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Gallipoli Cruise 2015 - 36 daysgo guidedon't leave home without it

A World Of Discovery

Gallipoli Cruise 2015 - 36 days updated on 05-06-2014

www.onthegotours.comUK020 7371 1113 [email protected] AUS 1300 855 684 [email protected] NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686

This Go Guide has been compiled with care and good faith. It gives an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or otherreasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. This document does not form part of a contract between the traveller and on the go and their affiliates. Any costs shown are subject to change though are an accurate reflection ofcosts at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of on the go

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The 25th of April 2015 commemorates the100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing.To honour this event, on the 26th March2015, join us on a luxurious 36 day cruisefrom Fremantle in Western Australia toRome in Italy, for a once in a lifetimejourney and the opportunity to participatein the 100th anniversary of the Gallipolilanding. With stops in Colombo, Luxor,Cairo, Kusadasi, Canakkale, Gallipoli,Istanbul, Santorini, Athens, Palermo, Naples& Rome, see many fantastic parts of theworld, explore Gallipoli without the crowdsand enjoy special ANZAC Day celebrationsfrom the comfort of our ship.

HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS

Trip Highlights• ANZAC Black Tie Ball with Australian

entertainers and fireworks• Colombo - colourful capital of Sri Lanka.

Optional excursions including Kandy andPinnawela Elephant Orphanage

• Luxor - optional excursions including theValley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens,Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple

• The Suez Canal - the world's busiestwaterway

• Cairo - optional excursions includingthe Pyramids of Giza, Saqqara and theEgyptian Museum

• Kusadasi - optional excursions includingancient Ephesus

• Gallipoli Peninsular - ANZAC Cove, LonePine & Chunuk Bair memorials, Johnson’sJolly, battlefields and trenches

• Istanbul - optional excursions includingthe old city, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome,Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia.

• Athens - capital of Greece. Optionalexcursions including the Acropolis

• Santorini - beautiful volcanic Greek islandin the Cyclades

• Palermo - capital of Sicily. Optionalexcursions including Palermo city sightsand Corleone

• Naples - in the beautiful Campania regionof Italy. Optional excursions including thespectacular Amalfi Coast, the island ofCapri, Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius

• Rome - Optional post cruise package

What's Included• 35 nights onboard a luxury cruise ship• Full board - includes breakfast, lunch,

afternoon tea, dinner, midnight buffet andsnacks. The cruise also offer guests: awelcome buffet, the Captain’s cocktailand Gala evenings with special menus.Special dietary needs are also catered for.

• Excursions on shore to Albany & Gallipoli• Guests are personally escorted to

their cabin on embarkation. All cabinson the ship are equipped with everyconvenience: en-suite bathroom, airconditioning, telephone, TV, minibar andsafe. Guests can also enjoy continentalbreakfast in their cabin (complimentaryservice).

• A Black Tie Ball on the opening nightincluding selected wine, beer, soft drinkand juice as well as the opening nightconcert by Australian entertainers.

• Live concerts on board with performancesfrom Australian entertainers on the cruise.

• All entertainment activities are included:games, tournaments, dance contests,parties, theme nights and theatre shows.All children’s entertainment, with specialClubs for children of 3 years and upwards.

• Fitness: gym with instructors. Sport:volleyball, golf, on deck jogging track withan ever changing view.

• Sun deck: pool and whirlpools.

What's Not Included• International flights & visas• Tipping - an entirely personal gesture

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 : Fremantle - WesternAustraliaThursday 26 March 2015. Welcome aboard forthis momentous 100th Anniversary ANZAC Cruise!At Freemantle Port in Western Australia, there willbe an amazing atmosphere as dignitaries, specialguides and marching bands gather to celebrate thisspecial event. Board the cruise ship at 12.00pm.

This evening there will be a black tie ball to startthe ANZAC Day commemorations. On the top deckof the ship entertainment will include some orAustralia's best singers and comedians and therewill be free drinks and a wonderful fireworks display.Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (L, D)

Days 2-3 : Albany - WesternAustralia

In the morning on day 2 we set sail for the town ofAlbany, where Australian soldiers embarked fromat the beginning of their journey to Gallipoli. Arrivinginto Albany at approximately 11am on day 3 wespend the afternoon in port and enjoy a tour of thetown. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Days 4-10 : At SeaSpend the next 7 days at sea enjoying the facilitieson this elegant cruise ship as we journey towardsColombo, sailing around Cocos (Keeling) Island onday 7.

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With wide open public spaces, modern facilitiesand a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars, thereis plenty to keep you entertained onboard. Soakup the sunshine on deck, stay active in the LeTerme health club which over looks the sparklingblue sea. Take pleasure in the great outdoors asyou jog around our track or swim laps in one oftwo pools. Meanwhile, the kids can enjoy mini-golf,our ship’s colourful play area and any number ofexciting youth club activities. Overnight - OnboardCruiser (B:7, L:7, D:7)

Day 11 : Colombo - Sri Lanka

At 8am on day 11 we arrive into Colombo, thecolourful capital of the tropical island nation of SriLanka. Spend the full day at leisure enjoying thesights of Colombo or select from a range of optionalexcursions including a 3 hours Colombo City tour, afull day excursion to the old Portugese port of Galle(including a boat ride at Hikkaduwa), the hill capitalKandy and the wonderful Pinnawela ElephantOrphanage or Ratnapura, visiting the beautifulwater fall, Gem Mines and Saman Devalaya. At6pm we up anchor and set sail again - next stop,Egypt! Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)

Days 12-19 : At SeaSpend the next 8 days at sea, relax, unwind, enjoythe views and the endless entertainment onboard!Onboard the ship is The History Team - a wellknown group of historians who will provide anamazing insight into the Gallipoli campaign andmany other historical events, during a series offascinating daily lectures and presentations.

An amazing line up of Australian & Internationalperformers will provide entertainment duringthe cruise. Legendary Australian entertainersDaryl Braithwaite, John Williamson, Ross Wilson& Normie Rowe will sing their greatesthits to a packed theatre room and therewill be international performers with a circusextravaganza, breathtaking illusionist and a night ofoperatic arias. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B:8,L:8, D:8)

Day 20 : Ancient Luxor - Egypt

Welcome to Egypt, where the ANZAC troopstrained before heading to Gallipoli. This morningwe dock at Port Safaga on the Red Sea at 6am.Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings andTemple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancientEgypt at it’s best. From Safaga it is approximatelya 2.5 hour drive to Luxor and there are a number ofhalf day and full day optional excursions availablefrom the port including touring of the West Bank;the Valley of the Kings, Queens, Luxor Temple andmighty Karnak. Alternatively opt to take a cruiseon the River Nile to Dandara or perhaps enjoy anatmospheric Karnak Sound and Light Show. Aftera full day exploring Ancient Thebes we depart at7pm. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)

Day 21 : Suez Canal - EgyptToday is spent sailing up the Suez Canal - oneof the most important and busiest waterways inthe world, which connects the Mediterranean to theRed Sea. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)

Day 22 : Port Said and Cairo -Egypt

We arrive into Port Said the northern terminus of theSuez Canal at 6am this morning. From Port Saidthere are a number of optional excursions availableto Cairo, the bustling capital of Egypt and home ofthe sole surviving Ancient Wonder of the World -the Pyramids of Giza! Excursions include touring ofthe pyramids, Saqqara and the Egyptian Museum,where you can view the spectacular treasures ofKing Tutankhamen. You can also opt to ride a horseor a camel at the pyramids, visit local villages, playgolf or sail a traditional felucca on the Nile. After amemorable day exploring Cairo we depart at 8pm.Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)

Days 23-24 : Kusadasi -Turkey

Day 23 is spent at sea, as we continue our journeyto Turkey, arriving into Kusadasi on the beautifulAegean Coast on day 24 at 6am. Spend theday independently exploring this relaxed coastalresort or join one of the optional excursions. Enjoya full day tour to the legendary Roman ruinsof Ephesus - the best-preserved classical city inthe eastern Mediterranean. Discover Turkey's richJewish Heritage on a tour of the Bodzag MountainRange and Sardis, or perhaps discover the ruins ofPriene. We depart Kusadasi at 6pm. Overnight -Onboard Cruiser (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Days 25-26 : Canakkale(ANZAC Cove) - Turkey

Arriving into Cannakale at 6am on day 25, wespend the 19th & 20th April exploring all the sightsof Gallipoli without the crowds. The day tours toGallipoli over the following two days are includedin the package so you do not have to book thissightseeing.

During our voyage to Turkey our historian guideswill have seminars on the ship to provide detailedinformation on the Gallipoli site. A brochure thatshows the “ANZAC Walk” starting at North Beachand ending at Walkers Ridge will also be provided.There will be 14 different locations to visit anddepending on your fitness level you will be able towalk to all sections. Coaches will drop off at NorthBeach to begin the tour. There will be coacheswaiting at different vantage points to pick up andtake us to the next section or back to the ship.Our ships historians and ship crew will be at eachsection guiding the group along the walk. Coacheswill also provide the opportunity to go up as far asCape Helles to see the Memorial and Cemetery.

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On the 20th there is also an optional excursion tofabled Troy, to see the replica Trojan wooden horseand the ruins of the 9 excavated cities which havebeen built since 3500 B.C. Overnight - OnboardCruiser (B:2, L:2, D:2)

Day 27 : Istanbul - Turkey

Today we explore Istanbul - the city of the Sultans!Arriving at 7am this morning and departing at 7pm,spend the day independently sightseeing or takeone of the many optional excursions available.Touring options include visits to the stunning BlueMosque famed for it’s blue Iznik tiles and unique 6minarets, the ruinous Hippodrome – once the sceneof chariot races and political activities in Byzantinetimes, Hagia Sofia Museum - constructed as aBasilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinianand Topkapi Palace (if open). Alternatively opt toshop until you drop in the sprawling Grand Bazaar!Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)

Days 28-30 : Santorini -Greece

On day 28 we set sail for neighbouring Greece,arriving at the beautiful island of Santorini at 7amthe following morning. Santorini is located in theCyclades island group, in the Aegean Sea. Thisdramatically striking volcanic island is the onlyinhabited Caldera (volcano cauldron) in the world,with towns and villages perched on top of themassive cliffs of the caldera and beautiful blackand red beaches. Santorini is renowned for itsspectacular sunsets and gorgeous villages withtraditional white and blue architecture.

We spend a full day on this picturesqueisland, before departing at 6pm. Several optionalexcursions are on offer including a coach tour ofthe island, an excursion to the volcano and hotsprings and a sailing adventure to Palea Kameni.On day 30, ANZAC Eve we set sail back to Turkey,

spending the day at sea. Overnight - OnboardCruiser (B:3, L:3, D:3)

Day 31 : ANZAC Day - Turkey

We arrive into ANZAC Cove in the early hours ofthe morning on the 25th (approx 2am) and anchoroff shore. First light heralds a poignant bugle calland commencement of the Dawn Service. We willhave a live telecast of the Dawn Service on boardand will also have our own service after the livetelecast. The benefits of doing this is that we willnot have to get there at 1pm on the 24th Apriland spend the night out in the cold and with theexpected crowds that will be there for the 100thanniversary, capacity will be restricted on shore.The cruise offers a unique alternative, guests canenjoy the comfort of the ship, whilst still being partof this historic event.

This afternoon we enjoy an ANZAC concert on thepool deck as we sail off to Athens.Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)

Day 32 : Athens - Greece

Welcome to Athens - the capital of Greece whichtook its name from the ancient goddess Athena andis thought to have at least a 3000 year old recordedhistory making it one of the oldest cities in Europe.Arriving at 7.30am this morning, enjoy a full dayin this ancient capital before departing at 6.30pm.There are a number exciting optional excursionsavailable including an Athens city tour and theAcropolis, a scenic excursion to Cape Sounionand the 5th century B.C. temple of Poseidon orthe ancient town of Corinth. Overnight - OnboardCruiser (B, L, D)

Days 33-34 : Palermo - Sicily

Day 33 is spent at sea, giving you the opportunityto relax and enjoy the facilities onboard as wesail to the beautiful Italian island of Sicily. Onday 34 we arrive into Palermo at 7am - capitalfor both the Arabs and the Normans, Palermo'smonuments reflect the magnificence of two worlds:East and West that come together in clashingcontrast. Spend the day exploring this fascinatingcity. A number of optional excursions are availableincluding various themed Palermo city tours, anexcursion to the medieval town of Cefalù or a tour ofthe spectacular Sicilian countryside and the famoustown of Corleone. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser(B:2, L:2, D:2)

Day 35 : Capri/Pompeii &Naples - Italy

This morning we drop anchor in Naples, one ofItaly's most beautiful cities, rich in history, cultureand art! Arriving a 7am this morning there area number of exciting excursions available beforewe up anchor at 6pm. Enjoy a Naples city tour,spend a day exploring Italy's picturesque Amalficoast, head over to the magical island of Capri orexplore ancient Pompeii's excavations and MountVesuvius. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)

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Day 36 : Rome - Italy

Thursday 30 April 2015. At 7am this morningwe arrive into Civitavecchia, a sea port on theTyrrhenian Sea, which is located 80 kilometerswest-north-west of Rome. This marks the end of ourwonderful ANZAC cruise.

Should you wish to extend your stay and exploreRome, post cruise packages can be arrangedupon request, with accommodation and sightseeingexcursions, including the ancient monumentsof Rome, the legendary Colosseum and theVatican.(B)

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Entrance Fees & TippingEntrance fees are not included in the cost of ourtours. Funds collected in Turkey and Egypt (ifapplicable) for entrance fees are payable in localcurrency - Turkish Lira and Egyptian Pounds andwill be collected by your tour guide.

In Egypt (if you're booking one of our ANZAC &Egypt combo tours) we also collect a tipping kittywhich is payable in Egyptian pounds. This kittysaves you the hassle of working out when and howmuch to tip airport representatives, bell hops, hotelstaff, driver and other support staff throughout yourtour.

The Egypt tipping kitty does not include a tip for yourtour guide or the felucca/Nile cruise crew. For a jobwell done, as a guideline we recommend an amountof approx US$3-5 per day for your tour guide andUS$8-12 in total for the felucca/Nile cruise crew.Although naturally the amount is up to you.

In Turkey on our ANZAC tours we do not collect atipping kitty so tipping is at your own discretion. As aguideline we would recommend tipping your guideUS$3-5 per day for a job well done and USD$1-2per day for your driver.

Arrival TransfersOn all our ANZAC tours (except our 2016 ANZACExpress tour), an airport arrival transfer is offeredon DAY ONE of your tour from Ataturk InternationalAirport at any time of day or night (00:01 - 23:59hours) or from Sabiha Gokcen Airport at 2.30pmand 8pm.

SABIHA GOKCEN AIRPORT

If arriving into Istanbul Sabiha Gokcen InternationalAirport, an additional 50km from the Istanbul citycentre. Please be timely in exiting customs and inmeeting our awaiting representative, who will beholding an On The Go Tours sign.

ATATURK INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTAfter you have attended to customs andimmigration formalities, collected your luggageand exited the customs area, you will be inthe arrivals hall. TURN LEFT, and walk alongpassenger concourse. LOOK TO THE RIGHT! Ourrepresentative will be waiting on the right behindthe barracade, displaying an On The Go sign.Transfers are every hour on the hour from thismeeting point. As with everything be sure to bethere 5 minutes early, as we don’t like to delayproceedings.

Transfers take approx an hour from the airport toour hotel. During peak periods and busy afternoonIstanbul traffic transfers may take up to 2 hours.

Remember to look out for the On The Go Tourssign. Our reps won’t know what you look like!Your arrival hotel name and address will be writtenon your ‘Tour Voucher`. Please keep this handyand make it available to our representative uponmeeting him at the arrival point!

Solo TravellersDue to capacity restraints we cannot offer singlerooms on the majority of our ANZAC Tours(excluding Gallipoli Uncovered and 7th Brigade).On tours which do not offer a Single Supplement,we will match solo travellers up in a room with aperson of the same sex.

Solo travellers will be allocated a single roomfor any pre and post tour accommodation anda compulsory single room supplement will apply.Then when the tour starts, you will move into a twinroom to share with a room mate.

Should you wish to have your own room throughoutthe tour please book our 7th Brigade tour (ifyou have won a place in the ballot) or GallipoliUncovered tour if you have not.

ANZAC & Egypt Combo Tours:Due to capacity restraints we do not offer singlerooms on the Turkey component of these tours.We will match up all single travellers with anotherfellow passenger of the same sex. We can also dothis in Egypt, should you choose. Alternatively it ispossible to book a single room for the Egypt sectionof your holiday for a supplement.

Pre-Tour AccommodationIf you would like to arrive into Turkey before yourANZAC tour starts or stay on longer, we canarrange pre or post tour accommodation for you.Pre/post tour accommodation is located at thehotel your tour commences/ends and is inclusive ofbreakfast (excluding our 2016 ANZAC Express tourwhich does not include accommodation).

If you are arriving on day 1 of your tour or bookingpre tour accommodation with On The Go, we

include a complimentary airport arrival transfer anytime of day or night from Ataturk InternationalAirport and transfer shuttle service at 2:30pm and8pm from Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Excluding our2016 ANZAC Express tour which does not includean arrival transfer.

If arriving at any other time we can arrange airporttransfers at an additional cost. Please contact usfor further details.

If arriving prior to 9am on day 1 (essentially on aflight that arrives very, very early in the morning)you will need to purchase a night of pre-touraccommodation to save you waiting until standardhotel check in time, which is generally 2pm.

Day 1 - Hotel Check-in &Welcome MeetingUpon arrival, please check in with the hotelreception, you will need to complete a hotelregistration card and hand over your passport towhich you can collect from reception later in theday. Please look for the welcome sign located in thehotel foyer which will outline our arrangements forthe coming days (including the exact time of yourwelcome meeting this evening, usually at 8pm) andthe name of your tour guide. You’ll then receive aroom key and you can head up to your room.

Please note that most accommodation is basedupon twin share, i.e. rooms are made up as twinrooms with two single beds. At time of bookingwe can take requests for those who wish to sharea double bed though with the constraints of eachhotels inventory this can not be guaranteed.

VisasIt is no longer be possible to obtain a visa onarrival in Turkey. Australian, British, Canadian, Irishand USA passport holders can apply for a 3-monthtourist e-visa online at: https://www.evisa.gov.tr.The form is easy to complete and only takes a fewminutes.

Costs are currently USD$60 for Australian andCanadian passport holders, USD$20 for USA, Irish,British and South African passport holders. NewZealand passport holders currently do not require avisa for a stay not exceeding 3 months.

Ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6months from your date of departure from Turkey.Please double-check all visa requirements withthe Turkish embassy at least one month beforetravel, as the above is intended as a guide. Visaprocurement is subject to change and remains theresponsibility of the traveller and not that of On TheGo Tours.

ClimateTurkey is a destination that can be visited year-round. Temperatures in April can spring upsurprising results. Days can be amazingly warm,though temperatures do drop at night so it'simportant to pack some warmer clothes.

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The weather on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Aprilcan be very hot during the day and bitterly coldovernight (with temperatures below freezing). Rainand very cold winds are possible and you can alsoget burnt from the sun and wind. It is importantto ensure you have sufficient warm and protectiveclothing for all weather conditions.

Health RequirementsTurkey - It is recommended that you be vaccinatedfor Tetanus and Polio, if you haven’t had a boosterin the last 10 years. Food and waterborne diseasesare more common, so we recommend vaccinationsfor Typhoid (valid 3 years) and Hepatitis A(validity varies). However vaccination informationcan change and this information is intended as aguide only. Please contact your local healthcareprofessional for the most up to date and accurateadvice.

CurrencyATM facilities, banks and exchange booths areavailable in all major cities and towns. Facilities arenot available at ANZAC Cove.Turkish Lira - abbreviated to TL or TRY.USD 1 = TL 2.1GBP 1 = TL 3.5EURO 1 = TL 2.8AUD 1 = TL 2NZD 1 = TL 1.8

TimeTime Zone - Turkey is two hours ahead ofGreenwich Mean Time. Daylight saving time (+3hours) is observed from the last Sunday in Marchto the Saturday before the last Sunday in October.

Time KeepingIn order that we show the best of Turkey in anon hurried fashion to you, it is imperative youare ready for departure each day. Please do notdelay and inconvenience fellow travellers. It is yourresponsibility to be at the proposed meeting pointfor the group in time. We will depart at our specifiedtimes.

Istanbul SightseeingIstanbul sights are closed on the following days:Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays, Hagia Sofiaclosed on Mondays. The Grand Bazaar is closedon Sundays. This in NO way affects your touringprogram.

Two of our tour start hotels - The Novotel Istanbuland Ibis Hotel Istanbul offer a hotel shuttle busservice to and from Sultanahmet - the old City(taking approximately 35 minutes) and TaksimSquare a few times a day. If you are arrivingearly and wish to independently explore, considermaking use of the service. Taxis are also availablefrom the hotel at all times, if all taxis are taken at anytime another is typically along every few minutes, ifnot, ask reception to organise one for you.

Essential Packing• Your ANZAC Attendance Pass (if you are

travelling in 2015 and attending the ANZACDay commemorations).

• This Go Guide• If spending the night at the Dawn Service

site you will need snacks and water,warm clothes, hat/beanie, scarf, gloves,WC paper, wet wipes, camera, cushionand sleeping bag. A torch is also handy.Camping equipment is a no go, all youreally need is a good sleeping bag.(temperatures can be sub - zero and thereis always the threat of prevailing threat ofrain)

• For those not staying out all night you willstill need to bring along warm clothes andpossibly a cushion to sit on.

• Voltage in Turkey is 220V and outlets fit atwo-pin European plug. Pack a UniversalAdapter suitable for Turkey

• Spare camera batteries and memory cards.• A small day pack for day to day use and

while at ANZAC Cove - large bags or backpacks are not permitted in ANZAC Cove.

2015 Attendance PassIMPORTANT: Only people who are successful inthe ballot and hold an official attendance passwill be permitted to attend official commemorativeservices at Gallipoli on Anzac Day 2015.

The Turkish authorities are responsible for thesecurity and policing of the commemorative sitesand they will only allow individuals with legitimateattendance passes and appropriate identification toenter the Anzac battlefield area.

This attendance pass will include the name andpassport number of the recipient, as well as extrasecurity features such as individual barcodes andholograms. Attendance pass holders will need toshow their passport as identification and theirattendance pass to gain entry to the AnzacCommemorative Site.

Strict entry arrangements, identification checksand security enforcement by Turkish authoritieswill apply at Gallipoli for the Anzac Daycommemorations in 2015. There will be noopportunity for those who do not hold officialattendance passes to gain entry to thecommemorative sites.

The Government of the Republic of Turkey hasadvised that no other non-official activities will beallowed to occur on the Gallipoli Peninsula on 24-25April 2015.

What to expect at thecommemorations?Attending Anzac Day commemorations atGallipoli is challenging, even for experiencedtravellers. Visitors stay overnight at the AnzacCommemorative Site located in the open-airGallipoli Historical National Park. At 5:30 am theone-hour Dawn Service commences. After theDawn Service, most Australians walk 3.1km up

unsealed Artillery Road towards the Lone PineMemorial. New Zealanders continue a further3.3km uphill along a bitumen road to Chunuk Bair.

The services finish around lunchtime andparticipants start to depart on their buses. Giventhe number of buses (approximately 300), there is along wait before all buses can be loaded and leavethe Peninsula. The buses will arrive in no particularorder and therefore it is impossible to predict thetime that you will be picked up. Please be PATIENT.

What conditions to expect atGallipoli on Anzac DayAnzac Day commemorations are held in theGallipoli Historical National Park, which has nopermanent infrastructure or shelter. You will beexposed to the elements for up to 24 hours(including overnight) and can experience allextremes of weather. Typically, it can drop tobelow 0 degrees Celsius in the early hours beforethe Dawn Service, but warm up considerably inthe afternoon for the Lone Pine and Chunuk Bairservices. Rain and very cold wind are also possiblein April, as is unseasonal heat.

A moderate level of fitness is required as youwill walk around 10km during the commemorativeperiod. The terrain includes reasonably flat sealedroads, sloped and uneven gravel tracks andgrassed areas (which can become slippery ormuddy when wet), as well as walking uphill ona very steep graded dirt road. You will alsoneed to stand for long periods at times, includingin queues for security screening to enter eachcommemorative site. Some assistance is available,by advance application, for visitors with mobilityissues.

All of the basic facilities like portable toilets, lightingand non-drinking water are brought in for thecommemorations. Seating is not allocated and isextremely limited at all services.

Facilities for people withmobility issues or medicalconditions at Gallipoli.The commemorative sites are difficult to access forindividuals who require special assistance. Limitedmobility assistance is available including: seating inreserved stands, with access to a reserved disabledtoilet, and seats on assisted mobility shuttle buses,which move between the commemorative sites.

The commemorative sites are not wheelchair-friendly and there are no wheelchairs available foruse onsite.

Assisted mobility visitors should seek the adviceof their medical practitioner before committing toattend the commemorations. Only basic first aidfacilities are available from the evening of 24 Apriland during the day on 25 April.

If you do have limited mobility it is also essentialthat you contact On The Go Tours and complete a

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fit to travel form so that we can assess if the tour issuitable for you.

Seating at the ANZACCommemorations

• Seating at the commemorations is notallocated or reserved (other than forregistered Assisted Mobility visitors) andsome locations have restricted or no viewof the commemorative services, other thanon large video screens.

• You should be aware that large groups maynot be able to sit together and you maybe separated from your group and/or tourguide or leader.

Anzac Commemorative Site• On Anzac Day, the Australian Government

temporarily erects metal grandstands withplastic bucket-style seats for up to 5,000visitors. Some sections are reserved forAssisted Mobility visitors.

• Remaining visitors will be required toutilise the grassed areas of the AnzacCommemorative Site.

• All visitors in the grassed areas will beasked to stand before and during the DawnService, to enable 10,000 visitors to fitonsite.

Lone Pine• All visitors will be seated in temporarily

erected metal grandstand style seating atLone Pine.

• Of the 8,000 seats available at Lone Pine,many seats will have limited or restrictedviews and a number of seats will haveno direct view of the service – with thosevisitors able to watch on large videoscreens.

• Seating at Lone Pine is not allocated orreserved.

• Some sections of seating will be reservedfor Assisted Mobility visitors.

• As there are graves located at LonePine, there is no access to the grassareas for sitting or standing during thecommemorative service.

Timings for the 2015Commemorative Period

• The Anzac battlefield area of the GallipoliPeninsula will close to all visitors from12.01am on the morning of 24 April.

• Turkish security personnel will conduct afull security sweep of the National Parkon the morning of 24 April to clear anyunauthorised visitors.

• While many coaches and tour buses arriveat the Gallipoli Peninsula in the morningor during the day of the 24th, the AnzacCommemorative Site, where the DawnService is held does not open for visitorentries until 6pm.

• Due to the large crowds, ticket andpassport checking procedures and anumber of security processes, it maytake several hours to reach the Anzac

Commemorative Site after the openingtime.

• The overnight reflective programcommences at 8pm on 24 April and runsuntil the early hours of the morning on 25April.

• The reflective program includesdocumentaries and interviews about theGallipoli campaign, as well as musicalperformances by the Defence Force band.

• The Dawn Service commences at 5.30amon 25 April and finishes at 6.30am.

• After the conclusion of the Dawn Service,Australians will walk to Lone Pine to attendthe Australian Memorial Service, while NewZealanders will walk on to Chunuk Bair.

• The Australian Memorial Service atLone Pine commences at 10.00am andconcludes at 11.00am.

• The New Zealand Memorial Service atChunuk Bair commences at 11.45am andconcludes at 12.15pm.

• All Australians are required to remain atLone Pine until the conclusion of the NewZealand Memorial service, when coacheswill be released to pick up their passengersat Lone Pine and then Chunuk Bair.

• Several hundred coaches are queued in arandom order and it may take a number ofhours before your coach arrives. Therefore,you may not be able to leave the GallipoliPeninsula until mid to late in the afternoonon 25 April.

What will you need tobring to ANZAC DayCommemorations...What to Take

• When you disembark your coach on arrival,you will need to ensure you are carryingeverything you need for that night and thenext day, including a sleeping bag, food,water, prescription medications, protectiveclothing, torch, sunscreen, camera, etc.

• As you will be seated for a long periodof time, for extra comfort we recommendbringing a foam cushion to pad your seat.

• En route to the Gallipoli Peninsular fromIstanbul we stop at a supermarket givingyou the chance to pick up reasonablypriced snacks and drinks.

• Your main luggage will be stored securelyin the coach.

• You will not be able to return to your coachif you have forgotten something or wish toreturn prohibited items.

• You will not return to your coach until theend of the commemorations period on theafternoon of 25 April.

What is prohibited?• You can not take large backpacks or

luggage, camping or cooking equipment,opened bottles of liquid, flammable liquids,weapons or sharp objects, other largeobjects or alcohol to the commemorativesites.

• Intoxicated persons will be denied entry tothe commemorations.

• Alcohol is prohibited at the site.• You should be aware that Turkey has very

strict penalties for the possession of drugs.• Swimming in the waters off the Anzac area

is prohibited.• As the area is a national park, the lighting

of fires on the Gallipoli Peninsula isprohibited.

The ANZAC CampaignThe Gallipoli and ANZAC Campaign - With theintention of capturing and securing the Ottomancapital of Istanbul, thus opening the road to EasternEurope during World War One, Winston Churchill,British First Lord of the Admiralty, organised a navalassault on the strait. A strong Anglo - French fleettried first in March 1915 but failed to secure theregion.

Then, on a date now etched in history – 25 April,1915 - British, Australian, New Zealand and Indiantroops landed on Gallipoli at what is now known asANZAC Cove. It is thought that the small harbourof Kabatepe Village may have been the object ofthe Allied landings on this fateful date but in thedarkness of the early morning the landing craftswere swept northwards by uncharted currents tothe very steep cliffs of Ariburnu. Unfortunatelywhilst the Allies were forced to advance inland upand over the steep cliffs, Mustafa Kemal (Atatürk)had foreseen the landing here and sent his Turkishtroops here to do ferocious battle with the partlyunsuspecting Allies. Both Allied and Turkish troopsfought desperately and gallantly, slaughtering oneanother in vast numbers.

After nine months of ferocious and often futilebattle whilst trying to push forth, the Allied forceswere withdrawn in January 1916. The 13,000 soulswho rest in unidentified graves in the cemeteries,together with more than 14,000 whose remainswere never found, are individually commemoratedby name on the Lone Pine Memorial (Australianand New Zealand servicemen), the Twelve TreeCopse, Hill 60 and Chunuk Bair Memorials (NewZealand servicemen) and also Helles Memorial(British, Australian and Indian servicemen).

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