DAY 1: AUSTRALIA / ISTANBUL
Meet as a group at the airport at the international check in area. The EWT representative will assist the group with check in and escort you to the customs area. Depart Australia.
DAY 2: ISTANBUL
On arrival in Istanbul, clear customs and be met by your Tour Guide and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon the group will take a Cruise along the Bosphorus. The Bosphorus is the narrow waterway connecting the sea of Marmara and the Black Sea. It also separates the Continents of Asia and Europe.
Marvel at the ancient city (Constantinople) with its magnificent buildings, many centuries old on the European side of the Bosphorus and the newer and more modern city on the Asian side.
DAY 3: ISTANBUL (B)
This morning the group will visit Dolmabahce Palace, which was built in the nineteenth century by the Ottoman empire. The Palace was home to the last of the Ottoman Sultans prior to Turkey becoming a republic. A guided tour of the Palace will allow you to view the magnificent building housing many art treasures, chandeliers, gold and alabaster together with the 36 metre high Throne Room.
Afterwards we will visit the underground cisterns built by the Romans over 2000 years ago. The cisterns supplied the city with water through a system of aqua ducts from the source some 15 kilometres away, truly an engineering marvel of its time. This afternoon we will have a visit to the Hippodrome which was constructed in 200 AD. The Hippodrome was the focus of the Byzantine Empire much as the Colosseum was in Rome. It originally held up to 100,000 people and was used for Court Ceremonies, Chariot races and games. The prominent feature is the 60 metre tall Egyptian obelisk which was moved from Egypt to its present site, it is over 3500 years old.
End the day with a visit to the Blue Mosque. This is one of the most impressive Mosques in Turkey and was built in 1609. When you visit the Mosque your guide will explain the significance of the placement of the Alter and also briefly explain the Muslim religion in relation to the Christian religion.
DAY 4: ISTANBUL (B)
This morning we will visit Aya Sofya. This Church, then Mosque and now Museum was built in 350AD and was the largest enclosed space in the world for over 1000 years. It is an architectural wonder with its 30 metre dome hovering over seemingly empty space. The dome itself is encrusted with mosaics and gold. Afterwards walk to Topkapi Palace. This Palace was the home to the Ottoman Empire for nearly 4 centuries. It is comprised of several courtyards where ceremonies took place, the Harem, the Treasury, the “Government Offices” of the time together with the Sultans Palace.
Spend the afternoon at the Grand Bazaar with its 64 streets and alleys, over 4400 shops, a Mosque, Post Office and Police Station. The Grand Bazaar is the largest covered Bazaar in the world. Here you will have the afternoon to shop for souvenirs and gifts.
DAY 5: ISTANBUL / CANAKKALE (B, D)
Depart Istanbul this morning and travel by Coach along the Sea of Marmara to Gallipoli on the Gallipoli Peninsula where you will cross the Dardanelles and travel to Canakkale where you will be based for your Gallipoli tours.
DAY 6: CANAKKALE (B, D)
Today the group will travel south to the Ancient city of Troy, the most celebrated archaeological sight in Turkey. Troy was discovered in 1871 and was thought to have existed in legend only until this time. Modern scientific methods have been used to discover much more of the ancient city than the earlier excavations.
The afternoon is free to explore Canakkale and visit the 600 year old Fort that was once used to defend the Dardanelles.
DAY 7: CANAKKALE – GALLIPOLI (B, L, D)
Today we will start our tour of Gallipoli by visiting Cape Helles Memorial. This is where the British and French landed in 1915. Visit the French Cemetery, the Turkish Memorial and the landing beaches.
DAY 8: CANAKKALE – GALLIPOLI (B, L, D)
Travel to Suvla Bay the location of the second Gallipoli landings by the British. Visit Canterbury, Lala Baba, and Beach cemeteries. Afterwards visit Anzac Cove and the Beach Memorial. Here you will have the opportunity to swim at Anzac Cove if you wish or alternatively simply walk along the beach and look at the incredibly rugged terrain that the Anzacs had to overcome.
DAY 9: CANAKKALE – GALLIPOLI (B, L, D)
Today the group will walk from Anzac Cove up Shrapnel Valley to Shell Green Cemetery and then on up the hill, following the trenches to Lone Pine, the Nek and Chunuk Bair. Here there will be time to reflect upon the arduous conditions and horror that the Anzacs endured. There will be time to search for graves of relatives lost in the Great War.
Finish your day at the Museum which houses some amazing exhibits of the conflict that transpired here.
DAY 10: CANAKKALE / ISTANBUL (B)
Depart Canakkale by Coach this morning and return to Istanbul.
DAY 11: ISTANBUL (B)
This morning your Coach will travel to the Spice Bazaar. This Bazaar has traded in spices here for hundreds of years as it was a major stopping off point for Merchants travelling the famed Silk Road to China.
Afterwards we will visit the Military Museum and Cultural Centre. Here you will see artefacts dated back to the fifth century together with a comprehensive display of WW1 exhibits. There will also be a concert by the traditional Turkish Military Band, one of the first Military Bands formed in the world.
DAY 12: ISTANBUL (B)
Today is a free day to explore Taksim Square, one of the oldest parts of the city, for some last minute shopping and sightseeing.
DAY 13: ISTANBUL / AUSTRALIA (B)
Depart Istanbul mid morning for your return flight to Australia.
DAY 14: AUSTRALIA
Arrive in Australia with the unforgettable memories of Turkey and Gallipoli.
LEGEND:
- B
- – BREAKFAST
- L
- – LUNCH
- D
- – DINNER
INCLUSIONS
- Hotel Accommodation – triple / twin share (4 star Istanbul, 3 star Gallipoli).
- Breakfast whilst at hotels.
- 3 Lunches whilst on tour.
- 5 Dinners whilst on tour.
- Transfers to and from airport in Turkey.
- Return economy airfares.
- Entry fees to all attractions as detailed in the itinerary.
- Coach and driver for all tours as detailed in the itinerary.
- English speaking tour guide for all tours as detailed in the itinerary.
NON INCLUSIONS
- Travel /Medical Insurance
- $125.00 is adequate for meals not included in the itinerary.
- All Government taxes (departure, etc.)
- Passport Application.
- Processing of Turkish Visa (US$20) Paid on arrival in Turkey.
- Additional money needed for souvenirs, etc.
NOTES
Educational World Travel reserves the right to alter or amend this itinerary at any time.
Travel/Medical Insurance is mandatory for all participants.
The terms and conditions of partaking in the G’Day Turkey Program are set out in the Application to Travel/Travel Conditions form included in the Information and Application Brochure.
For more information today!
