Hosgeldinz. Welcome to Turkey! Your Gallipoli pilgrimage starts early this morning, so you might want to consider staying an extra day either side of this trip. You’ll be picked up from the Manesol Galata Hotel at 6 am, then travel by minibus to Eceabat. After a light lunch, take a fully guided tour on the Battle Fields of the Gallipoli Peninsula. You’ll see Brighton Beach, ANZAC Cove, the ANZAC Commemorative Site, Ariburnu & Beach Cemetery, the Mehmetcik Statue, the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, Johnston's Jolly (Turkish and Allied trenches and tunnels), Quinn's Post, The Nek and Walker's Ridge, and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. The battle at Gallipoli in WW1 is seen as the turning point in the history of Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Turkey. The names of ANZAC Cove, the Nek and Lone Pine have a special place in the hearts of Antipodeans and you’ll be struck by the beauty and serenity of the place, in stark contrast to the stories your guide will tell you of the events that unfolded here. Hear more stories of heroism and camaraderie and maybe visit the war graves to seek out those from your town. Tonight, stay in Canakkale in a local bed and breakfast and reflect on all you have learnt.
