The MELBOURNEfc tour will commence in the historic city of Istanbul, include a visit to Troy and Canakkale before venturing to Gallipoli, to attend the Dawn service.
MELBOURNEfc in partnership with Travel Design International would invite all members and supports to take part in the clubs official inaugural trip to Gallipoli. For further information please contact Megan Travers on 03 9652 1141 or megan.travers@melbournefc.com.au
The Itinerary
Friday 21 April
Depart Melbourne for Istanbul flying Malaysia Airlines
Saturday 22 April
The morning is free to have a nap or simply relax before setting off on our afternoon city sights tour. We begin with lunch in the grounds of Topkapi Palace before continuing on to Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque. We take a walk around the Hippodrome and enjoy shopping at the Grand Covered Bazaar.
Sunday 23 April
We leave Istanbul to drive along the Marmara Sea coast via Tekirdag to Gelibolu (Gallipoli), the battlefields of the WW1. We will visit ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine and the Australian Memorial, the Nek cementry, Chunuk Bair, Shrapnel Valley and Kabatepe Museum. From there, we drive from Gelibolu to Ecebat and cross the natural channel Dardanelles by ferry.
Monday 24 April
Today we will be on our way to visit Troy, the city in Homer’s Iliad. The day will be spent here to enjoy and learn more of the fascinating history of this area. After dinner, we will prepare for a late evening departure by road for ANZAC Cove. Due to the numbers of people making their way up the mountain, we need to allow plenty of time to make it in time for the Dawn Service. This makes for an amazing experience as we camp out in preparation for the Dawn Service.
Tuesday 25 April
It’s 5.30am. As the dawn approaches, the ceremony at Gallipoli begins. As we show our respect for the diggers who lost their lives protecting our land, it’s an emotionally charged experience, one that will be forever etched in our memories. This will be followed by the Australian or New Zealand National Service at Lone Pine or Chunuk Blair. At the conclusion of this service we will be on our way back to Canakkale for dinner and overnight stay.
Wednesday 26 April
We return to Istanbul for our last night which will include a gala farewell dinner
Thursday 27 April
The morning will be free time before we join our afternoon flight back to Australia
To enquire about this package please contact megan.travers@melbournefc.com.au
FROM $3516.00 per person
*plus taxes
** subject to availability
*** numbers limited
**** costs may vary dependent on time of booking
*****extra nights/tour extension options are available for those who wish to stay on in Turkey or go onward to Europe/USA pre or post tour.
