A Stroll through Cesme
-
Port
Cesme, Turkey
-
Activity Level
Moderate Activity
-
Excursion Type
All
-
Wheelchair Accessible
No
-
Starting At (prices in USD)
$80
-
Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
-
Duration
Approximately 3 hours
-
Meals Included
Meals included
The name Çesme (pronounced Cheshmay) means fountain. Before the rise of Smyrna, today known as Izmir, Çesme was the region's major port and marked the end of the Silk Road. Thousands of caravans plodded from Central Asia and the Middle East across Anatolia to Cesme. Here, goods were unloaded from the camels for export to Europe through the Aegean and the Mediterranean.
Walk with your guide through Cesme to learn what this historic city is all about. You will see the Church of Agios Haralambos, a prominent landmark in Cesme's town center, which has been restored and nowadays is used for temporary exhibitions.
Then, visit the famous Çesme Castle -- the focal point of the town. An imposing site with six towers and moats on three sides, the castle is guarded by a statue of Cezayirli Gazi Hasan Pasha, one of the Naval commanders of the Battle of Çesme. Pasha is depicted caressing his famous pet lion and facing the Town Square.
You will enjoy a refreshment of traditional Turkish tea or apple tea, accompanied by the cookies that are famous in this region, with the impressive Çesme Castle in the background. At the end of your walk, you can choose to return to the ship or stay in town for a while.
Please note: Shade is limited; please dress accordingly. Bring a hat and wear sunscreen. Wear comfortable walking shoes. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations.