Compare Glories Of Turkey by Indus Travels vs Treasures of Turkey - with Anzac Day, Small Group, 2022 With Anzac Day Small Group by Insight Vacations

On arrival at Istanbul Ataturk International Airport you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This evening enjoy a welcome briefing. Overnight in Istanbul

Today we start our day with a visit to the impressive Topkapi Palace (Harem not included), which served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the 16th and 19th centuries. Visit the magnificent Haghia Sophia (St Sophia’s Basilica) built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century. It is one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels. Visit the fascinating and impressive Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), famous for its six minarets, its beautiful blue Iznik tiles, unique architecture and marble latticework. Last but not the least visit Spice Market, the best place to pick up dried fruits and nuts, spices, olives, Turkish delight, and oils.  

Overnight in Istanbul 

This morning, depart for Gallipoli and visit Anzac Cove, named after the acronym from the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) in World War I. Continue to the Lone Pine Cemetery before crossing into the Dardanelles to Canakkale.

Overnight in Canakkale

This morning, visit the legendary city of Troy to uncover ancient Greek mythology and the history of the Trojan war. Later, we cross the mountain Ida before arriving to Pergamum to visit the Acropolis.

Overnight in Kusadasi. 

After breakfast, a short drive to visit Ephesus where we will have the opportunity to discover and understand the rich history behind local handicrafts like hand-made carpets and leather goods. We continue to the marvelous village of Sirince where can experience one of the most beautiful villages in Turkey. You will have time for shopping and to taste delicious wines of the village. Return to Kusadasi after.

Overnight in Kusadasi. 

Today after breakfast you will be driven through the meander plain and cotton farms at Pamukkale. Here, we can explore the combination of history and nature: Pamukkale, the “cotton castle” which is a natural site containing hot springs and terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. You will also visit the ancient city of Hierapolis built on top of this white castle.

Overnight in Pamukkale.

This morning we drive to the lakeside town of Koycegiz.  Here we take a boat cruise to turtle beach and smother ourselves in mud at the local mud bath. En route to Fethiye, Turkey's southwestern Turquoise Coast which is known for its natural harbor, blue waters and numerous rock tombs.

Overnight in Fethiye 

After breakfast, you will explore the quaint Greek village of Kayakoy. In the afternoon, you will be taken to Oludeniz; where you will have the chance to relax at the turquoise and aquamarine waters of this scenic beach. Return to the hotel after.

Overnight in Fethiye 

After breakfast, we visit the stunningly beautiful Saklikent Gorge, Turkey's longest and deepest canyon. After tracking along the canyon we will continue to Antalya crossing the Taurus Mountains, upon arrival visit Duden Waterfall. Dinner at your hotel.

Overnight in Antalya      

Early departure for Konya, stopping en route for a visit at Aspendos ancient Theater. Upon arrival to Konya, we visit Mevlana Mausoleum and Whirling Dervishes convernt. The Mevlevi Whirling Dervishes is a mystical Sufi Muslim group. We continue our Journey to biblical Cappadocia. Last but not the least visit to ancient caravanserai on the Silk Road.

Overnight in Cappadocia.

After breakfast enjoy a full day excursion in Cappadocia including a visit to the Kaymakli Underground City where early Christians hid from persecutors. The Open-Air Museum in Goreme One of Turkey's Unesco World Heritage Sites It contains the finest of the rock-cut churches, with beautiful frescoes (wall paintings) whose colors still retain all their original freshness. We will also stop at the rock cut fortress of Uchisar in Pigeon Valley, offers a panoramic view over the surrounding landscape of valleys, mountains, and towns. 

Overnight in Cappadocia 

This morning departs for Safranbolu en-route visiting the capital of Turkey, Ankara, to take a tour of Ataturk’s Mausoleum to visit the tomb of the leader of the Turkish War of Independence. This is the burial place of the national hero who founded modern Republic of Turkey. We then continue our drive on to Safranbolu, an UNESCO World Heritage site, which is considered an open-air museum. Tonight, we stay at an old ottoman mansion. 

After breakfast visit the old town of Safranbolu where you can test the fine sample of Turkish delights then continue to drive to Istanbul. In the afternoon visit Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world.

Overnight in Istanbul 

Today you will be transferred back to Istanbul International Airport for your onward flight. 

Day 1: Welcome to Istanbul

Welcome to Turkey. You’ll start in vibrant Istanbul, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll be close to Taksim Square, which is famous for its Republic Monument, dining and shopping options. Join your Travel Director at 18:30 for a Welcome Reception and Dinner, where you’ll get to know your fellow travellers.

Day 2: Bosphorus Cruise and Bursa

In the morning embark on a cruise along Bosphorus Strait, one of the world’s busiest waterways. Leisurely cruise past the quaint fishing villages that line its shores. Travel towards the old city and see the beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses, on the waterfront. Later, leave Istanbul for Bursa. A large city in northwest Turkey, it was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the city’s bazaars, silk markets and historic monuments. This evening, venture to a local restaurant for a tasty meal.

Day 3: Cumalikizik and Gordion

Begin your day of culture in Bursa with a visit to the Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and the Mausoleum complex. Continue to the charming village of Cumalikizik, with its traditional wooden houses and very narrow cobblestone streets. Later you’ll head to Gordion, which was once the capital city of ancient Phrygia, as you make your way to Turkey’s modern capital, Ankara. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel, the Hilton SA. Perhaps take a dip in its indoor pool or unwind in its jacuzzi or hammam.

Day 4: Sophisticated Ankara

A day for history enthusiasts, explore Turkey’s bustling cultural capital, Ankara. Sightseeing includes a visit to the Hittite Museum and Anit Kabir, the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey. Later, head to Avanos in Cappadocia. Famed for its unique geological formation, Cappadocia is a scenic delight with golden hills and panoramic views.

Day 5: The Underground Cities of Cappadocia Experience

With its striking golden, volcanic landscapes, underground city and otherworldly buildings, Cappadocia could never be called ordinary. At every turn you’ll be delighted with yet another geographical or architectural surprise. Today you’ll travel to the striking town of Göreme. Explore its rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Uçhisar Kadineli Restaurant and get a taste of Anatolia’s regional flavours. This establishment provides employment for the women of the village and supports their financial freedom. Next, continue on to the Pasabag Valley and visit the underground city of Özkonak where you’ll have time to explore its tunnels and holes with your Travel Director. Later, join a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. Explore this unique way of living, learning about local traditions and family life. Dinner tonight will be at a local restaurant, later you’ll witness a performance of Whirling Dervishes.

Day 6: Konya

Start your day by learning more about traditional pottery making in Avanos. It’s then time to take a journey along the famous Silk Road to visit a 13th century caravanserai, a historic roadside inn where travellers would rest and recover after a day’s journey, most notably along the iconic road itself. Later, you’ll head to Turkey’s most religious city, Konya, the old capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire. Once here, visit the Mevlana Museum, with its beautiful fluted turquoise dome, and see the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret.

Day 7: Through the Taurus Mountains

You day begins with a scenic drive down the Taurus Mountains to Aspendos, an ancient city in Antalya. Known for having the best-preserved Roman theatre anywhere in the world, learn more as you explore it with your fellow travellers. Continue to your hotel for the next two nights and enjoy time to relax.

Day 8: Antalya's Old Town

Start your day with a visit to Antalya's pretty Old Town, with its souvenir markets and sweeping sea views. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, explore Antalya at your own pace. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on places to explore in the city, take a stroll around the harbour or perhaps take a boat trip off the coast.

Day 9: The Pools of Pamukkale

Cross the soaring Taurus Mountains to see the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Next to the ruins, you can see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director. Later, head back to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex.

Day 10: Izmir

Start your morning with a trip to the Temple of Aphrodite, dedicated to the goddess of love, beauty and fertility, in Geyre. Based in the ruins of the ancient city of Aphrodisias, it was the focal point of the city in its heyday. You’ll see the towering, fourteen columns of the temple that have been re-erected. End your day in the quaint Aegan port of Izmir.

Day 11: Ancient Ephesus

Today you’ll spend the day exploring pretty Izmir, Turkey’s third largest city. A vibrant destination on Turkey’s Aegean coast, it is was founded by the Greeks and has been an important port since ancient times. Explore one of the world's finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheatre, before visiting the House of the Virgin Mary, situated above the Ephesus ruins.

Day 12: Canakkale

Dawn and first light signals the commencement of the annual Dawn Service. Attend alongside Australian, New Zealand and other foreign dignitaries and military personnel to honour the fallen soldiers. After, return to your hotel for the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps relax poolside with a cocktail and admire the beautiful surroundings or book in for one of the many treatments on offer at the hotel spa.

Day 13: Gallipoli and ANZAC Cove

This morning, cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, it was here that, for nine months during the Great War, Anzac troops fought, in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and pay your respects at the Lone Pine Cemetery. Later, return to Istanbul where you’ll spend the next two nights.

Day 14: Istanbul and the Ottoman Empire

Today you’ll take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning visit the historic Blue Mosque. Made up of domes and minarets, head inside and see its beautiful blue tiled interiors. See the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia. Built in A.D. 537, it is famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar. In the evening, join your fellow travellers and toast to your trip over a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 15: Farewell Istanbul

It’s time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head.