ANZAC FOOTSTEPS
ISTANBUL TO ISTANBUL
14 NIGHTS
APRIL 2025
Istanbul to Istanbul
14 Nights (includes Sailing)
The ultimate Turkish experience taking in all that this beautiful country has to offer. From paying tribute to brave soldiers of our ancestors, through to being mesmerised by the architectural feats from centuries long gone, these 2 weeks will no doubt leave you with memories lasting a life time.
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A great mix of seeing the big cities, small villages and also escaping to the coast to enjoy a few days of sailing the Turquoise riviera. We'll eat local delicacies and immerse ourselves in the Turkish culture, all while making life-long friends along the way.
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This once a year tour is one not to be missed!
Tour Highlights:
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Istanbul sightseeing tour, including a cruise of the Bosphurus
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Pay tribute to our ancestors at the Gallipoli dawn service
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Visit the famed ancient Greek cities of Troy & Ephesus
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Bath in the thermal springs of Pamukkale
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Spend a few days sailing the turquoise blue Mediterranean sea
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Snorkel the scenic Turkish coastline and see the Caretta Turtles
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Swim in the famous Blue Lagoon of Ölüdeniz, the most photographed place in Asia
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Explore the World Heritage region of Cappadocia and it's amazing underground city
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Visit Turkey's capital city of Ankara
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Add in some adventure with our Hot Air Balloon ride, Paragliding and Tube riding excursions
What's Included
THE TOUR
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11 nights in Hotel accomodation
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3 nights Sailing charter with an experienced Local Captain & Crew
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2 x energetic Koda Sail tour leaders with you every step of the way
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All entry fees for historical sites in the itinerary
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Orientations of all of our destinations
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Sightseeing cruise of the famous Bosphorus in Istanbul
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Port Tax - All Harbour and Marina fees included
MEALS
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25 x Included meals. All authentic and regional specialities:
14 x Breakfasts
3 x Lunches
8 x Dinners
SAILING
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Use of Air-Condition included on all boats
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Free drinking water on board
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Free WiFi on board
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Sun lounges on deck
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Housekeeping with fresh linen and bath towels
INCLUDED EXTRAS
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Snorkelling equipment
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Canoes & SUP on board
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Fishing gear available
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Discounted 3rd party group activities including;
Hot Air Ballooning, Paragliding, Turkish Bath...plus more!
THE ITINERARY
Day 1: Thursday
ISTANBUL
Welcome to Turkey! Take it easy today and settle into your hotel in Istanbul ready for the adventure of a lifetime to begin tomorrow.
This evening you will meet with your fellow travellers at our welcome dinner...a feast fit for a Sultan!
Day 2: Friday
ISTANBUL
Today the adventure starts with a full day exploring the bustling city of Istanbul.
We'll visit all the highlights of this fascinating metropolis, including the stunningly beautiful Blue Mosque, the awe inspiring Hagia Sofia, the unbelievable underground cistern with the Medusa heads and the opulent Dolmabahce palace.
Along the way we'll taste some of the best Turkish delights and baklava in the famous spice market.
This afternoon you can relax and charge your glass onboard our included cruise of the famous Bosphorous river. Take in the sights and sounds as we cross between two continents, where Asia and Europe meet.
Day 3: Saturday
ISTANBUL to GALLIPOLI
This morning we welcome an early start as we depart Istanbul for our special pilgrimage to Gallipoli.
We make our way to Anzac cove in anticipation of the upcoming commemorations where we will pay our respects to our forefathers.
We will spend overnight at Anzac cove and enjoy the evening festivities put on for those that have made the ultimate trip to this sacred location.
Sleeping bags will be provided but you can bring your own if you prefer.
Day 4: Sunday
ANZAC DAY
ANZAC DAY (April 25th). Awake on the cove to attend what is sure to be a memorable and moving Dawn Service.
Afterwards we begin the walk to Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair for individual Australian and New Zealand commemorations.
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This afternoon we will take the Ferry across the strait to Canakale, which is in the Asian part of Turkey. From here we will visit the famed ancient Greek city of Troy and stop overnight in the small city of Bergama.
Day 5: Monday
GALLIPOLI to KUSADASI
Today we visit another ancient city at the acropolis of Pergamon which was home to the famous Zeus altar.
A highlight is one of the steepest and largest amphitheatres ever built during ancient times. Later that day we will cross the countryside to the Izmir region and overnight in the vibrant and exciting seaside town of Kusadasi.
Day 6: Tuesday
KUSADASI to PAMUKKALE
History nerds, today is your day as we drive to the biggest and one of the best preserved ancient cities in Turkey, the ancient city of Ephesus!
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After exploring Ephesus we will be making our way to the ancient city of Hieropolis and the highly instagrammable #Pamukkale calcium terraces where we will spend the night.
Day 7: Wednesday
PAMUKKALE to FETHIYE
Today is a day you have been waiting for as you are about to hit up the Turkish Riviera and the wonderful Fethiye region with its amazing turquoise coastline.
This afternoon we board our premium gullet and set sail for a few days of R&R :)
Day 8: Thursday
SAILING
This morning we awake to a freshly prepared breakfast onboard our private Gulet. The next two days will be the ultimate in relaxation, sailing the Turquoise coast.
It's early in the summer season but the water is still warm enough to swim in. You won’t be able to resist diving into that liquid turquoise at any one of our numerous swim stops. Keep your eyes peeled for Turtles and dolphins in this region!
Day 9: Friday
SAILING
Carry on relaxing and soaking up those Mediterranean summer rays. Read your book, take a swim, watch the stunning views go by and enjoy the feasts that are being delivered to your table by our very own personal chef on board. Relax to the max!
Day 10: Saturday
FETHIYE to ANTALYA
Today we disembark our gullet. No need to feel too sad about leaving the turquoise coast behind as we depart for another beautiful Turkish resort town, Antalya.
We will journey via the stunning Saklikent gorge where we will taste some of the best Gozleme in Turkey, then spend overnight in the harbour city of Antalya.
Day 11: Sunday
ANTALYA to CAPPADOCIA
Today we depart for the incredible region of Cappadocia and travel via the religious heart of Konya, the resting place of the greatly loved mystic poet, Rumi.
Have your cameras ready as it is a very scenic drive today. You'll be wowed by actually how green the interior of this beautiful country is, topped off with a sprinkle of snow on top of the mountains!
Day 12: Monday
CAPPADOCIA
Make sure you have a fully charged camera ready for a full day exploring the incredible world heritage region of Cappadocia. The day will be packed with activities, along with free time at the different scenic spots we visit throughout the day.
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Be prepared to have your senses tantalised by the amazing sites of this region. There is nowhere else quite like it on earth. We will visit an underground city, a castle inside a rock, the world famous fairy chimneys and show you some fantastic places to eat some of the local cuisine.
This morning there is the option to tick off one of the mega bucket list items and take a spectacular Hot Air Balloon ride over this picturesque city.
Day 13: Tuesday
CAPPADOCIA to ANKARA
Today we depart for Turkey's bustling capital, Ankara. The father of the Turks and one of the worlds greatest leaders, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, moved the capital from Istanbul to Ankara in 1923.
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Here we can visit his mausoleum, then journey a little further to visit the tomb of legendary King Midas and overnight in the vibrant student town of Eskisehir
Day 14: Wednesday
ANKARA to ISTANBUL
This morning we depart for our return to where we began, the vibrant metropolis that spans two continents, Istanbul.
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In the afternoon you will have some free time for some last minute sightseeing or try your hand at bargaining inside the sprawling grand bazaar. Istanbul is truly a shopping paradise.
This evening we'll toast to a successful tour of Turkey, our shared pilgrimage to Gallipoli for ANZAC day with new friends and enjoy the delicious cuisine of Turkey one last time with a spectacular farewell dinner.
