Loading...

9-day Iconic Gallipoli History Tour

Escorted by Mat McLachlan
  • history
    DURATION
    8 nights
  • history
    DURATION DAYS
  • history
    DURATION NIGHTS
    8 nights

"Welcome to my special signature tour and a journey to Gallipoli. During this tour we will explore sites that were the birthplace of the Anzac legend and get off-the-beaten-path to discover hidden sites that bring the story of the Anzacs to life."

Photos

expand_more
Slide 1 of 4
Personally escorted by Mat McLachlan

Inclusions/Exclusions

expand_more
  • Personally escorted by Mat McLachlan
  • Services of our expert WW1 Historian
  • In-depth touring of key Anzac sites, including off-the-beaten track areas and a memorial service at Lone Pine
  • 8 nights in 4-star accommodation
  • Travel by comfortable air-conditioned coach
  • Breakfast daily, 5 lunches and 3 dinners
  • All entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • All tipping
  • Copy of Mat McLachlan’s definitive guidebook, Gallipoli – The Battlefield Guide
  • Souvenir cap and document wallet

Itinerary

expand_more
Day 1 - Wednesday 16 September – Arrive Istanbul

Welcome to my Signature Tour! This evening we will meet at our Istanbul hotel and transfer to the Hagia Sophia Museum for an exclusive, after-hours visit. Built in the sixth century, this church of divine wisdom remains one of the greatest marvels of architecture in the world. Afterwards, we will enjoy a welcome dinner together at a nearby restaurant overlooking some of Istanbul’s most famous sites. (D)

Day 2 - Thursday 17 September – Istanbul Sightseeing

Today we will enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Istanbul. We will start by visiting the Blue Mosque, famous for its blue Iznik tiles and six minarets. After we will walk to the Hippodrome, once the centre of sports events (chariot races and athletic games) and political activities. This afternoon, we will enjoy a tour of Topkapi Palace Museum, once the imperial residence of Ottoman Sultans. Here we will see exhibits of the imperial treasury, Chinese porcelain, weapons and holy relics, including the Sword of King David, the Staff of Moses and the Turban of Joseph. Next we will visit the monumental tombs of the Sultans. We will end the day with a visit to the Grand Bazaar, the largest oriental bazaar (market) in the world with around 4000 shops. This evening is free. (B, L)

Day 3 - Friday 18 September – Istanbul to Gallipoli

This morning we will depart Istanbul and drive to the Gallipoli peninsula. As we pass the Sea of Marmara and the Dardanelles, I will discuss the history of the Gallipoli campaign and the vital importance of these waters. On arrival in the seaside town of Çanakkale, we will visit the old Turkish fort at Cimenlik, which played a key role in the naval attacks of March 1915. We will then check in at our waterfront hotel and enjoy dinner together. (B, D)

Day 4 - Saturday 19 September – Anzac Sector

Today we will explore the scenes of famous actions during the Gallipoli Campaign, such as Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Quinn’s Post, Chunuk Bair and many more. I will bring to life for you the stories of the men who were there while we stand on the very ground where they fought and died. A highlight will be a visit to the recently uncovered trenches at Silt Spur, where we will have the opportunity to explore a complete Australian trench system that has been hidden for over a century. We will also conduct a memorial service at Lone Pine, in honour of all the men who died during the campaign. At the end of this memorable day we will return to Çanakkale, where our evening is free. (B, L)

Day 5 - Sunday 20 September – Anzac on Foot

It’s time to strap our walking boots on as we leave the well-trodden paths of Gallipoli and see the battlefield as the Anzacs did. Our touring coach will drive us to the Anzac sector, where we will enjoy two very special walks to parts of the battlefields rarely seen by tourists. Our first walk will take us from Shrapnel Valley up onto Braund’s Hill and along the ridgelines towards the front line at Lone Pine. During this walk we will be following in the footsteps of the Anzacs and gaining a fascinating new perspective on the battlefield. After a picnic lunch we will drive to the heights of Chunuk Bair, where New Zealand troops fought bravely in August 1915. We will then walk down to the beach via Rhododendron Ridge, covering the same ground that New Zealand troops captured during their advance in 1915. We will have magnificent views of the tangle of gullies and ravines north of the Anzac Sector, where some of the toughest fighting of the August campaign occurred. This is one of the most scenic walks at Gallipoli, and one rarely seen by visitors to the region. At the end of this fascinating day we will return to our hotel, where our evening is free. (B, L)

Day 6 - Monday 21 September – Cape Helles

Today we will head to Cape Helles, located on the southern toe of the peninsula. Here we will explore the British and French battlefields, the scene of more than 30,000 deaths in just 10 months of fighting. I will take you to V Beach, W Beach, the Cape Helles Memorial and Achi Baba to name a few. We will also explore the forgotten Anzac attack at Krithia and see several hidden sites before enjoying lunch at a wonderful restaurant in Eceabat. We will then return to our hotel for an evening at leisure. (B, L)

Day 7 - Tuesday 22 September – Suvla Bay

After breakfast, we will head north and explore the battlefield of Suvla, the scene of a new landing but familiar disappointment in August 1915. The key sites we will visit today include the Anzac battlefield at Hill 60, Lala Baba, Scimitar Hill, Green/Chocolate Hill and more. In the evening we will return to Çanakkale where our evening is free. (B, L)

Day 8 - Wednesday 23 September – Gallipoli to Istanbul

We will farewell Gallipoli this morning and return to Istanbul, where we will enjoy a cruise along the Bosphorus River followed by a visit to the Egyptian Bazaar, the best place in Istanbul to buy Turkish delight, dried fruit, exotic spices and herbs. This evening we will come together for a farewell dinner to mark the end of this special tour. (B, D)

Day 9 - Thursday 24 September – Depart Istanbul

Our tour sadly comes to an end this morning after breakfast. (B)

Dates and Prices

expand_more

Departs 16th September 2020

  • Twin share from $3,999 pp
  • Sole use from $4,499

Freecall our local travel team on 1300 414 98 to secure your seat on this popular tour.

Accommodation

expand_more

Your tour includes 8 nights’ staying in 4-star accommodation

FAQs

expand_more
Your Host - Mat McLachlan:

Mat McLachlan is a leading battlefield historian, author and broadcaster, and the founder of Mat McLachlan Battlefield Tours. He has spent more than two decades following in the footsteps of Australian troops around the world. He is an authority on the battlefields of the Western Front, Gallipoli, the Pacific battlefields of World War Two, the Vietnam War and the Normandy landing beaches.

Is Travel Insurance compulsory?

Yes it is a condition of travel on this tour that each passenger is adequately covered by an appropriate travel insurance policy. We strongly advise taking out Travel Insurance at the time of making your booking to provide full cover. If you would like a competitive quote, please call our travel team on 1300 414 198.

T&Cs

expand_less

Travel at 60 and supplier booking conditions apply.

Share this holiday with your friends!

This holiday deal has expired.

Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.

Share this holiday with your friends!
Simply click any of the buttons below to share this holiday with your favourite travel buddy/group!

This holiday deal has expired.

Want to find an alternative? Search for another holiday here or contact us.