Treasures of Turkey with ANZAC Day

Welcome to Turkey. Your journey begins in vibrant Istanbul, the only city in the world that spans two continents: Europe and Asia, where a representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. Relax and settle in before joining your Travel Director and fellow travellers for dinner. (D) Stay: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul

In the morning, embark on a cruise along Bosphorus Strait, one of the world's busiest waterways. Leisurely cruise past the quaint fishing villages that line its shores. Travel towards the old city and see the beautiful Ottoman palaces and fortresses along the waterfront.

Later, leave Istanbul for Bursa, a large city in northwest Turkey that was the first major capital of the Ottoman Empire. Visit the Green Mosque, the Grand Mosque and the Mausoleum Complex. There will be time in the afternoon to explore the city's bazaars, silk markets and historic monuments.

This evening, venture to a local restaurant for a tasty meal. (B/D) Stay: Mövenpick Bursa and Thermal Spa

Begin your day in the charming village of Cumalıkızık, with its traditional wooden houses and narrow cobblestone streets.

Later, head to Gordion, which was once the capital city of ancient Phrygia, as you make your way to Turkey's modern capital, Ankara. Enjoy a relaxed evening at your hotel, the Hilton SA. Perhaps take a dip in its indoor pool or unwind in its jacuzzi or hammam. (B) Stay: Ankara HiltonSA

A day for history enthusiasts, explore Turkey's bustling cultural capital, Ankara. Sightseeing includes visits to the Hittite Museum and the Mausoleum of Atatürk, Turkey's greatest modern leader and the first President of the Republic of Turkey.

Later, head to Avanos in Cappadocia. Famed for its unique geological formation, Cappadocia is a scenic delight with golden hills and panoramic views. Visit the underground city of Özkonak, carved into soft volcanic rock. (B/D) Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Avanos, Cappadocia

With its striking golden, volcanic landscapes, underground city and otherworldly buildings, Cappadocia is anything but ordinary. At every turn you'll be delighted with yet another geographical or architectural surprise. Today, travel to the striking town of Göreme and explore its rock-hewn churches decorated with ancient wall paintings. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience at the Uçhisar Kadineli Restaurant and savour the regional flavours of Anatolia. This establishment provides employment for local women and supports their financial freedom.

Next, continue on to the Paşabağ Valley, then meet a Cappadocian local who has lived in the city for decades and take a tour of their cave house. Explore this unique way of living and learn about local traditions and family life. This evening, witness a performance of Whirling Dervishes before dining at a local restaurant. (B/L/D)

Start your day by learning more about traditional pottery-making in Avanos. It's then time to take a journey along the famous Silk Road to visit a 13th-century caravanserai, a historic roadside inn where travellers would rest and recover after a day's journey, most notably along the iconic road itself.

Later, you'll head to Turkey's most religious city, Konya, the old capital of the Anatolian Seljuk Empire. (B/D) Stay: Novotel Konya

See the Karatay Medrese and Ince Minaret Medrese, and visit the Mevlana Museum before a scenic drive scenic drive through Taurus Mountains to Aspendos, an ancient city in Antalya. Known for having the best-preserved Roman theatre anywhere in the world, learn more as you explore it with your fellow travellers. (B/D) Stay: Akra Antalya

Visit Antalya's charming Old Town, with its souvenir markets and sweeping sea views. The rest of the day is free to relax and enjoy the leisure facilities at your hotel. Alternatively, explore Antalya at your own pace. Ask your Travel Director for recommendations on places to explore in the city, take a stroll around the harbour or perhaps take a boat trip off the coast. (B)

Cross the soaring Taurus Mountains to see the remains of the ancient city of Hierapolis, a Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Next to the ruins, you can see the gleaming white travertine terraces of Pamukkale. Famous for its mineral-rich thermal waters and chalk-white limestone terraces, explore the area with your Travel Director.

Later, return to your hotel, the esteemed Doğa Thermal Health & Spa. Take full advantage of its indoor and outdoor thermal pools, steam room and its Turkish bath complex. (B/D) Stay: Doğa Thermal Health & Spa, Pamukkale

Explore one of the world's finest archaeological sites, Ephesus. Walk through the colonnaded Arcadian Way, see the Library of Celsus and the huge Amphitheatre. Then visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a revered Catholic site located above the Ephesus ruins. Continue to the nearby town of Selçuk for an educational visit to the Archaeological Museum. Delve into the area's history as you explore the museum's exhibits, many of which have been retrieved from the nearby Ephesus excavation site. (B) Stay: KoruMar De Luxe, Kuşadası

In Homer's city of Troy, the focal point of the Trojan war and the backdrop to one of history's most famous love stories, that of Paris and Helen of Troy, the face that launched 1000 ships. A replica of the mighty Trojan Horse, which helped the Greeks capture the city in 1200 B.C., can be found beside the city's walls. After some time exploring, continue your journey to Çanakkale, a gateway to the Gallipoli WWI battlefields. (B/D) Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton Canakkale

Dawn and first light signals the commencement of the annual Dawn Service. Attend alongside Australian, New Zealand and other foreign dignitaries and military personnel to honour the fallen soldiers. After the service, pay your respects at the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair Cemeteries, whilst learning more about the events that lead to the Anzac troops fighting in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait.  

This afternoon, return to your hotel for the rest of your day at leisure. Perhaps relax poolside and admire the beautiful surroundings or book in for one of the many treatments on offer at the hotel spa. (B)

This morning, cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry to the Gallipoli Peninsula. Located in the southern part of East Thrace, this was the site where, for nine months during the Great War, ANZAC troops fought, in an attempt to gain control of the Dardanelles Strait. Learn more about these events as you visit Anzac Cove and pay your respects at the Lone Pine Cemetery.

Later, return to Istanbul, where you'll spend the next two nights. (B) Stay: Radisson Blu Sisli, Istanbul

Today, take in the sites of Istanbul. In the morning, visit the historic Blue Mosque and the Hippodrome, where Roman chariot races were held, before exploring Hagia Sophia your way with Insight Choice. Choose between visiting Hagia Sophia Digital Experience, offering an immersive journey through the landmarks marvels, or alternatively, visit Hagia Sophia built in A.D. 537, famous for its domed roof. Visit the Topkapi Palace, perched above the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, the primary inlet of the waterway. Enjoy the excitement of bargaining in the bustling Grand Bazaar.

In the evening, join your fellow travellers and toast to your trip over dinner at a local restaurant. (B/D)

It's time to say goodbye to your new friends, as your trip comes to an end. A transfer will take you to the airport for your onward flights, or for those extending their stay in Istanbul, speak to your Travel Director for tips and tricks on where to head. (B)