15 Day Anzac
Tour
The fifteen day
Anzac
tour is the ideal way to see
a good amout of what
Turkey
has to offer as well as being
part of the yearly pilgrimage to Gallipoli.
This tour will take you to most of Turkey’s famous
sights
such as Istanbul (Blue Mosque, Hagia (St.)
Sophia etc.) Gallipoli (fully guided tour), Ephesus,
Pamukkale, Köyceðiz Boat Cruise, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz,
Olympos and Cappadocia.
Start Date:
21/04/09
Finish Date:
05/05/09
Starts:
Istanbul
Finish:
Istanbul
Places Visited:
Istanbul – Gallipoli – Edremit – Kusadasi – Selcuk -
Ephesus – Pamukkale – Köycegiz – Ölüdeniz – Olympos
-
Cappadocia
Duration:
15 Days – 14 Nights
Price: Double/Twin/Triple
:
£459.00
– Single : £579.00
Our tours have a range of inclusions
for
“Your peace of mind”
and Enjoyment
· Includes
all entrance fees,
·
Free Arrival Transfer to Ataturk International
Airport (certain days only – see below)
· Transportation
in a fully Air-Conditioned, Non-Smoking new model
Luxury Coach,
· Fluent
English speaking professional tour guide for the
duration of the tour,
· FREE
Anzac T-Shirt,
· A
range of Gallipoli documentaries & movies to watch
during bus journeys,
· FREE
Souvenir,
·
FREE Flashlight for the dark night at the Dawn
Service and to take home with you,
·
FREE Documentary CD to watch after your tour has
finished
· Anzac
Day memorial services at Gallipoli,
· All
accommodation as per itinerary in 3 & 4 star hotels
including Thermal Resort and Holiday Village
· EARLY
ARRIVAL TO THE DAWN SERVICE,
· We
have Turkish, Australian and New Zealand staff who
have good knowledge of Gallipoli and Turkey,
· Private
Security,
· No
camping! No hidden extra costs. Don't wake up to
Nightmares,
· GET
A GOOD SPOT AT DAWN SERVICE,
·
We have been running Anzac tours for many years and
know what Anzac day in Gallipoli is all about.
Day One: Tuesday 21st April - Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey! You will be greeted with
hospitality at the Atatürk International Airport by
a Samyeli Travel representative and driven into the
heart of the old city where you can rest and relax
for the remainder of the day. Tonight at ‘Welcome
Drinks’ in your hotel you can meet with the rest of
your tour group.
Overnight:
Istanbul
Day Two: Wednesday 22nd April - Istanbul City Tour
This morning we partake in a fully guided tour of
the only city to span two continents. We will visit
the Hagia (St.)
Sophia,
one of the greatest marvels of architecture,
constructed as a basilica in the 6th century by
Emperor Justinian. Blue Mosque, facing Hagia
Sophia, famous with its blue Iznik tiles and unique
with 6 minarets, built in the name of Sultan Ahmet.
Hippodrome, center of sportive (chariot races,
athletics) events and political activities of the
old city. Obelisk of heodosius, Serpentine
Column, German Fountain of Wilhelm II are the
monuments decorating Hippodrome.
Underground Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayý)
in this historical place one discovers the grandiose
nature of the past when touring through Istanbul's
largest and most magnificent underground Cistern.
Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century to
supply water to the near-by palace complex, the
cistern has a total of 336 decorated columns.
Today you may wish to view the wonders of Istanbul
from the water on an optional Bosphorus Cruise
(2:30pm). Also tonight you have the option of
attending a special Turkish Gala Evening
(7:30pm) where you will enjoy amazing Turkish food
and world famous Turkish entertainment.
Overnight:
Istanbul
Meals:
Breakfast
|
Samyeli Travel Turkish Gala Evening – Istanbul - 22nd
April 7:30pm
*
Available to
5
Day, 6 Day, 8 Day, 10 Day, 15 Day Tours
*
A chance to meet and share a drink with your tour group and
other passengers
*
Authentic Turkish Food and Entertainment including, singing, belly dancing and much more!
At only £20.00 pp this is not to be missed!
(Simply select ‘Gala Dinner’ at time of booking)
|
Day Three: Thursday 23rd April - Istanbul to Gallipoli
After an early breakfast we drive to the World War I Battlefield of
Gallipoli stopping along the way to pick up refreshments for lunch.
You will also have an opportunity to watch “Gallipoli” the movie so
you get a feel for the type of people who fought in this war and to
help you picture conditions 94 years ago.
This afternoon on a fully guided tour, you will visit the Kabatepe
War Museum, Anzac Cove, Hell Spit Cemetery, Lone Pine, The Nek, and
Chunuk Bair War memorial. Your guide will reveal stories of
battle woes and will bring alive the legend of the Anzac's. By
visiting the peninsula on the 23rd April we get to spend more time
exploring without the crowds from other tours that arrive on the
24th. This evening we will travel to our luxurious accommodation,
where an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner awaits.
Overnight:
Edremit
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner
Day Four: Friday 24th April - Relax at Artemis Resort Hotel
Sleep till late and rise to a full breakfast. Then the day is yours
to partake in number of the many activities offered at this resort.
Activities include; bathing in the waters of the outdoor pool,
relaxing at the beach. Play football, tennis, basketball, volleyball
or just strolling around the gardens and parks. You will have the
chance to swim in the nearby thermal water pool at Adramis Thermal
Hotel. Make sure you get plenty of rest because ANZAC day will be a
long busy day. A buffet dinner will be served so you can fill up
before departing for Gallipoli late afternoon.
We arrive at Gallipoli on the evening of the 24th to
ensure we get a good spot for the dawn service. Don't forget your
sleeping bags, warm clothes, wet weather gear and torches because
Gallipoli is still as dark and cold tonight as it was 94 years ago
when your ancestors landed.
Overnight:
Anzac Cove
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner
Day Five: Saturday
25th April - Anzac Day at Gallipoli
At first light the day begins with the Dawn Service held at the
ANZAC Commemorative Site, which will be followed by the Australian
and New Zealand memorial services held at Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair
respectively. Today is the reason you came to Turkey, to commemorate
the sacrifice your forefathers have made. Emotions run high and this
evening you will travel back to your hotel, arriving there in the
late evening.
Overnight:
Edremit
Meals:
Lunchbox & Dinner
Day Six: Sunday 26th
April - Edremit to Kusadasi
After waking feeling recharged we depart for the seaside town of
Kusadasi. As this area boasts a reputation as one of the most
important carpet weaving regions we will stop at Selçuk for a
demonstration of this ancient and traditional craft. After you have
checked in to your Kusadasi hotel you have an optional traditional
Turkish bath to be washed and massaged by a pair of expert
hands.
Overnight:
Kusadasi
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner
Day
Seven: Monday 27th April -
Ephesus
Tour
Today we will visit one of the best-preserved ruins in the
world....Ephesus. We tour this amazing site and wonder at the people
who built and walked through this ancient city. We will also visit
the House of Virgin Mary, (supposedly where St. John brought her to
live out her final days), Temple of Artemis (one of the 7 wonders of
the ancient world). After the tour, we will stop at Selçuk for a
fashion parade and information on Turkey's famous leather
production.
Overnight:
Kusadasi
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner
Day Eight: Tuesday 28th
April - Kusadasi to Köycegiz - Pamukkale
We drive east today for the calcium terraces of Pamukkale (cotton
castle) and the ruins of Hierapolis. We stop for lunch then walk
around this natural phenomenon and have the option of swimming
amongst the ruins in a natural spring. We then carry on for
the quiet village of Köycegiz for our night stop.
Overnight:
Köycegiz
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner
Day
Nine: Wednesday 29th April - Köycegiz Boat cruise – Fethiye
After breakfast we board a boat and cruise across Lake Köycegiz
where we will have numerous opportunities to swim. We head for
Turtle Beach, where the Aegean and Mediterranean meet and on our
return journey back to Köycegiz we visit the mud-bath to cover
ourselves in MUCK, before jumping in the natural thermal springs.
After the cruise we take a short bus trip to our night stop in
Fethiye.
Overnight:
Fethiye
Meals:
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Day
Ten: Thursday 30th April - Fethiye
Today is a free day in Fethiye and we will arrange a shuttle service
to Ölüdeniz beach where there are many optional activities available
such as Paragliding or you can just laze on the beach.
Overnight:
Fethiye
Meals:
Breakfast & Dinner
Day
Eleven:
Friday
1st May - Fethiye to Olympos
Today we drive for the Saklikent Gorge, a mountain split formed
several years ago. We trek up a short distance and stop for
lunch at the Saklikent River Bar and Cafe. Don’t forget to bring
your bathers with you today because as we drive along the turquoise
coast for Olympos
Valley
we will stop for a swim on the way. After dinner at our night
spot at the treehouses we shall be visiting Yanartas, which
is located at the slopes of Çirali beach at the north of Olympos and
at an altitude of 300 meters.
Overnight:
Olympos
Meals:
Breakfast &
Dinner
Day
Twelve:
Saturday
2nd May -
Cappadocia Tour
After breakfast we set off for Cappadocia and upon arrival there
will be some time to relax in the hotel before dinner. Later
you will have the option of going to a Traditional Turkish
Folklore Evening, which should definitely not be missed.
If you are interested in going Hot Air Ballooning early the
following morning then please let your guide know and they will make
arrangements for you.
Overnight:
Cappadocia
Meals:
Breakfast &
Dinner
Day
Thirteen:
Sunday
3rd May -
Cappadocia Tour
Early this morning you can join an optional
Hot Air Ballooning
experience over the amazing landscape of Cappadocia. Today we
marvel at the phallic-like structures in this one of a kind region.
Our guide will lead us around Avcilar, Goreme Open
Air
Museum,
Dervent Valley, Uchisar Castle, Zelve and the pottery village of
Avanos.
Cappadocia
is the country of fairy tales. The beautiful horse country "Katpatuka,"
(as the Persians called her) is an unbelievable strip of land;
enchanting and mysterious.
Overnight:
Cappadocia
Meals:
Breakfast &
Dinner
Day
Fourteen:
Monday
4th May - Istanbul
After breakfast
we depart for one of the most interesting sites
of Cappadocia;
Derinkuyu Underground City.
The Christians hid from the armies of Rome and the raids of hostile
tribes in these self sufficient cities in which there were halls for
stocks of crop, barns, rooms, kitchens & ventilation channels.
At the conclusion of this tour we will depart for Istanbul.
Overnight:
Istanbul
Meals:
Breakfast
Day
Fifteen:
Tuesday
5th May - Tour Finishes
After breakfast our tour finishes and we bid farewell to our
new-found friends. Wherever you are heading to next,
undoubtedly you will take with you unforgettable memories and a new
understanding of the country that plays such an important part in your history.
Meals:
Breakfast
Tour Includes:
Arrival Airport Transfers
Arrival airport transfers are free for customers arriving at Ataturk
International Airport between 6am on the 21st April and
midnight on the 22nd April.
For customers arriving at Sabiha Gokcen - SAW on Easyjet
flights on the 21st April from London then we are able to
provide an arrival transfer from this airport for £15 per person.
This airport is located a significant distance from the Istanbul
city center therefore we have to charge customers for this service.
If arriving at Ataturk International Airport outside of the above
times then please contact us at time of booking to discuss your
arrival transfer requirements. In addition if arriving at
Sabiha Gokcen on airlines other than Easy Jet then also contact us
to discuss your requirements.
IMPORTANT: It is essential that customers who wish to use
our transfer service send us full flight details including airline
name, flight number, terminal number, arrival time. It is your
responsibility to ensure we have this information otherwise we
cannot guarantee that a transfer will be available.
The check in time at your hotel on day of arrival is 12 noon
so if arriving earlier than this time please be aware that you will
not be able to check in immediately when getting to the hotel but
luggage storage is available and you can relax in the hotel lobby.
Accommodation: 3 X Night Istanbul (3 Star), 3 X Night Edremit (4
Star), 2 X Night Kusadasi (3 Star), 1 X Night
Köycegiz
(3 Star), 2 X Night Fethiye (3 Star),
1 X Night Olympos Bungalow, 2 X Night Cappadocia (3 Star)
Meals: 13 X Breakfasts, 11 X Dinners, 1 X Lunch, 1 X Lunchbox
Transport: Air Conditioned (Non Smoking) Coach
All Entrance Fees
Professional English speaking Guide
Gallipoli Tour
Istanbul City Tour
Ephesus Tour (including Virgin Mary’s House and Temple of Artemis)
Pamukkale Tour
Köycegiz Tour and Boat Trip
Cappadocia Tours (2)
Anzac Day Memorial Services
Tour Excludes:
Meals unless stated
Drinks
Flight Tickets
Personal Expenses
Tips for guides and drivers
Important Information:
If you wish to arrive in Istanbul earlier than the
21st
then Samyeli Travel can arrange accommodation for
you. The cost of this is £18 for a double or
£24 for a single room and please indicate this when
making your booking under the ‘Optional Activities’
section.
Optional Activities that may be of interest with
this tour:
1. Bosphorus Boat Cruise
(Includes one free beer): £20.00 (22nd
April start 2:30pm)
2. Turkish Gala Evening (Includes meal and one
free drink): £20.00 (22nd April start
7:30pm)
3. Turkish Bath (Kusadasi): £15.00 (26th
April 2000)
On this tour you also have the option of partaking
in optional Pargliding, Folklore Evening and Hot Air
Ballooning. Your guide will discuss these
options with you during the tour and payment can be
made to them.
Time availability for optional activities may depend
on your arrival and departure times. Please
check at time of booking that you have sufficient
time available.
If you are travelling alone and would prefer to pay
the double rate then we can match you up with
someone of the same gender to share a twin/triple
room.
General Travel Information:
When booking an Anzac tour it is important to ensure
that your tour operator is a member of TURSAB which
is the Turkish regulatory body of tourist
activities. It is illegal for non-members to
operate tours in Turkey without a TURSAB license and
membership number. Samyeli Travel is a member
of TURSAB (License No:1714).
Notice:
Before you book with any agency, it is most
important that you check all the details of the
services offered. Low budget offers usually don't
cover many services, such as: entrance fees,
standard of the coaches, accommodation in Gallipoli,
professional lecture about Gallipoli, private
security, professional guide (not an escort
or offsider), references of the agency and
background.
Australian Govt. Announcement access Gallipoli ANZAC
Day 2008 The Australian Dept of Veteran Affairs is
making special arrangements for those with special
needs in an effort to assist aged and infirm
visitors.
Read more about this at:
http://www.dva.gov.au/commem/anzac/gallipoli01.htm#assistance
Also note from their website : "Travel by passenger
car to these services is not allowed and on
completion of the Dawn Service, official coaches
will depart before public coach departures to meet
Turkish protocol requirements."
Please,
Read the notice from Australian Embassy
:
A brief
warning from the Australian Embassy web site:
"Accommodation in the Gallipoli area, particularly
for the night of 24 April, is very heavily booked
well in advance of ANZAC Day. Intending travellers
will need to make bookings as early as possible to
secure accommodation.