Gallipoli Pilgrimage

Travel to a region associated with one of the most significant military battles of our time. Be guided through Anzac Cove to the battlefields, the Nek and Lone Pine and share the stories of heroism and camaraderie that unfolded among the tragedies of what has become a defining moment in Australian and New Zealand history. Many say that the struggles of Gallipoli marked the birth of a national consciousness among Australians and New Zealanders. This journey provides a great opportunity to pay respect to those who lost their lives and to reflect on what they fought for, and you’ll be able to take time out to explore Troy before returning to Istanbul.

Itinerary

Day 1: Istanbul/Gallipoli

Hosgeldinz. Welcome to Turkey!

Your Gallipoli Pilgrimage starts this morning. You will be picked up from the Manesol Galata Hotel at 6AM – 6.30AM (Please call and reconfirm with the office at least 24 hours prior to pick up on +90 530 442 60 09). This tour in not accompanied by an Intrepid group leader.

You will then travel by minibus to Eceabat. Please note that the vehicle used for the transfer is on a share basis and you will share this bus with other travellers visiting Gallipoli. The journey will take approx 6 hours.

After a light lunch you will be met for a fully guided Gallipoli tour visiting the following sites on the Battle Fields of the Gallipoli Peninsula:
~ Brighton Beach
~ ANZAC Cove
~ ANZAC Commemorative Site
~ Ariburnu & Beach Cemetery
~ Respect to Mehmetcik Statue
~ Lone Pine Australian Memorial
~ Johnston’s Jolly (Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels)
~ Quinn’s Post
~ The Nek and Walker’s Ridge
~ Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial

For any Australian or New Zealander visiting the shores of Turkey, a visit to the battle fields of the Gallipoli Peninsula is a must. The battle at Gallipoli in WW1 is seen as the turning point in the history both of these nations (and also the Republic of Turkey). It was the moment when the nations’ characters were defined and the core value of mateship was embedded in their psyche. The names of ANZAC Cove, the Nek and Lone Pine have a special place in the hearts of Antipodeans and are just some of the places you will visit first hand on this trip. You will be struck by the beauty and serenity of the place, in stark contrast to the stories your guide will tell you of the events that unfolded here. You will walk through the trenches and be transported to a place in history.

Pride will swell in the stories of heroism and camaraderie, not only amongst one’s own troops but also with the enemy, making this a truly unique battlefield. There are opportunities to visit the war graves to seek out those from your town or area.

You will stay overnight in Canakkale.  Our accommodation tonight is in a bed and breakfast.

Day 2: Gallipoli/Istanbul

Today we will have a free morning in Canakkale.  Why not consider taking an optional guided tour of the historical site of Troy. We will be learning a lot about the famous archaeological site of Troy and see a replica statue of the Trojan Horse. Then, delve into the interesting era’s of Troy and discover how this settlement transformed over time. The tour finishes around 5:30 pm, after which our  transfer returns to Istanbul. This service will drop you door to door, at which point this trip finishes upon arrival. Arrival back into Istanbul is scheduled to be at around 11:30 pm, but may vary depending on traffic conditions.

If you have an arranged transfer with Intrepid, pick up time for the airport will be 4 hours prior to your flight from Manesol Galata Hotel.

Departure Dates