AYVALIK -DEVIL’S TABLE -CUNDA ISLAND – TAKSIYARHIS   CHURCH -THE CHURCH of AGIOS YANNIS-LIBRARY-HISTORICAL MILLS -AYVALIK          50 KM

You will discover today Ayvalık the North of İzmir .

The first place you will visit before entering Ayvalık is Devil’s Table.It is not to mention the Devil’s Table ,which should be seen by everyone who goes to Ayvalık.With its unique view ,Seytan Sofrası ,which overlooks Ayvalık,attracts everyone’s attention with its memorable story.According to the mythological story ,the devil ,who was expelled from Heaven,searches for a paradise on Earth,finds this place and leaves a footprint in the place he stepped on.People who come to see the footprint of the devil do not neglect to make their wishes.

Then drive to Cunda ısland , also called Alibey Island, (Turkish: Cunda Adası, Alibey Adası), Greek Moschonisi is the largest of the Ayvalık Islands archipelago in Turkey, which was historically called the Hekatonisa or Moschonisia archipelago in Greek. It lies in the Edremit Gulf on the Turkey's northwestern coast, off the coast of Ayvalık in Balıkesir Province, Turkey, with an area of 23 square kilometres (9 sq mi). It is located 16 kilometres (10 miles) east of Lesbos, Greece.

You will visit Taksiyarhis Church.The church was built by the Alibey(Cunda) Island Greek Orthodox (Moschonese) community on its old foundations as the Metropolitan Church.At the time of its construction ,the majority of Cunda Island was Greek and the Greek population was around 8.000-10.000.the church is attributed to ‘’Taksiyarhis’’,the Guardian Archangels Gabriel and Mikhail.It still constitutes the most important monument of Cunda Island.

In 1927-1928 ,the church building was converted into a mosque without a minaret .In the following periods ,it stood abandoned for a while,then it was registered as an’’immovable cultural property to be protected and preserved for a long time by temporary measures.In 2011,the church building allocated to the Rahmi M.Koç Museum and Culture Foundation was restored and took its current form.

The bell inside was removed during the World War II and used to inform the public.It was later revealed that this bell was the largest bell in the World.this bell is now exhibited in the Bergama Museum in Berlin,the capital of Germany.

You can see the church of Agios Yannis .The church ,which is one of the most striking buildings with the windmill,on the top of the ısland center was restored and started to serve as Sevim and Necdet Kent Library.

You will have Lunch in Cunda Island.

Another historical texture that you should not leave without seeing during your visit to Ayvalık is the historical mills.There are 3 mills in cunda Island.While one of the mills is used as a restaurant by a private enterprise,another mill is not open to use.The third mill ,along with the Agios Yannis Church,eas bought and restored by Rahmi Koç.

You will drive to the Hotel in Ayvalık .

AYVALIK -ANTANDROS ANCIENT CITY -ZEUS ALTAR-ASSOS  ANCIENT CITY-TROY ANCIENT CITY & MUSEUM- ÇANAKKALE 215 KM

You’ll visit first on the way the ancient city of Antandros in Altınoluk.

Only 15 years ago, almost none of the travelers knew of the existence of the ruins of the ancient city Antandros, located on the Gulf of Edremit, in the southern part of the Troad. The only visible traces of the once mighty city were the scattered fragments of buildings, hidden in an olive grove, and not encouraging an in-depth exploration. However, a lot has changed since then, and the team of researchers led by Professor Gürcan Polat has made remarkable discoveries in Antandrus. The biggest attraction of this place is a wonderfully preserved Roman villa, adorned with mosaic floor and wall frescoes.

In addition to the villa, in Antandros you can see the remains of huge baths, Roman cisterns, and an extensive necropolis.

Then you’ll continue to the altar of Zeus .In the Iliad ,Homer mentions that the Gods lived on Mount Ida and that they watched and ruled the Trojan War from here.It is also included in this epic that Zeus ,the God of Gods ,lived here and watched and ruled the war.Researchers waorking in the region also think that high place ,built on a hill overlooking the sea and Edremit gulf,belongs to the chief god Zeus.

After the visit of the Altar of Zeus ,you’ll visit the village of ADATEPE .This village lies at the western slopes of Mount Ida, overlooking the Aegean Sea and Lesbos Island. This area was thetemporary home to Paris, son of King Priam ofTroy, where he enjoyed his pastoral life before being invited to judgement in the first beauty contest among Athena, Hera and Aphrodite.

Since those poetic times described in Homer’s Iliad, civilization flourished in and around Adatepe and perhaps some of the olive trees, still offering their generous fruits to mankind, are the living witnesses of this legend. Old stone houses with typical architecture reflect the happy times when Turks and Greeks lived peacefully in this village. Today , the whole village and surrounding olive groves are protected by law as cultural and natural heritage

Then you arrive to Assos Archaelogical Site. (except historical Harbour). You will see ancient harbour of Assos due to safety and restoration work from outside.

Assos Archaeological Site is located in the southwestern part of the Biga peninsula, within the borders of Behramkale village, 17 km south of the district of Ayvacik in the province of Canakkale. The archaeological site is under protection, since it was registered as a 1st degree archaeological site in 1982.

It is possible to come across the Doric column heads, column bases and other architectural ruins around the ancient city. Places of interest in Assos include the 5000 seat theatre, the agora, the stoa, the gymnasium, the bathhouse, the city walls and gates, and the ruins of the Temple of Athena on the acropolis.

You’ll have Lunch at the local restaurant.

Then you drive to Troy ancient city.

‘’IN THE ILIAD, HOMER DESCRIBES TROY AS ‘WELL-FOUNDED’, ‘STRONG-BUILT’ & ‘WELL-WALLED’.

Troy is one of the world’s most famous ancient cities, renowned for being the site of the Trojan War, as described by Homer in The Iliad. Today’s Troy—a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area of ruins and archaeological excavations—contains the remains of multiple settlements, some dating back 5,000 years.

The archaeological sites at Troy include remains from at least nine different periods of settlement and were found in many layers of excavation. Get a sense of the area’s rich history by walking around the remains of city walls, temples, theaters, bathhouses, and homes. You can also climb inside a replica of the infamous Trojan horse (which stands near the entrance) to enjoy elevated views of the ruins.

The Troy Museum opened in 2018 and is located at the entrance to the Troy archaeological site. The striking red building houses over 2,000 ancient artifacts that have been excavated from the site, including a sarcophagus, statues, jewelry, tools, and pottery. Descriptive panels, dioramas, and interactive displays help bring the story of Troy to life. Visitors can also enjoy views of the ruins from the building’s rooftop terrace.

End of the day ,you arrive to the hotel in Çanakkale

ÇANAKKALE-THE ANCIENT SITE of TROY AND MUSEUM-THE  VILLAGE of YESILYURT -THE WATERFALL of SÜTUVEN & HASAN BOGULDU LAKE-AYVALIK 215 KM

Today you’ll start the tour with the visit of the ancient city of Troy.

‘’IN THE ILIAD, HOMER DESCRIBES TROY AS ‘WELL-FOUNDED’, ‘STRONG-BUILT’ & ‘WELL-WALLED’.

Troy is one of the world’s most famous ancient cities, renowned for being the site of the Trojan War, as described by Homer in The Iliad. Today’s Troy—a UNESCO World Heritage-listed area of ruins and archaeological excavations—contains the remains of multiple settlements, some dating back 5,000 years.

The archaeological sites at Troy include remains from at least nine different periods of settlement and were found in many layers of excavation. Get a sense of the area’s rich history by walking around the remains of city walls, temples, theaters, bathhouses, and homes. You can also climb inside a replica of the infamous Trojan horse (which stands near the entrance) to enjoy elevated views of the ruins.

The Troy Museum opened in 2018 and is located at the entrance to the Troy archaeological site. The striking red building houses over 2,000 ancient artifacts that have been excavated from the site, including a sarcophagus, statues, jewelry, tools, and pottery. Descriptive panels, dioramas, and interactive displays help bring the story of Troy to life. Visitors can also enjoy views of the ruins from the building’s rooftop terrace.

Then you visit the village of Yesilyurt. It is situated in the forests of Mount Ida, a spot where legends say the first beauty pageant for the goddesses Aphrodite, Hera and Athena was held. Zeus is believed to have been born here and it is believed it was from these peaks that the Gods witnessed the Trojan War unfold. This is the nature and oxygen-laden backdrop to the village of Yeşilyurt, located above Küçükkuyu in Çanakkale's Ayvacık district.

You’ll have lunch at the local restaurant.

After the visit of the village Yeşilyurt ,you’ll see the waterfall of Sütuven and Hasan Boguldu Lake.

Kaz Mountains lie through the Edremit Gulf. Sutuven Waterfall is located at Zeytinli village which is situated at shores acrooss the sea.

Hasanboguldu Lake is next to the waterfall. The waterfall under protection runs through the valley covered with pine trees. On the road you can meet village people selling honey and olive oil. As you get closer to the waterfall the panaroma is getting better.

The noise of the waterwall takes you next to the waterfall. Foaming, pouring water 17 m high, covered with pine forests and cool in the valley. There you can find a view which reflects the name Sutuven the water who jumps.

End of the day you arrive to the hotel in Ayvalık

AYVALIK- THE ANCIENT ACROPOLİS AND ASCLEPION -RED  BASILICA -PERGAMON MUSEUM-CESME                 265 KM

You’ll visit first the Acropol by Cable car or  mınıbus .The Acropol is at an elevation of 300 meters and is especially rich in structures from the Hellenistic period.The palaces of the kings of Bargama,the theater ,holy areas and temples ,the agora ,the gymnasium,heroon (tomb of a deified hero) and other remains from the Roman period are all to be found on this hill.The excavation at Bergama began in 1877 and the most important find is the Zeus Altar which was taken to Berlin to be displayed there.It is only possible to see the base of the altar at Bergama.The most impressive structure on the ancient site is undouptedly the Traianus Temple which has been reerected after very successful restoration work.Other structures worthy of note are :the Temple to Dionysus ,which was constructed completely from marble in the Ionic style ,the 15.000 seat theater which is the steepest of its kind,the second largest library of its time containing 200.000 works and the Bergama Library ,built by King Attalos 1,which is located behind the Temple to Athena.

After the visit of Acropol ,you’ll continue to Asklepion.This is situated to West of the ancient site.It was constructed in the 4th century BC and this area was dedicated to the god of health,Aesculapius and is the remains of one of the first health centers in the World.In its day Asklepion ,was famous for its motto,’’Death cannot enter the place its forbidden’’.On the ‘’Blessed Way’’ you can find the symbol used today by pharmacists-the snake entwined round a stick.Among some of the methods of treatment used here were music and psychotherapy .During the Romanperiod the famous pharmacist and physician,Galenos ,worked here at the Asklepion before working as the court physian. Locally the Asklepion is known as ‘’Ayvaz Ali’’.

You’ll have Lunch in Bergama ın the local restaurant.

Then you’ll drive to the museum of Pergamon .Pergamon Museum was founded in 1924 and moved to its present building in 1936.It has a rich collection of archaelogical and ethnographical remains which makes it a very important museum.The collection includes findings from Early Bronze Age period to the Byzantine period.There are a number of parks in the vicinity of the museum as well as an ‘’Arasta’’ or market where you can browse the carpets on sale other souvenirs.

Finally you’ll visit the ‘’Red Basilica’’ in Bergama.

The "Red Basilica", also called variously the Red Hall and Red Courtyard, is a monumental ruined temple in the ancient city of Pergamon, now Bergama, in western Turkey. The temple was built during the Roman Empire, probably in the time of Hadrian and possibly on his orders. It is one of the largest Roman structures still surviving in the ancient Greek world. The temple is thought to have been used for the worship of Egyptian gods – specifically Isis and/or Serapis, and possibly also Osiris, Harpocrates and other lesser gods, who may have been worshipped in a pair of drum-shaped rotundas, both of which are virtually intact, alongside the main temple.

Although the building itself is of an immense size, it was only one part of a much larger sacred complex, surrounded by high walls, that dwarfed even the colossal Temple of Jupiter in Baalbek. The entire complex was built directly over the River Selinus in a remarkable feat of engineering that involved the construction of an immense bridge 196 metres (643 ft) wide to channel the river through two channels under the temple. The Pergamon Bridge still stands today, supporting modern buildings and even vehicle traffic. A series of tunnels and chambers lies under the main temple, connecting it with the side rotundas and giving private access to different areas of the complex. Various drains, water channels and basins are located in, around and under the main temple and may have been used for symbolic reenactments of the flooding of the Nile.

The temple was converted by the Byzantines into a Christian church dedicated to St John but was subsequently destroyed. Today the ruins of the main temple and one of the side rotundas can be visited, while the other side rotunda is still in use as a small mosque.

Then you’ll drive to the hotel in Çeşme or Seferihisar (nearby Cesme)

ÇEŞME CASTLE AND MUSEUM-OTTOMAN CARAWANSERAI-THE CHURCH OF AYIOS HARALOMBOS- THE CHURCH OF AYIOS  KONSTANTİNOS (ALAÇATI PAZAR MOSQUE)- TEOS ANCIENT CITY- ÇEŞME                    185 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

ÇEŞME -THE VILLAGE OF GERMIYAN-THE ANCIENT CITY OF ERYTHRAI-KLAZOAMENAI – İZMİR-VELVET CASTLE – AGORA – GRAND BAZAAR-DARIO MORENO STREET & HISTORICAL  ELEVATOR-İZMİR                     130 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 paint the walls of their houses all white and wait for her to pop over and decorate them.

Then you’ll visit the ancient city Erythrai in the village of Ildırı.

Erythrai was one of the twelve cities of Asia Minor,situated 22 km North-east of the port Çeşme,on a small peninsula stretching into the Bay of Erythrae at an equal distance from the mountains Mimas and Corycus,and directly opposite the island of Chios .It is recorded that excellent wine was produced in the peninsula Erythrae was notable for being the seat of the Erythraean Sibyl.the ruins of the city are found North of the town Ildırı in the Çeşme district of İzmir Province .

The ruins include well-preserved Hellenistic walls with towers of which five still visible.The acropolis (280 ft) has a theatre on its northern slope and eastwards lie many remains of Byzantine buildings.

End of the visit Erythrai 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.

After the visit of Klazomenai drive 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 visit of 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.

Then you arrive to the Grand bazaar (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 historical elevator  (Turkish for "asansör") 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 to the hotel in İzmir

Transfer to the Airport İzmir 20 KM