Wednesday 20th April 2011. Welcome to Turkey and the start of a memorable ANZAC experience! Upon arrival at the airport you will be transfered to your hotel. This evening your tour guide will host a short welcome meeting. Overnight - Istanbul

Today we enjoy a classic guided walking tour of the old city. Officially founded by Emperor Constantine in AD326, the city formally known as Constantinople remained capital of the Byzantine and Ottoman empires up until 1923. It’s illustrious past leaves a rich legacy of churches, mosques, palaces and museums, complemented by the behemoth Grand Bazaar and colourful street life. Enjoy our classic city tour taking in the Hippodrome area, the stunning Blue Mosque - famed for it’s blue Iznik tiles and unique 6 minarets, Hagia Sofia - constructed as a grand basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian, the underground cistern and Topkapi Palace and more. This afternoon we hone our bargaining skills at the Egyptian Spice market and famed Grand Bazaar – one of the largest covered markets in the world, boasting more than 4000 stores. Tonight, we enjoy a traditional Turkish dinner at a well known waterfront restaurant. Overnight - Istanbul (B, D)

Istanbul - Gallipoli. An early morning departure to the WW1 battlefields on the Gallipoli Peninsular. The futile campaign, infamously known as Gallipoli, is poignantly etched in history. In the fierce struggle for Turkish territory, thousands perished as the odds were resolutely stacked against them. The Turks sustained terrible losses. Thousands of Australian, New Zealand, British, French and Indian Allied troops also died. This afternoon we walk in their footsteps and tour ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial, Johnston’s Jolly, the trenches and the new ANZAC museum. We cross the Dardanelles at the point known as the Narrows by ferry. Overnight - Canakkale (B, D)

Today offers free time for you to relax or independently explore the Canakkale region. Consider heading down to the seaside to watch the local fishing boats and traders go about the day, visit the local museum, take coffee at one of the many al fresco cafes or enjoy a stroll along the beachfront adjoining our hotel looking out upon the Dardanelles. Later this afternoon we'll drive in to town to enjoy sunset by the waters edge and allow time for you to dine at one of the many local seafood restaurants. Overnight - Canakkale (B)

Returning to the Gallipoli Peninsular, we attend the Turkish International Service and watch the Turkish Air Force display at Mehmetcik Abide. Later we tour the Cape Hellas area, with visits to V-beach, Sedulbahir Fortress, the British Memorial site and Achi Baba.

At noon we'll attend the short Commonwealth Service before enjoying a spectacular afternoon. Sailing the Gallipoli coastline on a local fishing boat we view ANZAC Cove and the rugged cliff face seeing it as our brave young soldiers did. On board, we'll enjoy a picnic lunch of fresh fish, local cheese, olives, tomatoes and further produce from the region.

Afterward, we venture to Hill 971, the highest point of the Sari Bair Ridge. It was the objective of the 4th Infantry Brigade to seize the high ground between Hill 971 and Chunuk Bair in order to secure a drive across the peninsula to capture the forts guarding the Straits. An assault on the summit attempted on 8 August proved a costly failure. Onward to Scrubby Knoll - the forward Head Quarters for the Turkish Generals and Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk). Time permitting we may visit the small fishing village of Kilitbahir - meaning lock of the sea and Kilitbahir Fort. Kilitbahir known for its fort was built in 1453 by Mehmet II the Conqueror, as part of his successful siege on Constantinople. The naval battle of the Dardanelles in the Gallipoli campaign took place here, from the strategically placed fort prior to the army landings. Overnight - Canakkale (B, L, D)

Hotel breakfast box. Returning to the battlefields (departing our hotel at approx 02:00am) allows us time to soak up the atmosphere at the Dawn Service site. First light heralds a poignant bugle call and commencement of the Dawn Service. After the service, you can take time to independently explore the trenches and memorial sites before walking to the Australian Memorial Service at Lone Pine or New Zealand Memorial Service, Chunuk Bair. Later this afternoon, we meet up with our coach and return to Canakkale for a bit of R&R! Overnight - Canakkale (B, D)

Canakkale – Troy - Kusadasi. Today, we continue to Troy. The legend of the lost city and Homer’s ‘The Iliad’ was bought alive by it’s rediscovery in 1863. Subsequent excavations revealed nine ancient cities, one on top of the other, dating back to 3000 BC. We enjoy a tour of the ruins and view a replica of the stoic Trojan wooden horse. Driving south, we arrive at the Aegean coastal town of Kusadasi. The remains of the evening at spent at leisure. Overnight - Kusadasi (B, D)

Kusadasi - Sirince – Istanbul. Today, we tour the impressive and extensive ancient ruins of Ephesus, hands-down the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. One of the greatest of the Ionian cities, it became the leading seaport of the region. Its wealth was proverbial. The Greek city was near an old center of worship of a native nature goddess, who was equated with the Greek Artemis, and in 550 BC a large temple was built. From Lydian control Ephesus passed to the Persian Empire and onto Alexander the Great taking control of the city in 334AD. The city continued to thrive during the wars of his successors, it kept its hegemony and was the leading city of the province of Asia. The great temple of Artemis, called by the Romans the temple of Diana, was considered remarkable for its time. The city revelled in its prosperity from commerce and visiting pilgrims who came to see its great Temple of Artemis - one of the Seven Ancient Wonders. We’ll also visit a Carpet weaving co-operative where we learn how the carpets are dyed, stitched and woven by hand.

Our afternoon is spent at the picturesque mountain village of Sirince. Here we have time to rest, unwind and sample the renown local wine. The Orthodox village features typical Greek houses, eclectic café’s, handicrafts and impressive vine-yards. Afterwards we transfer to the airport for our late evening flight to Istanbul. Enjoy lunch with wine tasting in Sirince. Overnight - Istanbul (B, L)

Thursday 28th April 2011. Breakfast. As our tour concludes we say goodbye to our new friends. Hotel check out and onward departure transfer. Istanbul (B)