Walk the battlefields, cemeteries and trenches of the 1915 campaign with a guide who explains what happened at each site.
Tour Overview
Gallipoli and Troy in Just Two Days
This 2 days Gallipoli and Troy tour from Istanbul brings two entirely different chapters of history into one compact journey: the WWI battlefields of the Gallipoli Peninsula and the legendary, layered ruins of ancient Troy. On Day 1 you walk the hallowed ground of ANZAC Cove, Lone Pine and Chunuk Bair, where the echoes of the First World War still resonate, and pay tribute at the cemeteries and memorials dedicated to the soldiers who fought and fell there.
On Day 2 you travel from Canakkale to the ancient city of Troy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the setting of Homer's Iliad. You explore the city walls, the Roman Theatre and the Bouleuterion, learn how nine successive settlements were built on the same hill, and see the symbolic Trojan Horse replica. The tour starts and ends in Istanbul, and includes a comfortable overnight stay in Canakkale.
What you will experience
This is a Gallipoli battlefield tour and a Troy archaeological tour in one. You travel with an English-speaking guide who explains the 1915 Gallipoli campaign from both the Allied and the Turkish side, then guides you through Troy so that the ruins and the myth of the Trojan War make sense together. Between the two sites you cross the Dardanelles Strait by ferry, a short and scenic crossing between Europe and Asia.
Who this tour is for
The tour suits Australian and New Zealand travelers who want to visit the ANZAC sites and pay their respects, history lovers who want a short Turkey historical tour, and anyone looking for a compact, educational escape from Istanbul. It is run as a shared small-group tour, with a private Gallipoli and Troy tour available on request.
How the two days work
Day 1 begins with an early pickup and a drive of about 300 km to the peninsula, followed by the battlefield sites, lunch and the ferry to Canakkale. Day 2 starts with breakfast and a free morning, then Troy in the afternoon and the evening drive back to Istanbul. Hotel, entrance fees, ferry, lunch and guide are all included in the price of $350 per person.
For ANZAC visitors. This is a particularly meaningful trip for travelers from Australia and New Zealand who want to pay their respects at ANZAC sites, with a guide who explains the campaign from both sides.
Why choose this tour
Two iconic destinations in just two days, with expert guides providing historical insight at both. Hassle-free transportation, a Dardanelles ferry crossing and a comfortable overnight stay in Canakkale keep the logistics simple.
The result is an experience that is both emotional and educational, spanning more than three thousand years of history in a single compact trip from Istanbul.
Tour at a glance
- 2 days, 1 night
- Istanbul · Gallipoli · Canakkale · Troy
- Shared small group; private on request
- English-speaking guide
- Dardanelles ferry included
- Breakfast + 1 lunch
- Entrance fees included
- Vegetarian meal on request
Duration
2 Days
1 night
Style
Small Group
private on request
Guide
English
licensed professional
Price
$350
per person
Your route
Two Days, Three Stops, One Loop
Istanbul to Gallipoli: ~300 km, 4.5–5 hours. Gallipoli to Canakkale: 20-minute ferry. Canakkale to Troy: ~30 km, 30–40 minutes. Troy to Istanbul: ~340 km, 5–6 hours.
Istanbul
Gallipoli
Canakkale
Troy
Istanbul
Cross the Dardanelles by ferry, check into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening and a free morning on the waterfront.
Explore the nine layers of ancient Troy before the return drive to Istanbul, with drop-off at your hotel.
2-Day Gallipoli and Troy Itinerary: ANZAC Battlefields, Canakkale & Ancient Troy
If you are planning a Gallipoli and Troy tour from Istanbul, the order of the stops matters as much as the sights. This 2-day Gallipoli and Troy itinerary uses the first day for the Gallipoli battlefields, so you are fresh for the walking and the history, and keeps Troy for the second afternoon, so the long return drive to Istanbul follows a visit rather than precedes it.
Day 1: Gallipoli battlefields and the Dardanelles
After an early pickup you drive about 300 km to the Gallipoli Peninsula. The day then moves through ANZAC Cove, the Lone Pine Memorial, Chunuk Bair and the surrounding cemeteries, trenches and monuments, with lunch at a local restaurant. The day ends with the short ferry crossing of the Dardanelles to Canakkale, where you stay overnight.
Day 2: Ancient Troy and the return to Istanbul
After breakfast and a free morning in Canakkale, your guide takes you to the ancient city of Troy for the Trojan Horse replica, the city walls, the Roman Theatre, the Bouleuterion and the nine layers of settlement. The return drive of about 340 km brings you back to your Istanbul hotel in the evening.
Every full tour day includes at least four places, listed below for each day so you can see exactly what you will visit.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Real driving times and every place you visit, so you know exactly what each day involves. Tap any day to read more. Timings are approximate and may be adjusted for traffic and opening hours.
1
Your Gallipoli day starts with an early pickup between 6:30 and 7:00 AM. After the scenic drive of roughly 300 km, you spend the day at six places: four Gallipoli battlefield sites, the Dardanelles ferry and the waterfront town of Canakkale.
Places you will visit on Day 1
ANZAC Cove Lone Pine Memorial Chunuk Bair Gallipoli Cemeteries & Trenches Dardanelles Ferry Canakkale
Scenic drive from Istanbul to the Gallipoli Peninsula
The drive covers about 300 km and takes 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on traffic, with rest stops along the way. You pass through the small towns and countryside of the Marmara region while your guide introduces the background to the 1915 campaign.
ANZAC Cove
The narrow beach where the first ANZAC troops came ashore at dawn on 25 April 1915. Standing here and looking up at the steep, scrub-covered ridges, you can see why the landing went so badly wrong and why this shoreline became the centre of Australian and New Zealand remembrance.
Lone Pine Memorial & Cemetery
Site of the fierce Battle of Lone Pine in August 1915, where opposing trenches ran only metres apart. The Australian memorial and cemetery honour the Australians and New Zealanders who fell here, including many with no known grave.
Chunuk Bair
A high ridge contested in August 1915 and now home to the New Zealand memorial. Preserved trench lines are still visible in the ground, and the viewpoint explains the geography of the whole peninsula.
Gallipoli cemeteries, trenches and memorial monuments
Between the main sites your guide stops at smaller cemeteries, surviving trenches and monuments, and explains the campaign from both the Allied and the Turkish perspective.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Around midday an included lunch at a local restaurant breaks up the touring. A vegetarian option is available on request.
Dardanelles ferry crossing and Canakkale
At the end of the day a short 20-minute ferry ride carries you across the Dardanelles Strait to Canakkale, where you check into your hotel for the night.
The order of the Gallipoli stops may adjust on the day; every visit still takes place.
Transport & guide Entrance fees Lunch Ferry crossing Hotel in Canakkale Dinner & beverages
2
After a relaxed morning in Canakkale, your afternoon is dedicated to the ancient city of Troy, with five places to explore on site before the return drive to Istanbul.
Places you will visit on Day 2
Trojan Horse Replica Troy City Walls Roman Theatre Bouleuterion (Senate Building) Nine Layers of Troy Canakkale Waterfront
Breakfast and a free morning in Canakkale
After breakfast at the hotel the morning is yours to relax or stroll the Canakkale waterfront and harbor at your own pace. Troy is only about 30 km away, 30 to 40 minutes by road, so there is no need to rush.
The Trojan Horse replica
Around 1:30 PM your guide picks you up for Troy. The visit begins at the large wooden horse, the symbol of the legend that ended the Trojan War and the best way to bring Homer's Iliad to life before you enter the ruins.
Troy city walls and fortifications
Walk beside the fortification walls of the citadel and learn how they protected a city that controlled the approach to the Dardanelles. The guide separates the archaeology from the myth as you go.
Roman Theatre
The Roman Theatre belongs to the later chapters of the site and shows how Troy continued as a living city long after the Bronze Age.
Bouleuterion, the Greco-Roman senate building
The Bouleuterion was the council hall of the Greco-Roman city. Its remains, near the sanctuary area, give a sense of how public life was organised.
The nine layers of Troy
The hill holds nine successive settlements built one on top of another. Your guide explains how to read the layers and what each period adds to the story.
Return drive to Istanbul
After Troy the group begins the return drive of about 340 km, typically 5 to 6 hours including rest stops, with drop-off at your Istanbul hotel in the evening.
Troy is an open-air site with uneven ground, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Transport & guide Troy entrance fee Breakfast Dinner & beverages Guide and driver tips
Destination Guides
Gallipoli, Canakkale & Troy: Three Stops, One Journey
Read ahead about what you will see: the history, the meaning and the reason each stop earns its place on the route.
Day 1 · Gallipoli Peninsula
Gallipoli: Where the ANZAC Legend Was Born
Battlefields, cemeteries and memorials on the peninsula that shaped three nations
WhenDay 1
Drive from Istanbul~300 km
Drive time4.5–5 hrs
WalkingModerate
In April 1915 Allied troops landed on this narrow peninsula in an attempt to open the Dardanelles Strait. The campaign lasted until early 1916, and well over 100,000 soldiers on all sides lost their lives. For Australia and New Zealand it became a defining national memory, and for Turkey a story of defence and of the rise of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.
Today the peninsula is a quiet landscape of pine hills, memorial cemeteries and trenches that still run along the ridges. Your guide explains how the campaign unfolded site by site, with Allied and Turkish perspectives side by side, so the visit feels like understanding rather than just sightseeing.
This is the core of the tour for ANZAC descendants and for anyone interested in World War I history. Expect a thoughtful, moving day with time at each memorial.
Four places you will visit at Gallipoli
Day 1
ANZAC Cove
The narrow beach where the first ANZAC troops came ashore at dawn on 25 April 1915. The steep, scrub-covered ridges behind it explain why the landing was so costly and why this shoreline became the centre of remembrance.
Why it matters
- The starting point of the ANZAC legend.
Day 1
Lone Pine Memorial
Site of the fierce Battle of Lone Pine in August 1915. The Australian memorial and cemetery stand where opposing trenches once ran only metres apart, and the memorial also honours those with no known grave.
Why it matters
- Australia's principal memorial on the peninsula.
Day 1
Chunuk Bair
A high ridge contested in August 1915. Today it carries the New Zealand memorial, and trench lines are still visible in the ground. The viewpoint makes the geography of the whole campaign easy to grasp.
Why it matters
- New Zealand's memorial, with the best views on the peninsula.
Day 1
Cemeteries, Trenches & Monuments
Between the main sites the tour stops at smaller cemeteries, surviving trenches and monuments across the peninsula. Rows of headstones and short, quiet walks bring home the scale of the losses on both sides.
Why it matters
- The human story behind the battlefield names.
Day 1 night · Day 2 morning
Canakkale: Your Base on the Dardanelles
A relaxed waterfront town between Gallipoli and Troy
Stay1 night
BreakfastIncluded
Ferry~20 min
To Troy~30 km
Canakkale sits on the Asian shore of the Dardanelles, the narrow strait that separates Europe from Asia. After a long day on the peninsula, a short 20-minute ferry ride carries you across the water and into a relaxed, mid-sized town rather than a resort strip.
Your hotel overnight is here, with breakfast included the next morning. The free Day 2 morning is your chance to walk the harbor, enjoy the sea air and have a slow start before Troy, which is only about 30 km away.
Four things to enjoy in Canakkale
Day 1
Dardanelles Crossing
The ferry from the Gallipoli Peninsula to Canakkale takes about 20 minutes and crosses the strait connecting Europe and Asia. It is a pleasant sunset moment after the battlefields.
Why it matters
- A short, scenic bridge between continents.
Day 1
Your Canakkale Hotel
One comfortable night on the Dardanelles waterfront with breakfast included the next morning. You can request a higher hotel category when you enquire or reserve.
Why it matters
- A proper rest between two big days.
Day 1
Harbor Seafood Dining
Canakkale is known for relaxed seafood restaurants along its harbor. Dinner is not included, so you can choose where and what you eat.
Why it matters
- Evenings at your own pace.
Day 2
Free Morning on the Waterfront
Before the afternoon Troy pickup you have the morning to stroll the promenade, take photos of the strait or simply rest.
Why it matters
- Unhurried time between sightseeing.
Day 2 · Troy
Troy: Nine Cities Beneath One Hill
The legendary city of Homer's Iliad and a real, layered archaeological site
WhenDay 2 afternoon
From Canakkale~30 km
Drive time30–40 min
WalkingModerate
Troy is the setting of Homer's Iliad and also a real archaeological site made up of nine successive settlements, from the Early Bronze Age to the Roman era. Each city was built over the ruins of the last, which is why the hill is a layered timeline of the ancient world.
A guided visit makes the difference here. Walls, ramps and foundations mean far more once someone explains what you are looking at, and where the legend of the Trojan Horse meets the evidence in the ground.
The afternoon visit is paced for a comfortable half-day, so you see the key sights without a rush before the return drive to Istanbul.
Four places you will see at Troy
Day 2
The Trojan Horse Replica
A large wooden horse stands as the symbol of the story that ended the Trojan War. It is the classic photo stop, and a good way to set the legend before you enter the real ruins.
Why it matters
- The legend made tangible.
Day 2
Troy City Walls
The fortification walls of the citadel show why Troy controlled the approach to the Dardanelles for centuries. Your guide explains which stones belong to which period.
Why it matters
- Evidence of a powerful, well-defended city.
Day 2
Roman Theatre & Bouleuterion
Public buildings from the Greco-Roman period, including the theatre and the senate building known as the Bouleuterion, show the later life of the city.
Why it matters
- A Roman chapter on top of a Bronze Age one.
Day 2
The Nine Layers of Troy
Nine successive settlements are stacked on this hill, built one atop another. Learning to read the layers turns a field of stones into a story spanning thousands of years.
Why it matters
- A timeline of the ancient world in one site.
Topic Highlights
What Makes This Gallipoli & Troy Tour Special
ANZAC Cove
The landing beach central to Australian and New Zealand wartime memory.
Lone Pine & Chunuk Bair
Memorial sites honoring soldiers from both sides of the Gallipoli campaign.
The Trojan Horse
A symbolic wooden horse marking the legend that ended the Trojan War.
Nine Layers of Troy
Remains of nine successive ancient settlements, built one atop another.
Troy's Roman Theatre
Part of the excavated site alongside the Bouleuterion senate building.
The Dardanelles Crossing
A scenic ferry ride across the strait connecting Europe and Asia.
Best for:
ANZAC descendants and visitors from Australia & New Zealand History lovers Short-break travelers Small groups Private travelers Photographers
Photo Gallery
A Glimpse of Gallipoli & Troy
Gallipoli & Troy
Canakkale
The Route
Services
What Is Included and Not Included
Included in the price
- All transportation outlined in the itinerary
- 1 night in Canakkale with breakfast
- Lunch on the Gallipoli day
- Guided tours with an English-speaking guide
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as detailed in the itinerary
- Local taxes and service fees
- Dardanelles ferry crossing
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Services not mentioned in the program
- Beverages and dinner
- Guide and driver tips
Good to know: a designated shopping stop is included on the group tour, and a vegetarian meal option is available on request. Your overnight is in Canakkale, with the hotel category upgradable on request.
Price & Booking
Tour Price and Booking Terms
Prices are per person in US dollars. The route and inclusions are the same for the group and private versions.
Small-Group Tour
$350
per person
- 2 days, 1 night programme
- Dardanelles ferry crossing
- Breakfast and one lunch
- Entrance fees and local taxes
Private Tour
On request
additional cost
- Your own party only
- Flexible pace
- Same route and inclusions
- Quote confirmed by enquiry
Accommodation & payment
Canakkale: 1 night, breakfast included
A comfortable hotel on the Dardanelles waterfront, with seafood restaurants along the harbor. Hotel category can be upgraded on request.
Reservation
Reserving requires a 40% deposit.
Balance
The remaining balance is payable on arrival.
AI-Powered Travel Recommendations
The History Tips for Your 2 Days at Gallipoli & Troy
Practical suggestions based on the route, the season and the pace of the itinerary.
First time at Gallipoli?
Read a little about the 1915 campaign beforehand. It makes the guide's explanations on the ridges far more vivid.
Photography lovers
Chunuk Bair and the cove offer wide landscapes, while the Troy walls look best in the softer afternoon light.
History lovers
Two entirely different eras in two days: a 20th-century battlefield and a Bronze Age city.
Choose the right shoes
Trenches, gravel paths and the uneven Troy excavations call for broken-in walking shoes.
Plan for long drives
Both days include several hours on the road. Bring a book, snacks and a charged phone.
ANZAC visitors
Travelling around 25 April? The peninsula is extremely busy and access is managed for commemorations, so enquire early.
What to pack
Comfortable walking shoes
Lightweight day bag
Sun hat and sunglasses
Light rain jacket
Camera or smartphone
Reusable water bottle
ID and booking confirmation
Phone charger or power bank
Best time to go
Spring (Apr–May)
Green hills and mild days. Ideal, but busy around ANZAC Day.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Hot and exposed at Troy. Start early and carry water.
Autumn (Sep–Oct)
Warm, calmer and softer light for photography.
Winter (Nov–Mar)
Cool, windy and wet at times. Shorter days.
Local tip: Day 2 has a free morning in Canakkale, so take an easy walk along the waterfront and keep your energy for the afternoon at Troy.
Guest Reviews
5 Stars Excellent Service · The History Travel
5.0
★★★★★
33 reviews on TripAdvisor
Travelers who book with The History Travel often mention the planning, the knowledgeable English-speaking guides, the quality of transport and hotels, and how closely the team stays in touch before and during the trip. These are guest reviews of The History Travel on TripAdvisor, reproduced as written. They describe the agency's tours in Istanbul and across Turkey. Read all reviews on TripAdvisor.
B
★★★★★
Family tour to Turkey
“We had a wonderful family trip to Turkey. Mr Sebahettin of The History Tours planned and organised it. He knows Turkey well, provided detailed itinerary unlike other travel agents. All domestic bookings, transfers, guides, day trios were organised by him. He kept in touch throughout the trip for updates. Highly recommend him for any travel to Turkey”
S
★★★★★
Excellence holiday in Turkey with family
“We had heard about the beauties of Turkey from friends who had visited, and then we booked a 10-day family package tour with Mr. Sebahattin, owner of History Travel, which was recommended by friends. He was very friendly and very knowledgeable. All the service was very well organized. We liked our tour very much. I recommend Mr. Sebahattin and The History Travel Agency to everybody.”
H
★★★★★
Top Tour Operator in Turkey
“We bought a 7-day Cappadocia vacation package from The History Travel Istanbul as a thank you gift for my girlfriend and her family. Our tour was incredibly entertaining and enjoyable, and Mr. Sebahattin and his staff delivered an absolutely amazing service. I want to sincerely thank Sebahattin and the entire staff of The History Travel for their fantastic service. I would adore returning to Turkey and using this company's services. I advise everyone to use The History Travel Agency.”
N
★★★★★
A thrilling visit to a glorious country
“Our visit to turkey was filled with incredible experiences and long lasting memories. Mr Sebahattin was very helpful throughout out planning stages and in the process created a personalised itinerary that fit our needs. Even while in Turkey he was extremely prompt and professional in all his dealings. And enabled us to navigate through the trip effortlessly. The English speaking guides organised by him were very knowledgeable and friendly. The transport and the hotels provided were also of top quality and we were very pleased with the service. Overall a great visit curated by a gem of a person.”
I
★★★★★
Perfect customised Istanbul itinerary
“Sebahattin meticulously planned our customised itinerary at Istanbul perfectly. The arrangement from the first to the last attraction just simply made sense the way he planned it. In addition, when one of our family members was unwell and he found out about it, he immediately sprang into action and made changes to our itinerary to allow for more rest, yet we were able to cover all the attractions after he had made changes to the plan. Finally, we always enjoyed having our wonderful conversations at his office over his delicious Turkish tea. Thank you, Sebahattin, for making our first visit to Turkey such a memorable one. We loved it so much that we are planning to contact you again for an encore!”
D
★★★★★
Fantastic services 5* rating for cappadocia tour
“Our tour organizer Mr. Sebahattin was very professional in his services. He came down to our Airbnb to meet us in day 1. Organised our superb cappadocia tour. Our tour guide in Cappadocia Mr. Mustafa was very friendly and professional. Since our hot air balloon was cancelled due to bad weather Mr. Sebahattin came back to our airbnb to return the money. He kept in constant touch through what's app through the tour until we boarded the flight out of Istanbul . We are going back with fond memories of Turkish food, Turkish culture and turkish heritage. Over all I would rate it 5/5 starts. Thank you Mr. Sebahittin got organising a perfect trip for us.”
D
★★★★★
Explore Istanbul through History Travel
“The History Travel Agency is a professional one with exemplary tour itinerary. Mr Sebahattin Selam from the Agency remained in constant touch with us starting our departure from India till we landed back home. He took care of minute details. Like we are vegetarians and were worried about the food. History Travel had organised exceptional vegetarian continental lunch for us. Our guide Mr Mehmet Nehir is an exceptional person with a very calm composure. City tour involves plenty of walking. So, do wear a comfortable sport shoes. Keep a bottle of water with you and carry small change. Overall it is an exceptional experience touring Istanbul through The History Travel Agency.”
C
★★★★★
More than a tour guide, a friendly host
“Mehmet and Sebahattin were more than tour guides, they were hosts showing the beauty of their country. My wife and I had a full day tour of Istanbul. We had a great lunch and toured all of the main mosques and Topkapi. It was a truly memorable day. The price was fair and I recommend them wholeheartedly.”
S
★★★★★
Mesmerising experience
“We had a wonderful time in Turkey . We booked through Sebahattin and he made sure we have an experience of lifetime. Our trip was customised to our ask and Sebahattin extended all the hospitality one could. I would strongly recommend to book through him and you won't regret.”
FAQ
Gallipoli & Troy Tour: Frequently Asked Questions
Reservations
Book Your Gallipoli & Troy Tour
TOUR CODE: KNY-593
$350
per person, group tour
- Dardanelles ferry included
- English-speaking licensed guide
- 1 night, Canakkale hotel
- Entrance fees included
- 40% deposit, balance on arrival
- Breakfast + 1 lunch included
Prefer to talk? Call or WhatsApp:
+90 212 000 0000
+90 212 000 0000
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Cancellation Policy
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Payment
40% deposit to reserve Balance on arrival