2017 - APT Europe River Cruising Preview

70 It's hard to envisage the carnage that raged on shores of Gallipoli more than a century ago 21 Day ANZAC Dawn Service with Magnificent Europe 6 Nights Turkey | 14 Night River Cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam Turkey | Hungary | Slovakia | Austria | Germany | Netherlands Day 1. Arrive Istanbul. Arrive in Istanbul, where you will be met on arrival, and transferred to your hotel. Two Night Stay: Grand Hyatt Istanbul. Day 2. Istanbul. A city tour today takes you to the Hagia Sophia and the striking Blue Mosque. Later, cruise the Bosphorus, the narrow strait forming a boundary between Europe and Asia. This evening, marvel at the renowned frescoes and mosaics at the Chora Museum, before a dinner featuring Ottoman-style dishes and music. BD Day 3. Istanbul, Gelibolu, Çanakkale. Travel to the town of Gelibolu (Gallipoli) and enjoy lunch beside the harbour before taking a special tour of the Gallipoli war memorials. Afterwards, continue your journey along the peninsula to Çanakkale. Stay: Çanakkale, Kolin Hotel. BLD Day 4. Troy, Gallipoli National Park. Comprising 4,000 years of history, visit the ancient city of Troy for a tour. This is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites, immortalised in Homer's epic poem The Iliad. This evening, return to Anzac Cove to settle in for tomorrow's Dawn Service. Here, you will be accommodated in a secure outdoor area. Stay: Gallipoli Peninsula. BD Day 5. Anzac Day Dawn Service, Anzac Cove, Gallipoli Peninsula, Istanbul. As the sun breaks at Anzac Cove, bear witness to the moving service in remembrance of the Anzacs. For those who wish, take the opportunity to walk to Lone Pine for the Australian service (please note that this can be a difficult walk of around one hour on both flat and uphill pathways). Later, return once again to Istanbul. Two Night Stay: Grand Hyatt Istanbul. B Day 6. Istanbul, Freedom of Choice. Enjoy the morning at leisure to explore as you wish. In the afternoon, set out on your preferred Freedom of Choice activity. Perhaps tour Topkapi Palace, once the residence of the Ottoman sultans. Choose to relax with a traditional Turkish bath experience and massage. Or, visit the Rüstem Pasha Mosque and the fascinating Spice Bazaar. Enjoy a farewell dinner this evening. BD Day 7. Istanbul, Budapest, Embark Ship. After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your included flight to Budapest. On arrival, be transferred to your river ship, docked on the Danube River. Following dinner on board, take in the city lights during a magical twilight cruise. 14 Night Stay: one of APT's luxurious Aria River Ships. BD Day 8. Budapest. Discover one of the world's most beautiful cities as you join a local guide for a tour. Among many highlights, you'll see Heroes' Square and Fisherman's Bastion. BLD Day 9. Vienna, A Royal Invitation. As part of a city tour, you'll take in St Stephen's Cathedral, the Ringstrasse and much more. After dinner, enjoy a Cocktail Reception and a private concert at the City Palace. BLD Freedom of Choice TM Inclusions Signature Invitation A Royal Invitation The Royal Collection A LIVING MEMORIAL Turkish troops had felled nearby pines to shield their trenches, leaving a single tree: the Lone Pine. Perhaps the most moving of all the Anzac cemeteries, this is a place where the story of the enduring Anzac spirit comes to life – a story of people. It is a completely different experience having the hundreds of graves before you as you share in the minute's silence. www.aptouring.com.au

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