ANZAC, TURKISH COAST & THE GREEK ISLANDS 19/DAYS – 18/NIGHTS

Inclusions:

• Arrival & departure transfers
• Hydrofoil or ferry tickets from Marmaris to Rhodes, from Santorini to Mykonos & from Mykonos to Piraeus (Athens).
• Domestic flights from Rhodes to Santorini (via Athens)
• 8 nights superior & first class accommodation in Turkey
• 10 nights superior & first class accommodation in Greece
• 18 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 8 dinners
• A/C modern coaches
• Baggage handling
• Full-day city tour of Istanbul
• Half-day city tour of Athens
• Special Presentation by Hon Peter Collins
• Australian Anzac Memorial Service at Lone Pine
• Touring of the Gallipoli Battlefields
• Anzac Day Dawn Service in Gallipoli
• Entrance fees to the museums
• English speaking guide
• Service charges and taxes
• End of tour tips for guides & drivers

Day 1, 21 April Istanbul Arrive in Istanbul today and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay. (L,D)

Day 2, 22 April Istanbul After breakfast, you will depart on a full day sightseeing tour including visits to The Blue Mosque, unique with its 6 minarets, the Roman Hippodrome, centre of sporting (chariot races, athletics) events and political activities of the old city & St. Sophia, one of the greatest marvels of architecture constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by the Emperor Justinian. After lunch you will continue your tour visiting the Topkapi Palace, the imperial palace of the Ottoman Sultans. Late afternoon return to your hotel for dinner & overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 3, 23 April Istanbul –Canakkale Depart to Gallipoli, cross the Dardanelles by ferry and continue to your hotel in Canakkale for overnight stay. In the afternoon you will attend a specially prepared presentation by the Hon Peter Collins, your tour leader for the commemorations. Dinner and overnight stay in Canakkale. (B,L,D)

Day 4, 24 April Anzac Cove – Canakkale Enjoy a complete battlefield tour today visiting the War Museum at Kabatepe, the North Beach, the Anzac Cove, the Beach Cemetery, the Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair. Late afternoon you will return to your hotel for dinner and relaxation before your departure for the Dawn Service. (B,L,D)

Day 5, 25 April Dawn Service – Anzac Day – Canakkale Your departure has been organised early before midnight in order to arrive at ANZAC Cove before 03:00 am and secure space for the Dawn Service. We recommend that you take adequate clothing or a sleeping bag for a more comfortable wait amongst your fellow Australian and New Zealand travellers until the Dawn Service at 05:30 am. After the emotional service you will have your light breakfast (box breakfast) and some free time around the Anzac Cove. Coaches will then transfer you to the memorial services at Lone Pine Cemetery and Chunuk Bair. Spend the rest of the day around the sites (box lunch included) before your return to Canakkale for dinner and overnight stay. (B,L.D)

Day 6, 26 April Canakkale – Troy – Bergama – Izmir Depart Canakkale today and proceed in Troy, the ancient town mentioned in Homer’s epic marvels “Iliad” and “Odyssey”. Continue to Pergamon where you will visit the Acropolis, the steepest Theatre of the ancient world, and the Temple of Trojan. Leaving the hauntingly beautiful Pergamon behind you will arrive early evening in Izmir for dinner and overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 7, 27 April Izmir – Ephesus – Pamukkale Following an early breakfast you will proceed to the ancient city of Ephesus after first visiting the Basilica of St John. St John is considered to have come here with the Virgin Mary and wrote his Gospel. Ephesus houses impressive structures such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian, the Theatre and the Odeon. Close by is the House of the Virgin Mary where she is believed to have spent her last years. Continue to Pamukkale for dinner and overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 8, 28 April Pamukkale – Marmaris This morning you will visit the gleaming white travertine of Pamukkale. The travertines are filled with warm calcium-rich mineral water providing a spectacular sight on the hillside. You will then continue to the Roman Health Spa of Hierapolis, the 2000-year-old natural phenomenon where Roman citizens bathed in shallow pools. Spend the night in Marmaris. (B,L,D)

Day 9-11, 29 April – 01 May Marmaris – Rhodes Transfer to Marmaris port and cross by ferry to the beautiful island of Rhodes. Transfer to your hotel in Rhodes where you will spend the next 3 days. Enjoy swimming or visit the old medieval city of Rhodes where the castle of St John’s Knights reveals memories of the glorious past. Optional visit to the famous village of Lindos can be arranged in advance. (B)

Day 12-14, 02-04 May Santorini Fly from Rhodes to Santorini (via Athens) and transfer to your hotel. Have 3 days at leisure at one of Europe’s most famous destinations, Santorini. Discover the unique volcanic beaches, experience the lively town of Fira with its remarkable architecture, enjoy the spectacular Oia’s Sunset or visit one of the many vineyards and sample the varieties of the local wines. (B)

Day 15-16, 05-06 May Mykonos Transferred by hydrofoil from Santorini, your last two days of your island hopping will be spent at the cosmopolite island of Mykonos. Soak up the unique atmosphere and Mykonos’ remarkable nightlife. The scenery of hundreds of chapels and windmills amalgamating with the modern luxurious buildings of the town identifies this world famous island. (B)

Day 17, 07 May Mykonos – Athens Transfer to Mykonos port where you will embark on your ferry to Athens. Arrive at the Olympic city of 2004 and transfer to your hotel for overnight stay. (B)

Day 18, 08 May Athens Experience today a morning city sightseeing tour that includes the famous sites of the Acropolis, the House of Parliament & the Olympic Stadium of the first Olympic Games of modern times. Afternoon at leisure for your last shopping or you may join an optional tour to Cape Sounion. (B)

Day 19, 09 May Athens – Departure After breakfast and bidding farewell to your new friends, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey. (B)



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