BRIEF ITINERARY

Day 1 Istanbul, 15 April 2006 (D)
Welcome to Istanbul, the only city in the world connecting two continents: Asia and Europe. Meet our reps at the airport for the complimentary shuttle transfer to your hotel. In the afternoon our tour leader will brief us about the next days of our journey. In the evening we’ll join the “Anzac Welcome Dinner” and get to know our travel mates.

Day 2 Istanbul, Cappadocia (B, D)
Today we will depart Istanbul for Cappadocia, the “fantasy land” of rock formations : chimneys, cones, needles, pillars and pyramids. After arriving in the region we’ll visit Kervansaray before checking into our hotel.

Day 3 Cappadocia (B, D)
Besides its natural beauty, Cappadocia was the heart of the Hittite Empire and it hosted Cimmerian, Persian, Macedonian, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. Today we will explore the natural and historical beauties of Cappadocia including the Goreme Open Air Museum, Pigeon Valley and Uchisar. We’ll also visit local handicraft manufacturers and learn about the traditional art.

Day 4 Cappadocia, Antalya (B, D)
After breakfast we’ll head our way down to the Mediterranean coast. On our way we’ll visit the Underground City. Late in the evening we’ll arrive in Antalya, the cosmopolitan city by the Mediterranean Sea.

Day 5 Antalya, Fethiye (B, D)
Today we’ll first visit Antalya before departing for Fethiye, the heart of the Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Rest of the day free to start discovering this fantastic region on your own.

Day 6 Fethiye (B, D)
After breakfast we’ll depart for the peaceful lagoon of Oludeniz and swim in the tranquil waters of Med (if the weather allows). In the afternoon we’ll visit Kayakoy (Karmylassos), the old Greek town famous for its impressive old stone houses.

Day 7 Fethiye (B, D)
Today we’ll first visit the ancient ruins of Tlos. Then we’ll proceed to the spectacular Saklikent Gorge. The impressive rocks and ice-cold water of the canyon will experience us unique hours.

Day 8 Fethiye, Pamukkale, Selcuk (B, D)
After breakfast we’ll depart for Pamukkale. We will first visit the ancient town of Hierapolis, which was the cure centre founded about 160 BC by the king of Pergamum. Our day will continue with the discovery of the magnificent white calcium formations of Pamukkale. In the afternoon we’ll head our way to Selcuk where we’ll stay overnight.

Day 9 Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary (B, D)
The best preserved classical Greco-Roman city on the Mediterranean, Ephesus, will be the first stop of the day. Today we’ll also visit the House of Virgin Mary. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary, accompanied by St. John, came to Ephesus at the end of her life, around 37 to 45 AD.

Day 10 Selcuk, Gallipoli (B)
Today we’ll head our way to Eceabat, the closest town to Anzac Cove. After spending some time here, we’ll depart for Anzac Cove and spend the night there to prepare ourselves for an unforgettable Dawn Service experience and commemorate the 91st anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign.

Day 11 Dawn Service, Ceremonies, Ayvalik (BP, LP, D)
Early in the morning we’ll attend the Dawn Service and the national ceremonies. After the ceremonies we’ll continue our way down to Ayvalik, the charming town by the Aegean Sea.

Day 12 Ayvalik, Pergamum, Ayvalik (B,D)
Today we’ll first visit the ancient city of Pergamum and the remains of the Temple of Athena, Temple of Trajan, library and theatre cut into the hillside.In the afternoon we’ll return to the coastal village of Ayvalik. In the evening we’ll join the Anzac Barbecue.

Day 13 Ayvalik, Troy, Gallipoli, Istanbul (B)
After breakfast we’ll first visit the island of Cunda and then head our way to the legendary ancient city of Troy. Before lunch we’ll depart for Gallipoli to visit all the sights without the crowds ! Our guide will show us Kabatepe War Museum, Anzac Cove, Chunuk Bair, Lone Pine and tell more about the campaign. In the afternoon we’ll depart for Istanbul where we’ll stay overnight.

Day 14 Istanbul (B)
After breakfast we will start to discover the magnificent sights of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sophia Museum. Today we’ll also join the Bosphorus cruise and spend memorable hours on the fascinating strait between Asia and Europe.

Day 15 Istanbul, 29 April 2006 (B)
Our journey will end after breakfast. Today you can shop for souvenirs in Grand Bazaar, visit the Ottoman palaces or world famous mosques...