Silversea Luxury Cruises To Canakkale

Discover the ancient ruins of Troy, immortalized by the writings of Homer and Virgil. The legendary city of Troy captivates with its dramatic and romantic past - whether it be real or the creation of a poet. Did Helen of Troy exist? Was there a real wooden horse? Explore these and other mysteries in this half-day outing.

Troy

Begin with a 30-minute journey from the pier to reach the site of Hisarlik - as Troy is referred to in modern day Turkey. Few realise that this historical city is actually located within the borders of modern Turkey. Once thought to be a mythical city invented by Homer in The Iliad, most historians now accept that Troy was his inspiration for the tale. Alexander the Great declared himself a descendent of Achilles, and made a pilgrimage to Troy in 334 B.C.

Although the city is thought to have been inhabited for up to 5,000 years, few structures remain intact. Remaining sites to be explored include Troy's ancient walls, some palaces and houses, the Roman Theatre, the Pillar House, believed to be the Palace of King Priam, and the giant replica of the Trojan Horse. The epic film Troy has revived interest in this piece of ancient history.

Discovery of the excavation site follows a pre-defined route, which comprises twelve information points. From the second point, enjoy a panoramic view of the entire site. The area is dotted with the remains of large houses of the Mycenaean settlement, particularly appealing for their stone masonry.

Following your visit, re-board your coach for the return drive to Canakkale. Upon arrival, visit the small archaeological museum and have some free time to explore the area before returning to the ship.

Please note: An extensive amount of walking is required, some of which is over uneven terrain, in addition to the climbing of some steps at the ruins. We recommend your wear shoes with rubber or non-slip soles if the weather is wet as the area can become slippery. Vehicles and guides are the best available in the area. Local coaches will be utilised for this tour.

Troy

Begin with a 30-minute journey from the pier to reach the site of Hisarlik - as Troy is referred to in modern day Turkey. Few realise that this historical city is actually located within the borders of modern Turkey. Once thought to be a mythical city invented by Homer in The Iliad, most historians now accept that Troy was his inspiration for the tale. Alexander the Great declared himself a descendent of Achilles, and made a pilgrimage to Troy in 334 B.C.

Although the city is thought to have been inhabited for up to 5,000 years, few structures remain intact. The remaining sites to be explored include Troy's ancient walls, some palaces and houses, the Roman Theatre, the Pillar House, believed to be the Palace of King Priam, and the giant replica of the Trojan Horse. The epic film Troy has revived interest in this piece of ancient history.

Assos

Assos, also known as Behramkale or in short Behram, is a small and historically rich town in the Ayvacik district of the Canakkale Province of Turkey. Assos has a cultural heritage started by Aristotle, carried on by Saint Paul and the Ottomans that continued into the modern age, creating a destination with a mixture of the classical and modern. Sites here range from the ancient acropolis with stunning views of the Aegean Sea followed by a charming look into authentic Turkish culture in Behramkale's village and marina.

You will walk in the footsteps of Aristotle as you explore the ancient Greek acropolis with such sites as the Theatre of Assos and Temple of Athena (built 2,500 years ago). After studying in Athens under Plato, Aristotle opened an academy of his own here in Assos. Being hundreds of metres above sea level with panoramic ocean views, it is easy to see how this historic site encouraged free-thinking and deep contemplation of life's complexities.

After visiting the site, you will have some free time in the village at a local café overlooking the area before you start the journey to the old harbour, where you will have lunch at one of the boutique hotels located on the seaside. At the end of the tour, you will re-board your coach for a transfer of approximately 30 minutes will return you to Canakkale to board the ship.

Please note: On Voyage# 2613 calling on April 25th, 2016, the Troy portion of the tour will be removed and the duration will be shortened to approximately 5.5 hours. This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.5 km (0.9 miles) over steep and uneven surfaces along with several stairs to manage. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes, and sun protection. The tour sequence may vary.

Explore the ancient and modern-day history of Turkey during this full-day sightseeing excursion to Gallipoli and Troy.

Gallipoli, Anzac Cove and Brighton Beach

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the local ferry and an approximate 30-minute ride across the Dardanelles. Upon arrival, board your awaiting coach for the drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula and Anzac Cove, then continue on to Brighton Beach and the Beach Cemetery.

Gallipoli Battlefields

Next, visit the Lone Pine Australian Memorial and Johnston's Jolly for a look at the original Allied and Turkish trenches and tunnels. Other memorials include the Nek, site of the famous Light Horse Brigade depicted in the movie Gallipoli, and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial. Your tour of the Gallipoli Battlefields includes a visit to the Anafartalar War Museum, which contains relics from the fabled military campaign, along with original diary entries and letters.

Anafartalar War Museum

This museum is dedicated to the memory of the soldiers of all sides who served, and so often died, during the Gallipoli Campaign. However, while displaying relics, original documents and artwork relating to all three main sectors of the campaign, its special focus is on the Suvla front, scene of the British landings in August, and the north of the Anzac sector. The museum's collection includes original weapons, equipment, uniforms, maps, insignia, documents, photographs and images from the campaign, as well as personal belongings of the men who fought on the peninsula. All exhibits are accompanied by detailed information in Turkish and English. The museum is the lifework of Ozay Gündoğan, whose family has lived in the village of Büyük Anafarta for generations. Like many locals, Özay had a number of relatives who served in the Turkish army during the Gallipoli Campaign. Many of the relics on display have been found on land owned by the Gündoğan family near Laba Baba, Hill 60, the W Hills and below Chunuk Bair.

Leaving these historic World War I battlefields, return to the ferry for the approximate 30-minute ride back across the Dardanelles. Upon arrival, proceed for lunch at the Yalova restaurant in Canakkale, one of the best fish restaurants in the city. After lunch, re-board your coach for a visit to the ancient city of Troy.

Troy and Canakkale

The city of Troy was believed to be Homer's inspiration for The Iliad and visited by Alexander the Great in 334 B.C. During your visit, see the remains of Troy's ancient walls, some palaces and houses, the Roman Theatre, the Pillar House, and the giant replica of the Trojan Horse. The epic film Troy has revived interest in this ancient city. Following your visit, re-board your coach and return to Canakkale for some free time for shopping or exploring before returning to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately one hour over uneven surfaces, and is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing with closed-toe walking shoes, and sun protection. The tour sequence may vary.

Spend a day exploring the scenes of some of the fiercest fighting of World War I during this excursion to the Gallipoli Peninsula and its environs.

Expert Guide - Mr. Kenan Çelik

Your guide for this excursion is Mr. Kenan Çelik, one of Turkey's leading experts on the Gallipoli Campaign of World War I and a Gallipoli Peninsula battlefield guide for more than 25 years. In 2000, Kenan became the first Turkish citizen to receive the Order of Australia, that country's highest civilian honour, in recognition of his services to Australian history. In addition to leading tours over the Gallipoli battlefields and writing accounts of various aspects of the campaign, Kenan has appeared in a number of documentaries, including Disaster at Gallipoli and Canakkale Son Kale, which detailed the Gallipoli Campaign of 1915. Throughout this tour, Kenan shares interesting facts about the war and local battle-sites.

Gallipoli, Anzac Cove and Brighton Beach

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the local ferry and an approximate 30-minute ride across the Dardanelles. Upon arrival, drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula and Anzac Cove, then on to Brighton Beach and the Beach Cemetery.

Anafartalar War Museum

This museum is dedicated to the memory of the soldiers of all sides who served, and so often died, during the Gallipoli Campaign. However, while displaying relics, original documents and artwork relating to all three main sectors of the campaign, its special focus is on the Suvla front, scene of the British landings in August, and the north of the Anzac sector. The museum's collection includes original weapons, equipment, uniforms, maps, insignia, documents, photographs and images from the campaign, as well as personal belongings of the men who fought on the peninsula. All exhibits are accompanied by detailed information in Turkish and English. The museum is the lifework of Ozay Gündoğan, whose family has lived in the village of Büyük Anafarta for generations. Like many locals, Özay had a number of relatives who served in the Turkish army during the Gallipoli Campaign. Many of the relics on display have been found on land owned by the Gündoğan family near Laba Baba, Hill 60, the W Hills and below Chunuk Bair.

Gallipoli Battlefields

Next, visit Johnston's Jolly Cemetery and the Lone Pine Australian Memorial, which commemorate Australian and New Zealand soldiers who fought in Gallipoli. Other memorials include the Nek, site of the famous Light Horse Brigade depicted in the movie Gallipoli, and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.

British Memorial and Battlefields

Enjoy the scenery of the area after wine tasting and lunch, served at one of the best local vineyards in Suvla area. Following lunch, re-board your coach for the drive to the British Memorial, dedicated to the Gallipoli military campaign, and commence the second-half of your battlefield tour. Along the way, see the broken walls of the great Seddulbahir Fort and the square pillars of the Canakkale Martyrs Memorial. Situated at the head of Morno Bay, it is the largest memorial on the Gallipoli Peninsula.

Canakkale

Following your visit, drive to the local ferry for the approximate 30-minute ride back to the other side of the Dardanelles. Upon arrival, some free time is made available for independent shopping or exploring in Canakkale before transferring back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 1.25 hours over uneven surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach and embark/disembark the ferry. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, flat, closed-toe walking shoes and sun protection are recommended. The tour sequence may vary. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Explore one of the largest military campaigns of World War I during this half-day excursion to the historic Gallipoli battlefields.

Depart the pier by bus and then board the public ferry for the approximate 30-minute transfer to the opposite side of the Dardanelles. Upon arrival, drive to the Gallipoli Peninsula and Anzac Cove, the landing site for most of the 50,000 Australian soldiers who fought at Gallipoli during World War I. Leaving Anzac Cove, proceed for visits to Brighton's Beach and the Beach Cemetery, which the Anzac Corps nicknamed Hell Spit.

Anafartalar War Museum

This museum is dedicated to the memory of the soldiers of all sides who served, and so often died, during the Gallipoli Campaign. However, while displaying relics, original documents and artwork relating to all three main sectors of the campaign, its special focus is on the Suvla front, scene of the British landings in August, and the north of the Anzac sector. The museum's collection includes original weapons, equipment, uniforms, maps, insignia, documents, photographs and images from the campaign, as well as personal belongings of the men who fought on the peninsula. All exhibits are accompanied by detailed information in Turkish and English. The museum is the lifework of Ozay Gündoğan, whose family has lived in the village of Büyük Anafarta for generations. Like many locals, Özay had a number of relatives who served in the Turkish army during the Gallipoli Campaign. Many of the relics on display have been found on land owned by the Gündoğan family near Laba Baba, Hill 60, the W Hills and below Chunuk Bair.

Gallipoli Battlefields

Next, your tour continues with a visit to Shrapnel Valley, at times called Shrapnel Gully. Once the Turks realised that this had become the highway to the front, their guns rained shrapnel shells down upon this area. From here, a visit is made to the Lone Pine Australian Memorial and Johnston's Jolly for a look at the original Allied and Turkish trenches and tunnels. Other memorials include 'The Nek', site of the famous Light Horse Brigade depicted in the movie Gallipoli, and the Chunuk Bair New Zealand Memorial.

Following your visit to the Gallipoli battlefields, embark the ferry for the approximate 30-minute ride back across the Dardanelles. Upon arrival, re-board your coach for the return drive to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking over uneven surfaces, some of which are grassy or unpaved, and may not be suitable for guests with limited mobility and those who utilise a wheelchair. The tour sequence may vary. Vehicles and guides are the best-available in the area. The ferry is a public one and is not exclusive to Silversea guests. Tour visits Australian and New Zealand memorials.