Anzac & Ancient Egypt 2015 - 16 days

FROM USD $2,759

ANZAC Day tour 2015, commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the Gallipoli landings after visiting Turkey’s finest sites before travelling onwards to Egypt. From Istanbul, Troy, ancient Ephesus and the trenches of Gallipoli to the pyramids of Giza, felucca sailing on the Nile and tomb strewn Luxor – truly an epic adventure.

Please Note: The arrangements of this tour whilst in the Gallipoli Region are subject to changes as dictated by the ANZAC 2015 Organising Committee. This could entail re-routing some journeys or changing some sites visited on this tour.

Day 1: Istanbul

Sunday 19 April, 2015. Welcome to Istanbul! After being met at the airport you will be transferred to your hotel for the first night. The rest of the day is at leisure so why not head out and explore the fascinating city of Istanbul? Overnight - Istanbul

Day 2: Istanbul City Tour

This morning we start the day with a cruise of the Bosphorous, the stretch of water that divides Asian and European Turkey. We then take a guided city tour of the old city of Istanbul - Sultanhamet - home to the iconic Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia (exterior only) and magnificent Topkapi Palace we also travel into the underground world of Istanbul's underground cistern. An ancient Roman water cistern that filtered water for the city above. Eerily lit, this is often one of the overlooked treasures of Istanbul.

To get a true taste of Middle Eastern bizaars we later visit the Grand Bazaar, a maze of alleys and shops and the Egyptian Spice Market with its array of coloured spices and herbs. Overnight - Istanbul (B)

Day 3: Pamukkale Thermal Springs

This morning we say goodbye to Istanbul and start to travel south towards Pammukale. On the way we stop for an informative visit to a Turkish carpet weaving and manufacturing house. Overnight - Pamukkale (B, D)

Day 4: Pamukkale Thermal Springs

Pammukale - Kusadasi. Pammukale is one of Turkey’s finest natural wonders. You can take a walk throught this unusual site famous for its cascading thermal pools and striking appearance. Today we will also visit the Roman Hierapolis on top of the pools before heading over to Ephesus. Ephesus is regarded as one of the most well preserved classical cities in the Western Med. Before our final journey into coastal Kusadasi, we visit a high grade leather garment house. Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D)

Day 5: Roman Pergamum

This morning we begin to head north towards Ayvalik. On the way we pay a visit to the breath taking Roman ruins of Pergamum. Set on the top of a steep hillside we get to explore these as well as the neighbouring asclepion (ancient hospital). Overnight - Ayvalik (B, L)

Day 6: ANZAC Eve at Gallipoli

We make an early start this morning beginning our final drive towards Gallipoli. Stopping enroute to visit the famous wooden horse of Troy. Next we jump aboard the ferry and cross to the Gallipoli Peninsular. This afternoon we enjoy a delicious Turkish BBQ to commemorate ANZAC Eve then it's time to wrap up warm and pick yourself a great spot for the evening as we settle down for the night at the atmospheric ANZAC Eve vigil. Overnight - Dawn Service Site (Anzac Cove) (B, L)

Crowds at the ANZAC day Dawn Service site in Turkey

Day 7: ANZAC Day

A very early start this morning for the Dawn Service. A bugle is sounded at first light and the memorial service begins. Once this has finished everyone is free to pay their respects to other parts of the cove. Lone Pine (Australian Memorial) has the next memorial service and Chunuk Bair (New Zealand Memorial) an hour after. If you want to attend the New Zealand service it is advised that you head straight there as it is a little bit further to get to. This afternoon we head back to Istanbul arriving in the late evening. Overnight - Istanbul

Day 8: Fly Istanbul to Cairo

Today, make your own way to Cairo where your Egyptian adventure begins. Turkish Airlines offers open jaw flights between London, Istanbul and Cairo, check the THY website for more details or we can arrange flights on your behalf! If you provide us with your incoming flight details to Egypt we will be there to meet you at Cairo airport and transfer you to our hotel. Remainder of the day and evening at leisure Overnight - Cairo (B)

Day 9: The Pyramids of Giza

Cairo - Aswan. A big day out. First to the Giza Plateau to see the pyramids and lion-headed Sphinx. Onwards to Saqqara, an ancient necropolis of sand-strewn tombs and home to the great step pyramid. Zhoser’s step pyramid was the first ever constructed in 2700 BC by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect. Later there is opportunity to freshen up before boarding the overnight seater train to Aswan. Sleeper cabin upgrade available. Overnight - Seater Train (B)

Day 10: Aswan

Arrive Aswan and check into our hotel. Today, we visit the High Dam and travel by boat to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis. Remainder of day and evening free. Overnight - Aswan (B)

Days 11 - 12: Felucca Sailing

Aswan - Nile felucca cruise. Optional early morning air excursion to the colossal Temple of Abu Simbel. This afternoon, we board our Nile felucca for a 2 night voyage on the River Nile downstream, stopping along the way at local villages and islands.

If sailing by felucca is not your style, navigate the River Nile on board a 5 star Nile Cruiser with private cabin and ensuite bathroom. Add to this a sleeper train upgrade. Sleeper train cabins are fully enclosed, fitted with bunk beds, linen and washbasins. Sleeper train upgrades are offered independently. Whilst our Nile Cruise Upgrade can be purchased in conjunction with a sleeper train upgrade. Overnight - Felucca (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Day 13: Kom Ombo to Luxor

Kom Ombo - Edfu - Luxor. Disembarking in Kom Ombo we visit the temple before travelling to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, a huge complex that began construction in 237 BC! We then continue to Luxor. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at it’s best. Enjoy some rest and relaxation. Tonight, an optional visit to the Temple of Luxor is available alternatively, enjoy the facilities of our hotel. Overnight - Luxor (B)

The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut on the West Bank in Luxor

Day 14: The Valley of the Kings

Luxor - Cairo. Optional early morning hot air balloon ride over Luxor before crossing to the west side of the Nile and commencing our tour of the Valley of the Kings. One of the first sights you’ll see is the Colossi of Memnon. This huge pair of enthroned statues is all that remains of the temple of Amenophis III. Touring of Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Tonight we travel by overnight train back to Cairo. Sleeper cabin upgrade available. Overnight - Seater Train (B)

Day 15: Egyptian Museum

Arrival and hotel check-in. Later, we visit the famous Egyptian Museum, famed for the treasures of King Tutankhamen and his famous solid gold funerary mask. The museum also has a bounty of other treasures, one could spend days wandering the great halls. This afternoon is free - perhaps spend the remainder of the day exploring Cairo your way. Overnight - Cairo (B)

Day 16: Cairo

Hotel check out and included onward departure transfer to airport. (B)

FROM USD $2,759

Prices & Departure Dates

Prices shown are per person travelling. 'Twin/Double' prices per person apply when there are 2 people travelling, sharing a room. Due to capacity restraints we do not offer single rooms on the Turkey component of this ANZAC tour. We will match up all single travelers with another fellow passenger of the same sex. We can also do this in Egypt, should you choose. Alternatively it is possible to book a single room for the Egypt component of your holiday and the single supplement detailed below can be added to the 'Twin/Double' price, allowing for the comfort of single room from days 8 - 16.

If booking pre or post tour accommodation in either Istanbul or Cairo, single travellers will need to pay the single supplement for nights booked.

Please note that the connecting flight between Istanbul-Cairo or v v. is not included in the cost of the tour and will need to be arranged independently, or contact us and we will be happy to arrange it for you.

Whilst every effort has been made to provide you with an accurate cost for this tour, prices are subject ot change. Additional costs may apply should hoteliers, transportation companies or the guiding association increase their prices/fees for arrangements relating to the event.

2015

Date	Price/Person	Single Supp.
19 APR - 04 MAY	USD $2,759	USD $359

Highlights & Inclusions

Below is a list of key highlights and what is included on this tour. Further, where appropriate, we have listed the items that are not included in the tour price.

Trip Highlights

Cairo - Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau, Necropolis of Saqqara, Egyptian Museum
Nile felucca cruising - islands en route
Edfu - Temple of Horus
Pamukkale thermal pools and Roman Hierapolis
Aegean coast and Kusadasi
Gallipoli Peninsular - ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine & Chunuk Bair memorials, National services of Australia or New Zealand
Roman ruins of Pergamum and Ephesus
Visits to the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Market

Aswan - High Dam and Philae Temple
Kom Ombo - Temple of Kom Ombo
Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut
Bosphorus Strait - the strategic waterway dividing Europe and Asia
Carpet weaving demonstration
ANZAC Dawn Service, battlefields and trenches of Gallipoli
Istanbul - old city, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Hippodrome, Hagia Sofia and the Underground Cistern

What's Included

14 breakfasts, 4 lunches (including our ANZAC afternoon BBQ) and 4 dinners
2 nights aboard felucca (open deck)
Airport arrival transfer in Egypt on day 1 and departure transfer on day 9. Airport arrival transfer in Turkey on day 9 from Ataturk International Airport.
Guided sightseeing of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque, Underground Cistern, Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia and Hippodrome area.
Visits to the Grand Bazaar and Egyptian Spice Market in Istanbul
Guided sightseeing of the Roman ruins of Ephesus and Pergamum, Pamukkale/Hierapolis
All relevant transfer and transportation in private modern air-conditioned vehicles

3 nights 4 - 5 star hotels in Egypt and 6 nights 4 star and special class hotels in Turkey
2 nights overnight seater train (Sleeper train upgrade available)
Touring of Cairo, Giza, Saqqara, Aswan, Edfu & Luxor
Cruise along the Bosphorus in Istanbul
Guided sightseeing of Gallipoli (subject to site opening times set by the Anzac Day Organising Committee).
Escorted by an English speaking tour guide degree qualified in Egyptology (Egypt) and a qualified Turkish tour guide (Turkey).
Commemorative ANZAC hoodie/ jumper

What's Not Included

International flights and visa

Tip for your tour guide and driver. We recommend you allow $3 - 5 USD per day, per traveller to cover tips for these mentioned above. Tipping your tour guide and driver is an entirely personal gesture

Hotels

The hotels listed below are ones which we frequently use on this tour. We reserve the right to substitute these hotels to ones of a similar standard when necessary.

Novotel Istanbul - Istanbul

Spacious and modern and contemporary in design the Novotel is a popular choice when staying in Istanbul. All guest rooms are spacious, bright with excellent amenities. The restaurant offers a great selection of cuisine and in the morning a wake up call before a top full buffet breakfast is the perfect way to start the day. The Novotel is located on the shores of the Sea of Marmara betwen the airport and the old city.

Our Rating : Superior — Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel

Lycus River - Pamukkale

Just a short drive from the famous travertines and terraces, the huge Lycus River Spa Complex is a traveller’s thermal paradise. The fantastic facilities include interlinking indoor and outdoor thermal pools, complimentary Wi-Fi and excellent dining. The leisure facilities are endless and rooms are bright, comfortable and all come with a private balcony. Well located just a short journey from Pamukkale and Hieroplis.

Our Rating : Superior — Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel

Tatlises Hotel - Kusadasi

Looking out across the Aegean Sea, the Hotel Tatlises is modern and bright offering fantastic views from its upper floors. All guestrooms have excellent facilities and offer a pool or sea view. Wi-Fi is available throughout and the outdoor restaurant serves excellent Turkish and International cuisine. A refreshing early morning dip in the outdoor pool is a great way to start the day. The hotel is located a few blocks from the beach and in the middle of Kusadasi town.

Our Rating : Superior — Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel

Oasis Hotel - Cairo

Just a stone's throw from the Pyramids, the Oasis Hotel is a classic Egyptian hotel with beautiful expansive gardens. Rooms are very spacious with comfortable beds and fantastic en suite facilities. Wi-Fi is available and the buffet breakfast offers a good spread. In the evening the outdoor pool and fountains are lit up making the restaurant and bar the perfect place to spend an evening sipping on a cold glass of beer. Well located in Giza on the Cairo-Alexandria Road. The pyramids and Sphinx are all close by.

Our Rating : Superior — Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel

Pyramisa Isis Corniche - Aswan

Situated on the banks of the Nile, the Isis Corniche offers panoramic views of this famous river. Guest rooms are spacious and comfortable, all with either a garden or pool view. Free Wi-Fi is available in the lobby and there is a beautiful outdoor pool. In the evening, why not sip a refreshing beverage by the pool whilst watching the world go by on the Nile. Perfectly located in the centre of Aswan, with shops, the local market and even a McDonalds just a few minutes walk away.

Our Rating : Standard — Local Rating: 4 Star Hotel