Anzac 2024 Memorial Tour of Turkey - 11 days

Today, we delve into the heart of Istanbul's old city. Our guided tour takes us to the stunning Blue Mosque, historic Hippodrome area, 6th century Hagia Sofia, ancient Underground Cistern, and the grand Topkapi Palace. In the afternoon, we embark on a relaxing cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, offering stunning views of the city's skyline. The rest of the day is yours to explore at your leisure.

Today, we explore the extraordinary landscape of Cappadocia, a national treasure known for its unique rock formations and cave dwellings. Our guided tour takes us to the World Heritage-listed Goreme Valley, where we'll marvel at rock-cut Byzantine churches, chapels, and temples. We'll also visit the Zelve Monastery, set amidst a jaw-dropping landscape of towering eroded rocks.

We depart early for Pamukkale, stopping en route to visit the 13th-century Sultanhan Caravanserai and the city of Konya. In Konya, we'll explore the Mevlana Museum, the original lodge of the Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes. We then continue to Pamukkale, known for its unique cascades of natural mineral-rich pools, where we'll spend the night.

Today, we explore the heart-stealing beauty of Pamukkale and its thermal baths. We also visit the ancient Roman ruins of Hierapolis before heading to Ephesus, the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Here, we'll explore the Great Theatre, Curetes Way, the Temple of Serapis, and the Library of Celsus. We end our day in the coastal city of Kusadasi.

We leave Kusadasi behind and head north, stopping at the Roman ruins of Pergamum and its impressive hillside amphitheatre. We also visit the Asclepion, a Roman precursor to modern-day hospitals. Our journey continues to the ancient city of Assos, where we'll spend the night.

Today, we explore the historic WW1 battlefields of ANZAC Cove. Our guided tour includes visits to the Lone Pine Memorial and cemetery, Chunuk Bair Memorial and cemetery, and the many fortified trenches still visible today. This poignant journey through history offers a chance to reflect on the sacrifices made here.

After a leisurely morning in Assos, we embark on a short-guided tour of the ancient city of Troy. We then continue to the village of Kilitbahir, dominated by its namesake fortress. After exploring Kilitbahir, we stop in the town of Eceabat for dinner before entering the historic region of Gallipoli, where we'll spend the night.

Today, we commemorate ANZAC Day with a dawn service, a deeply moving experience that honours the sacrifices made here. After the service, Australians can pay their respects at the Lone Pine Memorial Service, while New Zealanders can attend the service at Chunuk Bair. In the early afternoon, we depart Gallipoli for our return journey to Istanbul.