Cruising in through the Dardanelles strait - straddling Asia and Europe - Çanakkale may sit at the narrowest part, but its history is one to broaden the mind. From the cruise ship, you can spot the wooden Trojan horse on the vast yacht-lined waterfront promenade - serving as a taster of what awaits.
This full day tour encompasses two of the main sites near Canakkale – the ancient city of Troy and Gallipoli Peninsula Historical National Park. It all kicks off with a drive to the UNESCO-listed city of Troy, where wandering around the ruins, you’ll see the legends from Homer’s “Iliad” come to life before your eyes. The Trojan War and the tale of Helen are just one layer of the many stories this ancient city guards. Then, you’ll continue to the Gallipoli battlefields, starting at Anzac Cove where the Australian and New Zealand soldiers first landed. You’ll move on to the many gravesites and memorials, including Lone Pine Cemetery with its moving views over the landscape. Visit Plugge’s Plateau, where you can still see the trench lines by the path, then Beach Cemetery, Hell Spit, Shrapnel Valley, Brighton Beach and Quinn’s Post. There’s also a stop at the memorial grounds of 57 Regiment Cemetery for a moment’s pause, until the tour comes to a poignant close at Chunuk Bair Memorial.
From legends to epic love stories, this full day trip to the ancient city of Troy and Assos has it all. Leaving the cruise ship at Canakkale, you’ll firstly drive to Troy, the UNESCO-listed city immortalised in Homer’s “Iliad”. Take a look around the ruins as your guide recounts the myths and myth-busting truths surrounding this exciting old city; scene of one of the greatest battles in Greek mythology, the Trojan War. After some free time, it’s back on the road to the Assos, where the ancient Temple of Athena immediately grabs your attention. Looking out over the island of Lesbos in the distance, you’ll learn all about the city’s links to Aristotle, St Paul and more. Explore the market place and city walls, then sit down for a three-course lunch at a typical restaurant in the ancient harbor of Assos. Afterwards, enjoy a panoramic drive around the old city of Canakkale before boarding the ship once again.
An ancient city with an epic story to tell, both from Homer’s “Iliad” and the 19th century when it was unearthed by German archaeologist, Schliemann. His excavations convinced the world that Troy was more than just a legend, and today you can walk amongst the ruins that bore witness to one of the greatest battles in Greek mythology – the Trojan War – that’s even inspired a Hollywood movie of heroic proportions. During this half-day tour, your guide will recount gripping tales and legends that swirl around the ruins, including how it was demolished and rebuilt nine times. As you stroll around, the glittering waters of the Dardanelles and the Gallipoli hills also capture attention in the distance. Take a look at the modern version of the famous wooden horse, used by the Greeks to trick the Trojans, before returning to the cruise ship in the late afternoon.