Gallipoli Cruise 2015 - 36 days
FROM USD $23,769
The 25th of April 2015 commemorates the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing. To honour this event, on the 26th March 2015, join us on a luxurious 36 day cruise from Fremantle in Western Australia to Rome in Italy, for a once in a lifetime journey and the opportunity to participate in the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing. With stops in Colombo, Luxor, Cairo, Kusadasi, Canakkale, Gallipoli, Istanbul, Santorini, Athens, Palermo, Naples & Rome, see many fantastic parts of the world, explore Gallipoli without the crowds and enjoy special ANZAC Day celebrations from the comfort of our ship.
Day 1: Fremantle - Western Australia
Thursday 26 March 2015. Welcome aboard for this momentous 100th Anniversary ANZAC Cruise! At Freemantle Port in Western Australia, there will be an amazing atmosphere as dignitaries, special guides and marching bands gather to celebrate this special event. Board the cruise ship at 12.00pm.
This evening there will be a black tie ball to start the ANZAC Day commemorations. On the top deck of the ship entertainment will include some or Australia's best singers and comedians and there will be free drinks and a wonderful fireworks display. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (L, D)
This evening there will be a black tie ball to start the ANZAC Day commemorations. On the top deck of the ship entertainment will include some or Australia's best singers and comedians and there will be free drinks and a wonderful fireworks display. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (L, D)
Days 2 - 3: Albany - Western Australia
In the morning on day 2 we set sail for the town of Albany, where Australian soldiers embarked from at the beginning of their journey to Gallipoli. Arriving into Albany at approximately 11am on day 3 we spend the afternoon in port and enjoy a tour of the town. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B:2, L:2, D:2)
Days 4 - 10: At Sea
Spend the next 7 days at sea enjoying the facilities on this elegant cruise ship as we journey towards Colombo, sailing around Cocos (Keeling) Island on day 7.
With wide open public spaces, modern facilities and a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars, there is plenty to keep you entertained onboard. Soak up the sunshine on deck, stay active in the Le Terme health club which over looks the sparkling blue sea. Take pleasure in the great outdoors as you jog around our track or swim laps in one of two pools. Meanwhile, the kids can enjoy mini-golf, our ship’s colourful play area and any number of exciting youth club activities. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B:7, L:7, D:7)
With wide open public spaces, modern facilities and a variety of cafes, restaurants and bars, there is plenty to keep you entertained onboard. Soak up the sunshine on deck, stay active in the Le Terme health club which over looks the sparkling blue sea. Take pleasure in the great outdoors as you jog around our track or swim laps in one of two pools. Meanwhile, the kids can enjoy mini-golf, our ship’s colourful play area and any number of exciting youth club activities. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B:7, L:7, D:7)
Day 11: Colombo - Sri Lanka
At 8am on day 11 we arrive into Colombo, the colourful capital of the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka. Spend the full day at leisure enjoying the sights of Colombo or select from a range of optional excursions including a 3 hours Colombo City tour, a full day excursion to the old Portugese port of Galle (including a boat ride at Hikkaduwa), the hill capital Kandy and the wonderful Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage or Ratnapura, visiting the beautiful water fall, Gem Mines and Saman Devalaya. At 6pm we up anchor and set sail again - next stop, Egypt! Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)
Days 12 - 19: At Sea
Spend the next 8 days at sea, relax, unwind, enjoy the views and the endless entertainment onboard! Onboard the ship is The History Team - a well known group of historians who will provide an amazing insight into the Gallipoli campaign and many other historical events, during a series of fascinating daily lectures and presentations.
An amazing line up of Australian & International performers will provide entertainment during the cruise. Legendary Australian entertainers Daryl Braithwaite, John Williamson, Ross Wilson & Normie Rowe will sing their greatest hits to a packed theatre room and there will be international performers with a circus extravaganza, breathtaking illusionist and a night of operatic arias. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B:8, L:8, D:8)
An amazing line up of Australian & International performers will provide entertainment during the cruise. Legendary Australian entertainers Daryl Braithwaite, John Williamson, Ross Wilson & Normie Rowe will sing their greatest hits to a packed theatre room and there will be international performers with a circus extravaganza, breathtaking illusionist and a night of operatic arias. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B:8, L:8, D:8)
Day 20: Ancient Luxor - Egypt
Welcome to Egypt, where the ANZAC troops trained before heading to Gallipoli. This morning we dock at Port Safaga on the Red Sea at 6am. Home of the legendary Valley of the Kings and Temple of Karnak, 4000 year-old Luxor is ancient Egypt at it’s best. From Safaga it is approximately a 2.5 hour drive to Luxor and there are a number of half day and full day optional excursions available from the port including touring of the West Bank; the Valley of the Kings, Queens, Luxor Temple and mighty Karnak. Alternatively opt to take a cruise on the River Nile to Dandara or perhaps enjoy an atmospheric Karnak Sound and Light Show. After a full day exploring Ancient Thebes we depart at 7pm. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)
Day 21: Suez Canal - Egypt
Today is spent sailing up the Suez Canal - one of the most important and busiest waterways in the world, which connects the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)
Day 22: Port Said and Cairo - Egypt
We arrive into Port Said the northern terminus of the Suez Canal at 6am this morning. From Port Said there are a number of optional excursions available to Cairo, the bustling capital of Egypt and home of the sole surviving Ancient Wonder of the World - the Pyramids of Giza! Excursions include touring of the pyramids, Saqqara and the Egyptian Museum, where you can view the spectacular treasures of King Tutankhamen. You can also opt to ride a horse or a camel at the pyramids, visit local villages, play golf or sail a traditional felucca on the Nile. After a memorable 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 journey to Turkey, arriving into Kusadasi on the beautiful Aegean Coast on day 24 at 6am. Spend the day independently exploring this relaxed coastal resort or join one of the optional excursions. Enjoy a full day tour to the legendary Roman ruins of Ephesus - the best-preserved classical city in the eastern Mediterranean. Discover Turkey's rich Jewish Heritage on a tour of the Bodzag Mountain Range and Sardis, or perhaps discover the ruins of Priene. 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, we spend the 19th & 20th April exploring all the sights of Gallipoli without the crowds. The day tours to Gallipoli over the following two days are included in the package so you do not have to book this sightseeing.
During our voyage to Turkey our historian guides will have seminars on the ship to provide detailed information on the Gallipoli site. A brochure that shows the “ANZAC Walk” starting at North Beach and ending at Walkers Ridge will also be provided. There will be 14 different locations to visit and depending on your fitness level you will be able to walk to all sections. Coaches will drop off at North Beach to begin the tour. There will be coaches waiting at different vantage points to pick up and take us to the next section or back to the ship. Our ships historians and ship crew will be at each section guiding the group along the walk. Coaches will also provide the opportunity to go up as far as Cape Helles to see the Memorial and Cemetery.
On the 20th there is also an optional excursion to fabled Troy, to see the replica Trojan wooden horse and the ruins of the 9 excavated cities which have been built since 3500 B.C. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B:2, L:2, D:2)
During our voyage to Turkey our historian guides will have seminars on the ship to provide detailed information on the Gallipoli site. A brochure that shows the “ANZAC Walk” starting at North Beach and ending at Walkers Ridge will also be provided. There will be 14 different locations to visit and depending on your fitness level you will be able to walk to all sections. Coaches will drop off at North Beach to begin the tour. There will be coaches waiting at different vantage points to pick up and take us to the next section or back to the ship. Our ships historians and ship crew will be at each section guiding the group along the walk. Coaches will also provide the opportunity to go up as far as Cape Helles to see the Memorial and Cemetery.
On the 20th there is also an optional excursion to fabled Troy, to see the replica Trojan wooden horse and the ruins of the 9 excavated cities which have been built since 3500 B.C. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (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 take one of the many optional excursions available. Touring options include visits to the stunning Blue Mosque famed for it’s blue Iznik tiles and unique 6 minarets, the ruinous Hippodrome – once the scene of chariot races and political activities in Byzantine times, Hagia Sofia Museum - constructed as a Basilica in the 6th century by Emperor Justinian and Topkapi Palace (if open). Alternatively opt to shop 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 7am the following morning. Santorini is located in the Cyclades island group, in the Aegean Sea. This dramatically striking volcanic island is the only inhabited Caldera (volcano cauldron) in the world, with towns and villages perched on top of the massive cliffs of the caldera and beautiful black and red beaches. Santorini is renowned for its spectacular sunsets and gorgeous villages with traditional white and blue architecture.
We spend a full day on this picturesque island, before departing at 6pm. Several optional excursions are on offer including a coach tour of the island, an excursion to the volcano and hot springs and a sailing adventure to Palea Kameni. On day 30, ANZAC Eve we set sail back to Turkey, spending the day at sea. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B:3, L:3, D:3)
We spend a full day on this picturesque island, before departing at 6pm. Several optional excursions are on offer including a coach tour of the island, an excursion to the volcano and hot springs and a sailing adventure to Palea Kameni. On day 30, ANZAC Eve we set sail back to Turkey, spending the day at sea. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B:3, L:3, D:3)
Day 31: ANZAC Day - Turkey
We arrive into ANZAC Cove in the early hours of the morning on the 25th (approx 2am) and anchor off shore. First light heralds a poignant bugle call and commencement of the Dawn Service. We will have a live telecast of the Dawn Service on board and will also have our own service after the live telecast. The benefits of doing this is that we will not have to get there at 1pm on the 24th April and spend the night out in the cold and with the expected crowds that will be there for the 100th anniversary, capacity will be restricted on shore. The cruise offers a unique alternative, guests can enjoy the comfort of the ship, whilst still being part of this historic event.
This afternoon we enjoy an ANZAC concert on the pool deck as we sail off to Athens. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)
This afternoon we enjoy an ANZAC concert on the pool deck as we sail off to Athens. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)
Day 32: Athens - Greece
Welcome to Athens - the capital of Greece which took its name from the ancient goddess Athena and is thought to have at least a 3000 year old recorded history making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. Arriving at 7.30am this morning, enjoy a full day in this ancient capital before departing at 6.30pm. There are a number exciting optional excursions available including an Athens city tour and the Acropolis, a scenic excursion to Cape Sounion and the 5th century B.C. temple of Poseidon or the ancient town of Corinth. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)
Days 33 - 34: Palermo - Sicily
Day 33 is spent at sea, giving you the opportunity to relax and enjoy the facilities onboard as we sail to the beautiful Italian island of Sicily. On day 34 we arrive into Palermo at 7am - capital for both the Arabs and the Normans, Palermo's monuments reflect the magnificence of two worlds: East and West that come together in clashing contrast. Spend the day exploring this fascinating city. A number of optional excursions are available including various themed Palermo city tours, an excursion to the medieval town of Cefalù or a tour of the spectacular Sicilian countryside and the famous town 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 of Italy's most beautiful cities, rich in history, culture and art! Arriving a 7am this morning there are a number of exciting excursions available before we up anchor at 6pm. Enjoy a Naples city tour, spend a day exploring Italy's picturesque Amalfi coast, head over to the magical island of Capri or explore ancient Pompeii's excavations and Mount Vesuvius. Overnight - Onboard Cruiser (B, L, D)
Day 36: Rome - Italy
At 7am this morning we arrive into Civitavecchia, a sea port on the Tyrrhenian Sea, which is located 80 kilometers west-north-west of Rome. This marks the end of our wonderful ANZAC cruise.
Should you wish to extend your stay and explore Rome, post cruise packages can be arranged upon request, with accommodation and sightseeing excursions, including the ancient monuments of Rome, the legendary Colosseum and the Vatican. (B)
Should you wish to extend your stay and explore Rome, post cruise packages can be arranged upon request, with accommodation and sightseeing excursions, including the ancient monuments of Rome, the legendary Colosseum and the Vatican. (B)
Tour Details
- Starts in: Fremantle - Western Australia / Ends in: Rome - Italy
- Departs: 26 March 2015
- No local payment required
- Breakfast:35, Lunch: 35, Dinner: 35
- Hotel Rating: Luxury cruise ship
- Tour Guide: Historians onboard and local guides for optional sightseeing
The Inside Track
Gallipoli – Coming Home
By John Stuart. John Stuart has kindly permitted us to share his poignant piece ‘Coming with ..
ANZAC Day in Egypt
A member of our team shares her experiences of the ANZAC Day Dawn Service at the Commonwealth War ..