WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF OUR WWI DIGGERS
And experience the modern cities of Turkey, France and Belgium
100 years on from the birth of the ANZAC legend at Gallipoli there is an increasing desire among Australians to reflect on the core battlefields of WWI. Many would like to retrace the steps of ancestors or pay a tribute to the men who fell in some of the greatest battles of all time. Gallipoli, the Somme and the Flanders region are where Australians saw most of the action in WWI and sadly most of the casualties.
Patrick Lindsay, author of 15 best sellers including The Spirit of Gallipoli, and Blue Dot Travel are hosting a tour taking in Gallipoli and the iconic battlefields in France and Belgium, known as The Western Front.
“We felt that this year in particular the desire to head to Gallipoli and the Western Front was at a peak level and that we could share the experience with a small group of travellers,” said Brett Goulston, owner of Blue Dot Travel. “Patrick enjoys this tour and sharing the rich history of the regions, those travelling with him gain an extra depth and a thorough knowledge that few will experience.”
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| Paying our respects |
In an emotional part of the tour travellers will visit the places which helped form our nation’s heritage, including the major sites on the Gallipoli Peninsular in Turkey and at Fromelles in France, where the Australians suffered, what is still today, the darkest day in our history. Additionally the tour takes in Peronne, Hamel, Poziers and Mont St Quentin – considered by many as Australia’s greatest battle victory.
“While the tour takes in some of the worst of times, it also allows people to discover the best of the cities today. Istanbul is a magical city and travellers can immerse themselves in yesterday and today,” said Patrick Lindsay. “The food, the architecture and the Grand Bazaar are all welcome parts of the tour when not on the battlefields.”
The tour features liberal sightseeing opportunities in Istanbul and historic townships along the way. Venturing to Troy and Assos continues the theme of today and yesterday visiting the historical ruins of these ancient cities.
A unique opportunity for those with an interest in military history, with a family connection to WWI or people looking to explore the beauty of a modern land with a deep history. The tour will run for two weeks in September to miss the crowds of the Gallipoli anniversary and enjoy the comfort of this seasons.
www.bluedottravel.com.au
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| Patrick Lindsay |
ABOUT PATRICK LINDSAY
Patrick Lindsay, our expert commentator is, one of Australia’s leading non-fiction authors, having written 15 best-sellers including The Spirit of Kokoda, The Spirit of The Digger, Cosgrove - Portrait of a Leader, The Spirit of Gallipoli, Fromelles - Our Darkest Day a
Patrick provides a rich knowledge of the battlefronts and a deep understanding of the thoughts of our ANZACs as they penetrated some of the harshest conditions of WWI in “the war to end all wars”. He will provide insight into the conflict, bring to life some of the heroes and walk with you on the sacred ground which witnessed the tragedies and the glories.
nd Kokoda Spirit.
www.patricklindsay.com.au
ABOUT BLUE DOT TRAVEL AND THE BATTLEFIELDS TOUR
Blue Dot Travel is a small travel company specialising in unique travel opportunities. Tours are in small groups typically between 12 and 20 people and destinations include, Battlefields tour of France, Belgium and Turkey, Ethiopia, Japan, Sri Lanka, The Stans of Central Asia, Madagascar and numerous other destinations. Run by husband and wife team Brett and Kate Goulston they provide a friendly and professional service and can assist travellers with any add-ons from the organised tour.
The tour departs 21 September 2015, with seven days in Turkey taking in Gallipoli, Troy and Assos before travelling to Paris and the Somme and Flanders region.
It is a comprehensive, tailored two week itinerary. The insight provided by author Patrick Lindsay provides a once in a lifetime opportunity for deep discussion while following in the footsteps of our forefathers. Ideally timed with the 100th anniversary of these main battles of WWI.
