Cruises to Çanakkale
Çanakkale - a city on the Asian shore of the Dardanelles Strait, the gateway to legendary Troy and the memorial fields of Gallipoli. Here, at the narrowest point of the strait separating Europe and Asia, millennia of history meet: the ancient walls of Troy, immortalised by Homer, and the memorials of the First World War, where the fate of an entire region was decided in 1915. The capital of the province bearing its name stretches along the point where the Dardanelles, just a few kilometres wide, link the Aegean and Marmara Seas, and from the city waterfront two continents are visible at once.
For a cruise traveller, Çanakkale is a port of call that opens the door to two world-famous legends at once: the archaeological site of Troy, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list, and the memorial park of the Gallipoli Peninsula with its moving stories of courage and loss. Ships sailing the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, or transiting the Dardanelles en route to Istanbul regularly call here, giving passengers a few hours to touch history that shaped humanity's very idea of heroism — from the wooden horse to the trenches of Gallipoli. π’
π Before setting off on a cruise from Çanakkale or going ashore for a few hours of a port call, here's what you should know:
πΉπ· Country: Turkey
π Region: Çanakkale Province, Marmara geographical region
π₯ Population: approximately 190,000 in the city itself (province — over 560,000)
π Area: approximately 48 km² / 18.5 mi² (city territory)
π£οΈ Language: Turkish; staff in the tourist zone generally understand English
πΆ Currency: Turkish lira (TRY)
π Time zone: TRT (UTC+3) — matches Kyiv time in summer, one hour ahead in winter (Turkey does not observe daylight saving time)
βοΈ Climate: transitional between Mediterranean and continental, with hot summers (+82…+90 °F / +28…+32 °C) and mild, humid winters (+41…+50 °F / +5…+10 °C)
βοΈ Nearest airport: Çanakkale Airport (CKZ) — 3 mi / 5 km from the city centre, mostly domestic flights; the nearest international hub is Istanbul (approximately 205 mi / 330 km away)
β Official name of the cruise port: Çanakkale (Kepez) LimanΔ± — Kepez Port
πΊοΈ Port area: approximately 75,000 m² / 807,000 sq ft, including customs zones
ποΈ The history of Çanakkale — from ancient Abydos to the gateway of the Dardanelles
β³ An ancient gateway between Europe and Asia
Çanakkale's history is inseparable from the waterway on which the city stands. In antiquity, nearby on the Asian shore of the strait stood the city of Abydos, known from the legend of the lovers Hero and Leander, and from the crossing of the Persian king Xerxes's army over the strait in 480 BC. The modern city of Çanakkale emerged much later, during the Ottoman era, as a fortified port controlling the entrance to the Dardanelles. It took its name from the word “çanak”, meaning pottery bowl, after the local craft that made the city famous long before it became a cruise port and whose products sold far beyond the Ottoman Empire; samples of this pottery can still be seen in the city's archaeological museum today.
Its strategic position at the narrowest point of the strait always made Çanakkale a gateway controlling the passage of ships between the Aegean and Marmara Seas, and therefore the route to Istanbul. This is why fortresses on both shores of the strait, including Kilitbahir opposite the city, were built as early as the 15th century to defend this vital waterway.
βοΈ The Dardanelles Campaign and the birth of a new era
The most dramatic chapter in the city's history was the Dardanelles Campaign of 1915. On 18 March 1915, the Ottoman fleet repelled an attempt by the Allied Anglo-French squadron to force its way through the strait — a victory still commemorated today as one of the key dates in Turkish history. Following the naval failure, the Allies landed troops on the Gallipoli Peninsula opposite Çanakkale, including Australian and New Zealand units (ANZAC). The eight-month campaign cost hundreds of thousands of lives on both sides and ended with the evacuation of Allied forces at the end of 1915.
The local Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University (“18 March University”) is named in honour of the victory date. In 2022, the region gained another symbol of a new era: a few kilometres from the city, the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge opened — the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a main span of 2,023 metres (1.26 miles), a figure that symbolically references the 100th anniversary of the Turkish Republic, proclaimed in 1923. π
β The port of Çanakkale — gateway to Troy and the Dardanelles
π Scale and structure of the port
Cruise ships calling at Çanakkale mostly dock at Kepez Port (Kepez LimanΔ±) — a modern terminal covering approximately 75,000 m² / 807,000 sq ft, located a few kilometres from the city centre, from where free shuttles run to the waterfront. Smaller vessels sometimes dock right in the city centre, next to the ferry terminal, within walking distance of the Kordon promenade and the main museums. The port handles not only cruise ships but also cargo, ferry, and passenger vessels, as it hosts one of the country's most important domestic ferry routes — the Eceabat–Çanakkale crossing, connecting the Asian and European shores.
π’ How many liners the port can accommodate
Çanakkale is a medium-sized port of call: approximately 35–50 cruise ships arrive here each year, with total passenger traffic ranging from 15,000 to 25,000 cruise tourists annually. This is considerably smaller than the major turnaround ports of the Mediterranean, but it is precisely this intimate scale that helps visitors avoid crowds and makes visiting Troy and Gallipoli a more thoughtful, personal experience.
π’ Which cruise lines call at Çanakkale
Cruise lines that regularly call at Çanakkale include Celestyal Cruises, Viking Ocean Cruises, Azamara, and other operators charting routes across the Aegean Sea, the Black Sea, or transiting the Dardanelles en route to Istanbul. This makes Çanakkale a natural stop for cruises combining the Greek islands, the Turkish coast, and the historic ports of the Black Sea region. π
π‘ Interesting facts about Çanakkale and its port
Getting to know the city is more complete with a few lesser-known details:
π΄ A genuine Hollywood star stands on Çanakkale's waterfront. The wooden Trojan Horse used on the set of the film “Troy” (2004) starring Brad Pitt was gifted to the city after filming wrapped and has since become one of the promenade's main landmarks.
πΊ The city's name literally means “pottery”. The word “çanak” means a clay bowl or pot, and it was the pottery trade that made the city famous long before it became a cruise port.
π The world's longest suspension bridge stands right next to Çanakkale. The 1915 Çanakkale Bridge, opened in 2022, connected the Asian and European shores of the Dardanelles, cutting the crossing time from almost two hours by ferry to just six minutes.
ποΈ Troy was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list back in 1998. Excavations begun by Heinrich Schliemann in the 19th century revealed nine cultural layers of the city spanning different eras, from the Bronze Age to Roman times.
ποΈ 18 March is the most important date on the city's calendar. It marks the annual commemoration of the Ottoman fleet's 1915 victory, and the same date sees the peak of tourist and passenger traffic at the local airport.
π The Dardanelles are only a few kilometres wide. At its narrowest point the strait is about 0.75 mi / 1.2 km wide — which is why the legendary swimmer Lord Byron crossed it in 1810, re-enacting Leander's mythical feat.
π The city's university holds a unique library. The private collection of Manfred Korfmann, the archaeologist who spent decades studying Troy, was bequeathed to a foundation at Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University.
π’ Hundreds of vessels pass through the strait every day. The Dardanelles is one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world, as it is the only route from the Black Sea to the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas.
π Top landmarks of Çanakkale — must-sees for cruise travellers
A cruise ship's stay in Çanakkale usually lasts from 6 to 10 hours, so most passengers choose an organised excursion to one of the two main destinations — Troy or Gallipoli. A detailed list with photos, addresses, and opening hours can be found in the “Landmarks and Points of Interest” section; below is a brief overview of the iconic locations that shape the region's character.
π΄ Troy (Truva) — an archaeological site 19 mi / 30 km from the port, immortalised by Homer in the “Iliad”. Nine cultural layers, the ruins of fortress walls, and the famous modern Trojan Horse sculpture that visitors can walk inside.
ποΈ Gallipoli Peninsula Memorial Park — an extensive complex of cemeteries and monuments on the European shore of the strait, visited every year by thousands of descendants of fallen ANZAC soldiers paying tribute to their ancestors.
π° Kilitbahir Fortress — a trefoil-shaped 15th-century Ottoman citadel on the European shore, which together with Çimenlik Fortress in Çanakkale defended the entrance to the Dardanelles for centuries.
ποΈ Çanakkale Archaeological Museum — a collection of finds from Troy and other sites in the region: pottery, jewellery, sarcophagi, and exhibits illustrating several millennia of the Troad's history.
β Naval Museum and Çimenlik Fortress — a museum right at the port, dedicated to the naval history of the Dardanelles Campaign, featuring the minelayer “Nusret” and First World War-era guns.
π Kordon Waterfront — the city's main promenade along the strait, with cafes, a clock tower, and views of ships passing through the Dardanelles.
ποΈ Ancient city of Assos (Behramkale) — a picturesque settlement 56 mi / 90 km from the port, with a 6th-century BC Temple of Athena perched on a cliff above the Aegean Sea.
π 1915 Çanakkale Bridge — an engineering symbol of modern Turkey and the world's longest suspension bridge, visible from the ship while sailing through the strait.
β¨ Why choose a cruise calling at Çanakkale
Çanakkale — is a rare port where just a few hours ashore can leave a lifetime of impressions.
First, it offers a unique combination of two world-famous legends in a single stop: ancient Troy and the memorials of Gallipoli, which are usually impossible to combine within a single journey. ποΈ
Second, it offers an authentic Turkish atmosphere free of excessive tourist pressure: the Kordon promenade, local cafes, and the architecture of the strait let you experience the real, unpolished face of Turkey. π΅
Third, it offers an unmatched landscape: few places in the world let you see two continents at once, separated by just a few kilometres of water, while tankers and ferries sail past the ship along one of the region's most important maritime corridors. π
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the optimal route calling at Çanakkale, book an excursion to Troy or Gallipoli, and take care of all transfer and formality details, while also offering exclusive rates from leading cruise brands with whom we cooperate as a priority partner in Ukraine. π€
βΉοΈ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. For up-to-date information, please contact a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or check the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Çanakkale Cruise Port
Çanakkale is a city on the Asian shore of the Dardanelles Strait, visited by cruise ships almost exclusively as a port of call, with no embarkation or disembarkation at the start or end of a cruise. The pier sits right in the city centre, so logistics here are far simpler than in the large Mediterranean ports: no lengthy transfers and no confusion over terminals. Below is a verified step-by-step guide covering every way to get around town, current prices, and tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. π―
π Where exactly is the Çanakkale cruise pier
Çanakkale's port operates in two formats, depending on the size of the ship:
β City Pier (Δ°skele) — the main berth for most cruise and expedition ships:
• Located right in the city centre, next to the Kordon waterfront promenade and the public ferry terminal
• The ÇarΕΔ± Caddesi market street, the Naval Museum, and Çimenlik Castle are all a few minutes' walk away
• On occasion, when the pier is busy or due to a ship's hull configuration, vessels anchor offshore and passengers are brought ashore by tender
π GPS address: Çanakkale Ïskele, Kordon Boyu, 17100 Çanakkale, Türkiye
β Port Kepez — a newer cargo-and-passenger terminal that receives the largest cruise liners:
• Located 3–5 km / 2–3 miles north of the city centre
• Cruise lines run complimentary shuttle buses into central Çanakkale
• Has its own access road connecting to the Bursa–Izmir highway
π GPS address: Kepez LimanΔ±, Çanakkale, Türkiye
β Important: which berth your ship will use — the City Pier or Port Kepez — is confirmed by the cruise line a few days before the call and is also announced on board by your cruise director.
βοΈ From the airport to the Çanakkale cruise pier
Çanakkale's own airport (CKZ) is only 1.2–1.9 miles / 2–3 km from the city, but it mainly serves domestic flights — primarily to Ankara, a few times a week. There are no direct international flights, including from Ukraine, so most cruise passengers arrive in Çanakkale aboard their ship rather than by plane.
π« CKZ — local airport (domestic flights only)
• Distance to the pier: 1.2–1.9 miles / 2–3 km
• Taxi travel time: 5–10 minutes
• Taxi fare: approximately TRY 150–250
π« Istanbul airports (IST and SAW) — the region's main international gateway
If your cruise begins or ends in Istanbul and Çanakkale is simply one port of call on the itinerary, the Istanbul airports will be your arrival point into Turkey.
• Istanbul Airport (IST): approximately 200–205 miles / 325–330 km from Çanakkale, 3.5–4.5 hours by road
• Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW): approximately 235 miles / 380 km, 4.5–5.5 hours by road
• Travel options: intercity bus (the most popular way to travel in Turkey), a private transfer, or a rental car
π‘ Tip: if your cruise starts in Istanbul and Çanakkale is a port of call, the cruise line has already arranged your airport transfer — all that's left is to enjoy the journey through the Dardanelles.
π« Izmir Airport (ADB) — an alternative for those arriving from the south:
• Distance to Çanakkale: approximately 208–211 miles / 335–340 km
• Travel time: 4–4.5 hours by bus or car
π From the Çanakkale bus station (Otogar) to the pier
Turkey has an extensive and affordable network of intercity buses, making the bus a natural choice for independent travellers joining their cruise in Çanakkale.
Route:
1οΈβ£ Çanakkale's bus station (Otogar) is 1.2–1.9 miles / 2–3 km from the city centre and pier
2οΈβ£ Local minibuses (dolmuΕ) and taxis run from the bus station to the waterfront and port
3οΈβ£ A taxi from the Otogar to the pier takes 5–10 minutes
Fares:
• Taxi: approximately TRY 120–180
• DolmuΕ: approximately TRY 15–25 per person
Total travel time: 10–15 minutes
π‘ Tip: buses from Istanbul to Çanakkale take 5–6 hours and run on the busiest route network in the country — a convenient, budget-friendly way to reach the city the day before your cruise.
β΄οΈ By ferry across the Dardanelles
Çanakkale is one of the few cruise cities where the ferry crossing is not a tourist novelty but part of everyday city life, since the Dardanelles Strait separates Europe and Asia right within the city's own waters.
• Route: Çanakkale (Asian shore) ↔ Eceabat / Kilitbahir (European shore, Gallipoli Peninsula)
• Ferry dock: right next to the city cruise pier — a few minutes' walk
• Frequency: every 20–30 minutes throughout the day
• Crossing time: approximately 25–30 minutes
• Fare: approximately TRY 20–35 for a foot passenger
π‘ Tip: this ferry is the easiest way to visit the Gallipoli Peninsula independently if you'd rather skip an organised shore excursion.
ποΈ From central Çanakkale to the pier
The main advantage of Çanakkale as a cruise port is its compact centre. If your ship berths at the City Pier (Δ°skele), you won't need any additional transport at all.
πΆ On foot — the simplest option for the City Pier:
• The Kordon waterfront, the wooden horse from the film «Troy», the Naval Museum, and Çimenlik Castle are all within a 5–15 minute walk of the gangway
• The ÇarΕΔ± Caddesi market street and the central clock tower are 10–15 minutes on foot
π Free shuttle — if your ship berths at Port Kepez:
• Cruise lines run complimentary buses into the city centre
• Travel time: 15–20 minutes
• The shuttle schedule is coordinated with the ship's port time and is always posted at reception
π Taxi — for those short on time or travelling with children or reduced mobility:
• Taxi ranks are available at both piers
• Fare within the city: TRY 100–200
• We recommend agreeing on a price in advance or insisting the driver use the meter (taksimetre)
π By private car — parking near the port
If you're joining your cruise independently in a rental or private car, parking is available near both piers:
π
ΏοΈ Parking near the City Pier (Δ°skele):
• Located along the Kordon waterfront
• Rate: approximately TRY 80–120 per day
• Limited spaces during peak season — arrive early
π
ΏοΈ Parking near Port Kepez:
• Located within the port grounds, with security
• Rate: approximately TRY 100–150 per day
π‘ Tip: for long-term parking during your cruise, it's often more cost-effective to arrange it through a city-centre hotel — many offer discounted parking for guests departing on a cruise.
π£οΈ GPS route: coming from Istanbul or Bursa, the most convenient road is the D200 / O-3 highway to Çanakkale, followed by local roads to your chosen pier.
βΏ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
Çanakkale's cruise pier is only partially adapted for passengers with reduced mobility — it's worth planning your transfer in advance:
β
The City Pier sits on a level, step-free waterfront — wheelchair-friendly
β
Free shuttles from Port Kepez are low-floor with most cruise lines
β
Taxis with adapted vehicles can be booked through your hotel or cruise consultant
β οΈ In the event of a tender operation, notify your cruise line about assistance needs in advance
β
On every tour organised by Four Gates Group, staff assist passengers with reduced mobility on and off the vehicle
β° When to return to the ship
Çanakkale is a port of call, so the one thing to keep in mind is simply your return time before departure.
π Recommended return time: 60–90 minutes before the ship's stated departure time
π If your excursion includes the Gallipoli ferry crossing: build in extra time in case the ferry is delayed or the crossing is busy
β All-aboard deadline: stated in your cruise voucher and in the ship's daily programme — the ship departs precisely on schedule, regardless of individual passengers running late.
Every Four Gates Group voucher includes the exact return-to-ship time for your specific call.
π‘ Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
Over years of working with Dardanelles ports, our cruise specialists have gathered a set of tips to make your day in Çanakkale as enjoyable as possible:
π Don't miss the wooden horse from the film «Troy». It stands right on the waterfront, a few steps from the pier — a perfect photo opportunity as soon as you step ashore.
π« Book your Troy excursion in advance. The archaeological park is a 30–35 minute drive from the city, and on days when several ships call at once, transport and guides sell out fast.
πΆ Carry cash in Turkish lira. Small vendors on the waterfront and taxi drivers don't always accept cards, and currency exchange at the port isn't always favourable.
β΄οΈ Consider an independent trip to Gallipoli by ferry. If you're drawn to the military history rather than the mythology of Troy, crossing on your own saves money compared with an organised excursion.
π± Download an offline map of the city in advance. Mobile data in Çanakkale is generally reliable, but an offline map is a useful backup in the port area, where the signal can be weaker.
β Try the local fish on the waterfront. Fresh sardines and mackerel at the seafront cafés are a Çanakkale speciality worth tasting here.
π°οΈ No time-zone adjustment needed. Turkey operates on a single time zone (UTC+3, 24-hour clock locally, though this guide uses a.m./p.m.), so there's nothing extra to calculate for your ship's schedule.
π Çanakkale cruise port contacts
Port Kepez (general information):+90 286 263 50 00
Çanakkale bus station (Otogar):+90 286 212 33 66
Çanakkale radio taxi:+90 286 217 10 00
Çanakkale–Eceabat ferry crossing:+90 286 217 10 96
Turkey emergency services: 112
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
Getting around during a call at Çanakkale is one of the simplest experiences of any Aegean port: a compact centre, a pier just minutes from the main sights, and an easy-to-follow layout. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group help our clients plan every minute of their time in port — from choosing between Troy and Gallipoli to arranging a private guide on the waterfront. Get in touch with our manager, and your day in Çanakkale will become one of the highlights of your cruise. π΄ποΈ
βΉοΈ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. For the latest details, please check with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Landmarks and Attractions of Çanakkale: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers
Çanakkale is a city on the shore of the Dardanelles Strait, where Europe literally faces Asia across a strip of water less than 0.9 mi (1.5 km) wide. This is where, according to Homer's legend, the Trojan War raged thousands of years ago, and where, just over a century ago, one of the bloodiest campaigns of World War I — the Gallipoli Campaign — unfolded. For a cruise passenger with a 6–9 hour port call, Çanakkale offers a unique chance to touch both the myth of the wooden horse and the tragic history of 1915 in a single day. Below is a verified guide to the key landmarks, with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and precise directions from the Kepez cruise port to each site. π―
π΄ 1. Ancient Troy (Truva Antik Kenti)
π‘ Interesting facts and background:
Troy is the city celebrated by Homer in the «Iliad», and at the same time a genuine archaeological marvel: nine settlement layers have been identified here, stacked one atop another and spanning roughly 3600 BC to AD 500. This means that the «Troy» besieged by the Greeks in legend is just one of nine cities that were built and destroyed in turn on this hill over more than four millennia. ποΈ
πΉ In 1998, Troy was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
πΉ Excavations were begun by amateur archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann in the 1870s, while the most important scientific research, carried out from 1988 to 2005 by German archaeologist Manfred Korfmann, uncovered evidence of an actual armed conflict — arrowheads and charred human remains dated to the early 12th century BC.
πΉ Right on the archaeological site stands a wooden replica of the Trojan Horse, built by Turkish artist Ïzzet SenemoΔlu in 1975 — the very horse featured on every postcard from Troy.
πΉ Next to the archaeological zone, the Troy Museum (Troya Müzesi) opened in 2018 — a building with a rust-red metal exterior symbolizing the cultural layers hidden beneath the ground. The collection displays roughly 2,000 of the 40,000 artifacts unearthed over more than a century of excavation. πΊ
π History:
The idea of searching for legendary Troy originated with English archaeologist Frank Calvert, who purchased land on the Hisarlik hill near the Turkish village of Tevfikiye back in the 1860s. In 1868 he was joined by Heinrich Schliemann, a wealthy German merchant and self-taught archaeologist who financed large-scale excavations and in 1873 announced the discovery of «Priam's Treasure» — a hoard of gold jewelry he attributed to the legendary Trojan king (modern researchers date the find to a considerably earlier period than the Trojan War itself).
Scientific excavations led by Manfred Korfmann from 1988 to 2005 reshaped our understanding of Troy: instead of a small royal residence, archaeologists found a much larger fortified settlement with a ditch, likely used as a defense against chariots. After Korfmann's death, his colleague Ernst Pernicka continued the research, and since 2014 the excavations have been led by Rüstem Aslan of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University.
π’ How to get there from Kepez port:
• Fastest (taxi): 30–35 minutes, TRY 900–1,200 (approx. USD 25–35) one way, subject to exchange-rate fluctuations. Distance — about 18.6 mi (30 km).
• Organized excursion with your cruise line or Four Gates Group: a comfortable coach with a guide, transfer directly from the ship's gangway — the optimal choice given the limited port time.
• DolmuΕ (shared minibus): departs from the bus station in central Çanakkale (not from the port) once an hour, journey time 45 minutes — not practical given a tight cruise-call schedule.
β οΈ There is no convenient direct public transport from the Kepez pier to Troy: a taxi or an organized excursion is recommended.
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Combined ticket (archaeological site + Troy Museum): EUR 27 for foreign visitors (2026 rate)
• Children under 12 — free of charge
• Opening hours (approximate): April–October 8:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m., November–March 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (seasonal changes are possible; check the current schedule shortly before your visit)
β οΈ IMPORTANT: touring the archaeological site itself takes 45–60 minutes, and the museum another hour. Including the round-trip drive (about 70 minutes), allow at least 3 hours for this landmark from the moment you leave the port.
π 2. The Wooden Horse on Çanakkale's Waterfront
π‘ Interesting facts and background:
On Çanakkale's waterfront, just a few minutes' walk from the city center, stands a second, cinematic Trojan Horse. This is the very prop used in the filming of the Hollywood movie «Troy» (2004), starring Brad Pitt. After filming wrapped, the studio donated the horse to the city of Çanakkale, and it has since become one of the most photographed landmarks in the region. πΈ
πΉ The horse is built of wood on a metal frame, with an internal staircase leading up to a «window» in the horse's belly, just as the mythical warriors would have used.
πΉ Beneath the horse is a small informational display with a model of the ancient city and explanations of the Trojan War.
πΉ It is one of the city's symbols: the horse appears on souvenirs, postcards, and even local taxi license plates.
π History:
After the successful filming of «Troy» in 2004, much of which took place in Malta and on the Turkish coast, Warner Bros. donated the wooden horse to the municipality of Çanakkale as a gesture recognizing the modern city's connection to the legendary history it embodies. The horse was installed on the Kordon promenade — the city's main waterfront walkway, offering views of the Dardanelles and the ships passing through the strait.
π’ How to get there from Kepez port:
• The Kepez pier is located 1.9–3.1 mi (3–5 km) from the city center; cruise lines docking there typically provide a free shuttle bus to the waterfront (10–15 minutes)
• Taxi: 10 minutes, TRY 150–250 (approx. USD 4–7)
• From the shuttle bus stop to the horse — 3–5 minutes on foot along the waterfront
• Some smaller vessels dock directly in the city center, next to the ferry terminal, putting the horse just 5–7 minutes' walk from the gangway
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Viewing — free, open around the clock
• The best time for photos is morning (fewer tourists) or sunset, when the sky over the Dardanelles turns pink and gold
π° 3. Çimenlik Castle & the Naval Museum (Çimenlik Kalesi & Deniz Müzesi)
π‘ Interesting facts and background:
Çimenlik Castle is a contemporary of the conquest of Constantinople: it was built by Sultan Mehmed II the Conqueror in 1462–1463, immediately after the fall of Byzantium, to control the entrance to the Dardanelles from the Aegean side. Its counterpart was Kilitbahir Castle on the opposite, European shore of the strait — together they formed a «castle upon castle» system that could physically block the strait with chains. β
πΉ It was in a room of this castle that Ottoman cartographer and admiral Piri Reis completed his famous book of navigation, the «Kitab-i Bahriye».
πΉ The museum grounds display a full-size replica of the minelayer «Nusret» — the ship that, on the night of March 8, 1915, laid the minefield that later sank several Allied battleships and halted the Entente fleet's attempt to force the Dardanelles.
πΉ The collection includes cannonballs, torpedoes, sea mines, and weapons from the Ottoman and Republican eras, as well as a rare display of bullets that collided mid-air — a phenomenon estimated to occur roughly once in 160 million instances.
πΉ The castle's outer courtyard still displays an artillery shell fired by the British battleship «Queen Elizabeth» on March 18, 1915, which struck the castle wall directly.
π History:
Construction of the castle took two years and was completed in 1463; some of the building material was taken from the ruins of the nearby ancient city of Abydos. The major reconstruction took place in the 16th century on the order of Suleiman the Magnificent, and in the 19th century the castle was equipped with new artillery. During the naval Battle of the Dardanelles in March 1915, the castle served as the headquarters and command post of the Ottoman defense.
The Naval Museum on its grounds opened in 1982, marking the 67th anniversary of the Çanakkale naval victory. Today the museum is administered by the Turkish Naval Forces and welcomes approximately 450,000 visitors a year.
π’ How to get there from Kepez port:
• Shuttle bus to the city center (10–15 minutes) → then a 10-minute walk along YalΔ± waterfront street; the landmark is about 0.3 mi (500 m) west of the ferry terminal
• Taxi straight to the entrance: 12–15 minutes, TRY 180–280 (approx. USD 5–8)
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Adults: TRY 90 (approx. USD 2.50, includes viewing the «Nusret» replica)
• Students in relevant fields: TRY 30
• Turkish citizens aged 65+ and citizen children under 18 — free
• Turkey's MüzeKart museum pass is not accepted here — payment is by cash or card on site
• Opening hours: Tuesday–Sunday 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (ticket office closes at 4:30 p.m.), closed Mondays
• The open-air park with cannons and military equipment around the museum — free to view
ποΈ 4. The Gallipoli Peninsula & Anzac Cove (Gelibolu YarΔ±madasΔ± & Anzac Cove)
π‘ Interesting facts and background:
On the opposite, European shore of the Dardanelles lies the Gallipoli Peninsula — the site of one of the most tragic campaigns of World War I. On April 25, 1915, forces of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC), together with British and French units, landed here, beginning an eight-month battle that claimed more than 100,000 lives on both sides. π―οΈ
πΉ Anzac Cove — the site of the first Australian and New Zealand landing — holds special symbolic significance for Australia and New Zealand: a dawn memorial service is held here every year on April 25 (Anzac Day).
πΉ The Lone Pine Memorial honors Australian soldiers, while the memorial on Chunuk Bair is dedicated to New Zealand units.
πΉ On the Turkish side, the most striking site is the Çanakkale Εehitler Abidesi (Martyrs' Memorial) — a massive monument honoring the Ottoman soldiers who died defending the strait.
πΉ The entire area has the status of a «historical national park» and an «open-air museum»: cemeteries, trenches, and memorials are scattered across more than 30 sites along the coast and hills.
π History:
The Gallipoli Campaign began as an Allied attempt to seize the Dardanelles Strait, knock the Ottoman Empire out of the war, and open a sea route to Russia. The naval assault in March 1915 failed due to minefields (including the one laid by the «Nusret»), prompting Allied command to launch a land invasion instead.
The April 25, 1915 landing turned into prolonged trench warfare across extremely difficult mountainous terrain. The Turkish defense was commanded by Mustafa Kemal (the future Atatürk), whose resolve during the fighting for Chunuk Bair became a defining moment in his later political career. Allied forces evacuated between December 1915 and January 1916, having failed to achieve the campaign's strategic objectives.
π’ How to get there from Kepez port:
• Ferry across the Dardanelles from Çanakkale to Eceabat or Kilitbahir: 15–20 minutes, with a nominal crossing fee (a few TRY for a foot passenger)
• The park itself stretches for more than 18.6 mi (30 km) along the peninsula — touring it independently in a single short stop is practically impossible; the best option is an organized half-day or full-day guided excursion with transfer, which includes the ferry, transport around the peninsula, and visits to the key memorials
β οΈ Important for planning: given the distance and crossing time, this landmark is realistically feasible only with a port call of 8 hours or longer. With a shorter stay, it is best to focus on the landmarks on the Asian shore.
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Entry to the open-air memorial sites (Εehitler Abidesi, Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, and others) — free, open 24/7, every day
• Indoor museum facilities on the peninsula (including the Çanakkale Battle Simulation Center) operate from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (until 7:00 p.m. in summer); admission is charged separately
• A guided excursion with transfer and ferry — approximately EUR 60–90 per person, depending on the length and format of the tour
ποΈ 5. Assos / Behramkale
π‘ Interesting facts and background:
Assos is an ancient city perched atop an extinct volcano rising 236 m (774 ft) above sea level, offering one of the most beautiful views in the northern Aegean: directly across the water lies the Greek island of Lesbos. It was here, in 348 BC, that Aristotle arrived at the invitation of the local ruler Hermias and spent about three years founding one of the earliest philosophical schools in history. ποΈ
πΉ At the top of the acropolis stands the Temple of Athena — the only Archaic-period temple in Anatolia built in the pure Doric order, dating to the 6th century BC.
πΉ The city is encircled by city walls more than 3 km (1.9 mi) long and up to 20 m (66 ft) high, surviving from the 4th century BC — among the best-preserved ancient fortifications in the region.
πΉ Assos sarcophagi were carved from local andesite, a stone that ancient writers, including Pliny the Elder, called «flesh-eating stone» (sarcophagus), believed to speed up the body's decomposition.
πΉ The statue of Athena and part of the temple's friezes were removed by American archaeologists in the 19th century; today they are held in museums in Boston and the Louvre, while part of the friezes has returned to the Troy Museum in Çanakkale.
πΉ The city's theater, carved directly into the natural rock of the hillside, seated several thousand spectators and still offers views of the sea and Lesbos.
π History:
The earliest traces of settlement on this hill date to the Bronze Age, but the classical city was founded by colonists from Mytilene on Lesbos in the 7th century BC. In the 6th century, Assos came under the rule of the Lydian kingdom, and after its fall, the Persian Empire. In 335 BC the merchant Eubulus, and later his successor Hermias, took advantage of weakening Persian control to establish their own rule in the city; it was Hermias who invited his friend Aristotle to Assos.
After the conquests of Alexander the Great and subsequent rule by the Kingdom of Pergamon, the city passed under Roman control in 133 BC. Under Roman rule Assos flourished thanks to its fertile farmland, and after the spread of Christianity it was visited by the apostles Paul and Luke. In 1997, Behramkale — the modern name for the settlement at Assos — was added to UNESCO's Tentative World Heritage List.
π’ How to get there from Kepez port:
• Distance: 43–56 mi (70–90 km), about 1 hour 30 minutes one way via the town of AyvacΔ±k
• Round-trip taxi: possible but costly (approximately TRY 3,000–4,000 for a full day including driver wait time) — worth considering only for a group of several people
• There is no regular public transport directly from Çanakkale to Assos; the only practical option is an organized full-day excursion or a private transfer
β οΈ Important for planning: given roughly 3 hours of driving round trip, this landmark is realistically feasible only with an overnight call in Çanakkale or a very early departure the next morning. With a standard 6–9 hour daytime call, Assos should not be part of your plan.
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Admission ticket: approximately TRY 50 (roughly EUR 1.3) for MüzeKart holders — free; some booking aggregators quote up to EUR 11 for foreign visitors
• Opening hours: summer 8:30 a.m.–9:00 p.m., winter 8:30 a.m.–7:00 p.m.
• Allow at least 1.5–2 hours to tour the acropolis, temple, and walls, plus time to stroll through the picturesque village of Behramkale with its stone houses and terrace cafes
ποΈ 6. Bozcaada Island
π‘ Interesting facts and background:
Bozcaada is Turkey's third-largest island, known in antiquity by its Greek name, Tenedos. According to the legend of the «Iliad», this is where the Greek fleet hid to lull the Trojans into a false sense of security before the final trick with the wooden horse. Today the island is famous for something quite different — white-sand beaches, hilltop windmills, and one of Turkey's most important wine-producing regions. π
πΉ The island is home to more than 20 wineries, some of which grow indigenous grape varieties found nowhere else in the world.
πΉ A massive Venetian–Genoese fortress towers over the harbor in the town center — one of the largest medieval fortresses in the Aegean region, repeatedly rebuilt by the Venetians, Genoese, and Ottomans.
πΉ The narrow cobbled streets of the old town preserve pre-war Greek architecture: colorful wooden shutters, stone houses, and old Orthodox churches — a legacy of the island's largely Greek population before the population exchange of the 20th century.
πΉ Ayazma and Habbele beaches are considered among the finest on Turkey's entire northern Aegean coast.
π History:
Ancient Tenedos is already mentioned by Homer as an important island guarding the entrance to the Dardanelles; archaeological finds indicate settlement dating back to the Bronze Age. Throughout antiquity the island shifted between Athenian and Persian influence, and later came under the control of the Hellenistic kingdoms and Rome.
In the Middle Ages, Tenedos held strategic importance for controlling access to the strait, drawing contests among Byzantium, Venice, and Genoa, who built the core of the present-day fortress. The Ottomans permanently annexed the island in 1657. Before the Greek–Turkish population exchange of 1923, the overwhelming majority of residents were ethnic Greeks; today their legacy is visible in the architecture, street names, and several active Orthodox churches.
π’ How to get there from Kepez port:
• There is no direct ferry from Çanakkale to Bozcaada: the only sea connection is via Geyikli port, located 37–50 mi (60–80 km) south of Çanakkale
• Route: taxi or transfer to Geyikli (about 1 hour) → Geyikli–Bozcaada ferry (35–45 minutes) → roughly 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours one way in total
• In summer, a fast seabus runs directly from central Çanakkale on Fridays and Mondays, but this is a limited seasonal schedule that should not be relied on without confirming in advance
β οΈ Important for planning: given the total travel time (at least 3.5–4 hours round trip), Bozcaada is realistically accessible only on a very long port call (12+ hours) or an overnight stay in port. This is the most remote landmark in this guide.
πΆ Cost and opening hours:
• Strolling the old town and waterfront — free
• Geyikli–Bozcaada ferry: a nominal fare for foot passengers (approximately TRY 50–80); ferries run year-round, several times a day
• Bozcaada Castle: admission charged, approximately TRY 50
• Wine tasting at the island's wineries — from EUR 10–15 for a flight of 4–5 varieties
π¨ 7. Other Notable Landmarks
• π°οΈ The Çanakkale Clock Tower (Saat Kulesi) — a five-story tower from 1897 on the waterfront, funded by the local Italian consul. Viewing — free.
• πΊ Çanakkale Archaeological Museum — a collection of finds from Troy and the wider Troad region predating the new Troy Museum; it now complements that museum's exhibits. Located a few kilometers from the center; a taxi is needed.
• π― Kilitbahir Fortress — the «twin» of Çimenlik Castle on the opposite, European shore of the strait; notable for its unusual three-lobed cloverleaf shape, clearly visible from above.
• β² The Kordon waterfront — the city's main promenade, lined with cafes, seafood restaurants, and strait views; an ideal spot for an unhurried stroll between other landmarks.
πΊοΈ Three Self-Guided Routes Through Çanakkale in 8 Hours
A cruise call at Çanakkale typically lasts 6–9 hours. Given the distances to Troy, Gallipoli, Assos, and Bozcaada, realistically no more than 2–3 key sites can be combined in a single visit, and the most remote landmarks should only be planned for an extended or overnight call. Below are three options depending on budget and interests.
π₯ Route 1. Budget — up to EUR 15 per person
β±οΈ Total time: 4–5 hours | π° Estimated budget: EUR 10–15 + food
π 9:00 a.m. — Leave Kepez port
Shuttle bus (usually free or for a nominal fee) to the city center, 10–15 minutes.
π 9:20–10:00 a.m. — Kordon waterfront and the wooden Trojan Horse
Free stroll along the waterfront, photos with the movie-prop horse from «Troy».
π 10:00–11:30 a.m. — Çimenlik Castle and the Naval Museum
Admission TRY 90. Tour the castle, the «Nusret» minelayer replica, and the weapons collection.
π¦ 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. — Stroll through the old town and bazaar (ÇarΕΔ± Caddesi)
Free. Local souvenirs, spices, and ceramics — the historic craft that gave the city its name.
π 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Lunch at a seafood restaurant on the waterfront
A set lunch with local fish — TRY 350–550 (EUR 9–14).
π 1:30–2:00 p.m. — Shuttle back to the port
π° Cost breakdown:
• Naval Museum: TRY 90
• Lunch: TRY 350–550
• Souvenir budget: TRY 100–200
πΈ TOTAL: EUR 15–22 per person
π₯ Route 2. Optimal — EUR 60–80 per person
β±οΈ Total time: 8 hours | π° Estimated budget: EUR 65–80 + food
π 8:30 a.m. — Leave the port, taxi straight to Troy
TRY 900–1,200 one way, 30–35 minutes.
π 9:00–11:00 a.m. — Ancient Troy
Combined ticket EUR 27 (site + museum). Full tour of the archaeological site, the Trojan Horse replica, and the Troy Museum.
π 11:00–11:35 a.m. — Taxi back to Çanakkale
TRY 900–1,200.
π¦ 11:40 a.m.–12:40 p.m. — Lunch in the city center
TRY 400–600 for a main course with a drink.
π 12:40–1:40 p.m. — Çimenlik Castle and the Naval Museum
Admission TRY 90.
π 1:40–2:30 p.m. — Kordon waterfront, the «Troy» movie-prop horse, free time
Free.
π 2:30–3:00 p.m. — Shuttle back to Kepez port
π° Cost breakdown:
• Round-trip taxi to Troy: TRY 1,800–2,400 (EUR 45–60)
• Troy ticket: EUR 27
• Naval Museum: TRY 90
• Lunch: TRY 400–600
πΈ TOTAL: EUR 75–95 per person
π‘ Splitting the taxi fare among 3–4 people in a group significantly lowers the cost — one of the most popular formats for families and groups of friends.
π₯ Route 3. Premium — private tour from EUR 280 per person
β±οΈ Total time: 9 hours | π° Estimated budget: EUR 280–450 + tickets
π What's included:
• β
Meet your private driver with a name sign right at the ship's gangway
• β
A comfortable car or minivan for the entire day
• β
A professional English- or Ukrainian-speaking licensed guide
• β
Skip-the-line tickets to Troy, no waiting in line
• β
Guided ferry crossing to the Gallipoli Peninsula
• β
A flexible itinerary — adjusted on the fly depending on your port time
You can book through your cruise concierge, or contact us directly using any convenient method:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Write to us by e-mail
π 8:00 a.m. — Meet your driver and guide at the terminal
π 8:30–11:00 a.m. — Ancient Troy with a private guide (skip-the-line)
A detailed account of the city's nine layers, the legend of the Trojan War, and the history of the excavations, plus a tour of the Troy Museum.
π 11:15 a.m.–12:15 p.m. — Lunch at a seafood restaurant in Çanakkale
Fresh fish from the Dardanelles, from EUR 20 per person.
π§ 12:30–12:50 p.m. — Private ferry crossing to Eceabat
A comfortable crossing of the Dardanelles with views of both shores of the strait.
π 1:00–4:30 p.m. — The Gallipoli Peninsula with a guide
Anzac Cove, Lone Pine, Chunuk Bair, and the Turkish memorial — a balanced account of both sides of the 1915 conflict.
π 4:45–5:00 p.m. — Ferry crossing back to Çanakkale
π 5:15 p.m. — Return to the port in your private car
π° Cost breakdown:
• Private guide (9 hrs): from EUR 180
• Driver with car (9 hrs): from EUR 120
• Troy ticket (skip-the-line): EUR 27
• Ferry crossings: EUR 10–15
• Lunch at a seafood restaurant: from EUR 20
πΈ TOTAL: from EUR 360 per person (for 2+ people — calculated per group, not per person)
π€ Four Gates Group arranges private excursions in Çanakkale with licensed guides, transfer from the ship's gangway, and a guaranteed return on board. Contact your cruise specialist, and your day in Çanakkale will be perfectly planned to suit your taste. π³οΈβ¨
β οΈ Important to Know Before Going Ashore
π The «all aboard» rule: you must be back on the ship 60 minutes before departure. If you are late, the ship will not wait, and catching up with it at the next port will be at your own expense.
πͺͺ Documents: bring a photocopy of your passport plus your cruise Ship Card.
πΆ Cash: carry TRY 1,000–2,000 (approx. USD 28–56) in cash for small expenses (taxis, restrooms, souvenirs) — cards are not accepted everywhere.
π Footwear: comfortable shoes for the uneven paths at Troy and the climb up to Çimenlik Castle.
π± Internet: 4G/5G mobile coverage is available at the port and in the city center; download an offline Google Maps map in advance for navigation.
π Safety: Çanakkale is a quiet provincial city with a low crime rate, though ordinary caution with valuables in crowded areas is still advisable.
βοΈ Sun protection: summer temperatures reach 90–95°F (32–35°C), and there is almost no shade at the Troy site. A hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and water are essential.
β΄οΈ Dardanelles ferries: run regularly, but allow extra time for the crossing, as delays can occur due to shipping traffic in the strait.
βΉοΈ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance only and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. For up-to-date details, please check with your Four Gates Group cruise specialist or the official websites of the respective sites.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals