Treasures of Turkey - Anzac Day Dawn Service 2024

Fly to Istanbul and transfer to your hotel in

the heart of the city.

Explore Istanbul’s landmark sites. Visit the remains of the once mighty Hippodrome and marvel at the Blue Mosque’s 2,500 stained glass windows before continuing to Hagia Sophia, the crowning achievement of the Byzantine Empire. Discover the mesmeric beauty of Topkapi Palace and its extraordinary treasures, then immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

This morning, uncover Istanbul’s hidden gems in the UNESCO-listed Fener and Balat districts. Walk through the colourful, labyrinth-like streets of these historical neighbourhoods. This afternoon, enjoy a private cruise along the Bosporus Strait, the waterway that divides Europe and Asia, to witness the city’s minaret-studded skyline and its most famous sites from the water, including the dramatic Rumeli Fortress, Dolmabahce Palace and the sultan’s former summer residence - Beylerbeyi Palace.

Drive to Gallipoli and pay your respects to the fallen soldiers of the ill-fated Gallipoli campaign at the Cape Helles Memorial. A defining moment in the history of Australia and New Zealand, the tragic events that unfolded in Anzac Cove, Shrapnel Valley and Lone Pine marked the birth of the Anzac spirit of courage, loyalty and friendship that continues today. Before dinner, raise a sunset drink overlooking the Dardanelles.

Discover the fabled UNESCO World Heritage site of Troy, with its multi-layered history and wonderful legends. See the legendary walls of Troy and the replica of the wooden Trojan Horse. The afternoon will be yours to enjoy free at leisure, returning for dinner at your hotel in Canakkale. Later in the evening, you will be transferred to the Anzac Commemorative Site in preparation for tomorrow's Dawn Service.

Treasure the once-in-a-lifetime experience of an Anzac Day Dawn Service on the shores of Gallipoli. The Dawn Service is followed by the Australian Memorial Service at Lone Pine. Later make your way to Chunuk Bair, after which you'll be transferred back to your hotel in Canakkale to relax and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Explore the Greco-Roman city of Pergamon, perched on its acropolis, with far-reaching views of the plains all around. Visit the Altar of Zeus, the temples of Trajan, Dionysus and marvel at the magnificent 10,000 seat theatre at the Temple of Athena. Continue to Bergama to enjoy a special lunch at a typical village house - a chance to try Turkish home cuisine and meet your hosts in their homes.

Spend the morning exploring one of the ancient world’s most famous cities. Remarkably well preserved, Ephesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and its roads, pavements, facades and enormous theatre paint a vivid picture of what everyday life in the ancient city might have been like. After lunch, explore the beautiful nearby village of Sirince. Taste some wine, sample the local olive oil and relax in the tranquil Turkish countryside.

Today travel to the ancient city of Magnesia. On an exclusive guided tour, you’ll learn about the city’s fascinating history from experts and visit archaeological sites that are not usually open to the public. Later continue by road to Pamukkale and enjoy a dip in the thermal waters.

Explore the ancient spa city of Hierapolis, where you can marvel at the spectacular terraces of calcium pools cascading down the hillside. Founded during the Hellenistic period, the city later became a centre of worship for the Romans. Drive to Antalya in the afternoon, on Turkey’s south coast.

Drive to the ancient Greek city of Perge to explore some of the most beautiful Hellenistic and Roman ruins in Turkey. Next discover ancient Aspendos, home to the best-preserved Roman theatre in the Mediterranean, and then visit the beautiful Manavgat Falls en route back to Antalya. In the afternoon relax and unwind on a 2-hour private boat tour along the attractive shoreline.

This morning you’ll drive inland onto the Anatolian Plateau to the traditional town of Konya, famous as the burial place of the Islamic mystic and poet Rumi, founder of the Order of the Whirling Dervishes. Visit the striking Mevlana Museum, home to the mausoleum of Rumi himself.

Depart Konya for Sultanhani Caravanserai, a former resting point for the caravans that once travelled the famous Silk Road. This is the largest and best-preserved caravanserai in Turkey and one of the best examples of Anatolian Seljuk architecture. Continue to Cappadocia and later in the evening take in a spectacular Whirling Dervish performance at the historical Saruhan Caravanserai.

Experience Cappadocia’s fantastical topography and long history on a full day tour of the region. Admire the preserved rock-hewn churches of Goreme, then at Pasabag Valley marvel at the unusual rock formations. Learn what life was like for early Christians in Kaymakli Underground City, a subterranean settlement that provided refuge from invaders. Take in the magnificent view from the top of the Uchisar citadel and observe potters creating masterpieces from clay sourced from the shores of the Halys River.

This morning, visit the stunning Ihlara Valley, a spectacular gorge that reaches depths of 100 metres. This geological wonder is strewn with rock-carved ancient churches and dwellings. Lunch today will be in a traditional Cappadocia village home, decorated with textiles and local flatweave carpets. Your hosts will demonstrate how to prepare and serve a variety of traditional dishes, a unique experience and wonderful opportunity to spend some time with a local family. Enjoy the authentic Turkish dishes and warm hospitality before continuing to beautiful Soganli Valley, home to early Christian churches dating from the 9th to 13th centuries.

After breakfast, travel to Turkey’s capital city, Ankara. Explore the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, renowned for its staggering collection of artefacts from every era of Turkey’s complex history. And finally, visit the colossal Mausoleum of Ataturk, resting place of the founder of modern Turkey.

After breakfast in Ankara drive to the airport and fly to Istanbul. Here transfer to the hotel for lunch and then enjoy a free afternoon in one of the world's greatest cities. For your final evening, visit the bustling and historical district of Kumkapi, on the Sea of Marmara, where fishermen have lived and worked for centuries. Enjoy your meze starters with fish or seafood main courses, often with traditional live music and belly-dance performances going on around you.

After breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your return flight home.