9 Day Fully escorted Battlefield Tour
Incorporating the Anzac Day Dawn Service at Anzac Cove & Lone Pine
19 – 27 April 2024

Twin Share – $4,015 per person
Single Room Supplement – $610

Escorted by Australian military history expert and battlefield guide, Rod Margetts.

Our tours, now in their 27^th year, provide you with a complete understanding of the story of Gallipoli. The itinerary is designed by the most experienced and respected historians, and curators in Australia and tells what was planned to happen, what did happen and why it happened. There is plenty of time to explore the sites; to stand where our men stood, with the views that they had so long ago, making this both a commemorative and educational journey into our past and, for some, a personal pilgrimage.

The tour will begin in Istanbul on the afternoon of Friday 19 April, with a boat cruise along the Bosphorus, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world, control of which was central to the Gallipoli campaign you are going to explore over the coming days. The following morning you travel to the Gallipoli peninsula and your accommodation at the Kum Hotel for the following 6 nights. Located just minutes from Anzac Cove, the hotel is the most convenient location available for touring the battlefield, enabling you to return for lunch and to freshen up each day. Your understanding of the campaign begins that afternoon with an unforgettable highlight of the tour – a special boat tour of the Gallipoli coast for a view from the sea of the landing beaches, valleys and heights, just as the ANZAC soldiers would have first seen it, 109 years ago!

The tour, accompanied throughout by your local Turkish guide and your expert Australian military historian,  will take you to all the sites on the Peninsula including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, The Nek, Shrapnel Valley and Beach Cemeteries. You will also learn about the British and French landings at Cape Helles and the often-ignored action by the Australian 2nd Brigade there. Time at the magnificent Turkish Memorial at Morto Bay provides an understanding of the cost of the fighting paid by the defenders. The tour returns to Istanbul on 26^th April where we conclude with a farewell dinner overlooking this most majestic of cities at night.

The tour will be escorted by Rod Margetts, one of our most experienced Australian military experts. Rod served for thirty-one years in the Royal Australian Infantry Corps, and later Staff Corps, of the Regular Army, filling a variety of command, instructional and staff appointments, and has guided at Gallipoli since 2011. Rod’s interest, now, is in helping others to understand and appreciate Australia’s rich military history. Tour members are invited to advise Rod of any particular interest, such as relatives who took part in the campaign, before departure. He will then research the relative to ensure, where possible, that you visit the site and that detailed information on the actions there are provided for further discussions. If you would like to discuss your personal interests and connections to Gallipoli, you are most welcome to call Rod anytime, on 0435 517 991.

Optional 2 Day Istanbul Extension Tour

For those who wish to explore the city of Istanbul, we are offering a two-night extension tour for $1,125 per person, twin share plus a single supplement of $325, if preferred. The itinerary includes the must-see sites of this wonderful city including the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace and the Grand Bazaar.

The tour cost does not include airfares however Singapore Airlines is the preferred airline for our tours with their flights being the ones designated for the arrival and departure airport coach transfers included in the tour. Whilst we have access to very competitive economy, premium economy and business class airfares with Singapore Airlines, we can assist with any airline preference you may have. We can also assist with any other travel arrangements you may require during your time in Europe in-conjunction with the tour.

Our battlefield tours are both a commemorative and educational journey into our past and, for some, a personal pilgrimage.

Australian Battlefield Guides

We’re the only battlefield tour operator in the country that provides Australian battlefield guides for all of our tours!

Tour Highlights

• The stirring Anzac Day Dawn Service at Gallipoli and the Australian National Ceremony at Lone Pine.
• Special highlight guided Boat Tour along the Gallipoli Coast for an unforgettable view of the valleys and ridges from the sea (weather permitting).
• Guided tour of the landing at Cape Helles and Krithia Battlefields, including a short walk to Achi Baba.
• Visit important sites such as Lone Pine, the Nek, Plugge’s Plateau and Quinn’s Post that occupy a unique place in our history.
• A memorable guided walk from Chunuk Bair Memorial down Rhododendron Ridge to the northern outposts.
• Stop at Kilitbahir Fort and the Rumeli Mecidiye gun battery for discussions on the failed naval assaults of early 1915, that led to the Gallipoli landings.
• Cross the famous Dardanelles and explore the nearby ancient city of Troy, before lunch in Canakkale, and a visit to the naval museum.
• Farewell dinner overlooking the magnificent lights of Istanbul at night

Your Gallipoli Tour Includes:

• Fully escorted by an experienced military historian / curator guide.
• 1 night in Istanbul located in the Old City to meet your historian, guide and fellow tour members.
• 6 nights premium accommodation at The Kum – this is the only hotel on the Gallipoli peninsula close to all the major sites.
• All meals as listed on the itinerary. There are no boxed, or “picnic” lunches. All meals will be in the comfort of the Kum Hotel at Gallipoli (and a chance to use the bathroom). A Boronia Travel Exclusive!
• All Gallipoli battlefield excursions, scenic drives and sightseeing as described in the itinerary.
• Services of a local expert english speaking guide throughout your tour.
• Ground transport in deluxe air-conditioned coaches.
• All entrance fees as per the itinerary.
• Boronia Travel Centre cap, ticket wallet and luggage tags.

Extras:

• Single Supplements are available
• Boronia Travel Centre uses Singapore Airlines for all their Gallipoli Tours, and has access to the most competitive discounted Economy, Premium Economy, Business and First Class airfares available from Australia.
• International Travel Insurance, is strongly recommended and never more so than now
• In conjunction with the Gallipoli In Depth Anzac Day Battlefield Tour, we offer a 2 day Istanbul extension Tour, where you will visit all the “must see” highlights including the Blue Mosque, Hippodrome Square, Topkapi Palace, Haghia Sophia Museum and the Grand Bazaar.

Meals Included: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch (No boxed lunches), D = Dinner

Day 1 – Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey. After checking in to your hotel, join your Tour Guide, Australian battlefield historian and fellow tour members for an afternoon cruise along the Bosphorus, one of the most strategically important waterways in the world, control of which was central to the Gallipoli campaign you are going to explore over the coming days. With beautiful mosques, palaces, and historic Ottoman-era houses revealed on both the European and Asian shorelines, this is a wonderful introduction to a modern bustling yet ancient city. Afterwards get to know your fellow expeditioners and tour staff at a welcome dinner at your hotel. D
Overnight: Kent Hotel, ISTANBUL

Day 2 – This morning travel by coach to Gallipoli, on the way joining in a background discussion on the circumstances leading to Australia’s involvement there. Your destination, and home for the next six nights, the Kum Hotel is the ideal accommodation for touring the battlefields. Located right on the Aegean coast and only minutes from Anzac Cove, all the sites are easy to reach. After check in, you begin your association with the ANZAC story just as Australian and New Zealand soldiers did so long ago. Like them, your first view of the valleys and ridges of the landing area is from the sea, on an unforgettable boat tour of the Gallipoli coast, weather permitting. While sitting right off Anzac Cove, learn what was planned for the morning of 25 April 1915, what happened, and why – the perfect introduction to your explorations in the following days. Later, return to the hotel for free time to relax and discuss the day’s experience, before dinner. B L D
Overnight: Kum Hotel, Gallipoli

Day 3 – Begin today with a detailed discussion on the landings. Your first visit is to the striking original landing area cemeteries – Beach cemetery, where the grave of John Simpson Kirkpatrick “the man with the donkey” lies and Ari Burnu, where the Dawn Service was held until 2000. Walk the beach in Anzac Cove, reflecting on the significance of the events that unfolded here. Close by is the beautiful Shrapnel Valley Cemetery, and the grave of Major Hugh Quinn, after whom Quinn’s Post on Second Ridge was named. Your morning concludes with a walk up onto Plugge’s Plateau, the first ground captured on 25 April 1915. Learn about the actual Turkish opposition to the landing, with the same views that the defenders had that morning. Then, discover the surprising true size of what became the Anzacs’ home for eight gruelling months, from a panoramic view of the entire beachhead. After lunch at the hotel, you begin your exploration of Second Ridge and the front line that was established after the first confused days of fighting. Beginning at Lone Pine, learn of the initial struggle to hold the high ground there, taking time to reflect in the cemetery and at the National Memorial. Then walk the old trench system at Johnston’s Jolly, before following the line to Quinn’s Post. Here learn why it was considered the most dangerous position on the perimeter. After a stop at Scrubby Knoll, the furthest inland point any soldiers reached at Gallipoli, you return to the hotel for a BBQ dinner. B L D
Overnight: Kum Hotel, Gallipoli

Day 4 – This morning you head to the southern tip of the Peninsula to discuss the British and French landing area. First, a stop at Kilitbahir Fort and the Rumeli Mecidiye gun battery for discussions on the naval assaults of 1915, the failure of which led to the land campaign. You then move on to Achi Baba, one of the key points on the Peninsula and a British objective on 25 April 1915. Discussion here provides an understanding of the British landing plan and the problems encountered. Moving further south, a visit to the impressive Turkish Memorial at Morto Bay reveals the horrendous cost to the defenders at Gallipoli. After a stop nearby at the only French cemetery at Gallipoli, lunch will be at a local restaurant. This afternoon begins with a discussion of the main British landings at ‘V’ and ‘W’ Beaches and a visit to the Commonwealth Memorial at Cape Helles. Although considered a British and French area of operations, Cape Helles also is of significant interest to Australians. In May, the 2nd Australian Brigade and the New Zealand Brigade were sent down from the ANZAC sector to reinforce a further attack on the village of Krithia. Despite heroic efforts by both ANZAC formations the attack failed, with heavy casualties. The day concludes with a discussion of the attack and a stop at Redoubt Cemetery, the furthest point reached by the Australian advance. You then return to the hotel for dinner. B L D
Overnight: Kum Hotel, Gallipoli

Day 5 – Today you examine the August Offensive, the last attempt to break out of the Anzac beachhead in conjunction with a new British landing at Suvla Bay. You begin at Lone Pine, with the attack by the Australian 1st Brigade. Planned originally as a ‘feint’ to attract Turkish attention away from activities further north, the fighting here was intense, lasting four days.  Next you move to The Nek, learning the circumstances of the disastrous charge by the Australian 3rd Light Horse Brigade on 7 August 1915. Walk through the Light Horse positions from where the attack was launched, appreciating the natural beauty of such a sad place.  Last stop for the morning is Chunuk Bair, the New Zealand objective and site of bitter fighting from 7 to 10 August.  From there you get a personal understanding of the effects of the ground on operation at Gallipoli, with a guided walk from Chunuk Bair down Rhododendron Ridge to the northern outposts, the ground covered by the Kiwis in their attack on the heights. After lunch at the hotel, you learn about the last major Australian action in the campaign, at Hill 60, where the only Victoria Cross awarded to the Light Horse in the First World War was won. Later, return to the hotel for dinner. B L D
Overnight: Kum Hotel, Gallipoli

Day 6 – Today is a break from the battlefields. After breakfast you cross the Dardanelles to Asian Türkiye, to explore the ancient city of Troy, made famous for the setting of the legendary Trojan War in Homer’s epic poems the “IIiad and the Odyssey”. A relaxed walk through this UNESCO World Heritage site will reveal the history of the nine cities destroyed and rebuilt here over 4000 years.  Return to Canakkale for lunch and afterwards explore Fort Çimenlik and the naval museum or enjoy free time along the waterfront promenade and surrounding lane ways to take in the local culture, before returning to the hotel for rest and dinner. B L D
Overnight: Kum Hotel, Gallipoli 

Day 7 – ANZAC DAY – An early departure from the hotel to attend the official Anzac Day Dawn Service at the Anzac Commemorative Site on North Beach. As the sun rises over the Sphinx and waves lap on the stoney shore, reflect on the momentous events that took place on this spot 109 years ago – an emotional, once in a lifetime experience. After the service, make your way up Artillery Road and past Shell Green to Lone Pine Cemetery, to attend the Australian national ceremony. Afterwards, return to the hotel for a BBQ lunch, with the remainder of the day free for rest. B L D
Overnight: Kum Hotel, Gallipoli 

Day 8 – Following breakfast, you check out, and return to Istanbul, with lunch en route. After checking into your hotel, the remainder of the day is free before the tour farewell dinner, in a restaurant with the most spectacular views of Istanbul at night. B L D
Overnight: Kent Hotel, Istanbul

Day 9 – After breakfast the tour concludes. For those joining the ‘Istanbul extension tour’, please refer to meeting instructions given by the Tour Director. B

Kum Hotel, Gallipoli Peninsula

Boronia Travel Centre is the only tour operator that has exclusive access to the Kum Hotel, which has also been our home away from home ever since we began our Gallipoli tours over 20 years ago. The beach resort style Kum Hotel is centrally located on the Gallipoli Peninsula and only 10 minutes south of Anzac Cove and the areas most visited by Australians at Gallipoli. Every room has a private bathroom, hot water, TV, heating and telephone.

Kent Hotel, Istanbul 

Set in the historic centre of the city, this sleek hotel is 2 km from both the Hagia Sophia and the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and 6 km from Topkapı Palace. The contemporary rooms and suites feature minibars, flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi. Suites add separate living areas, pull-out sofas and Jacuzzis. Room service is available. Amenities include free breakfast in an upscale restaurant, in addition to a trendy bar. Laundry service is available on request.

Gallipoli – Anzac Day Tour 2019
“We have had one of the most incredible experiences, both individually and collectively over the past 5 days and I want to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all your hard work, efforts and support in making it happen. It has been a huge exercise from conception last year to completion yesterday and none of the enormous value that has been gained would have been possible without you.

Rod was magnificent, and the boys appreciated his wealth of knowledge and perspective. Sinan was a true gent, every bit the embodiment of the wonderful Turkish people and country that the boys got a great appreciation for. Peter was a terrific source of support and from a totally different perspective it was lovely for us to be able to spend some time with the lifeblood of our game, those that love, play and coach in the community. Ramazan and Kemal were terrific, it was like greeting and spending time with old friends.

Please thank everyone one of them for us and all who played a role behind the scenes. We have given our young players and (old) staff a once in a lifetime opportunity that is going to leave an indelible mark on them personally and hopefully contribute to a united, proud, courageous, competitive and fighting Australian Team as we seek to claim the World Cup.” 
Gavin Dovey 
Australian Team Manager, Cricket Australia

Gallipoli – Anzac Day Tour 2018
Dear Peter, may we say a huge thank you to your good self for the most wonderful time we have had in Turkey (tour group picture above). You certainly nailed it when you put our trip together and we were very impressed with all aspects of our journey, from the wonderful group with Rod on the Peninsula and the most gracious hospitality of John and Sue Waller in relation to aspects of our visit to Anzac Cove Ceremonies. Please pass on our remarks as it sure was a “class act”. Our extension to several parts of Turkey was most interesting, and exceeded our expectations, and the information we received about the historical sites was very impressive.”
Margaret and Gerard Smith

Gallipoli – Anzac Day Tour 2018
“G’day Peter, Firstly Wendy and I want to thank you for the well organised Gallipoli trip it was first class. The activity went off without fault. Our guides Rod and Sinan were excellent and with some much knowledge and information to share. We had the pleasure of catching up with John and Susan (From Boronia) they are nice people. Can you please forward this email to them so I can say thank you to them and they can see the group photo.”
David Smith

Gallipoli – Anzac Day Tour 2018
“Peter, I wanted to add my thanks to those of the others in our Gallipoli 2018 tour group for a truly wonderful and memorable week. Everything went totally to plan, from the airport reception through to the various hotel arrangements, and of course the 5 days on the Peninsular (except perhaps for the intervention of DVA) with Rod’s thoroughly professional guiding and instruction throughout. I actually thought I knew a bit about our military history, but Rod and Cinan actually showed me that I still have much to learn. We often grow up just accepting many of the myths and stories surrounding our history – even those of us in the military – but this visit was a real eye-opener in terms of putting it all into perspective, with a hefty dose of reality.

A special thanks to John Waller who really made a great last minute effort to make s comfortable prior to the Dawn Service in response to DVA’s penny-pinching decision to scrap the seating arrangements. I had a letter published in the Canberra Times about that but would be surprised if it has any impact on future arrangements.

And finally, thanks again to Rod – great so see you again mate! Your local knowledge, and appreciation of the details of the campaign, delivered with just a touch of your acerbic wit, really made for a fun trip. Thanks to the whole team.”
Kym MacMillan

Gallipoli – Anzac Day Tour 2018
“Hi Peter, Just a short note to tell you how much I enjoyed my Gallipoli trip. Rod’s boundless knowledge was fantastic, didn’t need to ask many questions as he had already answered most of them with his commentary, Sinan as well was fantastic, not once did either of them have to refer to notes or look up info.

John and Sue also went out of their way to make sure we were comfortable to the point of getting yoga mats and blankets for us for the dawn service when they found there was no seating. Accommodation was adequate, meals were good and beer cheap.

Flights were good with Qatar however my case was damaged on the return flight somewhere between Istanbul and Melbourne. All up an excellent trip, a great group, everyone was at meeting points on time and eager to go, great leaders and a well planned itinerary that allowed some flexibility, all up a great trip, Looking forward to doing a Western Front tour with you in the future.”
Geoff McLeod

“It was a great privilege to meet with first generation descendants of Gallipoli veterans as part of my visit to the Anzac battlefields on 24 April 2015. I am writing to thank you for your role in arranging this.

I was deeply moved to meet the descendants in locations that have so much personal meaning for them. I also learned a lot about the experiences of those who fought at Gallipoli through the stories of their close family members. I am very grateful for Boronia Travel’s work in making such an experience possible.”
The Hon. Tony Abbott. MP, Prime Minister of Australia

“As one who has worked in the Travel industry I want to say that your attention to detail on all accounts was very much noticed and appreciated. Rod handled situations where our fellow passengers needed attention with quiet concern and poise and at no time would those who needed his help have felt uncomfortable. Sinam was so gentle in his ways and his knowledge, was unbelievable  Rod was like a Father figure and teacher to is all and what a wonderful choice you made with these two gentleman  We feel honoured to have been part of a great team for our experience of a lifetime tour to Gallipoli.

Your organisation of the 24th and 25th was so professional and even to where those of us who did not have a pass, were made to feel very comfortable at both the Kum Hotel and Mimosa Park. I could go on but it is easier that we give you a 10/10 and are already telling family and friends that if somebody they know wants to go to the Battlefields that they should look NO further than Boronia Travel. Very warm regards.”
Ruth Nichols

“Hi Ben, Wendy and I just wanted to congratulate Boronia staff for the expertise they showed in making our trip to Gallipoli the most memorable it could possibly be. As you know we were fortunate to be in the best group that you could have put together. You may have called us Grey Group but more Platinum to us. We are interested in going to do a Western Front tour but not till Mid 2017 so please keep us informed. Thank you again.”
Allan & Wendy Kemp

“Hello John, now that I have returned home after a fabulous trip to attend the Gallipoli 2015 services I want to thank you most sincerely for all that you, your family and staff members provided over the duration of the tour.

The incredible amount of work and detail showed in the most meticulous arrangements which you made and each of us who travelled in the various Boronia groups were indeed very blessed.

Thank you specifically for the arrangements you made for Anzac Day itself and for the incredible farewell dinner. This was a trip to remember and I was indeed fortunate to be part of one of your groups. With every good wish.”
Bryan Nicholls

“Dear John, the bags are unpacked, the washing and ironing is done. It’s now time to say thank you to all the members of Boronia Travel for such wonderful arrangements for my recent trip to Gallipoli. One can only start to imagine the “behind the scenes’ work that went into such a mammoth task to get everyone to their appointed hotels and travel arrangements. God bless you all. Until we meet again. P.S. I had to give a short talk to our War Widows today and all were very impressed with the jackets and blankets you provided.”
Hazel Donald