Turkey Discovery & Anzac Day

Meet the marvellous merge of Europe and Asia at the magical Istanbul to embark on a cultural discovery through ancient lands. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel by a Ciconia representative at the airport. In the afternoon, join the welcome meeting at the hotel lobby with your fellow travellers and Tour Director. Greet the diverse and incredibly tasteful Turkish cuisine tonight on a group dinner, make sure to leave room for delicious desserts.

Journey to the heart of Istanbul old town and witness the perfect blend of ancient and modern unfold before you. Stroll with your expert local guide through the Hippodrome, visit the charming Blue Mosque and the mysterious Cistern Basilica. Enjoy an exquisite meal worthy of Sultans next to the magnificent Hagia Sophia. Enjoy some personal leisure time in the old town, discover hidden gems and embrace the local culture.In the afternoon meet the breath-taking Bosphorus in all its charm as you cruise in-between Europe and Asia.

After a delicious breakfast at the hotel, we leave for Canakkale, wherein lies the famous shores of Gallipoli. Driving through the scenic countryside road, recharge at the lovely village of Kesan over a delicious local meal. Arriving in Canakkale in the afternoon, rest up for a long night and the experience of a lifetime. We will be leaving after midnight for the dawn service at Gallipoli to commemorate the soldiers who bravely fought here during World War 1.

The day starts at very early hours as we leave at 12:30am for Anzac Cove at Gallipoli. Take your spots for the dawn service and pay your respescts in unison to the fallen Australian and Turkish soldiers. Following a sentimental dawn service and speeches from key figures, walk through the now-green battlefields and take a ride up to Lone Pine for the Australian National Ceremony starting around 9.30am. We continue towards Canakkale around noon with a picturesque ferry ride and a recharging stay at our hotel.

A day filled with truly epic adventures awaits. In the morning, we visit the ancient city or Troy and witness the ruins of the once glorious city with a special place in mythology and history. Pose with the famous Trojan Horse before departing for Pergamon. Home to healing waters and ruins of the Asklepion medical centre, it is one of the most important centres of healing of the Roman world. Following the cultural overload, we rest at the seaside Izmir – the perfect place to immerse yourself in the Turkish seafood culture and raki.

Drive along the coast to the amazing ruins of ancient Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage. Stroll the incredibly well-preserved ancient city and the impressive library. With a short ride away from the marvellous wonders, you will visit Virgin Mary’s house in the mountains – where she is believed to have lived her final days. Our next stop will be of culinary discovery at a lovely restaurant in the countryside famously known for delicious gozleme. Heading further inland, we arrive in our hotel at the Cotton Castle of Turkey, Pamukkale. Rest up, relax or even savour the spa or massage services of your hotel. Your seat for dinner is already reserved at the hotel restaurant.

Walk in the shallow pools of calcar with breath-taking scenery unfolding before you in terraces of snow-white travertines. Famously known for its mineral-rich waters and healing properties, Pamukkale region has welcomed endless visitors over millennia. Delve into history at the ancient city Hierapolis and its majestic amphitheatre of 15,000 seats and ever-impressive acoustics. The journey continues towards Konya, home of the famous whirling dervishes – members of the Sufism order. You can relax at your hotel over dinner and replay cherished moments of discovery.

Meet the diverse Turkish culture and its various facades today. Starting with an 8-century-old center of education and architectural beauty, Karatay Madrasa, continue to the Museum and Mausoleum of Mevlana. Explore the ideas and works of the famous scholar, poet and theologist of the 13th century, which have lived in his teachings of understanding and acceptance to this day. From cultural to natural wonders, we travel inland towards the other-worldly Cappadocia. One of the most popular sites in Turkey, the famous region is decorated with stunning caves and fairy-chimneys: unique formations of eroded volcanic rocks and tuff. Starting the adventure at Avanos – famous for its top-quality clay, learn all about pottery-making at an interactive workshop. After a long day of cultural discovery, relax at your hotel and join your group over dinner at the hotel.

Rise early to join the hot-air balloon experience, flying over the magical fairy-chimneys. A bucket-list item for all keen travellers, it is an experience not to be missed (please bear in mind that this optional experience is dependent on weather conditions). As you disembark your balloon, you will get the chance to explore the wondrous formations up close at Goreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The soft rock has allowed for both nature and people to carve incredible underground cities, chapels, cave houses and much more. These impressive millennia-old underground structures have sheltered countless Christians escaping the Roman Empire in the 4th century and housed Orthodox monks in the 12th century. Here you’ll witness the wonders of nature as well as each culture engraved in the fabric of this marvellous geography. Later on, delve into one of the finest and oldest crafts of Turkey at its home as we visit a carpet-weaving workshop. In the evening, you can relax at your hotel over dinner and replay cherished moments of cultural discovery. Alternatively, you may join a live show of whirling dervishes to witness the unique divine ritual, an unforgettable experience. You can also join an optional wine tasting session or Turkish Night show.

Start an unforgettable day by exploring the famous underground city of Kaymakli where ancient Christians took refuge to escape raids and wars for centuries. Here you will discover the complex network of underground tunnels, storerooms, burial chambers and chapels dating back to various eras. Together with the unique geology, each civilization and culture have shaped this marvellous heritage over thousands of years into a one-of-a-kind experience for all travellers.

Taking a scenic ride to Ankara, the Turkish capital, our first stop is the impressive Museum of Anatolian Civilizations. Here you’ll discover countless ancient civilizations that has dominated Asia Minor throughout history. After our dinner at the hotel, personal leisure time to spend the evening exploring the capital as you please.

Start the morning with a visit to Anitkabir, the Mausoleum of Ataturk – the final resting place of the founding father of Republic of Turkey. It is a location sacred to Turkish people, a glorious yet calming place of great importance. With a scenic drive through the Anatolian countryside, we make our way to Istanbul on a comfortable ride. Stop along the way for a lunch break at the gorgeous mountains surrounded by sublime nature of Bolu. Arriving at your Istanbul hotel in the afternoon, haggle your way through the famous Grand Bazaar to find the perfect souvenir for your loved ones and yourself!

Our marvellous adventure comes to an end over breakfast with newfound friends. Make sure to bid farewell and exchange numbers before checking-out of the hotel (at 11:00). Complementary airport transfers are available all day, have a safe and smooth journey!