One of the most significant conflicts of World War I took place in the area now known as the Gallipoli Peninsula on the right shore at the entrance to the Dardanelles in what was then part of the Ottoman Empire and is now modern Turkey.
In 1915, British and French forces engaged in a nine month long battle with forces from the Ottoman Empire for control of the peninsula on the Aegean Sea. By entering the Dardanelles, a strategic waterway, the Allies sought to secure Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul) and take the Turks out of the war.
The Australian and New Zealand Army Corps – ANZACs – landed at Gallipoli on April 25, 1915. During the conflict over 8,700 Australian ‘Diggers’ and 2721 New Zealanders lost their lives. 44,000 British and French soldiers died and the Turks suffered heavy losses with 87,000 Turks killed in battle – in all, one quarter of all men who fought on Gallipoli Peninsula lost their lives here almost 100 years ago.
A key moment in Turkish history, and one that Australians and New Zealanders commemorate each year on April 25, ANZAC DAY has become an important, shared link for subsequent generations from all three countries.
CHAT Tours offers travellers who wish to partake in the ANZAC DAY 2012 services and commemorative activities in Gallipoli several tour packages that each include attendance at the Dawn Service in Gallipoli on April 25.
Other CHAT Tours programs for 2012 include guided day trips to the Dardanelles and ANZAC Cove throughout the year. See more tours >
Explore the ancient cultural and religious sights of Istanbul including the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. This 3 Day tour of this fascinating city, the former Constantinople, includes a full day at Gallipoli where the ANZACs and Ottomans sacrificed thousands of men during battle in World War I.
Travel from Istanbul across country to Marmaris on this 7 Day tour of the Western Shore of Turkey, taking in the legendary Troy, Ephesus, Kusadasi and Hierapolis along the way. This tour includes a visit to ANZAC Cove.
This special ANZAC Tour incorporates the Classical Turkey Program – Cappadocia, Kusadasi, Canakkale, Pamukkale – in a 10 Day Tour that departs from Istanbul on April 17, 2012 and includes a whole day at ANZAC Cove on April 25, 2012. Beginning with the Dawn Services, this will be a truly memorable day to pay tribute to all who gave their lives in the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I and to remember those who have served, and continue to serve, their countries in numerous conflicts since.
This special ANZAC Tour departs from Marmaris in Turkey on April 21, 2012 and takes in all of the ancient and inspiring sites of Kusadasi and Canakkale en route to the Dardanelles for the ANZAC Ceremonies on April 25. Spend the day prior orienting yourself with ANZAC Cove and Lone Pine before taking part in the Dawn Services and a full day of commemorations for all those who gave their lives at Gallipoli and in many other conflicts since.
Departing April 20, 2012 from Istanbul, this 8 Day Special ANZAC Tour includes a ferry trip across the Gallipoli Peninsula on April 24 where you will camp out under the stars, with thousands of others, on the eve of ANZAC Day. Begin April 25 with the traditional Dawn Service here, in the very place, almost a century ago, where so many gave their lives. A full day’s ceremonies will commemorate the Battle of Gallipoli and the many who have served, and continue to serve, their countries so valiantly.
HURRY! DEPARTS ISTANBUL APRIL 20, 2012!