History's Turning Points, Side by Side
A Place of Remembrance
The Legend of Troy4,000 Years of HistoryTwo Landscapes That Shaped World History
This is a tour for travelers drawn to history's turning points — from the trenches of Gallipoli, where a nine-month campaign shaped national identities on both sides, to the excavated walls of a city once thought to be pure legend.
The Gallipoli peninsula was the site of a major 1915–16 campaign of the First World War, where Ottoman forces defended the Dardanelles against Allied troops including the ANZAC (Australian and New Zealand Army Corps). Today the peninsula is a peaceful national historic park, dotted with cemeteries, memorials and preserved trenches at sites such as Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair — a place of quiet remembrance for visitors from around the world.
Just across the Dardanelles strait lies Troy, the city immortalized in Homer's Iliad. Long thought to be purely legendary, the site was identified and excavated in the 19th century, revealing layers of settlement spanning thousands of years. A full-scale wooden horse and an on-site museum help bring the story — and the archaeology — to life.
This tour combines both sites into one respectful, well-paced 2-day journey from Istanbul, crossing the Dardanelles by ferry and overnighting in the coastal town of Çanakkale.
Tour Highlights
Anzac Cove
The small beach where Allied forces landed on 25 April 1915.
Lone Pine & Chunuk Bair
Solemn memorial sites marking key battles of the campaign.
The 57th Regiment Memorial
A tribute to the Ottoman soldiers who defended the peninsula.
The Trojan Horse Replica
A full-scale wooden horse on the Çanakkale waterfront.
Ancient Troy
Nine layers of settlement spanning thousands of years of history.
A Dardanelles Ferry Crossing
Cross the historic strait separating Europe and Asia.
Signature Destinations
The places that make this trip unforgettable.
GallipoliAnzac Cove & War Memorials
The landing beach and surrounding cemeteries of the pivotal 1915–16 WWI campaign, now a place of quiet remembrance.
TroyAncient Troy
A UNESCO World Heritage Site revealing nine layers of settlement spanning roughly 4,000 years, immortalized in Homer's Iliad.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
A respectful, well-paced two days through two of history's most significant landscapes.
Drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula
Depart Istanbul by road, traveling south along the coast toward the Gallipoli peninsula, with your guide providing historical context for the campaign along the way.
Anzac Cove & the Landing Beaches
Stand on the small beach where Australian and New Zealand troops landed on 25 April 1915, now a place of quiet remembrance and an official site of historic significance.
Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair & the 57th Regiment Memorial
Visit the Commonwealth war cemetery at Lone Pine, the New Zealand memorial at Chunuk Bair, and the Turkish memorial to the 57th Regiment — together telling the story of the campaign from every side.
Dardanelles Crossing & Overnight
Cross the Dardanelles strait by ferry to the coastal town of Çanakkale, where you'll spend the night before visiting Troy the next morning.
The Trojan Horse Replica
Begin the day at the full-scale wooden horse on the Çanakkale waterfront, a popular photo stop referencing the legend told in Homer's Iliad.
The Archaeological Site of Troy
Explore the excavated layers of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site revealing nine successive settlements spanning roughly 4,000 years, alongside the on-site museum.
Drive Back to Istanbul
After lunch, begin the return drive to Istanbul, arriving back in the city in the evening with a deeper understanding of two of history's defining stories.
Why Choose This Tour?
Respectful, Well-Paced Visits
Time is built in for quiet reflection at memorial sites, not just quick photo stops.
Expert Historical Guiding
A knowledgeable guide explains the campaign and the archaeology in full context.
Comfortable Overnight Stay
Rest in Çanakkale rather than rushing both sites into a single long day.
Private or Small Group
Choose the pace and privacy level that suits you.
Door-to-Door Transport
All road transport and the Dardanelles ferry crossing are included.
24/7 Support
Our Istanbul-based team is reachable throughout your trip.
What's Included & Excluded
Included
- Private/small-group road transport from Istanbul and return
- Dardanelles ferry crossing
- 1 night hotel in Çanakkale, breakfast included
- Licensed English-speaking guide
- Entrance fees to the Gallipoli historic sites, Troy archaeological site & museum
- Lunch on both touring days
Excluded
- Dinner and drinks
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Any services not listed above
This tour is popular for remembrance travelers, including descendants of ANZAC or Ottoman soldiers — let us know if you'd like time built in at a specific memorial or cemetery.
Make the Most of Your 2 Days
Here's how to plan around this itinerary for a meaningful, well-paced trip.
Choose This Tour for a Focused History Trip
This format is built for travelers who want to properly absorb Gallipoli and Troy without rushing either site.
Time Your Visit Around Anzac Day
If you'd like to witness the 25 April commemorations, plan well ahead — or avoid that date if you prefer a quieter visit.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
Memorial grounds and the Troy archaeological site involve walking on grass and uneven paths.
Allow Time for Reflection
Gallipoli's cemeteries reward a slower pace — don't feel rushed to move to the next stop.
Read Ahead if You Can
A little background on the 1915 campaign and the Iliad adds real depth to what you'll see.
Bring a Camera for Çanakkale
The waterfront Trojan Horse replica is a popular and worthwhile photo stop.
Accommodation & Transportation
Accommodation: One night is spent at a comfortable hotel in Çanakkale, the coastal town closest to both the Gallipoli peninsula and ancient Troy. Standard double or twin rooms are included with breakfast.
Transportation: All transport is by private, air-conditioned road vehicle from Istanbul, including the ferry crossing of the Dardanelles strait between the Gallipoli peninsula and Çanakkale.
Good to Know Before You Go
Best Time to Visit
Spring and autumn are ideal; the annual Anzac Day commemorations (25 April) draw large crowds if you'd like to time your visit around them, or avoid them.
Comfortable Footwear
Memorial sites and the Troy archaeological grounds involve walking on grass and uneven paths.
Respectful Conduct
Gallipoli's cemeteries and memorials are solemn sites of remembrance — quiet, respectful behavior is expected throughout.
Currency & Payments
The Turkish Lira (TRY) is the official currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted at hotels and larger sites; carrying some cash is useful for small vendors.
Tour Price
Shared/small-group tours start from approximately €195 per adult, based on double or twin room occupancy. Private tours are available at a higher rate.
| Tour Type | Starting Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Small GroupShared tour, double/twin room | From €195 / adult | Best value option, joined by other travelers on the same schedule. |
| Private TourOwn guide & vehicle | Request a Quote | Fully private itinerary, ideal for remembrance travelers. |
Frequently Asked Questions
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