Anzacs & Pharaohs 2015 - 16 days
FROM USD $3,549
Family Tour - ANZAC Day 2015, spend ANZAC Day with your family and pay your respects as well as taking in the key sites of Turkey and ancient Egypt. From Ottoman Istanbul to Pharonic Cairo and so much more in between – a truly unique family getaway.
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 - Gateway to the Orient
Sunday 19 April, 2015. Welcome to Istanbul and the start of your memorable ANZAC journey! You'll be met at the airport by one of our representatives and transferred to your hotel. The remiander of the day offers free time for you to explore bustling Istanbul - a city that straddles 2 continents! Overnight - Istanbul
Day 2: Istanbul
This morning after enjoying a relaxing 2 hour cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, we then embark on a fully guided tour of Turkey’s largest city. We’ll take in the iconic Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, the Underground Cistern, Hagia Sofia (exterior only) and Topkapi Palace. Later this afternoon we hone our bargaining skills at the famed Grand Bazaar – boasting more than 4000 stores and take a walk through the ever lively exotic Egyptian Spice Market.
Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Day 3: Pamukkale
Istanbul - Pamukkale. This morning after breakfast we travel south to the magnificent white calcium terraces at Pamukkale. This magnificent natural wonder is popular for it's amazing thermal pools that contain ancient Roman ruins. We are due to arrive at our destination in late afternoon. The hotel has a great indoor pool, so why not spend some time relaxing here. Overnight - Pamukkale (B, D)
Day 4: Pamukkale Thermal Springs
Pamukkale - Kusadasi. Today we tour the Roman Hierapolis which sits at the top of Pamukkale’s travertine source, where we enjoy a short tour. Here, you can walk barefoot along the terraces allowing the mineral rich waters to wash over your feet or opt for a dip in the Pamukkale Thermal Springs - an amazing pool full of sunken Roman columns. Continuing all things Roman, we enjoy a guided visit at Ephesus - perhaps the best preserved classical city on the Eastern Med. We’ll also take in a fashion stop at a top-grade leather garment house, before driving to coastal Kusadasi, where we can relax and enjoy the hotel’s facilities. Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D)
Day 5: Roman Ruins of 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: Troy & Anzac Cove
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. Once in Gallipoli we embark upon an informative guided tour of the area (dependent on whether the official organisers allow access). Taking in evocative war memorials and original trenches. 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)
Day 7: ANZAC Day - 2015
A very early start this morning for the Dawn Service. With first light a bugle is sounded and the memorial service begins. Once this has finished everyone is free to pay their respects to other parts of the cove. The crowd then make there way to Lone Pine (Australian Memorial) for the Australian memorial service and Chunuk Bair (New Zealand Memorial) for the New Zealand service. 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 and it is difficult to see both due to them being some distance apart. This afternoon we head back to Istanbul arriving in the late evening. Overnight - Istanbul
Day 8: Istanbul to Cairo
Today, make your 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: Pyramids of Giza and Saqqara
Today, we visit the pyramids and Sphinx at Giza Plateau. Sole survivors from the ancient Greek-listed Seven Wonders of the World. Gaze in awe at the largest of the three great pyramids - Cheops, constructed from over 2.5 million limestone blocks it took more than 20 years to construct. After we take a camel ride accross the desert sands.
Continuing to Saqqara, we can explore the myriad tombs and temples at this site and see Zhoser’s step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect in 2700 BC! Later there is a chance to have dinner before the overnight train to Aswan. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Continuing to Saqqara, we can explore the myriad tombs and temples at this site and see Zhoser’s step pyramid - constructed by Imhotep, the pharaoh’s chief architect in 2700 BC! Later there is a chance to have dinner before the overnight train to Aswan. Overnight - Cairo (B)
Day 10: Cairo to Aswan
Enjoy a day at leisure, perhaps explore the markets of Khan Khalili or relax by the swimming pool. This evening we take the sleeper train to Aswan. Overnight - Sleeper Train (B)
Day 11: Philae Temple & Camel Trekking
Arrive and check into our hotel. A visit out of town takes us to the mighty High Dam – a modern feat of engineering - creating the world’s largest artificial lake, Lake Nasser! This afternoon's highlight is a leisurely boat trip to Agilika Island for Philae Temple for a guided tour of the romantic Philae Temple - dedicated to the goddess Isis. As the sun sets, free time to shop in the colourful souqs and markets or simply relax and watch an amazing sunset in Egypt's southern most town straddling the River Nile.
Later we take a camek trek to St Simeon's Monastery, one of the largest Coptic Monasteries in the world dating back 6th Century. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Later we take a camek trek to St Simeon's Monastery, one of the largest Coptic Monasteries in the world dating back 6th Century. Overnight - Aswan (B)
Day 12: The Magnificent Abu Simbel
Aswan - Luxor. Early morning air excursion to the famed Temples of Abu Simbel, the rock-cut temple of King Ramses II, the Great Builder. This afternoon, we board a Nile felucca for a voyage downstream on the River Nile and experience how the ancients travelled this vast land. Later we drive to Luxor, once known as the ancient city of Thebes and now considered to be one of the world's largest open air museums. Overnight - Luxor (B)
Day 13: The Valley of the Kings
An early start allows us to avoid some of the fierce midday heat as we venture to the tomb strewn Valley of the Kings. Consider opting to join our hot air ballooning excursion over ancient Thebes - fabulous early in the morning! Highlights of the visit include the Colossi of Memnon, a massive pair of statues that stand silent against the backdrop of history, the Valleys of the Kings and the awesome ramped and colonnaded Temple of Queen Hatshepsut.
This evening we visit Luxor Temple, a classic design and beautifully lit up at night giving it an eerie aura. Overnight - Luxor (B)
This evening we visit Luxor Temple, a classic design and beautifully lit up at night giving it an eerie aura. Overnight - Luxor (B)
Day 14: Mighty Karnak Temple
Today we take a visit to the colossal Temple of Karnak, with its stone-columned Hypostle Hall. Karnak dates back many centuries through some of the great dynasties and was added to over the years making it one of Egypt's largest and most impressive temples. This evening we take the overnight sleeper train back to Cairo. Overnight - Sleeper 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. 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. Happy Travels! (B)
Tour Details
- Starts in: Istanbul / Ends in: Cairo
- Departs: Sunday 19 April, 2015
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:14, Lunch: 2, Dinner: 2
- Hotel Rating: 4 star, 5 star & Special Class
- Tour Guide: Yes
The Inside Track
Gallipoli – Coming Home
By John Stuart. John Stuart has kindly permitted us to share his poignant piece ‘Coming with ..
ANZAC Day in Egypt
A member of our team shares her experiences of the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Commonwealth War ..