Day 1 – Monday 18 April

Upon arrival into Istanbul via Singapore Airlines at 7:45am local time you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel for check in and a freshen up. You will then board our exclusive boat for an enjoyable lunch cruise along the Bosphorus, seeing beautiful Mosques, Palaces and historic timber houses on both the European and Asian shoreline. Afterwards return to the Old City for a guided tour of the famous sights of the old city, including the Hippodrome, the beautiful Blue Mosque, with its immense interior lined with 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles and Hagia Sophia, one of the great marvels of architecture surviving in the world and the most important Byzantine monument in Istanbul.  Tonight join your fellow tour members for welcome dinner at the hotel.

Overnight: Hotel Tilia, Istanbul   L D

Day 2 – Tuesday 19 April

We begin with a visit to a local carpet showroom for an interesting presentation on the background and making of Turkish carpets. Then visit the sixth century Underground Cistern followed by lunch in a local restaurant. Afterwards we explore Topkapi Palace, the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans for over 400 years. Later visit the famous Grand Bazaar, to explore some of the 5,000 shops selling gold, silver, leather, carpets, ceramics, Turkish delight and all kinds of souvenirs. Tonight is free to enjoy the local resturants and night life of this colourful city.

Overnight: Hotel Tilia, Istanbul   B L

Day 3 – Wednesday 20 April

After breakfast, visit the Dolmabahce Palace, a wonderful example of the grandeur of the Ottoman  Empires final years, and where Mustafa Kemal Ataturk spent his final days. Following lunch in a local restaurant, we will visit the Egyptian Spice Market filled with many aromas and interesting mixes for every remedy. The remainder of the afternoon will be free for you to explore the vibrant sights & streets of Istanbul.

Overnight: Hotel Tilia, Istanbul B L

Day 4 – Thursday 21 April

This morning travel by coach to the Gallipoli Peninsula, with lunch enroute. We then drive along the Aegean coast for a guided visit of the ANZAC landing beaches. See Ari Burnu cemetery and Beach cemetery where among others, is the grave of John Simpson Kirkpatrick ‘’man with the donkey’’.  Stop at ANZAC commemorative site to take in the stunning view of the iconic Sphinx and conclude the day at the very beautiful Shrapnel Valley cemetery with a walk up Plugges Plateau for a wonderful panoramic overview of the battlefields before returning to the hotel for dinner.

Overnight: Bϋyϋk Truva Hotel, Canakkale   B L D

Situated on the waterfront promenade, the Bϋyϋk Truva Hotel is the premier hotel in Canakkale, with great views across the Dardanelles. The hotel is close to the ferry, restaurants and the main shopping precinct, and is in the perfect location for an evening stroll. The staff are always friendly and the rooms have been equipped with all the modern facilities to help enjoy your stay.

Day 5 – Friday 22 April

This morning explore the southern tip of the Peninsula with a guided tour of the British landings at Cape Helles, and the Krithia Battlefields, including a short walk to Achi Baba, one of the highest points the Allied forces tried to capture. Also visit the impressive Turkish Memorial and “S” Beach at Morto Bay, and “V” Beach, the planned main British landing. After a stop for lunch, we travel to the Anzac Heights, beginning at Lone Pine, the main Australian Memorial on Gallipoli and the site of the Australian service on Anzac Day. Lone Pine was also the site of some of the bloodiest fighting of the Gallipoli campaign. Continue onto Johnston’s Jolly, Courtney and Steele’s Post, Quinn’s Post and the Nek,  where the 3rd Australian Light Horse made its infamous bayonet attack. We continue on to Chunuk Bair for a guided walking tour from Chunuk Bair down Rhododendron Ridge to the northern outposts. Return to hotel for dinner.

Overnight: Bϋyϋk Truva Hotel, Canakkale   B L D

Day 6 – Saturday 23 April

This morning visit the northern area to Hill 60 and Suvla, where Hugo Throssel became the only Australian light horseman ever to win the Victoria Cross. Lunch today will be at the KUM Hotel. In the afternoon enjoy a special highlight boat tour of the Gallipoli coast from ANZAC Cove to Suvla Bay, for an unforgettable view of the valleys and ridges from the sea just as the ANZAC’s would have seen it over 100 years ago. Return to the hotel for dinner.

Overnight: Bϋyϋk Truva Hotel, Canakkale   B L D

Day 7 – Sunday 24 April

Leisurely morning today, with a visit of the Fort Cimenlik war relics and naval museum in Canakkale to see the replica of the Turkish minelayer Nusret, which laid the mines in the Dardanelles, causing so much damage to the allied navies. The afternoon is free in preparation for our departure for the Dawn Service.

Overnight: Bϋyϋk Truva Hotel, Canakkale   B L D

Day 8 – Monday 25 April –  – ANZAC DAY

Today we commemorate the landing at Gallipoli 101 years ago. Attend the Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Commemorative Site followed by the Australian national ceremony at Lone Pine.  Afterwards enjoy lunch at KUM Hotel before returning to hotel for an afternoon rest.

Overnight: Bϋyϋk Truva Hotel, Canakkale   B L D

Day 9 – Tuesday 26 April

This morning depart the Gallipoli Peninsula and return to Istanbul with lunch enroute. This afternoon is free for personal sightseeing and shopping prior to attending our farewell dinner at Arcadia Blue Restaurant with its spectacular views over Istanbul.

Overnight: Hotel Tilia, Istanbul   B L D

Day 10 – Wednesday 27 April

Following breakfast transfer to Istanbul Airport for your return flight to Australia departing at 1:30pm via Singapore Airlines.

Please Note: *Please note the tour cost is based on a minimum group size of 20 passengers, should numbers fall below 20 passengers the tour cost will vary. The above itinerary is subject to change at anytime.