Explore Gallipoli, Canakkale, and Troy

Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, you will be warmly greeted and transferred to your hotel in the historic heart of the city. Take some time to settle in and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of this unique metropolis straddling Europe and Asia. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore at leisure - perhaps enjoy a leisurely walk along the Bosphorus shore or sample some delicious Turkish cuisine nearby. Your unforgettable journey through Turkey begins here.

Depart from your hotel in Istanbul early in the morning and drive along the Marmara Sea coast via Tekirdag to Gallipoli, where happened the Battle of Gallipoli between 1915 and 1916. To Australia, New Zealand, and Turkey, this war has been linked to their transitions to independent modern states.

Here you will see the battlefields of the 1st World War, including Anzac Cove, the Australian Memorial with the lone pine standing beside it, the Nek Cemetery, Chunuk Bair, Shrapnel Valley, and Kabatepe Museum.

After the visit, have a good rest at your hotel for tomorrow's dawn ceremony.

Attend the Dawn ceremony, listen to the clarion of the Last Post. After that, from Gallipoli, we will continue to Eceabat, cross the natural channel Dardanelles by ferry, and check into the hotel in Canakkale.

About 30 km south of Canakkale is the historical Troy, which is said to be the battlefield of the Trojan War in Greek Mythology. Now that the ancient city has gone, and we can only imagine it from the wooden horse built according to the descriptions in Greek literature, the potteries scattered on the ground, and the remaining broken walls. Then, drive back to Canakkale. Have a free afternoon to explore the city of Canakkale on your own.

Depart Canakkale this morning and drive back to Istanbul (about 3.5 hours), crossing the landscapes where Europe and Asia meet. As you travel north along the Sea of Marmara or across the 1915 Canakkale Bridge, reflect on the layers of history you've encountered - from the battlefields of Gallipoli to the legends of Troy. Arriving in Istanbul, the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your own pace. Whether you opt to explore a new neighborhood, revisit a favorite site, or relax at a café overlooking the Bosphorus, the city welcomes you back with its timeless energy and enduring charm.

Today marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Turkey. At the scheduled time, a private transfer will take you to Istanbul Airport for your departure flight.