawn Service, official coaches will depart before public coach departures to meet Turkish protocol requirements."

Please, Read the notice from Australian Embassy at Australian Embassy.
A brief warning from the Australian Embassy web site: "Accommodation in the Gallipoli area, particularly for the night of 24 April, is very heavily booked well in advance of ANZAC Day. Intending travellers will need to make bookings as early as possible to secure accommodation."