Project Description

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, and is commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. It now more broadly commemorates all those who died and served in military operations for the country. Anzac Day is also observed in the Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa and Tonga. Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during the First World War. The acronym ANZAC stands forAustralian and New Zealand Army Corps, whose soldiers were known as Anzacs. Anzac Day remains one of the most important national occasions of both Australia and New Zealand. This is a rare instance of two sovereign countries not only sharing the same remembrance day, but making reference to both countries in its name.

  • Topkapi Palace
  • Blue Mosque
  • Basilica Cistern
  • Misir Carsisi (Egypt Bazaar)
  • Troy
  • Ephesus

Day 1 : Istanbul
Meet the group in Istanbul airport and transfer to the hotel. Overnight hotel.

Day 2 : Visit Istanbul
In the morning we start our tour at the old part of Istanbul. First Ancient Hippodrome the scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civil life, stood in the open space in front of the Blue Mosque. We will see tree charming monuments. Then we pass to Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) is more familiarly known as Blue Mosque because its interior gleams with a magnificent panelling of blue. It has 6 minarets and very nice cupolas. it was built by architect Mehmet between 1609 and 1616. Other visit to Yerebatan Sarayı is the sixth century Byzantine cistern. Three hundred and thirty-five massive Corinthian columns support the immense chamber’s fine brick vaulting. Afternoon we will visit Topkapı Palace, is administrative palace of the Ottoman Dynasty, that rule on three continents for centuries. Amaze of buildings at the center of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries. In these opulent surroundings, the sultans and their court lived and governed. Then we pass to visit Misir Carsisi (Spice bazaar) next to Yeni mosque in Eminonu, transports you to fantasies of the mystical East. The smell of the whole kinds of spices fill the air. Overnight at hotel.

Day 3 : Gallipoli
After breakfast depart for the Gallipoli peninsula early morning and tour battlefield. Visit Anzac cove, Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial and war muesum. Overnight hotel in Canakkale.

Day 4 : Gallipoli
Morning to tour Troy and rest at hotel before long night at Anzac cove. Drive to Battlefield for Dawn service. We head for the site of the dawn service to get a good spot. Overnight at Dawn Service.

Day 5 : Gallipoli
Awake before sun rise to the ANZAC Dawn Service. We become aware of the almost deafening silence as we commemorate our fallen forefathers on this special day. Also attend the Australian &/or New Zealand Memorial services. Overnight at hotel in Canakkale.

Day 6 : Selcuk
Breakfast in the hotel and drive to Selcuk. We will visit the ancient Acropolis and later continue to Greco-Roman remains of Pergamum (now the typical Turkish townof Bergama). This is the place that gave its name to the word ‘parchment’,for which it was famous throughout the Middle East. is once great centre of culture, survives as one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. In the Acropolis, above the modern town, are the remains of the celebrated library, a steep and impressive theatre, the temples of Trijan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on the terrace andAgora. Overnight at hotel.

Day 7 : Ephesus
In the morning we visit Ephese was an important port city until with passing of time and erosion. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. The ruins also include a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus. We also visit house of Mary (meryem ana evi), we know that St. John spent the last years of his life in Epheus and wrote his Gospel here. Jesus left his mother with John, therefore, it is believed that Mother Mary came to Epheus and lived here until the end of her life.

Day 8 : Home
After breakfast depart for Izmir. Transfer to airport and fly home.