Otago Mounted Rifles - 8 days
FROM USD $1,629
Family Tour - ANZAC Day, Gallipoli 2015. Starts: 19th April. Take your family on a poignant pilgrimage to ANZAC Cove to commemorate the historic 100th anniversary in 2015 and explore the wonders of Turkey including giant Trojan horses and Ottoman Palaces, white sparkling thermal pools, ancient amphitheatres and underground cisterns.
Please Note: The arrangements of our Otago Mounted Rifles 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
Welcome to Turkey! You’ll be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel for your first night. The rest of the day is free for you to explore the amazing city of Istanbul. Overnight - Istanbul
Day 2: Istanbul City Tour
Today we get to tour the amazing city of Istanbul. Starting with a classic morning cruise up the Bosphorus Strait. Afterwards we will explore all the city has to offer starting with the iconic Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia (exterior only as it is closed on Mondays) and the Topkapi Palace. Later on we take a trip to the ancient underground cistern, this eerie yet mystical place is covered with spotlights which makes the water shimmer with an abundance of dancing lights and ripples are noticed whenever a fish swims by. We'll also head over to the lively and colourful Egyptian Spice Market and the famous Grand Bizarre, here you will be able to put your haggling skills into practice. Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Otago Mounted Rifles - 8 days Go Guide : :Check out the go guide for details of the tour, info on visas, climate, money, what to bring and more!
Day 3: Pamukkale
This morning we leave the city of Istanbul and begin our journey south. We're heading for Pammukale, the next part of our journey. On the way we stop by a traditional Turkish carpet weaving and manufacturing house where we will have the opportunity to learn more about the history and importance of Turkish carpets. We spend the night in Pamukkale. Overnight - Pamukkale (B, D)
Day 4: Pamukkale & Ephesus
Pammukale is an unusual site famous for its cascading thermal pools and unique appearance. Take a walk through the pools and experience one of Turkey’s best natural wonders. We also visit the ruins of the Roman Hierapolis which sit above the pools. Next we head over to Ephesus, arguably one of the most well preserved classical cities in the Western Med. Later on we visit a high grade leather garment house and then stop the night in beautiful coastal Kusadasi. Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D)
Day 5: Roman Pergamum
Today we continue north and visit the stunning Roman ruins of Pergamum. Located on the top of a steep hillside you can explore these as well as the neighbouring asclepion (ancient hospital). Next we continue onto Ayvalik on the gorgeous Aegean coast for the night. Overnight - Ayvalik (B, D)
Day 6: ANZAC Eve at Gallipoli
We are up bright and early this morning as we begin our final drive towards Gallipoli. We stop enroute for a visit to the famous wooden horse of Troy. Next we jump aboard the ferry and cross to the Gallipoli Peninsular. When we arrive into Gallipoli we start an informative guided tour of this historic area. We take in emotive war memorials and the trenches. This evening we tuck into a delicious Turkish BBQ to commemorate ANZAC Eve. Be sure to wrap up warm and grab yourself a fantastic spot for the evening as we settle down for the night at the atmospheric ANZAC Eve vigil. Overnight - Anzac Cove (B, L)
Day 7: Istanbul
First light is greeted with a bugle call and the ANZAC dawn memorial service begins. Afterwards, everyone is free to pay their respects and explore 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: Istanbul
Our tour ends after breakfast and hotel check-out today. (B)
Otago Mounted Rifles - New Zealand Army
Formed in 1911, the Otago Mounted Rifles were a New Zealand Regiment put together purely for service in the Great War. They comprised of units from the Territorial Force including a number of Rifle companies from the South Island. As well as serving in the Battle of Gallipoli they were the only New Zealand Mounted troops to serve in France. Other notable battles that they were involved in included the Battle of Flers-Courcelette, Battle of Le Transloy, Battle of Arras and the Battle of Havrincourt.
Sir Henry Kelliher enlisted with the Rifles when he was a teenager, fought at Gallipoli and on the Somme. On returning to New Zealand he became a successful business man in the wine and spirit business and went on to implement a free milk scheme for New Zealand school children during the depression. He was later knighted in 1963.
Tour Details
- Starts in: Istanbul / Ends in: Istanbul
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:6, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 3
- Hotel Rating: 4 Star & Special Class
- Tour Guide: Yes
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