Royal Engineers - 8 days

FROM USD $1,629

ANZAC Day Tour, Gallipoli 2015. Starts: 19th April. Commemorate the 100 year anniversary of the ANZAC landings with a once in a lifetime journey through Turkey. Start in Istanbul before heading south to Pamukkale, Ephesus and Pergamum. Finish off the tour with a night at ANZAC Cove for the dawn service.

Please Note: The arrangements of our Royal Engineers 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 - east meets west
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 begin by heading out onto the Bosphorus Strait for a chance to see Istanbul from the water. Afterwards we step back on dry land and take in some of the city’s best landmarks including the iconic Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia (exterior only), Topkapi Palace and the Hippodrome of Constantinople - an old sporting and social centre. Later we explore the Roman underground cistern, covered with glistening spot lights and full of intricately carved columns. We also visit the lively and colourful Egyptian Spice Market and Grand Bazaar, where you will be able to try your hand at haggling. Overnight - Istanbul (B)
Royal Engineers - 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 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 and ancient Ephesus. Ephesus is regarded as one of the best 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, D)
A Turkish memorial at Gallipoli in Turkey
Day 6: ANZAC Eve 2015 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. Once in Gallipoli we embark upon an informative guided tour of the area. Taking in evocative war memorials, original trenches and memorial gardens. Tonight we enjoy a delicious Turkish BBQ to commemorate ANZAC Eve. 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)
Australians at the ANZAC 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: Istanbul
After breakfast we are transferred back to the airport for our onward flights. (B)

The Royal Engineers - Australian Army


The Royal Australian Engineers is one of the only Australian ANZAC troops who are still serving today. Beginning as a small regular force (of the Australian Army) in charge of defending the coast of the capital cities. Once Royal Assent was given in 1907 they were given the title Australian Engineers and went on to be a force of distinction serving in Sinai, Palestine, France, Belgium and of course Gallipoli.


One of their many responsibilities at Gallipoli was the important role of acting as signallers. Signallers were crucial for communicating with the commanders as to where their troops were, what they were doing and how much supplies they had. They did this by laying wires between HQ and the troops and using them at nightfall. This was a very dangerous job and they had to be extremely brave as they also had to maintain these lines of communications as well as running through the trenches to pass on and receive messages.

 

 



Tour Details
  • Starts in: Istanbul / Ends in: Istanbul
  • Departs: Sunday 19 April 2015
  • No local payment required
  • Breakfast:6, Lunch: 1, Dinner: 3
  • Hotel Rating: 4 Star & Special Class
  • Tour Guide: Yes
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