Today's top three
Today's top three
Join the Australian pilgrimage to Turkey and spend ANZAC Day in Gallipoli. Soak up the atmosphere, feel the emotion, experience mateship and pay homage to Australia’s fallen soldiers at the Dawn Service. Lest we forget.
On the 25th of April, 1915, the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps landed on the Gallipoli peninsular where they fought against the Ottoman Army for solid months. During this time, just over 25, 000 Australian causalities were recorded.
The year following the battle, a national day of remembrance was established, a tradition of which still continues today. Though moments of silence and ANZAC Day marches take place throughout Australia and New Zealand, none can quite compare to the services that take place in Gallipoli.
The atmospheric Dawn Service is what most Australians and New Zealand’s travel to Gallipoli for, with attendance numbers creeping into the thousands. The ANZAC Dawn Service takes place at the ANZAC Commemorative Site on North Beach and includes speeches, payer, the Last Post followed and a stirring minute’s silence. Following the service, many attendees continue to the separate Australia and New Zealand services.
After the service it is possible to take a tour of the battle grounds and see the trenches. That night many ANZAC Day attendees congregate in Istanbul to play ‘two-up,’ a coin game that was popular with ANZAC soldiers.
The Gallipoli Peninsular is also a commemorative spot for the Turkish and a place of remembrance for other countries including Britain, Ireland, India and France. For this reason Gallipoli is considered to be sacred ground and can be extremely emotion for some to visit. A rewarding and unforgettable holiday experience.
Explore the trenches and the battlefields, pay your respects to our fallen heroes at a Dawn Service at Anzac Cove and national services at Lone Pine or Chunuk Bair war cemetaries.
Key Highlights:
Insider Tips:
Istanbul Ataturk Airport is located less than 300km from Gallipoli. From Istanbul it is possible to drive or catch a bus to Gallipoli.
Other major airlines that fly to Istanbul include:Most tourists visiting the Gallipoli area opt to stay in Istanbul, Canakkale or Ecebat. Ecabet is the closest town to Gallipoli, but doesn’t offer as many accommodation options as Canakkale or Istanbul. Canakkale is opposite Gallipoli on the Dardanelles Strait and is home to a great range of budget and mid range accommodation options. Istanbul is 318 km away from Gallipoli but has the largest range of accommodation.
If you’re worried about commuting to Gallipoli from Istanbul, swap the stress for a tour instead. Gallipoli tours normally depart Istanbul and include accommodation in Canakkale or back in Istanbul. Guided tours of the War Cemetery at ANZAC Cover and the ANZAC Commemorative Site may also be included.
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To obtain some details about tours please contact us on 1800 046 462 to discuss any requirements you might have or alternatively please email us and one of the team will respond to your request.
Gallipoli may be one of Turkey’s most popular tourist sites, but it’s certainly not the only one. Turkey is home to one of the world’s most culturally influential cities, ancient traditions and stunning scenery. In Turkey you can also:
Bath in the best Baths
Unwind in a traditional Turkish bath, also known as a hamam. These public bath houses can be found all around the country with some dating back thousands of years.
Incredible architecture!
Admire the magnificent Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Originally a church, then a mosque, this spectacular dome shaped building is now a museum considered to be the epitome of Byzantine architecture.
Tea Time
Take part in one of Turkey’s favourite past times by sipping Turkish tea at a traditional teahouse.
Take in some of the spectacular views
Get back to nature at Lake Van, the largest lake in Turkey. This serene spot is boarded by mountains and a snow capped volcano.
Grab a sweet market deal!
Hunt for bargains at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul where you can shop for knick-knacks, pottery, spices, carpet and jewellery. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, the Grand Bazaar is worth visiting for the building itself as it is the largest and oldest covered market in the world.
You spin me right round!
Be entertained at the Mevlevi Lodge by the Whirling Dervishes. A Dervish is a devout of the Sufi religion which consideres whirling, or spinning, as an act of remembering God.
Get a history lesson
Wander the ancient city of Ephesus, one of the world’s best preserved ancient cities dating back as early as 12th century BC.
