Venture to Gallipoli to explore battle sites from World War I, and discover the mythical city of Troy, where the ancient Greeks believed a war was waged after Helen of Troy was taken from Sparta. Visit war cemeteries and the Anzac memorials, and take in the scenery on a ferry ride across the Dardanelles.
After you're picked up from your hotel, ride through the countryside to the ancient city of Troy, where Greek legend and Homer's Iliad recount that a massive war was waged when Helen of Troy was taken from her husband, the king of Sparta. Explore the archaeological ruins of this UNESCO-listed city, walking along ancient stone walls and snapping a photo with the large statue of the Trojan Horse.
Head to seaside Çanakkale and enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch before boarding a ferry to cruise across the deep blue waters of the Dardanelles, the storied strait that separates Europe from Asia. Step into the more recent past as you explore major sites and landmarks from the First World War, stopping at the battlefield of the Gallipoli Campaign, Anzac Cove—where the ANZAC forces landed in 1915—and the moving war cemeteries at Beach Cemetery, Quinn's Post, and The Nek. Hear about the commonwealth naval forces that fought here at Lone Pine and the Australian, New Zealand, and English memorials, and make a stop for dinner before your late evening return to Istanbul.