KUŞADASI- THE HOUSE of V.MARY-EPHESUS-TERRACE HOUSES- EPHESUS MUSEUM-St. JOHN BASILICA – SİRİNCE VİLLAGE –  KUŞADASI                 60 KM

After breakfast ,you’ll drive to Selcuk ,first you’ll visit the house of V.Mary. The House of Virgin Mary beautifully situated in the solmissos Mountain and built in II Century,place for pilgrimage The house of V.Mary is considered by the Vatican to be final resting place of the Virgin Mary.

After the visit the house of V.Mary arrive to Ancient Ephesus, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven churches of Apocalypse. walk on the remarkably preserved wide marble streets,flanked by colomns,temples and fountains. We look at all the famous highlights like the Celsus Library,the Odeon magnificent temple of Hadrian, Great Theater for 25000 capacity of spectators which is still used for performances and special events today

You’ll see ın the Ephesus ancıent site the Terrace houses

Ephesus terrace houses are located on the hill, opposite the Hadrian Temple. Also called as "the houses of rich", important for the reason give us information about family life during the Roman period. They were built according to the Hippodamian plan of the city in which roads transected each other at right angels.

There are six residential units on three terraces at the lower end of the slope of the Bulbul Mountain. The oldest building dates back into the 1C BC and continued in use as residence until the 7C AD.

The restoration of the two of the houses have been finished and can be visited today.

You’ll have Lunch in Selcuk ,before you visit the museum of Ephesus

The museum of Ephesus, unlike most of other museums, is not designed according to the chronological order but the galleries are filled with artifacts according to a theme.

Galleries include:

1- Sculptures from the fountains

2- Finds from the Terrace Houses

3-Coins

4-Ephesus through the Ages

5-Courtyard with column capitals and tombs

6- Hall of Mother Goddess cult

7- Hall of Ephesus Artemis

8- Hall of Imperial Cult

9-Museum Shop and Cafe

Before visiting these galleries, one should not miss the 3D simulation video of ancient Ephesus where visitors can visualize the setting of the ancient city and may have an idea about how the buildings used to look like. The video can be watched in three languages; Turkish, English and German and it lasts 10 minutes. The video room is the first room before the fountain statues gallery.

Some of the most remarkable artifacts in the museum are the Ephesus Artemis statue, Priapos statue, the head of Socrates, the Egyptian priest, the Eros with rabbit and the oldest piece – a stamp- found in Cukurici Mound- dating back to 6200 BC.

Our next stop the Basilica of St.John.This site is the burial place of St.John,the writer of the gospel of the same name and the disciple who brought the Vırgın Mary to Ephesus.Built to the shape of a cross it has six large domes.The Byzantine Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora had the church built over the site of the grave.In the Byzantine period the entrance in the walls had embossed friezes which showed the pursuit of Achilles and for this reason is known as the ‘’Takip kapısı’’(Pursuit Gate). From the courtyard of the church there is a wonderful panorama of the temple of Artemis İsa Bey Mosque and the Aegean at Pamucak.

Then drive to Sirince Village ; It is a beautiful hill town only 8 km east of Selcuk, near Ephesus, in the Aegean hinterland south of İzmir It's famous for its olive oil, fruit wines, other natural products, and its atmospheric boutique hotels. A dozen small restaurants cater to day-trippers, hotel guests, and locals alike.

In the 19th century ,it was a Greek town with 1800 houses,famous for its fig production,especially for export.Population Exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923 ,result of the departure of the Greeks were settled by emigrants from the village.There are two Greek churges in the quarter.In Şirince no house blocks the vıew of the other.

Some say the Orthodox Christian Greeks who lived here during the Ottoman Empire were famed for the excellence of their wine. The Muslim Turks who moved here from Thessaloniki in 1924 re-started wine-making using local fruits, including apple, apricot, banana, blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, mulberry (black, and white), mandarin orange, melon, orange, peach, quince, sour (Morello) cherry and strawberry. You can taste the results and judge for yourself when you visit. They sell red, white and rosé, dry and sweet. A few local producers have switched from the local vines, which in fact produce table grapes, to Turkey's better wine grapes such as Narince.

You’ll drive back in the evening to the hotel in Kuşadası

KUSADASI-AYDIN ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM-THE ANCIENT CITY  OF ALINDA-THE ANCIENT CITY OF GERGA -KUSADASI     290 KM

You’ll drive first the Aydın Archeology Museum which was planned to exhibit the  archeological cultural heritage uncovered as a result of scientific excavations within the  borders of Aydın,was established with a contemporary museum understanding on area 15  thousand 769 square meters on Aydın-Denizli highway.The building has been  constructed as Basement + Ground Floor+one floor which has exhibition halls, warehouses,laboratories,library,chıldren’s activity section,conference hall and temporary  display areas and other areas were created by shading with suspended – stretching  membrane system.

Then you’ll visit the ancient city of Alinda .

Alinda is one of the important Karia cities, and was founded at Karpuzlu village in Çine District of Aydın Province. When Ada, the daughter of Hekatomnos, had been driven away by her brother Pixadaros from Halikarnassos, she went to Alinda in B.C. 340 and made this city her capital. The most important structure still remaining intact in Alinda is the agora. A theatre lies at the southern-west side of the acropolis. There are the foundations of two tempels at the acropolis. Karia style tombs between Karpuzlu houses are the indicate that the Alinda necropolis lay on the southern side of the city.

You’ll have Lunch at the local restaurant in Çine

After lunch you’ll drive the ancient city of Gerga

The city, which is founded at Deliktaş village in Çine District of Aydın, lies 13 km. northern-west of the ancient city of Alabanda. There are some traces showing that the history of the city goes back to the Archaic Period. The ruins in the city belong to the Archaic Period and Roman Period. Gerga is an important place that reflects the Karia culture. The city may be  characterized as a place providing protection, due to the fact that it is a city, which is built in the mountains. The rampart walls are in typical Karia style.

It is stated in the sources that the name of Gerga can refer to a city and as well as to a God. The most important building is the one which still remains standing and which has the features of a temple. It was built of big stones and there is writing on the triangullar front top of the building. It is estimated that the huge statue, which has fallen to the lower side of the building, belonged to Kybele. The sources and the people living in the region state that this statue remained standing untill 20 - 30 years ago.

End of the tour you drive back to the hotel in Kusadası

KUSADASI- DOMATIA VILLAGE-PRIENE-MILETOS ANCIENT CITY AND  MUSEUM-BODRUM        180 KM

You’ll drive to the historical greek village of Domatia (Doganbey) and Karina bay.The old village of Doğanbey ,formerly Domatia village,BC.It has a history extending from the 7th century to the present .In the immediate vicinity are Karina,where there are old customs buildings,ancient settlements Thebes and Lade Island.It is known that the Domatians come from Samos ,Chios, Dodecanese and Cyprus .In the past ,houses were built in a large forest as seperate rooms ,each with large courtyards and these rooms were called Domatia in greek.When the settlement developed a little more and the village was formed ,this name also became the name of the village.

The Greek houses in Domatia have been restored with the condition of staying true to the original.This place aimed to preserve the historical texture in time and became a village where the natüre-loving wealty people lived.Architectural wonder stone houses leaning on the mountain also have a seaview.The streets are cobblestone,the gardens are well -maintained After strolling through the streets of our charming village ,we take lots of photos.

Then drive to the ancient city of Priene

The ancient city of Priene is one of the important ancient cities established on the southern slope of Samsun Mountain,15 km southwest of Söke district.370 m.Establishment on a steep rock at a heıght has provided an advantage in resisting attacks.In addition ,its being in a high place allows the city to be seen from different directions.the first information about Priene ,who is considered to be a member of the Ionian League like Miletus,is BC.It is found in ancient sourches in the middle of the 7th century.

The ancient city of Priene,known as the Pompei of Anatolia,is in the Priene section,especially the finds of its rich houses.In the interior showcases,coins from various periods,ornaments,glass fragrance bottles ,bronze items and figurines,terracotta items,and the Ilyas bey Mosque from the Menteseogulları Principality period are among the Works on display.In addition,tomb steles from the Archaic period and an unfinished scuplture group are in the exhibition space.The Miletus Museum is a technically ,visually and scientifically exemplary museum

Next stop is the ancient city of Miletos .You’ll visit by informing our guide,it was seaside port city when it was first established ,but today it is 10 km from sea.The first settlements in the ancient city of Milet started in the middle of 2000 BC,continued with the Mycenaean colony ,and then re-established by the Ions.It is one of the four important city ports of the Ionians.Milet Ruins is known for its grid plan applied in the foundation of the city That’s why the city is very well organized .the ancient city of Miletus acquired its autonomy in 38 BC thanks to the special interest of the roman emperors and reached the metropolitan level among other Ionian cities.After listening to our guide,we also took our photo shoots ,drive to the museum of Milet.

Milet Museum exhibition areas; It consists of two main parts: the garden display and the indoor display.In the garden display ,lion sculptures ,inscriptions ,tomb steles, sarcophagi,architectural elements and column heads,which are the city of Miletus ,are exhibited

Closed exhibition area is located in the administarive building of the museum.The finds of the Ancient City of Miletus,Priene Ancient City and the Temple of Apollo in didim are exhibited in an area of approximately 600 m2.Belonging to the ancient city of Milet ; There are animation of the Minoan Period (20-15 centuries BC) Kitchen,Minoan Period finds,Zeytintepe Archaic Aphrodite Sanctuary finds,Gacartepe Tomb finds.Findings of the sacred road Miletus Ancient City to the Temple of Apollo in didim and the votive objects of the Temple of Apollo are located in the exhibition hall. The Miletus Museum is a technically ,visually and scientifically exemplary museum

You’ll have Lunch nearby Karina Golf.

End of the day you arrive to the hotel in Bodrum

BODRUM- BODRUM CASTLE AND ARCHEOLOGİCAL UNDERGROUND  WATER MUSEUM -MAUSELEUM AT HALICARNASSUS, EUROMOS  ANCİENT CİTY, MILAS HEKATOMNOS MAUSELEUM AND   GÜMÜŞKESEN MONUMENT-IASOS ANCIENT CITY-BODRUM                160 KM

First you’ll visit Bodrum Castle(St.John castle) .Bodrum Castle was builted by Saint Jean Knights in 1406-1522. When they were building this castle, they used the stones from Bodrum Mausoleion. There are French, Italian, British, Germany, Spanish towers. When Turks attached Rhodes island in 1522, Saint Jean Knights was started to leave here in 5 january 1523. The castle was using for prison in 1895. Here is bombed by English and French millitary in first world war, in 1915.

The castle grounds include a Museum of Underwater Archaelogy and hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year.

The first underwater scientific excavations in the world took place at Turkish coasts in the 1960’s and the Castle was arranged, in 1964, as Bodrum Museum in order to ensure the protection and preservation of the findings. Due to its rich underwater collection that includes artefacts from 14th century B.C. to 16th century A.D., in 1981 the name of the museum was changed to Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum. Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum received the European Museum of the Year Award in 1995.

You will see the world's oldest known shipwrecks Uluburun , a hall of recovered glassware and the Carian Princess exhibition which evokes the last days of the ancient greatness of Halicarnassus. Glass Wreck Hall, Late Bronze Age Shipwrecks, The Carian Princess Hall and the amphoras . In ancient times amphoras were used for transporting and storing Olive Oil and wine

Next explore the site one of the seven wonders of the ancient world , The Mauseloum was built by Artemisia, the sister and the wife of King Mausolos, B.C. 355.The mauseloum was destroyed in an earthquake; and the ruins were used in building of the Halikarnassus Castle

Then we drive to Milas to the ancient city of Euromos where we visit the Temple of Zeus.

It's one of the best preserved classical designed temples in the country and dates back to  the 6th century BC.

Then you’ll drive to Milas to the ancient city of Euromos where we visit the Temple of  Zeus. It's one of the best preserved classical designed temples in the country and dates  back to the 6th century BC.

Next stop is the Mausoleum of Satrap Hekatomnos, pointed as the discovery of the century in the archaeological world, was built at a position dominating the ancient Mylasa  city and can be seen from any point of the settlement.

The Mausoleum is the predecessor of Halicarnassus Maussolleion, accepted as one of the  seven wonders of the ancient world, and is included in Temporary World Heritage List of  UNESCO.

Finally you visit the ancient city of Iasos.In Iasos archaic city that is located in Kıyıkışlacık Village at a distance of 26 km to the District centre. Roman monumental grave that is one of the biggest buildings of the archaic city and that is known as Balıkpazarı .

Iasos (or Iassos depending on the source) is over 4.000 years old, according to archaeological finds. It was a wealthy little town, with an income generated mostly from the flourishing fishing trade, which still thrives up until the present day. The Carian settlement was a colony of Argos and was founded with the help of Miletus. As a member of the Delian League, Iasos got caught up into the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC).

From remains dating back to the Bronze Age to a wealth of ceramics with Minoan  influence, and then, of course, bigger structures such as the Bouleuterion, The Customs Building, or the Mausoleum, now home to the Iasos Museum.

End of the day you drive back to the hotel in Bodrum

BODRUM-THE ANCIENT CITY OF STRATONIKEIA-LAGINA-BODRUM               180 KM

You start to visit the Ancient city of Stratonikeia, the city of retired gladiators, a member of UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Lists.

Stratonikeia Ancient City, located in Eskihisar neighborhood of Yatağan, on the roadside at the 7th km of Yatağan – Milas highway. In the ancient city of Stratonikeia, the remains of nearly 3 thousand years whole have preserved with the settlement texture since ancient times. A Hellenistic parliament building and an Ottoman-era mansion stand on both sides of the stone paved road. All of the ancient buildings can reached by stone paved roads of the Ottoman and Republican eras. Apart from the ancient period temples and churches, mosques, bath buildings from the Roman and Principalities, fountains from different periods, and roads from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Republic periods, as well as village squares from the Ottoman and Republic periods were taken under protection in the ancient city. In this respect, Stratonikeia has a different settlement and urban texture.

After the visit of the ancient city of Stratonikeia,you are going to visit the sanctuary of Stratonikeia named as ‘’Lagina Hekate’’

The sacred area of Lagina ,which is an important cult center of Carians ,is the religious center,and Stratonikeia,which is 11 km away from here,is the political center of the region.

As we learn from the inscriptions still present Lagina and on the walls of Stratonikeia bouleuterion,these two cities are connected to each other by a sacred road.

You’ll have lunch at the local restaurant

End of the day you arrive to the hotel in Bodrum

BODRUM- THE ANCIENT CITY OF HERAKLEIA-THE ANCIENT CITY OF  METROPOLİS-KEY MUSEUM(CLASSIC CARS MUSEUM) -CEŞME                   350 KM

You’ll drive first to the ancient city of Herakleia. Heraklia ruin place that is located in Kapıkırı Village at 40 km distance to the District centre  covers a very large area. Besides the Hellenistic Period buildings such as Athena Temple,the Theatre, Agora, city walls, Endymion, because of its being the centre of episcopacy in the Byzantine period, there are many church ruins on the islands in Bafa Lake. Dr. Annelise  Pejchlow from German Archaeology Institute still continues surface researches in Herakleia  ruin place.

You’ll have Lunch at the local restaurant in Selcuk, after Lunch you’ll drive to the ancient  city of Metropolis.

The ancient city Metropolis was located on the trade road between Smyra (Izmir) and Ephesus . Metropolis means the city of the Mother Goddess. Famous historian Strabo stated that the city was a wine center during the Roman era. Another important fact about Metropolis is that it has Hellenistic period monuments that are rare. The Metropolis antique city is still located on the outskirts of the Kocadiz Mountain which is covered with olive and pine trees . There you can see a Theatre , Acropolis , The hall with mosaics , Bouleuterion (Senate Building) , Upper Bath-Gymnasium and Araplıtepe Church

Then you arrive to the ‘’Key Museum’’ (Classic car Museum).

Key Museum is an automobile museum located in İzmir’s torbalı district.May 6,2015 opened museum is 7.000 m2 and owned by turkey’s largest car museum,130 cars and 40  motorcycles.the model of years of the vehicles in the museum range from the late 1880s to 2011.

There are also other exhibits in the museum,such as model cars,car mascots from the past ,and an original US gas station design from the 50s.every year ,20.000 visitors g oto Torbalı to see the collection  

End of the day you arrive to the hotel in Çeşme

ÇESME- ÇEŞME CASTLE AND MUSEUM-OTTOMAN CARAWANSERAI- THE CHURCH OF AYIOS HARALOMBOS- THE CHURCH OF AYIOS  KONSTANTİNOS (ALAÇATI PAZAR MOSQUE)- TEOS ANCIENT CITY-  ÇESME                          160 KM

After breakfast ,you’ll visit the Castle of Çesme and Çesme Museum.

Çeşme Castle, which is one of the historical and cultural assets worth visiting in Çeşme, was built by the Genoese and later transformed into its present form by Architect Ahmet, son of Mehmet during the reign of Sultan Beyazıt 2nd (1508). Çeşme Castle was built on an area of 11,000m2 and has four towers, two on the coast and two on the ridge. The Castle is rectangular in plan and has an inner citadel which consist of two main areas. The first part was probably used as a military area while the second part was used for residencial purposes. With its mosque, fountain, water tanks and enclosed areas, Çeşme Castle constitutes one of the authentic and original architectural structures of the Ottoman period. Today, the castle serves as Çeşme Archeology Museum.

The archaeological exhibition halls of Çeşme Castle currently displays artifacts from the excavations of the Ancient City of Erythrai (Ildırı) and Çeşme-Bağlararası Bronze Age Settlement, along with figurines, oil lamps, glass vessels, sculptures and coins from different periods. The Museum also includes a chronological display of amphorae; a vessel type which have been used for the transport and storage of grains, olive oil, wine etc. and played an important role in ancient trade.

The lower floor of the Umur Bey Tower in the castle, has a thematic arrangement focusing on the 1770 Çeşme, Ottoman-Russian Naval War. The upper floor of this tower on the other hand, is a display area for marble and stone artifacts where sculptures and stelai as well as Ottoman Period inscriptions are being exhibited. There are also cannons, cannon balls, architectural pieces and Islamic tombstones being displayed in the open spaces around the castle.

A few paces south of the castle, there is an Ottoman caravanserai built in the early centuries of the Ottoman conquest in 1528 by order of Süleyman the Magnificent, and it is now restored and transformed into a boutique hotel.

The imposing but redundant 19th century Greek Orthodox church of Ayios Haralambos is used for temporary exhibitions. Along some of the back streets of the town are old traditional Ottoman houses, as well as Sakız house-type residences of more peculiar lines, for the interest of strollers.

Your next stop the Church of Ayios Konstantinos in Alaçatı.The church was built in the 19th century(1874) by Yuhannis Halapes,the building continues to function both as a mosque and a church with minor renovations today.You’ll have free time to visit in Alaçatı

Then you’ll drive to the ancient city of Teos .You’ll have lunch near the ancient city of Teos in Sıgacık.

After lunch you’ll see the ancient city of Teos .

Teos Ancient City, which gives life to Seferihisar and its surroundings and is the most important stop for traveling in time in the region, is 3 km from Sigacik. The ancient city, whose history goes back to the 2000s BC, is one of the 12 Ionian cities. Being the largest port city of its time, Teos is also known as the city of artists. The fact that the first actor’s union in history was established in Teos in the 3rd century BC strengthens the place of this city in the field of art. The ancient city, where excavations continue, deserves a visit of at least half a day.

Drive back to the hotel in Çeşme

ÇEŞME -THE VILLAGE OF GERMIYAN- KLAZOMENAI – VELVET  CASTLE -AGORA -GRAND BAZAAR- DARIO MORENO HOUSE &  HISTORICAL ELEVATOR-ÇEŞME               180 KM

You will visit today Turkey’s slow food village; Germıyan.

Slow Food is a global organization with the objective of combatting the fast food culture by promoting local food cultures and educating people about the local cooking traditions. This movement, for good, clean and fair food started in Italy and now more than 160 countries are a part of it. Villages that are interested in becoming a slow food village get in contact with the organization and if they fulfil the requirements they become a slow food village.

Villagers from Germiyan, a small village in the Aegean coast of Turkey applied to become a slow food village and they received their certificate in 2015. One of the traditional foods of Germiyan is the sourdough bread that the villagers cook themselves. You can also find it in nearby villages.

Germiyan is also known for its houses covered with drawings made by a local woman, named Nuran Erden. She first drew the Slow Food’s logo onto a wall in the village, which is the symbol of a snail, then she started to draw on the walls of houses, which first annoyed the other villagers. However, they all ended up loving her works. All they need to do is to.

Then you drive to Urla .Urla is where the mill of olive oil ,called Klazomenai is located and its highly interesting remains are much visited, while the name lives on in the unofficial appellation used in the region for part of the coastline of the district, "Kilizman" (Former name of Güzelbahçe). With literacy among the highest in Turkey at 97%, Urla is also home to İzmir Institute of Technology. Urla prides itself for having raised two important men of letters, Giorgos Seferis and Necati Cumalı.

Then you arrive to the Velvet Castle(Kadifekale) .Kadifekale is a fortress located in the city of İzmir in Turkey.The Castle ,which is the acropolis of ancient Smyrna ,is located on Pagos Hill with an altitude of 186 meters overlooking the İzmir Bay

After the visitof Velvet castle (Kadifekale) drive to Agora.Agora located in Namazgah district of İzmir remained from Rome Period (AD the 2nd century) and it was built according to Hippodamos city plan, on three floors, close to the centre. İzmir agora is the one which is the biggest and best protected of the Ion agoras.

End of the visit of Kadifekale you will arrive to the Kemeraltı Market .It is an old bazaar that was established back in the 17th century, located along the curve of historic Anafartalar Street. Today, Kemeralti is easily one of the most favorite venues for shopping not only for locals but also for tourists. The plethora of shops offer local handcrafts, jewelry, pottery, clothes as well as many other valuable goods.

Synagogue Street (Havra Sokagi) is a very popular tourist attraction in Kemeraltı , Izmir as it used to be one of the most popular places for locals to buy their fruit, vegetables, meat and other products. While not quite the same, Synagogue is still a very popular market. The name of the street derived from the high volume of synagogues formerly built on the street.

Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar is one of the most popular Izmir attractions. Located in a grand covered pavilion, Kizlaragasi is absolutely fantastic and a must-visit. The market combines the traditional open air Turkish bazaar along with a wide number of shopping selections.

You will have lunch in Kemeraltı at the local Restaurant

End of the Kemeraltı tour you are going to see the historic Clock Tower,It was designed by M.Raymond Pere and built in 1901 to commemorate the 25th year of the reign of Sultan Abdulhamıd II.The Tower’s green and pink marble columns were brought from Marseilles.

İzmir Clock Tower is a historic clock tower located at the Konak Square in Konak district of İzmir. The tower, at a height of 25 meters, features four fountains, which are placed around the base in a circular pattern, and the columns are inspired by North African themes

Then you will visit Konak (Yalı) Mosque is located in Konak Square. The religious structure was built in the 18th century by Ayse Hanim – the pasha’s daughter. Architecturally, Konak (Yalı) Mosque is a very beautiful octagonal structure composed in a classical ottoman style of stone and bricks. Konak also features some amazing ornaments inside as well as outside, a single dome and a minaret. It is located near Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower), a very popular local attraction.

End of the Kemeraltı bazaar , you’ll drive to visit Dario Moreno House.It is the famous home of the well known singer, compositor, and "man of art". The house is located on one of the most beautiful little streets of Izmir (also bears singer's name). It's a classic example of the architecture from the early 20th century and a great tourist destination.

End of the Darıo Moreno Street there is Asansör (Turkish for "elevator") is a building in İzmir's Karataş quarter, within the boundaries of the metropolitan district of Konak. It was built in 1907 as a work of public service by a wealthy Jewish banker and trader of that period, Nesim Levi Bayraklıoğlu, in order to ease passage from the narrow coastline of Karataş to the hillside, the elevator within the building serving to carry people and goods through the steep cliff between the two parts of the quarter. You can drink here coffe,tea or some drinks with a view of bay of İzmir.In time, the small street that led to the building also came to be known under the same name, Asansör Street (Asansör Sokağı). In the 1940s, one of the residents of the street was the singer Dario Moreno, who was to attain fame later. It was recently restored and since then, became one of the landmarks of İzmir. The street was renamed Dario Moreno Street in memory of the singer.

Then drive back to the hotel in Çeşme

TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT OF IZMIR    80 KM