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Aeneas’ journey will then take you to the historical location of Antandros, which today stands as Altinoluk, sitting on the northern coast of the Edremit Gulf and neighbouring Balıkesir province, where there are some of the most beautiful coastlines in the country, and clear waters meet sandy beaches encircled by the silvery green olive groves.
Legend has it he travelled through Ezine and Ayvacık, setting foot in the enchanting forests and foothills of Mount Ida before arriving to Antandros.
The Ancient City of Antandros, where a mythological beauty contest ignited the Trojan War and where Aeneas built his ships. The ancient sources claim versatile historical backgrounds for Antandros, the city at the southern skirts of Ida Mountain. Antandros is the place where the Trojan comrades were ready to search for a new home for themselves under the leadership of Aeneas. They build ships here, and at the beginning of the spring, they leave Antandros with 20 ships.
The city lies 2 km off Altınoluk, a popular holiday destination on the skirts of the Ida Mountains. You can have your afternoon here at the beach or you can enjoy trekking on the Mount Ida, that is known in Turkish as “Kaz Dağları.”
The mountain separates the Aegean and Marmara regions of Türkiye, and in antiquity it was described as the "Mountain of the Goddess” and was considered sacred. Mount Ida is mentioned in Homer’s Iliad and Virgil’s Aeneid, would you like to rewrite their legends here?
The journey will take you from ancient sites to beaches, from tasting the famous Ezine cheese to culinary delights, Ezine, is at the crossroads of history and legends, is a charming town with its gourmet delicacies, natural beauty, and historical and cultural sites along the route. And then through, Ayvacık, known for its turquoise bays, olive trees and trailblazing sunsets, a must for the savvy photographer.
Aeneas and his companions eventually crossed the forests of Mount Ida, which were sacred to the gods. And it is here with the permission of the goddess Cybele, they cut down the pines in the forest and built twenty ships the upcoming voyages.
Travelling through Mount Ida also known as Kaz Dağları, which spans the Gulf of Edremit where Çanakkale and Balıkesir meet, is a wonderful getaway to discover traditional villages, nature and to enjoy the TurkAegean. From the breathtaking views of the sea and nature from its hills, and lush forests in its valleys, Ida is the key to a great history of its ancient cities and a rich mythology of stories.
