Welcome to Turkey!

📍 Arrival in Istanbul & Check-In
As you step into Turkey, a land rich in history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes, your journey begins in Istanbul, a city that straddles two continents—Europe and Asia.

✈️ Arrival in Istanbul
Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport (IST), our friendly representative will greet you at the arrivals hall.
You will then be escorted to your private transfer, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride to your hotel.
🔹 If you are arriving at Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW), an additional transfer fee applies.

🏨 Check-In & Relaxation
Arrive at your hotel and complete the check-in process.
Take some time to settle in, refresh, and unwind after your journey.

🌙 Free Time to Explore Istanbul at Your Own Pace
Depending on your arrival time, you have the afternoon or evening at leisure to:
✔ Stroll through Sultanahmet Square – Visit the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Hippodrome for a first glimpse of Istanbul’s magnificent history.
✔ Wander the Grand Bazaar – If time permits, explore one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets, filled with local treasures, spices, and handmade crafts.
✔ Indulge in Turkish Cuisine – Savor an authentic Turkish meal, whether it’s fresh seafood along the Bosphorus, a traditional kebab, or sweet baklava with Turkish tea.
✔ Bosphorus Sunset Cruise (Optional) – If arriving in the late afternoon, enjoy a scenic boat ride along the Bosphorus, where Europe meets Asia.

🏨 Overnight in Istanbul
Rest well in your comfortable accommodation, as tomorrow begins your exploration of Turkey’s incredible history, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.

📍 Explore the Heart of Istanbul’s Timeless Wonders
Step into the historic heart of Istanbul, where Byzantine emperors, Ottoman sultans, and legendary traders once walked. Today’s fully guided tour will take you to the city’s most iconic landmarks, revealing the rich history and cultural treasures of this mesmerizing metropolis.

📅 Itinerary for the Day
🕣 8:30 AM – Hotel Pick-Up & Tour Begins
Meet your guide at your hotel (pick-ups available from central locations – see details below).
Travel to Sultanahmet, the historical core of Istanbul, to begin your Old City exploration.

🏛️ Istanbul’s Iconic Landmarks & Historic Sites

🕌 Hagia Sophia Museum
Originally built in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian, the Hagia Sophia was a Byzantine cathedral, an Ottoman mosque, and now a museum.
Marvel at its breathtaking dome, intricate mosaics, and centuries of history that have made it one of the most visited landmarks in the world.

🕌 Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
One of Istanbul’s most famous mosques, built in the early 17th century by Sultan Ahmed I.
Admire its stunning blue-tiled interior, grand domes, and six minarets, making it a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture.
🔹 Note: On Fridays, access may be limited due to prayer times.

🏛️ Hippodrome of Constantinople
Once the center of Byzantine social and political life, the Hippodrome was a venue for chariot races, ceremonies, and public gatherings.
See ancient relics like:
✔ The Obelisk of Theodosius (from ancient Egypt)
✔ The Serpent Column (from the Temple of Apollo in Delphi)
✔ The German Fountain (gifted by Kaiser Wilhelm II in 1901)

🏰 Topkapi Palace
Home to the Ottoman sultans for over 400 years, this sprawling palace complex boasts royal chambers, imperial relics, and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus.
Visit the Harem (optional, extra fee required) to see the private quarters of the sultans and their families.
Explore priceless treasures, including the Prophet Muhammad’s relics, the famous Topkapi Dagger, and Sultan’s jewels.
🔹 Note: Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays.

🛍️ Grand Bazaar (One of the Oldest & Largest Markets in the World)
Wander through a maze of over 4,000 shops, selling handwoven carpets, jewelry, ceramics, textiles, Turkish delights, and souvenirs.
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this historic marketplace, which has been a trading hub since the 15th century.
🔹 Note: The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays.

🕔 5:00 PM – Tour Concludes
After a day filled with history, culture, and exploration, your guide will drop you back at your hotel or a central location in Istanbul.

🌟 Our Recommendation – Explore the Spice Bazaar (Independent Visit – Optional)
📍 After the tour, if you have free time, we highly recommend a visit to the Spice Bazaar!
✔ Immerse yourself in the exotic scents and vibrant colors of Turkish spices, teas, and sweets.
✔ Sample authentic Turkish delights, dried fruits, and herbal teas.
✔ Find unique souvenirs like saffron, sumac, and Turkish coffee.
🛑 Please note: This visit is not included in the tour package. You will explore independently and make your way back to your hotel on your own.

📍 Pickup Information
✔ We provide hotel pick-ups from centrally located areas, including:
Sultanahmet
Sirkeci
Laleli
Aksaray
Taksim
🛑 If your hotel is outside these areas, additional charges may apply. Please contact our team for more details.

⚠️ Important Notes
The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays. If your tour falls on a Sunday, alternative sites will be arranged.
Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays. If your tour is on a Tuesday, we will visit the Basilica Cistern or another landmark instead.
The Blue Mosque has limited access on Fridays due to prayer times. While we cannot enter during prayers, we will explore the mosque’s exterior and its surroundings.

🏨 Overnight: Istanbul
After a fascinating journey through the wonders of Istanbul, rest comfortably in your hotel in the heart of the city, preparing for another incredible day ahead.

✨ Why This Tour is Special:
✔ Explore the best of Istanbul in one day with an expert guide.
✔ Step inside legendary sites, including the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
✔ Experience the vibrant Grand Bazaar, where history meets modern-day shopping.
✔ Walk through history, from the Byzantine Empire to the Ottomans, in a single unforgettable day.

🌍 A Timeless Journey Through Istanbul’s Old City Awaits!
This tour will leave you inspired by Istanbul’s rich past, architectural marvels, and cultural treasures.

Sights Visited

🚍 Depart for Gallipoli – Journey to Anzac Cove
📍 Traveling from Istanbul to the Historic Gallipoli Peninsula
Today, we begin our journey from Istanbul to Gallipoli, where you will attend the Anzac Day commemorations at Anzac Cove. This historic pilgrimage allows you to stand on the very shores where the Anzacs landed on April 25, 1915, honoring their sacrifice, courage, and legacy.

📅 Itinerary for the Day
🕚 11:00 AM – Group Meet-Up & Departure Preparations
Gather at your accommodation, where you will meet your guide and fellow travelers.
A briefing will be given about the journey ahead, the Anzac Day ceremonies, and what to expect overnight at Anzac Cove.

🚌 12:15 PM – Depart from Istanbul
Begin the scenic journey to Gallipoli aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned, non-smoking bus.
Your guide will provide historical insights about the Gallipoli Campaign, offering a deeper understanding of its significance in Australian, New Zealand, and Turkish history.
📌 Stop Along the Way (~2:30 PM)
A refreshment break will be provided at a designated stop.
Use this time to grab snacks, stretch your legs, and prepare for the evening ahead.

🏛️ 5:00 PM – Arrive in Eceabat (Gallipoli Region)
Reach Eceabat, the nearest town to Anzac Cove.
A short rest stop will allow you to refresh and prepare for the night ahead.

🌙 8:00 PM – Depart for Anzac Cove
Travel to Anzac Cove, where the Anzac Day Dawn Service will take place in the early morning.
Join thousands of fellow attendees, including veterans, families, dignitaries, and travelers, all gathering to honor and remember the fallen soldiers.

⛺ Overnight: At Anzac Cove – Preparing for the Dawn Service
Find your place at the Commemorative Site, where you will spend the night outdoors under the open sky.
Take in the atmosphere as the spirit of remembrance and reflection grows throughout the evening.
Listen to historical briefings, documentary screenings, and tributes in the lead-up to the Dawn Service.
🔹 As temperatures drop overnight, please ensure you have a warm sleeping bag or blanket for comfort.

🛑 Important Reminder:
There are no designated sleeping arrangements—you will stay overnight at the site in an open area.
Facilities are limited, so dress warmly, bring snacks, and prepare for a night under the stars.

✨ Why This Journey is Meaningful:
✔ Experience history where it happened, walking in the footsteps of the Anzacs at Gallipoli.
✔ Connect with thousands of people, sharing a once-in-a-lifetime moment of remembrance.
✔ Honor the legacy of the fallen, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten.

🌍 A Journey of Remembrance & Reflection Awaits
This overnight experience at Anzac Cove is more than just a trip—it’s an emotional and profound connection to history.

Sights Visited

🌅 Anzac Day Commemorations – Honoring the Fallen
📍 A Solemn Day of Remembrance at Gallipoli
Today, we gather at Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, and Chunuk Bair to honor the sacrifices of Australian and New Zealand troops who fought in the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915. This deeply moving day of commemorations is a powerful reminder of bravery, sacrifice, and the enduring Anzac spirit.

📜 Itinerary for Anzac Day
☀️ Early Morning: Preparation & Breakfast Box Provided
A breakfast box will be provided before the Dawn Service begins.
Prepare for a full day of commemorations, ensuring you have warm layers, water, and personal tributes if desired.

🕔 5:30 AM – The Dawn Service at Anzac Cove
📍 Anzac Cove – The landing site of the Anzacs in 1915
Attend the solemn Dawn Service, held at the very location where Australian and New Zealand troops first landed.
As the first light breaks over Gallipoli, experience the chilling silence, broken only by the bugler playing the Last Post.
The service includes:
✔ Reflections from Australian, New Zealand, and Turkish officials.
✔ Readings, prayers, and hymns in remembrance of the fallen.
✔ A moment of silence, symbolizing unity and honor.
🔹 This is a deeply emotional moment, connecting thousands of attendees in a shared act of remembrance.

🇦🇺 10:30 AM – Australian National Ceremony at Lone Pine
📍 Lone Pine Cemetery – Honoring Australian soldiers
Travel to Lone Pine, the site of one of the most intense battles of the Gallipoli campaign.
This ceremony pays tribute to the Australian soldiers who fought and died here.
The service includes:
✔ Speeches from Australian military and government officials.
✔ Wreath-laying and readings in memory of the fallen.
✔ A moment to reflect on the courage of those who fought at Lone Pine.
🔹 For Australians, this service holds profound significance, as Lone Pine remains a symbol of their country’s sacrifice in Gallipoli.

🇳🇿 11:30 AM – New Zealand National Ceremony at Chunuk Bair
📍 Chunuk Bair – The most significant battlefield for New Zealand forces
Travel to Chunuk Bair, where New Zealand troops made a historic stand in August 1915.
This service honors the New Zealand soldiers who fought fiercely to capture and hold this strategic position.
The ceremony includes:
✔ Speeches and tributes from New Zealand leaders and military representatives.
✔ Wreath-laying and the playing of the New Zealand national anthem.
✔ A final moment of reflection, honoring the bravery of the Kiwi troops.
🔹 For New Zealanders, Chunuk Bair represents one of the most defining moments of their nation’s involvement in Gallipoli.

⚠️ Important Information for the Day
Expect large crowds at each service, so ensure you arrive early at each location to secure a good position.
Be prepared for security checks and long walking distances between sites.
Weather Conditions – Mornings can be cold, and temperatures rise later in the day. Layered clothing is recommended.
Limited Facilities – Water and snacks will be available, but it’s best to bring your own essentials for comfort.

✨ Why This Journey is Meaningful:
✔ Walk in the footsteps of the Anzacs, standing on the very ground where they fought and fell.
✔ Honor the legacy of the fallen, ensuring their sacrifice is never forgotten.
✔ Reflect on the enduring bond between Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey, as nations come together in remembrance.

🌍 A Journey of Reflection & Remembrance
This Anzac Day Memorial Service at Gallipoli is more than an event—it is an opportunity to pay tribute, to remember, and to honor those who came before us.
Lest we forget. 🌺

Sights Visited

🚌 Return to Istanbul – Reflecting on a Day of Remembrance
📍 Journey Back from Gallipoli to Istanbul
After a day of profound reflection and commemoration, we begin our return journey to Istanbul, carrying with us the memories of Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, and Chunuk Bair.

📜 Itinerary for the Journey Back
🕛 12:30 PM – Depart from Chunuk Bair to Eceabat
After the final ceremony at Chunuk Bair, travel to Eceabat, where a brief rest stop will be provided.
Take this time to refresh, grab a snack, and reflect on the day’s commemorations.

🚌 1:30 PM – Depart Eceabat for Istanbul
Begin the scenic journey back to Istanbul aboard a comfortable, air-conditioned, non-smoking bus.
Sit back and relax as we drive through the beautiful Turkish countryside, retracing the route taken by many before us.
📌 Stop Along the Way (~3:30 PM)
A short break will be provided for refreshments, allowing you to stretch your legs before continuing the journey.

🏙️ 8:00 – 9:00 PM – Arrive in Istanbul
Upon arrival in Istanbul, you will be dropped off at your hotel or a central location.
After a long but meaningful day, take time to unwind, reflect, and rest.
🏨 Overnight in Istanbul.

✨ Why This Journey is Special:
✔ Time to process the significance of Anzac Day, reflecting on the powerful moments at Gallipoli.
✔ Connect with fellow travelers, sharing experiences and memories from the day.
✔ Return to Istanbul with a deeper appreciation for history, sacrifice, and remembrance.

🌍 A Journey of Reflection & Gratitude
This return trip allows you to transition from the solemn atmosphere of Gallipoli back to the vibrant energy of Istanbul, carrying with you a deeper connection to history and the Anzac legacy.