lauren_s_kahn

This is my trip report from my 2 night side trip from Istanbul during my 58th home exchange:

http://altecockertravels.weebly.com/...-and-troy.html

Pegontheroad

I was in Canakkale about and Troy a million years ago--1968 or '69. I saw the supposed site of Troy but knew nothing about it, except what I learned from The Iliad.

I still know nothing of Gallipoli except that Churchill goofed up there.

Sounds like I need to go back and see Turkey again, now that there's tourism infrastructure, which was not the case when I was there in the 60's.

Anyway, I enjoyed your description, though the toilet situation doesn't sound too appetizing.

lauren_s_kahn

The toilet situation on the bus ride was a definite downer, but it was worth it to see the Gallipoli and Troy sites. My primary reason for going was to see the Gallopoli battlefield. Troy got thrown in because it was there. I was fortunate to have excellent guides for both tours. I am going to Selcuk to see Ephesus in a few days and will post about that when I return.

I went to Turkey 3 years ago on a home exchange as well. That time I saw Cappadocia--which so far is my favorite side trip because it was so unique.

Pegontheroad

Even though I had no guide nor any real information about Troy, it was evocative. Whatever the true story, I could imagine Greek armies encamped on that plain.

I also saw Ephesus, armed only with what I new of Paul's epistles to the Ephesians. I'd like to see it again, now that I arm myself with histories of whatever areas I will be visiting.

What's so special about Cappadocia? I haven't been there and know nothing about it.

gertie3751

An interesting read. I did something very similar a few years back. Got a bus (Troja I think) from Istanbul otogar to Canakkale. About 6 hours. Got off just across the ferry and walked to Hotel Helen, about 3 minutes. Stayed there 3 nights. Found a tour company (TJs?) run by Aussies, booked a tour to Gallipoli one day or possibly a half-day (yes, we had a great guide who spoke Aussie English too). I think it may have been the same tour as you did, as many of the people were on a day trip from Istanbul. A wonderful day, very moving, made a great impression on me.
Next day I booked a tour to Troy which was just a morning. And the other day I took myself off by ferry to Kilitbahir fortress where I spent most of the day pottering around.
Fraid I can't remember anything about the loos or restaurants so they must not have made much impression. I remember sitting for hours drinking tea on the quayside at Canakkale after looking at the Military Museum there. And memorable icecreams too.
Then I got myself to Canakkale otogar and found a bus to Ayvalik (fantastic old Greek town where the Greeks had been thrown out in 1923) and the ferry to Mytilini/Lesvos.

lauren_s_kahn

Your guide was the same one I had, Bulent aka "Bill" for the Gallipoli tour.

I did not have time for the Kilitbahir fortress or the Military Museum in Canakkale.

I will be flying to Izmir to go to Selcuk for a 3 night stay to see Ephesus & Pamukkale in a couple of days.