An in-depth small tour of the Gallipoli Battlefields for Anzac Day

The tour has been designed to give you a greater understanding of the events that led up to the decision to land Allied forces at Gallipoli and to enable you to see firsthand the significant battlegrounds of the campaign.

The tour stays in an excellently located 4 star hotel in the heart of Istanbul’s old city, in the only boutique small hotel in Canakkale (the nearest main town to the Gallipoli National Park), travels in a comfortable modern air-conditioned vehicle and is also accompanied by our experienced, professional English-speaking Turkish guide. All meals and restaurant and hotel tips are included.

Day 1: Tuesday 21 April Istanbul

Arrive at hotel and after lunch transfer to the ferry terminal for an afternoon cruise on the Bosphorus. The focus of the tour will be on the strategic importance of Istanbul, or Constantinople as it was known in 1915, in both World War 1 and over past centuries.

Sights will include the Dolmabahce Palace, Rumeli Hisar Castle, Topkapi Palace and other notable buildings dating from the days of the Ottoman Empire.
In the evening we will eat at a local restaurant, Zinhan, and discuss the day’s tour.
Overnight at 4 star Arcadia Hotel, Sultanahmet, Istanbul. (D)

Day 4: Friday 24 April Cape Helles and Suvla Bay

Today we complete the overall view of the Gallipoli Campaign. Our visit includes a stop at the small village of Bigali which was Ataturk’s headquarters early in the campaign and a drive through the sites where the Turkish army was based and its heavy artillery positioned. We then drive to Suvla Bay, site of the failed landing by the British New Army in August 1915.

"TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN LASTING MEMORY OF 3268 AUSTRALIAN SOLDIERS WHO FOUGHT ON GALLIPOLI IN 1915 AND HAVE NO KNOWN GRAVES AND 456 NEW ZEALAND SOLDIERS WHOSE NAMES ARE NOT RECORDED IN OTHER AREAS OF THE PENINSULA BUT WHO FELL IN THE ANZAC AREA AND HAVE NO KNOWN GRAVES AND ALSO OF 960 AUSTRALIANS AND 252 NEW ZEALANDERS WHO FIGHTING ON GALLIPOLI IN 1915 INCURRED MORTAL WOUNDS OR SICKNESS AND FOUND BURIAL AT SEA"

Lone Pine, Gallipoli Photo by Judy Camac

Day 5: Saturday 25 April Dawn Service-Istanbul

We go to Anzac Cove for the Dawn Service then we will travel to Lone Pine for the Australian Ceremony. You will be able to choose whether you prefer to walk or travel by bus to Lone Pine. Walking means 3km, largely uphill in cold weather amongst crowds but you are guaranteed to get to Lone Pine in time for the service. Going by bus is warmer and more comfortable but can be frustrating due to traffic jams.

As the number of visitors, traffic and parking problems are ever increasing, it is normal that there will be walk from where the coach stops to the ceremony. Older participants in particular should be aware that the walk to ceremonial site from the coach can be long although we make every effort to get you as close as possible. The Australian Department of Veterans’ Affairs provides transport and seating at the Dawn service for aged and infirm participants. Advise us if you require this service.

Lone Pine, Gallipoli Photo by Judy Camac

TRAVELLERS' COMMENTS FROM PAST ANZAC DAY TOURS Price : ISTANBUL – ISTANBUL Price per person double/twin share AUD1540 Price per person for a single room AUD1725 Tour includes: Accommodation, 4 breakfasts (boxed breakfast on 25 April), 4 lunches, 4 dinners, hotel and restaurant tips, coach from and to Istanbul, entry fees and sightseeing services of the Tour Leader, guide and driver. No discount for those not returning to Istanbul. Excludes: Tips to guide and driver. Optional Walking Tour For those arriving in Istanbul beforehand, we offer a morning walking tour on 21 April to 5 of Istanbul’s most famous sites – Hippodrome, Blue Mosque, St Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Roman underground cistern - for an additional $90. Admission fees included, lunch excluded.

Anzac Day 2005, Photo by Elaine Potter