🏙️ Welcome to Turkey!

📍 Begin Your Incredible 10-Day Cultural & Historical Journey

✈️ Arrival in Istanbul – Your Adventure Begins!
✔ Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, our friendly team will be ready to greet you and provide a comfortable transfer to your hotel.
✔ Check-in at your accommodation and take the time to settle in after your journey.
✔ The rest of the day is yours to explore at your own pace!

🌆 Suggested Activities for Your Free Time in Istanbul
✔ Take a stroll through Sultanahmet Square, where history and modern life beautifully blend.
✔ Try traditional Turkish cuisine—perhaps a delicious kebab, meze platter, or famous baklava at a local restaurant.
✔ Relax by the Bosphorus—enjoy the stunning views of Europe & Asia meeting across the water.
✔ Shop for unique souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar or Spice Bazaar (if arriving early).

🏨 Overnight in Istanbul
✔ Rest well as tomorrow, you’ll embark on a guided tour of Istanbul’s historic wonders!

📍 Markets, Waterways, & Hidden Gems

🗺️ Tour Highlights – A Day of Exploration & Culture

🛍️ Grand Bazaar – A Shopper’s Paradise
✔ Start your day at the Grand Bazaar, one of the world’s largest and most famous covered markets.
✔ With over 4,399 shops, 497 stalls, and 2,195 workshops, explore handcrafted items, carpets, ceramics, spices, and unique souvenirs.

🚢 Bosphorus Cruise – A Scenic Experience
✔ Embark on a picturesque cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, offering a breathtaking view of Istanbul from the water.
✔ Sail past historical landmarks, palaces, and iconic bridges connecting Europe & Asia.

🌳 Taksim Square – A Vibrant Gathering Spot
✔ Visit Taksim Square, a lively hub where locals gather, families enjoy the park, and street performers entertain.
✔ Learn about its historical significance as a center of culture and modern Istanbul life.

🚶 Hidden Streets Walking Tour – Off-the-Beaten-Path
✔ Walk through lesser-known streets, away from the usual tourist trails, revealing the soul of Istanbul.

🛍️ Istiklal Street – A Bustling Avenue
✔ Stroll along Istiklal Street, a famous pedestrian boulevard filled with shops, cafes, art galleries, and historic landmarks.

🏰 Galata Tower – Iconic City Views
✔ Pass by the legendary Galata Tower, a medieval stone tower with panoramic views of Istanbul.

🌉 Karakoy & Galata Bridge – Stunning Waterfront Views
✔ Cross the Galata Bridge, overlooking the Golden Horn, capturing some of the best views of Istanbul’s skyline.

🍽️ Street Food & Culinary Delights
✔ Optional: Sample authentic street food, including savory and sweet treats along the way! (not included in the tour price).

📌 Important Notes:
✔ Street Food: Tastings are available throughout the tour but are optional and not included in the package price.
✔ Lunch: Not included in the tour price—your guide will recommend great local options!

🏨 Overnight in Istanbul
✔ Relax and reflect on today’s incredible cultural experiences before continuing your journey tomorrow!

Sights Visited

🏰 Discover Istanbul’s Historical Treasures
📍 A Day of Iconic Landmarks & Ottoman Majesty

🗺️ Tour Itinerary – Unveiling the Heart of Istanbul

🏛️ Blue Mosque – A Masterpiece of Islamic Architecture
✔ Marvel at the breathtaking interiors adorned with over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles in shades of blue.
✔ Learn about the history and significance of this 17th-century mosque, one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.

🏟️ Hippodrome & Obelisk – The Ancient Social Hub
✔ Step into the historic Hippodrome, the center of Byzantine Constantinople’s social and political life.
✔ Admire ancient monuments, including:

🏺 The Obelisk of Theodosius – an Egyptian obelisk dating back to 1500 BC.
🏛️ The Serpent Column – an ancient Greek relic from Delphi.
🏇 The German Fountain – a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1898.

⛪ Hagia Sophia – A Wonder of the World
✔ Explore the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO-listed marvel that has been a church, mosque, and now a museum.
✔ Witness the breathtaking Byzantine mosaics, massive dome, and blend of Christian and Islamic artistry.

👑 Topkapi Palace – The Splendor of the Ottomans
✔ Walk through the opulent residence of Ottoman sultans, featuring royal chambers, ancient treasures, and stunning gardens.
✔ Discover:
The Imperial Treasury – housing rare jewels, including the Topkapi Dagger.
The Harem (optional entry) – where Ottoman sultans’ families lived.
The Sacred Relics Room – displaying relics of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Islamic artifacts.

🛍️ Shopping in Istanbul – A Blend of Tradition & Modernity
✔ Explore some of Istanbul’s best shopping destinations, from bazaars to artisan markets.
✔ Find unique handmade crafts, carpets, ceramics, and souvenirs.

🍽️ Our Recommendation – The Spice Bazaar Experience
✔ After the tour, visit the Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most vibrant markets.
✔ Indulge in the aromas of Turkish teas, exotic spices, and sweet delights.
✔ This activity is not part of the tour package but is highly recommended!

📌 Important Notes:
✔ Grand Bazaar: Closed on Sundays.
✔ Topkapi Palace: Closed on Tuesdays.
✔ Blue Mosque: Limited entry on Fridays due to prayers.

🚐 Hotel Pickup Information
✔ Pickups available from hotels in:
Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, and Taksim.
✔ For hotels outside these areas, additional charges may apply—please contact our team for assistance.

🏨 Overnight in Istanbul
✔ Rest well after an enriching day exploring the historical wonders of Istanbul!

Sights Visited

📍 A Day of History, Reflection & Remembrance

🗺️ Tour Itinerary – Walk in the Footsteps of History
🚐 06:30 AM – 07:00 AM | Hotel Pickup & Departure for Gallipoli
✔ Begin your journey with a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus transfer from your hotel in Istanbul.
✔ Enjoy scenic landscapes as you drive towards Eceabat, the gateway to the Gallipoli Peninsula.

🍽️ 12:00 PM | Arrival in Eceabat & Lunch
✔ Upon arrival, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, featuring authentic Turkish flavors.
✔ A perfect opportunity to relax before beginning the battlefield tour.

🎖️ 1:00 PM | Fully Guided Gallipoli Battlefield Tour
Explore one of the most significant sites of World War I, where thousands of ANZAC & Turkish soldiers fought bravely.

📍 Key Historic Sites & Memorials to Visit

✔ 🏖️ Brighton Beach:
A key ANZAC landing site, where soldiers first stepped onto Turkish soil.

✔ ⛪ Beach Cemetery:
The final resting place of John Simpson Kirkpatrick, the legendary “Man with the Donkey”.
Pay respects to many ANZAC soldiers who fought with courage.

✔ 🏝️ Anzac Cove:
Stand on the shores where thousands of Australian & New Zealand soldiers landed on April 25, 1915.
Reflect on the immense bravery and sacrifice made at this pivotal location.

✔ 🪦 Ariburnu Cemetery:
Visit another poignant burial ground where ANZAC soldiers were laid to rest.

✔ 🏅 Anzac Commemorative Site:
A solemn place honoring all soldiers who fought during the Gallipoli Campaign.
Learn about the significance of the campaign and its impact on Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey.

✔ 🗿 Respect to Mehmetcik Statue:
A tribute to the Turkish soldiers who bravely defended their homeland.
Highlights the mutual respect that grew between former enemies.

✔ 🇦🇺 Lone Pine Australian Memorial:
A deeply significant memorial dedicated to Australian troops who fought during the Gallipoli offensive.

✔ 🔰 Johnston’s Jolly:
Walk among preserved trenches and tunnels, where Turkish and Allied soldiers faced each other at close quarters.
Gain insight into the harsh conditions of trench warfare.

✔ Turkish 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery:
Honors the sacrifices of the Turkish soldiers, particularly the famous 57th Infantry Regiment, which was praised for its unwavering bravery.

✔ 🪖 The Nek:
Stand at the site of one of the most tragic and famous ANZAC charges, memorably depicted in the film Gallipoli.

✔ 🇳🇿 Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial:
A key site for New Zealand’s forces, marking their crucial involvement in the Gallipoli campaign.
A moment of reflection for the incredible bravery of the New Zealand soldiers.

🏨 6:00 PM | Hotel Check-In & Overnight Stay
✔ After a full day of exploration, check in to your hotel in Eceabat or Canakkale.
✔ Relax and reflect on the poignant and powerful stories from the Gallipoli Peninsula.
✔ Enjoy the beautiful coastal surroundings and prepare for the next leg of your journey.

📌 Important Notes:
✔ Walking Involved: Some moderate walking is required during the tour. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
✔ Weather Considerations: Dress appropriately based on seasonal conditions, as the tour is outdoor-focused.
✔ Emotional Experience: The Gallipoli battlefields hold deep historical and emotional significance, so expect a profound experience.

🏨 Overnight in Eceabat or Canakkale
✔ Rest and reflect after a powerful day of historical discovery.

Sights Visited

🌅 Morning: Discover the Legendary City of Troy
🕗 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Fully Guided Troy Tour
Step into the mythical world of Troy, one of the most famous archaeological sites and a place where history and legend intertwine.

🏺 Highlights of the Troy Tour:
✔ 🏇 Trojan Horse – See the iconic replica symbolizing the legendary battle between the Trojans and Greeks.
✔ 🏰 3,700-Year-Old City Walls – Stand before the ancient fortifications that protected Troy’s people for centuries.
✔ 🏡 Houses of Troy I (3000 B.C.) – Explore the remains of Troy’s earliest settlements from the Bronze Age.
✔ 🏛️ Bouleuterion (Senate Building) – A political hub where leaders once gathered to govern the city.
✔ 🎭 The Odeon (Concert Hall) – A venue for music and performances, showcasing the cultural life of Troy.
✔ 🏚️ Troy I to Troy IX – Witness the nine layers of civilization, revealing Troy’s evolution through different ages.

📍 This tour offers an incredible opportunity to walk through history and learn about the true story behind Homer’s Iliad.
🕛 12:00 PM | Return to Canakkale

🌊 Afternoon: Free Time to Explore Canakkale
🕛 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Leisure & Exploration
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon in Canakkale, a charming coastal town along the Dardanelles Strait.

🏰 Recommended Activities in Canakkale:
✔ 🛡️ Cimenlik Castle – Visit this historic Ottoman fortress with panoramic views over the Dardanelles.
✔ 🏖️ Beaches – Relax at Habbele Plaji or other serene coastal areas for some downtime.
✔ ⚓ Canakkale Naval Museum – Dive into the rich maritime history of the Gallipoli and Dardanelles campaigns.
📌 Use this free time to rest, explore, or grab a meal at a waterfront café before the journey to Anzac Cove.

🌙 Evening: Departure for Anzac Cove
🕗 8:00 PM | Travel to Anzac Cove for the Dawn Service
🚐 Depart from Eceabat and head to Anzac Cove, where the historic Anzac Day Dawn Service will take place.

🏕️ Upon Arrival at Anzac Cove:
✔ 🛑 Find Your Spot – Proceed to the grandstands and sleeping grounds.
✔ 🎥 Nighttime Documentaries – Watch historical films & documentaries on the ANZAC campaign.
✔ 🌠 Reflect on History – Spend the night under the stars in this profoundly significant place.
📍 An emotionally moving experience, spending the night at Anzac Cove allows you to fully absorb the solemnity and historical significance of this site.

🏕️ Overnight: Anzac Cove (No Hotel Accommodation)
✔ Please Note: Bring your own sleeping bag or blanket for warmth and comfort.

Sights Visited

🌅 Anzac Day Ceremonies – A Day of Remembrance & Reflection

🍽️ Morning: Breakfast & Preparation
🍱 A breakfast picnic box will be provided as you get ready for this momentous day of remembrance at Gallipoli.

🕯️ Ceremony Schedule – Honoring the ANZAC Legacy
🌄 5:30 AM | The Dawn Service – Anzac Cove
🌿 Attend the solemn and deeply moving Dawn Service at Anzac Cove, where thousands gather to honor the ANZAC soldiers who fought and sacrificed their lives in 1915.

🎖️ This powerful tribute includes:
✔ Reflections & Prayers – Remembering the soldiers’ bravery.
✔ Readings & Hymns – Celebrating their courage and sacrifice.
✔ Laying of Wreaths – Paying respect to the fallen.
📍 This emotional moment at sunrise is a true testament to the ANZAC spirit.

🇦🇺 10:30 AM | Australian National Ceremony – Lone Pine Memorial
🌲 Travel to Lone Pine, the memorial site for Australian troops, where another significant ceremony takes place.
✔ Honor the Australian soldiers who fought in one of the fiercest battles of the Gallipoli campaign.
✔ Listen to speeches, prayers, and tributes from dignitaries and veterans.
📍 A moving experience that highlights the resilience and spirit of the Australian forces.

🇳🇿 11:30 AM | New Zealand National Ceremony – Chunuk Bair Memorial
🗻 Continue to Chunuk Bair, one of the most important battle sites for New Zealand soldiers.
✔ Pay tribute to the brave Kiwi soldiers who made their stand at Chunuk Bair in August 1915.
✔ Reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force.
✔ Experience the powerful haka and national anthems, uniting past and present generations.
📍 A deeply meaningful moment for New Zealanders and all who respect their sacrifice.

🌿 Afternoon: Free Time to Explore & Reflect
After the ceremonies, you will have the rest of the day to:
✔ Relax in the serene surroundings of Gallipoli.
✔ Explore Eceabat or Canakkale at your own pace.
✔ Visit nearby memorials and historical sites.
📌 This is a perfect time to process the day’s emotions and reflect on the powerful stories you’ve witnessed.

🏨 Overnight: Eceabat or Canakkale
✔ A well-deserved rest after a day filled with history, emotion, and respect for the ANZAC legacy.

Sights Visited

🌅 Morning: Departure to Pergamon (Bergama)
🕙 10:00 AM – Hotel Pickup & Departure
✔ Depart from your hotel in Eceabat or Canakkale and begin your journey south to Bergama (Pergamon), one of the most influential cities of the ancient world.

🍽️ 1:30 PM – Lunch in Bergama
✔ Enjoy a delicious local meal before starting your immersive tour of Pergamon Acropolis.

🏛️ Pergamon Acropolis Tour Highlights
📍 Discover the grandeur of Pergamon, an ancient center of learning, art, and civilization.

🔹 The Acropolis
✔ Explore the political and cultural center of Pergamon, which once ruled as the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty.
✔ Marvel at the breathtaking panoramic views from the city’s hilltop location.

📚 Library of Pergamon
✔ Visit the remains of one of the greatest libraries of the ancient world, which once housed over 200,000 scrolls—second only to Alexandria’s Library.
✔ Learn how the dispute with Egypt led to the invention of parchment (pergamena) as an alternative to papyrus.

⚔️ Temple of Athena
✔ Admire the temple dedicated to Athena, the goddess of wisdom and warfare.
✔ Witness the Greek and Roman influences in its architectural design.

🔥 Altar of Zeus
✔ One of the most celebrated monuments of ancient Greek art (original friezes now displayed in the Pergamon Museum, Berlin).
✔ Known as the “Throne of Satan” in the Book of Revelation.

🏋️ Gymnasium
✔ Located on three terraces, this impressive gymnasium reflects Pergamon’s dedication to education and athletic training.

🏛️ Lower Agora
✔ Stroll through the ancient market, where traders and merchants conducted commerce and social life flourished.

🎭 Hellenistic Theater
✔ Marvel at the spectacular theater carved into the mountainside, seating up to 10,000 spectators.
✔ Known as one of the steepest ancient theaters, offering breathtaking views.

🍷 Temple of Dionysus
✔ A beautifully preserved temple dedicated to Dionysus, the god of wine, pleasure, and festivity.
✔ Learn about the cult of Dionysus and its significance in Pergamon.

🛣️ 5:30 PM – Transfer to the Ephesus Region
✔ Depart Pergamon and head towards Selcuk or Kusadasi in the Ephesus region.
✔ Enjoy a scenic drive through the Aegean countryside.

🏨 Evening: Arrival at Your Hotel
🕗 8:30 PM – Arrive in Selcuk
🕤 9:30 PM – Arrive in Kusadasi
✔ Check-in and unwind after a day filled with history, culture, and ancient wonders.
✔ Relax and prepare for the incredible Ephesus tour the following day.

Sights Visited

🌅 8:30 AM – Departure & Hotel Pickup
✔ Begin your full-day guided tour with a convenient pickup from your accommodation in Selcuk or Kusadasi.
✔ Journey to Ephesus, one of the best-preserved and most fascinating ancient cities in the world.

🏛️ Ephesus Tour Highlights
📍 Explore the legendary city of Ephesus, once a thriving metropolis of the Roman Empire.

🔹 Ephesus Ancient City
✔ Walk through the marble-paved streets where emperors, philosophers, and traders once roamed.
✔ Discover grand structures that defined the city as the Roman capital of Asia Minor.

📚 The Celsus Library
✔ One of the most iconic and well-preserved libraries of the ancient world.
✔ Marvel at the detailed carvings and columns, and learn about its vast collection of scrolls.

🎭 The Great Theatre
✔ A colossal amphitheater seating 25,000 people, used for dramas, gladiatorial fights, and public speeches.
✔ The site where Saint Paul preached to the Ephesians (Acts 19:23–41).

🏛️ The Temple of Hadrian
✔ A beautifully preserved temple dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, featuring intricate reliefs and columns.

🏠 The Terrace Houses (Optional, Requires Additional Entrance Ticket)
✔ Explore the remains of luxurious Roman homes with stunning frescoes and mosaics.
✔ See how wealthy Ephesians lived, with heating systems, private baths, and marble walls.

🌿 House of the Virgin Mary
✔ A sacred pilgrimage site, believed to be the final home of Mary, the mother of Jesus.
✔ Experience a peaceful atmosphere, light a candle, and drink from the holy water springs.

🏛️ Temple of Artemis (One of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World)
✔ Visit the remains of one of the greatest temples of antiquity, dedicated to the goddess Artemis (Diana).
✔ Learn about its rich history, destruction, and role in ancient Ephesus.

🛌 Overnight: Ephesus Region (Selcuk or Kusadasi)
✔ Return to your accommodation for a well-earned rest.
✔ Enjoy a free evening to explore local cuisine, visit a Turkish bath, or relax by the sea.

Sights Visited

🕗 8:30 AM – Departure & Hotel Pickup
✔ Begin your journey with a hotel pickup from Selcuk or Kusadasi.
✔ Travel through the stunning Turkish countryside toward Pamukkale, also known as the “Cotton Castle”.

🍽️ Lunch on Arrival
✔ Upon reaching Pamukkale, enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the region.

🌿 Pamukkale Travertines (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
✔ Witness the breathtaking white travertine terraces, created by centuries of calcium-rich thermal waters flowing over the landscape.
✔ Admire the cascading pools of bright turquoise thermal waters—a truly surreal and otherworldly sight.
✔ Walk barefoot along the terraces (optional) and immerse your feet in the warm, healing mineral waters.

🏛️ Hierapolis Ancient City (Greco-Roman Ruins Above Pamukkale)
📍 Explore the remains of this once-thriving Greco-Roman city, dating back to the 2nd century BC.

🔹 Highlights of Hierapolis:
✔ Roman Baths: See the beautifully preserved Roman thermal baths, once used for relaxation and healing.
✔ The Necropolis: One of Turkey’s largest ancient cemeteries, featuring over 1,200 tombs and sarcophagi.
✔ The Great Theatre: Marvel at this massive 15,000-seat amphitheater, offering stunning panoramic views.
✔ The Temple of Apollo: Explore the ruins of the grand temple dedicated to Apollo, the patron god of Hierapolis.

✈️ Optional Tour: Pamukkale Paragliding (Not included in the tour package)
✔ For adventure seekers, enjoy a paragliding flight over the travertines and ruins of Hierapolis.
✔ Experience the thrill of flying while enjoying the stunning contrast of white cliffs, ancient ruins, and green valleys.

🌙 Evening: Departure for Istanbul (Overnight Bus)
✔ 10:00 PM – Board an overnight bus back to Istanbul.
✔ Travel comfortably as you head back to the vibrant city where your journey began.
✔ Relax & reflect on the incredible sites you’ve explored.

🚌 Overnight: Bus to Istanbul
✔ Sleep comfortably on a deluxe overnight coach as you return to Istanbul for the final day of your journey.

Sights Visited

🕘 9:00 AM – Arrival in Istanbul
✔ Arrive early in the morning in Istanbul after your overnight journey.
✔ Enjoy the final moments of your 10-day adventure through Turkey.

📍 What’s Next?
✔ If you have onward travel plans, our team can assist with:
Airport transfers to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW).
Additional accommodation bookings if you wish to extend your stay in Istanbul.
Optional extra tours, including a Bosphorus Cruise or a visit to Pierre Loti Hill.

💙 Thank You for Traveling With Us!
✔ We hope this journey through Turkey’s rich history, biblical sites, and stunning landscapes has been meaningful and unforgettable.
✔ Whether it was walking in the footsteps of Saint Paul, honoring ANZAC soldiers, or marveling at Pamukkale’s travertines, we hope you take cherished memories home with you.

🌍 Safe Travels & See You Again in Turkey! 🇹🇷✨