Welcome to Turkey!

Your incredible journey through history begins today as you arrive in Istanbul, a city where East meets West and ancient traditions blend with modern energy.

✈️ Arrival in Istanbul & Private Transfer
✔ Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, a friendly representative will meet you and assist with your comfortable transfer to your hotel.
✔ Check-in at your accommodation, where you can unwind and refresh after your travels.

🌆 Free Time to Explore Istanbul at Your Own Pace
Depending on your arrival time, you may choose to explore Istanbul’s vibrant streets:

🔹 Recommended Activities:
✔ Stroll through the historic Sultanahmet district – home to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace.
✔ Visit the bustling Grand Bazaar – one of the world’s largest and oldest covered markets.
✔ Take a relaxing walk along the Bosphorus waterfront and enjoy the stunning views of Asia and Europe meeting.
✔ Savor a delicious Turkish meal at a traditional restaurant, tasting local delicacies like kebabs, baklava, and Turkish tea.

📌 Want to book an optional evening experience? Let us know!

🏨 Overnight Stay in Istanbul
✔ Rest well tonight as your exciting journey officially begins tomorrow, uncovering the rich history, vibrant culture, and moving legacy of Turkey.

✨ Your Adventure Begins Tomorrow!

🏛️ Istanbul Old City Tour
📍 Exploring the Heart of Byzantium & Ottoman Empires

📆 Day 2: Guided Tour of Istanbul’s Historic Treasures
🕣 09:00 AM – Hotel Pickup & Start of Tour
✔ Convenient pickup from your hotel in central areas.
✔ Meet your expert guide, who will lead you through Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.

🕌 Sites to Visit & Highlights
1️⃣ Hagia Sophia – The Crown Jewel of Istanbul
🏛 Byzantine Cathedral ➝ Ottoman Mosque ➝ Museum ➝ Mosque Again
✔ Stand in awe of this architectural masterpiece that has stood for centuries.
✔ Marvel at its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and Islamic calligraphy.
✔ Discover the rich history of its transformation from Christian basilica to mosque.
📌 One of Istanbul’s most significant religious and historical landmarks!

2️⃣ Blue Mosque – Istanbul’s Iconic Landmark
🕌 Sultanahmet Mosque (1609-1616)
✔ Admire its stunning blue Iznik tiles that give the mosque its name.
✔ Take in the serene atmosphere of this active place of worship.
✔ Look up at its six towering minarets and grand courtyard.
📌 Important: Limited access on Fridays due to prayers.

3️⃣ Grand Bazaar – A Shopping Wonderland
🛍️ World’s Largest & Oldest Covered Market (Built in 1455)
✔ Explore 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops.
✔ Browse authentic Turkish carpets, jewelry, ceramics, and souvenirs.
✔ Engage in the art of bargaining for a unique keepsake.
📌 Important: Closed on Sundays.

4️⃣ Topkapi Palace – Home of the Ottoman Sultans
🏰 Opulent Palace of the Ottoman Empire (1465-1856)
✔ Step into the lavish world of Ottoman rulers.
✔ Visit the Imperial Treasury, displaying jewels, swords, and relics.
✔ Take in breathtaking views over the Bosphorus.
📌 Important: Closed on Tuesdays.

5️⃣ Hippodrome – The Ancient Sporting Arena
🏟️ Once a Hub for Chariot Racing & Political Unrest
✔ Walk through the remains of Byzantium’s massive chariot racing stadium.
✔ Admire historic monuments, including:
🏛 The Obelisk of Theodosius (Egyptian artifact over 3,500 years old)
🏛 Serpent Column (taken from Delphi, Greece)
🏛 German Fountain (a gift from Kaiser Wilhelm II)
📌 This site gives a glimpse into the daily life and entertainment of ancient Constantinople.

🕔 5:00 PM – Tour Concludes
✔ Return to your hotel or enjoy free time to explore Istanbul at your own pace.

🌟 Our Recommendation: Self-Guided Visit to the Spice Bazaar
🌿 Discover the Aromatic Wonders of Istanbul
✔ Visit the Spice Bazaar, a paradise of flavors and fragrances.
✔ Browse an array of Turkish teas, exotic spices, and local sweets.
✔ Enjoy a leisurely walk by the waterfront near the Eminonu district.
📌 Not included in the tour package, but highly recommended for an authentic experience!

📍 Hotel Pickup Information
✔ Pickups available from central locations:
🏨 Sultanahmet, Sirkeci, Laleli, Aksaray, and Taksim.
✔ If your hotel is outside these areas, additional charges may apply – contact us for details.

🏨 Overnight in Istanbul

⚠️ Important Notes & Closures
✔ Grand Bazaar – Closed on Sundays
✔ Topkapi Palace – Closed on Tuesdays
✔ Blue Mosque – Limited access on Fridays due to prayers

✨ Why This Tour is Special
✔ Walk through 1,500+ years of history, from Byzantium to the Ottomans.
✔ Expert guides provide rich insights into each landmark’s history & significance.
✔ Immerse yourself in Istanbul’s cultural and architectural wonders.

🌍 A Day of Exploration, History & Culture

Sights Visited

📍 A Tribute to the ANZACs & Turkish Soldiers

📆 Travel to Gallipoli & Battlefield Exploration
🕕 06:30 AM – 07:00 AM – Hotel Pickup & Departure for Eceabat
✔ Start your journey with a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus transfer.
✔ Enjoy a scenic 4.5 to 5-hour drive to Eceabat, the gateway to Gallipoli.
✔ Midway stop for refreshments and stretching before continuing the journey.

🍽️ 12:00 PM – Arrive in Eceabat & Lunch
✔ Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
✔ Prepare for the powerful battlefield tour, where history and sacrifice come to life.

⚔️ 1:00 PM – Fully Guided Gallipoli Battlefield Tour
🔹 Walk in the footsteps of the ANZACs and Turkish soldiers who fought bravely during the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915.

🔹 Key Historic Sites You Will Visit:

✔ Brighton Beach
📌 One of the original landing sites considered for the ANZAC troops.

✔ Beach Cemetery
📌 Final resting place of many ANZAC soldiers, including the legendary John Simpson Kirkpatrick.

✔ ANZAC Cove
📌 The historic landing site where thousands of ANZAC troops came ashore on April 25, 1915.

✔ Ariburnu Cemetery
📌 Another significant burial ground for fallen ANZAC soldiers.

✔ ANZAC Commemorative Site
📌 A place of reflection honoring the sacrifice and courage of all who fought here.

✔ Respect to Mehmetcik Statue
📌 A tribute to the Turkish soldiers who bravely defended their homeland.✔ Lone

Pine Australian Memorial
📌 A solemn memorial dedicated to Australian troops who fought in the fierce battle at Lone Pine.

✔ Johnston’s Jolly
📌 Explore preserved Turkish and Allied trenches, where the two sides fought just meters apart.✔

Turkish 57th Infantry Regiment Cemetery
📌 A memorial dedicated to the Turkish regiment that fought bravely in defense of Gallipoli.✔

The Nek
📌 Site of a tragic and heroic charge by ANZAC troops, made famous in the movie ‘Gallipoli’.

✔ Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial fought fiercely for this strategic high ground.
📌 Your guide will share moving stories of bravery, sacrifice, and camaraderie that defined this historic campaign.

🏨 6:00 PM – Check-In at Your Hotel in Eceabat or Canakkale
✔ Relax & reflect on the day’s powerful experiences.
✔ Enjoy an optional evening walk along the waterfront or dine at a local restaurant.
🏨 Overnight in Eceabat or Canakkale

✨ Why This Tour is Special
✔ Expertly guided battlefield tour – Gain deep insight into the ANZAC & Turkish perspectives.
✔ Visit legendary battle sites where history was made.
✔ Pay tribute at memorials & cemeteries, honoring those who fought and fell.
✔ Seamless transport & comfortable accommodation for a hassle-free experience.

🌍 A Day of Reflection, Remembrance & History

Sights Visited

📍 Exploring Ancient Legends & Preparing for the Anzac Day Dawn Service

📆 Discovering Troy & Honoring the ANZAC Legacy
🕢 7:30 AM – Breakfast at the Hotel
✔ Enjoy a hearty breakfast before setting off on today’s historical journey.

🏛️ 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Fully Guided Troy Tour
🔹 Step back in time as you explore the legendary city of Troy, immortalized in Homer’s Iliad and one of the most important archaeological sites in the world.

🔹 Sites You Will Visit in Troy:

✔ The Trojan Horse
📌 See the iconic replica symbolizing the legendary war and Greek deception.

✔ Sacrificial Altars
📌 Learn about the ancient rituals performed by the Trojans and their religious practices.

✔ The 3,700-Year-Old City Walls
📌 Marvel at the sophisticated engineering of this ancient civilization.

✔ Houses of Troy I (3000-2500 BC)
📌 Explore the remnants of one of the earliest known settlements in Troy.

✔ The Bouleuterion (Senate Building)
📌 Discover where ancient leaders gathered to discuss governance and city affairs.

✔ The Odeon (Concert Hall)
📌 Imagine the grand performances and political gatherings held in this venue.

✔ Remains of Troy I – Troy IX
📌 See the multiple layers of civilization, from the Bronze Age through the Roman period.
📌 Your expert guide will provide fascinating insights into the city’s legendary history and archaeological significance.

🕛 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Free Time in Canakkale
✔ Spend the afternoon and early evening at your leisure, exploring or resting before the evening departure.

🔹 Recommended Activities in Canakkale:
✔ 🏰 Cimenlik Castle – Explore this historic fortress offering stunning views.
✔ 🏖️ Beaches – Relax at beautiful coastal spots like Habbele Plaji.
✔ ⚓ Canakkale Naval Museum – Learn about the region’s maritime & wartime history.
✔ ☕ Enjoy a seaside café – Take in the charming atmosphere of this port city.

🕗 8:00 PM – Departure for Anzac Cove
✔ Board the tour bus from Eceabat and travel to Anzac Cove, where you will spend the night in preparation for the Anzac Day Dawn Service.
✔ Upon arrival, proceed to the grandstands & sleeping grounds.
✔ Throughout the night, historical documentaries & films about the ANZAC campaign will be screened, offering insight and context into the events of 1915.

🌙 Overnight at Anzac Cove
✔ Sleep under the stars at this historic site, where thousands of soldiers once landed over a century ago.
📌 Bring warm clothing & sleeping gear, as overnight temperatures can be chilly.

✨ Why This Experience is Unique
✔ Explore one of history’s most legendary cities – Troy
✔ Enjoy a day of leisure in the coastal town of Canakkale
✔ Spend the night at Anzac Cove, reflecting on the sacrifices of soldiers
✔ Prepare for a deeply moving Anzac Day Dawn Service

🌍 A Journey Through Myth & Remembrance

Sights Visited

📍 A Day of Remembrance & Reflection

📆 Honoring the ANZACs & Journey Back to Istanbul
🕠 05:30 AM – The Anzac Day Dawn Service at Anzac Cove
✔ Gather at Anzac Cove for the moving Dawn Service, a solemn tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of ANZAC soldiers.
✔ Experience the deep emotional significance of standing where history was made over a century ago.
✔ Listen to speeches, hymns, and tributes, reflecting on the courage of those who fought in the Gallipoli Campaign.
📌 This ceremony is one of the most profound and memorable moments of the tour, bringing together thousands of Australians, New Zealanders, and Turkish citizens in shared remembrance.

🕥 10:30 AM – Australian National Ceremony at Lone Pine
✔ Travel from Anzac Cove to Lone Pine, where the Australian National Ceremony takes place.
✔ Pay tribute to the Australian soldiers who fought and fell during the Battle of Lone Pine, one of the most intense battles of the Gallipoli Campaign.
📌 This memorial site stands as a powerful reminder of the fierce battles that took place on these very grounds.

🕦 11:30 AM – New Zealand National Ceremony at Chunuk Bair
✔ Continue the journey to Chunuk Bair, the site of a New Zealand victory and one of the most significant battles in Gallipoli.
✔ Attend the New Zealand National Ceremony, honoring the legacy of the Kiwi soldiers who fought bravely at this high ground.
📌 The Chunuk Bair Memorial is a deeply significant site for New Zealanders, commemorating the heroism and sacrifice of their troops.

🚍 Afternoon: Return to Eceabat & Journey Back to Istanbul
✔ After the final ceremony, return to Eceabat for a short break and rest before beginning the journey back to Istanbul.
✔ Travel in comfortable, air-conditioned transportation as you reflect on the powerful experiences of the day.
✔ Expect to arrive in Istanbul in the evening, where you will be transferred to your accommodation.

🏨 Overnight in Istanbul

✨ Why This Day is So Special
✔ Attend three powerful commemorative services honoring ANZAC soldiers.
✔ Experience history firsthand at some of Gallipoli’s most significant battlefields.
✔ Reflect on the legacy of those who served, fought, and sacrificed for their countries.
✔ Seamless and comfortable return journey to Istanbul.

🌍 A Day of Honor, Reflection & Legacy

Sights Visited

🌍 Tour Ends in Istanbul – Farewell & Reflections
📍 A Journey Through History, Remembrance & Culture

📆 Final Day: Departure from Istanbul
✔ Your incredible journey through Turkey concludes today in Istanbul.
✔ Take time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences of:
The vibrant history of Istanbul
The moving Anzac Day ceremonies at Gallipoli
The ancient wonders of Troy
✔ Enjoy free time before your departure to explore, shop, or relax.

📌 Looking to Explore More?
✔ If you wish to extend your journey and explore more of Turkey’s stunning destinations, our team is happy to assist with additional tour planning.

🔹 Optional Add-On Destinations:
✔ Cappadocia – Hot air balloon rides over fairy chimneys
✔ Pamukkale & Hierapolis – Natural thermal terraces & ancient ruins
✔ Ephesus – One of the best-preserved ancient cities
✔ Mount Nemrut – Breathtaking sunrise over ancient statues
📌 Contact us for assistance with customized extensions!

🚖 Airport Transfer & Departure
✔ If you require an airport transfer, let us know, and we’ll arrange a comfortable ride to Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gokcen Airport (SAW).
✔ Thank you for allowing us to be part of your unforgettable journey! We hope you leave with cherished memories and a deeper connection to history.

💙 Safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you again!

🌍 End of Tour – Until Next Time!