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Turkish Odyssey: Gallipoli to the Aegean Sea

8th January 2015 Print
ANZAC memorial at Gallipoli

The year 2015 marks the 100th anniversary of Gallipoli, one of the darkest episodes of the 1914-1918 Great War and, to commemorate the event, specialist tour operator Corinthian Travel has created a 10-day itinerary – Turkish Odyssey: Gallipoli to the Aegean Sea – which includes visits to some of the battlefields, for those with an interest in the infamous peninsula and the events that took place there.

From April 1915 to January 1916, a 70,000 strong Allied army tried to force the straits, knock Turkey out of the war, and open up a supply route to provide Russia with much needed supplies.

The campaign was one of the greatest Ottoman victories during the war and a major Allied failure. In Turkey, it is widely regarded as a defining moment in the nation's history; a final surge in the defence of the motherland as the Ottoman Empire crumbled.

The Turkish Odyssey itinerary explores the poignant and magnificently sited First World War battlefields of the Gallipoli peninsula, as well as travelling off the beaten track through the small villages and olive-strewn rural countryside of north-western Turkey and down to Ephesus.

The tour – which is privately guided and chauffeured throughout – starts with two days to explore Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) – including a cruise on the Bosphorus – then travels through Thrace to the battlefields of Gallipoli.

After crossing the Dardanelles Strait into Asia, visit ancient Troy – of Homeric fame – and see the stunningly located ruins of Assos with their breath-taking Aegean views.
Explore Pergamum, perched atop of its mighty acropolis, before continuing onto the charming Ottoman period village of Sirince.

Next, discover Ephesus, a classical site that is one of the finest in the Western World, then visit the ruins of ancient Ionia before arriving on the Bodrum peninsula where your overnight accommodation commands panoramic views over the harbour and the picturesque Castle of St. Peter.

The holiday can depart any day (year round) and costs from £2845 pp (two sharing).

This includes nine nights’ B&B (plus two lunches), sightseeing and entrances as per the itinerary with an English speaking guide, chauffeur-driven transfers in air-conditioned vehicle and a two hour private cruise on the Bosphorus.

Flights not included (bookable through Corinthian Travel on request).

For more information, visit corinthiantravel.co.uk.

Corinthian Travel offers recommended tours and tailor-made itineraries to holidays in Turkey, Egypt, Oman, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Jordan, Tunisia and Lebanon, with dedicated expert guides, the finest hotels, and private sightseeing.

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ANZAC memorial at Gallipoli