Our day started with a 5 hour transfer from Istanbul to Gallipoli. On arrival we picked up our private war guide and started our tour in the early afternoon at the Ecebat museum. Our guide is excellent and we soon learn about the war from the Turkish perspective which is fascinating and sad as we realise how betrayed the Turks were.
The museum is interesting, the different Allied uniforms giving some insight to the different troops. Naturally the French is the most stylish with blue trimmings. There are plenty of ammunitions on display as well.
We then drive round to the Landing Beach – Brighton and on to Anzac Cove – what a terrible difference a mile makes! The cliffs are steep here and must have been a terrible disappointment to the boys, not to mention making them such a target. We had good information on the bus and then plenty of free time to read the storyboards which present different perspectives. I tossed of my shoes and walked into the sea to stand in t
he water and try and imagine what these young men felt.
Then on to the north beach. This entire area is cared for well and there are good history boards. We then went to Lone Pine Cemetery – quite beautiful with wild and planted poppies and roses flowering. Too sad to read the headstones as aged 17 , aged 18 aged 19 was a bit overwhelming. We then went to 2nd Ridge and our guide took us through the trenches and tunnels, all the time bringing the area to life with stories and facts. Why were the trenches only 8- 10 metres apart ? So neither side could use gas we are told. Very useful though as Turks would ask for old newspapers for their cigarettes and in exchange they would give the allies cigarettes. The Allies threw over a tin of beef jerky, they threw it back with a note saying no thanks send us some of your biscuits.
We also visited Bloody Ridge, the 57th Memorial and Chunuk Bair. It was a very moving 4.5 hour tour, we all thought it was the most amazing experience and we loved getting the total picture. Our tour guide was passionate, knowledgable, compassionate and we cannot imagine how you could get this level of understanding without a dedicated Gallipoli Guide. Even the guys who thought they had a good war knowledge were surprised at how much they learnt. Absolutely our highlight experience.
Related experiences
Best of the Med – Departs 03 September 2025
25 DAYS HOSTED JOURNEY DEPARTS: 03 September 2025 COUNTRIES: Spain, France, Italy, Slovenia, Montenegro, Croatia, Multi Country Tours – Europe This exceptional journey starts with a wonderful two days in Barcelona before cruising along the French and Italian coast. We … Continue reading
Best of Turkey
Get your Turkish delights on a 15-day adventure in Istanbul. This trip is a mix of ancient ruins and modern cities, Islamic mysticism and Ottoman influence, inland discoveries and coastal cruising, and everything in between! Discover Gallipoli on a guided … Continue reading
NEW! World Voyage I
180 Days | 83 Guided Tours | 37 Countries Circumnavigate the world Traverse the globe on an unforgettable voyage across vast oceans to destinations on six continents. From Ft. Lauderdale, discover faraway lands in the South Pacific and Asia. Witness … Continue reading
Passage to India
Cities of ancient trade routes Trace the routes of the earliest merchants from Greece to India, stopping to meet caretakers of history. Explore the historic treasures of Greece and Israel, and head into the desert landscapes of Egypt and Jordan … Continue reading
Cruising the Dalmatian Coast and the Ionian Sea: Athens to Venice – with Smithsonian Journeys
SAVE! UPTO 10%* Highlights A voyage specially-tailored for English-speaking travellers including discussions with experts, transfers before and after your cruise, and an included excursion in each port of call. Engaging discussions onboard with two Smithsonian Journeys Experts, including art historian … Continue reading
London to Rome and Athens by Train
Why book this trip? Leave gloomy London behind as you journey to the glorious azure waters of Greece’s Aegean coast. This superb rail odyssey takes you through the backstreets of Pisa and Rome, introduces you to the delights of home-cooked … Continue reading
London to Istanbul by Train
Why book this trip? Put the romance back into travel with the most iconic of all rail journeys, from London to Istanbul. Our fast-paced take on the classic Orient Express traverses Central Europe, passing through the iconic cities of Venice, … Continue reading
Balkans Rail Adventure
Why book this trip? Explore Europe’s newest countries; travelling by rail through some of the Balkan’s most inspiring scenery. This fast paced trip gets under the skin of Tito’s Yugoslavia to experience thriving cities that remain undiscovered by most travellers. … Continue reading
Self-drive holiday through Europe with Peugeot/Citroen car leasing
Taking a self-drive holiday through Europe can be one of the most rewarding holiday experiences and such an exciting and enjoyable way to explore Europe at your own pace. With Peugeot and Citroen car leasing programmes – available to New … Continue reading
Splendours of the Western Mediterranean
Starting in Athens, step aboard Le Bougainville for an 8-day cruise between Greece and the majestic Maltese coast. Le Bougainville will take you to Patmos were you will discover its monastery and the cave where Saint John is said to … Continue reading
