Explore Turkey in all its glory, gore

Gallipoli, Turkey - During World War I many battles raged around Europe, particularly in France and Belgium, but by 1915 the Western Front was deadlocked.

In early 1915 the Russians found themselves threatened by the Turks in the Caucasus and appealed to the Allies for some relief.

The British then took the fight to Turkey and the Gallipoli Peninsula on the western shore of the Dardanelles, with Constantinople as their objective.

By capturing Constantinople, the British hoped to link up with the Russians, knock Turkey out of the war and possibly persuade the Balkan states to join the Allies.

The battle for Gallipoli was largely fought by Australian and New Zealand troops, who initially won a bridgehead at “Anzac Cove” on the Aegean side of the peninsula, but the Turkish forces were underrated by the Allies and this led to one of the most disastrous battles of World War I, with major losses on both sides.

Anzac Day celebrates the Australian and New Zealand participation in the war and commemorates all those who served and died in military operations for their countries. It is remembered the world over on April 25.

Join Trafalgar’s 14-day Best of Turkey guided holiday priced from R17 225, with a set departure of April 13 to coincide with the Anzac Day memorials. This includes first-class hotel accommodation with breakfast daily, a ferry across the Dardenelles to Canakkale, a ferry across the Sea of Marmara to Istanbul, travel by luxury air-conditioned coaches, services of a professional travel director, 12 evening meals and more.

Visit Istanbul, explore the Gallipoli Peninsula and see Anzac Cove, the site of the battle. Visit Lone Pine and Chunnuk Bair cemeteries, the final resting place of many allied soldiers. See the Dardanelles and stay overnight in Canakkale.

Anzac Tours - Gallipoli Tours