Join the AG Society on the Gallipoli-2015 Epic Cruise and experience this special event

where the Anzac legend was born 100 years ago.

W ITNESSING an Anzac Dawn service in Gallipoli is a transformative

experience in any year, but the 2015 centenary will be an even more emotionally charged event. The calm before sunrise will offer a fleeting moment to reflect on those adventurous spirits that, 100 years earlier, were lost half a world away from their homes in Australia.

Turkey is the site of many other legends and this special AGS expedi-tion cruise also sets out to explore the relics of great empires and encounter vivid cultures. The trip culminates in a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to experience Gallipoli. If you’re lucky enough to win a place at the onshore dawn service, you’ll also have the chance to bear witness to the remem-brance ceremony (see page 105 for

information on the ballot system for places at the official services).

The Gallipoli 2015 Epic Cruise begins in Athens, Greece’s capital and the birthplace of western democracy. It’s a fitting starting point for a cente-nary, which also reminds us that Australia’s nationhood was forged on

the battlefield of Gallipoli. A short cruise away, across the southern Aegean Sea, is Kusadasi, gateway to Ephesus. Here you’ll come face to face with life as the ancient Greeks and Romans lived it. You will visit their terraced homes, stroll around the 2000-year-old marble-paved streets and enjoy both the Library of the Cel-sus and the nearby Temple of Artemis.

Lemnos is the next port of call, where, legend says, the Greek deity Dionysus took sanctuary. The harbour at Moudros was where the Anzac con-tingent sailed for Gallipoli, and during the campaign was a hive of activity, with the constant movement of troops, supplies and casualties. It was also to Lemnos that the battle-weary Anzacs were evacuated when, at last, the call came to withdraw.

On the cruise, we’ll follow the historic journey from Lemnos to

mission of RemembRance

The shadow of war. Fifty-one men of the Australian Imperial Force who were killed in action on 25 April 1915 are buried in Lone Pine Cemetery.

AuSTRALIAN GEOGRApHIC SOCIETY upCOMING ExpEDITION

Democracy’s cradle. Athens with its famous Parthenon marks the start of this poignant journey, which will end at Istanbul in Turkey.

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Gallipoli, a pilgrimage enhanced by commentary and insightful mili-tary narrative. A renowned panel of experts will be on hand to elaborate on views of this seminal conflict, while both familiar and lesser known stories will unfold during visits to the Aus-tralian, New Zealand, British, French and Turkish areas. A more rounded picture of Gallipoli will emerge as the voyage progresses.

Mustafa Kemal Atatürk’s poignant Anzac tribute is set in stone at Anzac Cove and modern Turkey’s found-ing father also established a national day for the children of Turkey. On 23 April, Children’s Day will make a welcome break from the solemnity and offer the chance for participants to enjoy a colourful Turkish welcome in the pretty coastal town of Canak-kale, which hosts this vibrant annual festival of traditional costume, dance, food and festivities.

Our ship, the Azamara Journey, will dock at Canakkale, throughout the

Anzac Centenary event, facilitating easy transfers for those attending shore-based events.

At Troy, our next port of call, historian Dr Carol Scott will relate the history of the ancient kingdom, as well as its folklore and archaeolog-ical significance. Located just a short distance from Gallipoli, this city and its legends inspired one of the greatest armadas since Homer’s Iliad, and gave rise to the Dardanelles campaign.

Attending the Gallipoli centenary dawn service will be a rare privilege to honour those who answered the call. To stand where they stood as day breaks over land and sea will be an experience rich in history.

On that fateful morning in 1915, a fleet carrying 20,000 men gathered

off the Gallipoli shore. As 1500 An-zacs fell upon the beach, others waited on deck for the call. In 2015, cruise ships will be able to join the spectacu-lar flotilla edging close to Anzac Cove – an integral part of the commemora-tion. The voice of renowned soprano Dame Malvina Major will ring out aboard our ship as part of a dignified shipboard service along with a live broadcast from the Cove.

When, in 1915, the Anzac troops landed on the shores, an Australian submarine, the HMAS AE2, ran the gauntlet of mines, Turkish guns and enemy ships as it negotiated the Narrows, and miraculously made it through to the Sea of Marmara. It harassed enemy shipping for five days before being hit by a Turkish

To stand where they stood as day breaks over land and sea will be an experience rich in history.

torpedo. The AE2 was scuttled by her crew and went to the bottom, 73m down, where it lay until rediscovered in 1998. Further research was undertaken in 2007 by a team sponsored by the AG Society (AG 89). Our ship will divert there to leave a floral tribute. Dr John V. Basarin, the RSL 2010 Anzac peace prize recipient, will share stories from this daring feat as we sail through the Sea of Marmara towards Istanbul.

Colourful, exotic and fragrant, old Istanbul’s cobbled streets, architectur-al marvels and monuments are there to be explored, before the cruise is brought to a close with a black-tie ball.

Fairy Chimneys Travel, organisers of the Gallipoli-2015 Epic Cruise will make a donation to the Australian Geographic Society for every AGS member who books a berth aboard the Azamara Journey. By embarking on this once-in-a-lifetime experience, you’ll also be helping to fund the Society’s important work.

Anne MACIndoe

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United in grief. The flags of Turkey, new Zealand and Australia are raised at the

Turkish Memorial, Gallipoli.

Paying tribute. There will be opportunities to pay respects to the fallen, even if passengers don’t hold passes to the Anzac Day services.

The AG Society and Fairy Chimneys Travel have partnered to present an unforgettable remembrance tour.

JoIn us In 2015

The Azamara Journey will lead you on a voyage of discovery as you to travel to Gallipoli and nearby sites, such as as the seaside town of Canakkale.

GAlliPoli 2015 EPiC CrUiSE

Expedition: Gallipoli 2015 epic CruiseDuration: 10 daysVisits: Athens, ephesus, Lemnos, Canakkale, Gallipoli Battlefields, Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, Troy, AE2 submarine site, IstanbulVessel: Azamara JourneyOnboard: dame Malvina Major dr John V. Basarin dr Kevin Fewster dr Carol scott Major General (Ret'd) Jim MolanCost: From $6990pp ex AthensBookings: 1300 766 595 or info@ gallipoli-2015.com.au

FUll rEFUnD? Places at the official Gallipoli dawn services on the 25 April 2015 are strictly limited, and will be allocated as the result of a public ballot, which closed on 31 January 2014. Applicants will be notified of the ballot outcome prior to Anzac day 2014. If you’ve registered in the ballot and don’t get tickets, we’ll refund your deposit in full – just confirm your epic Cruise booking by 31 March 2014. For terms, visit: www.gallipoli-2015.com.au/refund

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