Excursion Gallipoli battlefields with an expert tour at Canakkale

Spend a day exploring the scenes of some of the fiercest fighting of World War I during this excursion to the Gallipoli Peninsula and its environs.

Expert Guide - Mr. Kenan Çelik

Your guide for this excursion is Mr. Kenan Çelik, one of Turkey's leading experts on the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I and a Gallipoli Peninsula battlefield guide for more than 25 years. In 2000, Kenan became the first Turkish citizen to receive the Order of Australia, that country's highest civilian honour, in recognition of his services to Australian history. In addition to leading tours over the Gallipoli battlefields and writing accounts of various aspects of the campaign, Kenan has appeared in a number of documentaries, including Disaster at Gallipoli and Canakkale Son Kale, which detailed the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915. Throughout this tour, Kenan shares interesting facts about the war and local battle-sites.

Gallipoli, Anzac Cove and Brighton Beach

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the local ferry and an approximate 30-minute ride across the Dardanelles. Upon arrival, drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula and Anzac Cove, then on to Brighton Beach and the Beach Cemetery.

Anafartalar War Museum

This museum is dedicated to the memory of the soldiers of all sides who served, and so often died, during the Gallipoli Campaign. However, while displaying relics, original documents and artwork relating to all three main sectors of the campaign, its special focus is on the Suvla front, scene of the British landings in August, and the north of the Anzac sector. The museum's collection includes original weapons, equipment, uniforms, maps, insignia, documents, photographs and images from the campaign, as well as personal belongings of the men who fought on the peninsula. All exhibits are accompanied by detailed information in Turkish and English. The museum is the lifework of Ozay Gündoğan, whose family has lived in the village of Büyük Anafarta for generations. Like many locals, Özay had a number of relatives who served in the Turkish army during the Gallipoli Campaign. Many of the relics on display have been found on land owned by the Gündoğan family near Laba Baba, Hill 60, the W Hills and below Chunuk Bair.

Gallipoli Battlefields

Next, visit Johnston's Jolly Cemetery and the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, which commemorate Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought in Gallipoli. Other memorials include the Nek, site of the famous Light Horse Brigade depicted in the movie Gallipoli, and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.

British Memorial and Battlefields

Enjoy the scenery of the area after wine tasting and lunch, served at one of the best local vineyards in Suvla area. Following lunch, re-board your coach for the drive to the British Memorial, dedicated to the Gallipoli military campaign, and commence the second-half of your battlefield tour. Along the way, see the broken walls of the great Seddulbahir Fort and the square pillars of the Canakkale Martyrs Memorial. Situated at the head of Morno Bay, it is the largest memorial on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Canakkale

Following your visit, drive to the local ferry for the approximate 30-minute ride back to the other side of the Dardanelles. Upon arrival, some free time is made available for independent shopping or exploring in Canakkale before transferring back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.25 hours over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the ferry. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Gallipoli Peninsula, Anzac Cove, Cemeteries, Memorials, Brighton Beach, Anafartalar War Museum, Vineyard, Wine Tasting, Lunch, Seddulbahir Fort

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