Day Trip from Istanbul to Gallipoli and Troy: A Journey Through History

Early Departure and Drive to Eceabat

The journey begins early in the morning, as we depart Istanbul by private van. The drive to Eceabat, a small town on the edge of the Dardanelles Strait, typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, including rest stops. Upon arrival, the group enjoys an early lunch at a local restaurant, recharging for the historical immersion ahead.

Crossing the Dardanelles and Visiting Ancient Troy

After lunch, we board a ferry with the van to cross the Dardanelles Strait, a strategic waterway that has played a crucial role in both ancient and modern history. Once on the Asian side, the tour continues to the site of ancient Troy.

The archaeological site of Troy today is a layered open-air museum. Visitors walk through several levels of ruins, each representing different settlements built over thousands of years, dating back as far as 3000 BCE. While the original city has been heavily eroded over time, remnants of defensive walls, gates, and foundations remain visible. Informative signage and guides help make sense of the overlapping layers of this once-thriving settlement.

Troy is famously linked to Homer’s Iliad, which recounts the legendary Trojan War, sparked by the abduction of Helen, wife of the Spartan king, by Paris of Troy. The tale of the Trojan Horse, used by the Greeks to enter the city by deception, is among the most enduring stories in Western literature. While historians debate the war’s historicity, the site offers a tangible link to this rich mythological tradition.

Before leaving, we make a quick stop in the city center of Çanakkale, where a replica of the Trojan Horse—used in the 2004 film Troy—stands on display by the waterfront.

Gallipoli and the Great War: Visiting Anzac Cove and Conk Bayırı

We take the ferry back to Eceabat, continuing to the Gallipoli Peninsula, site of one of the most significant campaigns of the First World War.

The first stop is Anzac Cove, the landing site of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) on April 25, 1915. This beach, small and steeply backed by rugged hills, became the scene of fierce and prolonged fighting during the Gallipoli Campaign. For Australia and New Zealand, the Gallipoli experience marked the beginning of a distinct national consciousness, commemorated annually on ANZAC Day (April 25). The site is now peaceful, lined with memorials and headstones that evoke both tragedy and honor.

Next is Conk Bayırı (Chunuk Bair), one of the highest points on the peninsula and a critical objective during the campaign. It also holds immense importance for Turkish national identity. It was here that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, then a commander in the Ottoman army, famously rallied his troops with unwavering determination, playing a pivotal role in the defense. His leadership during the campaign is considered foundational to his later role as the founder of the Republic of Turkey.

Monuments and inscriptions at the site pay tribute to soldiers on both sides, reflecting a spirit of mutual respect between former adversaries.

Return to Istanbul

As the sun begins to set, the group begins the long drive back to Istanbul. Arrival in the city is typically in the late evening, concluding a tiring but deeply informative journey through time—from Bronze Age myths to modern nationhood, from poetic epics to tragic wars.

This one-day tour to Gallipoli and Troy is ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful encounter with some of the most significant events in world history—all within a single, unforgettable day.