Canakkale

Canakkale, Turkey, is a popular cruise destination primarily due to its proximity to the ancient city of Troy and its significance in World War I history.

From the new port and cruise terminal at Kepez most cruise lines will offer shuttles into the center of Canakkale. 3 km. from Çanakkale city center.

On the Asian shore, guarding the Dardanelle's, is the quiet Turkish port town of Canakkale. History enthusiasts will want to venture to legendary Troy (at 18 km).

Canakkale's Archaeological Museum (a short taxi ride) boasts exhibits originally belonging to Frank Calvert, aide to the discoverer of the lost city, Heinrich Schliemann.

Visit the vast memorial at Galipoli Peninsula, site of the notorious World War I campaign.

From Canakkale you can take an excursion to the ruins of Troy, the home of unhappy lovers Troilus and Cressida. Troy consists of nine cities superimposed in rings on a massive mound rising above the windswept Plain. It was one of these cities that Paris brought the beautiful Helene after her abduction, thus igniting the Trojan War.

In town, a taxi is cheap, and the fares are regulated. They are easy to find. For long journeys, however, drivers can charge more than the meter reads. So negotiate the fare in advance. The most unusual transportation in Turkey is called Dolmus for routes that buses don't take. The word actually means "To Fill"; thus, the dolumus leaves when it is full! They are usually a minibus, a jeep, or a van so they fill quickly. A bonus is that they will drop you off along the route.

Çanakkale Kepez is also located just 18 km from the site of ancient Troy, making it the closest passenger terminal to a historical site that attracts thousands of visitors every year.

The small village of Behramkale is a lovely place, facing the Gulf of Edremit. It is founded on the site of Assos where there is the famous Temple of Athena built in the 6th century BC. The panoramic view of the Gulf from the top of the acropolis is breathtaking and the remains of Assos, surrounding the acropolis are worth visiting.

Dardanos tumulus is about 11 km from Canakkale near the Kalabakli stream in Maltepe district. Findings date back to Archaic periods between 7th and 6th centuries BC and to the Roman period around 11 A.D.

Gökceada, the largest of the Turkish islands, and Bozcaada are also in this region and they have many camping facilities.

There are fish restaurants, bars and cyber cafés along the seafront promenade, where you can sit and watch the traffic on the water.

In souvenir shops and stalls, it's always worth trying a spot of haggling. For food shopping, local mini markets provide basic essentials, whilst the supermarkets found near the larger resorts are similar to those we are used to at home. Most resorts have a weekly market selling local produce, crafts, and textiles and are well worth a visit.

Turkish food is amongst the best in the world. With enough climatic zones to grow most ingredients locally, there is a vast array of produce to excite and entice the palate. Besides its famous kebab dishes, there are many other traditional Turkish foods to choose from. Meze (appetizers) for which Turkey is justly famous, are a range of hundreds of small dishes from simple combinations such as cheese with melon to elaborately stuffed vegetables. These are served in all Turkish restaurants and are traditionally accompanied with Raki, a clear anise- flavored spirit claimed to be Turkey's national alcoholic drink

Turkey's currency is the Turkish Lira. Many shops and restaurants in the coastal resorts and big cities accept payment in foreign currency. But if you are planning to travel to other parts of the country, it is advisable to take some Turkish Lira.

With a credit or debit card you can withdraw local currency from cash machines which are found in convenient locations in cities, towns and resorts.

Free wireless connections are available at some hotels and restaurants/cafés, especially in big cities.

Emergency Ambulance: 112 (all over Turkey) Police: 155 (all over Turkey)

In tourist and coastal areas, opening hours are quite flexible and during the summer many shops stay open until late in the evening, seven days a week, leaving tourists to browse at their leisure and escape the heat of the day.