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Anzac Day Gallipoli 2008

Charge of the Light Horse 7 day Tour (Istanbul - Beersheba)


Mike Yardley is an award-winning broadcaster who has just completed 15 years on the radio airwaves with Newstalk ZB. Christchurch-based, Mike's frontline media roles continue in The Press newspaper as a weekly columnist and as a current affairs host on CTV. Mike has taken time out from radio to resume his other life-long passion - travel. In the past 10 years, Mike has travelled to over 32 countries, spent 18 months based in Europe and has worked as a cruise host on board a Greek cruise ship around the world. Mike brings a personal perspective on Gallipoli from the memories of his great-uncle who fought for his country alongside his fellow countrymen. Mike is a natural people-person, a talented, lively communicator and is looking forward to travelling to Turkey with you.

Itinerary (Monday 21 – Monday 28 April 2008)

Day 1 - Istanbul
Welcome to Turkey. On arrival you will be met and transferred to the Orsep Royal Hotel for two night’s accommodation. This afternoon is a visit to the marvellous Topkapi Palace, that served as the palace of the Ottoman Sultans between the 16th and 19th centuries. Visit the Treasury, where the extensive exhibits include priceless world-class collections of jewellery, porcelain, textiles and costumes of the Sultans. Continue to the vibrant Spice Market before departing on a half day cruise on the Bosphorus, the picturesque waterway which divides the two great continents of Europe and Asia. While the boat zig zags between the two sides you will see the waterside residences, Ottoman wooden kiosks (masterpieces of old Turkish architecture), Palaces of marble, modern apartments and the historical Rumeli Fortress built by the conqueror of Istanbul to control and protect the Bosphorus.
A Welcome dinner at a local restaurant is included this evening. (D)

Day 2 - Istanbul
This morning, we will take a tour of Istanbul, beginning with a visit to the fascinating and impressive Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), with its beautiful blue Iznik tiles, unique architecture and marble latticework. Continue to the Hippodrome, the centre of Byzantine life for 1000 years, and then to the magnificent Haghia Sophia (St Sophia’s Basilica) built by Constantine the Great and reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century. It is one of the world’s greatest architectural marvels. Time permitting visit the fascinating Underground Cistern. Last stop is a visit to the covered Grand Bazaar; hosting 4000 shops under one roof. Here there will be time for bartering and shopping amidst a fantastic myriad of shops (B,D)

Day 3 - Istanbul-Gallipoli-Cannakkale
This morning depart for Gallipoli. En route stop for lunch before visiting the battlefields for an orientation tour. Today's visit will allow you to explore these important sites, including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine Cemetery and Chanuk Bair. Continue to the Iris Hotel in Canakkale where you are reserved for three nights. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Troy
We visit the ancient and legendary city of Troy, immortalised by Homer in the stories of King Priamus, Hector, Paris and the beautiful Helen. See the archaeological excavations that have revealed nine separate periods of settlement and the ruins of city walls, house foundations, a temple and a theatre. Also see the symbolic wooden Trojan horse that commemorates the epic war machine that was constructed in the 6th century BC. Afternoon at leisure before your early start to the Dawn Service tomorrow morning. (B,D)

Day 5 – Anzac Cove “The Dawn Service”
Depart your hotel very early this morning (time to be advised). Don’t forget your windbreaker and hat. Drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula and attend "The Anzac Dawn Service". After the Dawn Service, have breakfast while looking out over the shores. Observe other commemoration services on the Peninsula before attending the New Zealand service at Chanuk Bair. Later this afternoon return to your hotel. Dinner is included this evening. (NB due to security reasons there is a very long walk from the drop-off point to the Dawn Service and back and returning from Chanuk Bair to the coach.) (B box,L box,D)

Day 6 – Cannakkale - Istanbul
Afternoon transfer to Istanbul for overnight at the Royal Orsep Hotel. (B)

Day 7 – Istanbul – Tel Aviv - Beersheba
Early transfer to Istanbul Airport.
Depart 7.50 am on your Turkish Airlines flight to Tel Aviv.
On arrival at 9.15am you will be met and transferred to Beersheba for two nights. (B,D)

Day 8 – Beersheba
Today is a full day of special ANZAC activities today in and around Beersheba. Visit the main battlefield sites in the area and the important sites of Beersheba. Experience a moving unveiling ceremony of the new Beersheba ANZAC memorial along with many Australian and New Zealand VIP’s. (B,D)

Package Price: $1,999 per person (share twin)
Tour only price

TOUR INCLUSIONS


TOUR EXCLUSIONS


PLEASE NOTE:
On the night prior to the Dawn Service the time for departure will be confirmed when you are in Istanbul. Please ensure you take a hat, gloves, warm socks, scarf, warm coat etc, as it will be cold on the Peninsular. It is also advisable to take a torch, notebook and energy snacks for the day. Innovative Travel has provided all participants with a rug and it is advisable to take a lightweight day pack to take food boxes, water bottle, snacks etc – so don’t forget these! There will be a long walk to the dawn service so please ensure you have good walking shoes. Toilet facilities on the Peninsular will be basic (port-a-loo style).

Rooms on the tour are run-of-house and room sizes/styles may vary.


STANDARD BOOKING CONDITIONS


McCrory Thomas United Travel act only as agents for the hotels, airlines, bus or car companies, railroad or steamship lines or owners, contractors providing accommodation, transportation or other services. While we exercise all care and attention in selecting the principals with whom we deal, McCrory Thomas United Travel can not be held responsible for any changes caused through acts of default, alterations, conditions or changes made by the hotels, airlines, bus or car companies, railroad or steamlines or owners or contractors. All receipts and payments issued by McCrory Thomas United Travel are subject to the above standards and conditions.

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”