Western Turkey Tour 1

Day 1After landing in Istanbul, you will be transferred to your hotel. During the first dinner, you will meet your travel companions and prepare for an exciting journey together. For the welcome dinner, we go to Kumkapı, one of Istanbul's oldest districts, for fish. 2 nights accommodation in Istanbul.
Distance: 50 km

Day 2With your guide, be captivated by the sparkle of the Bosphorus in Istanbul's old city center (UNESCO World Heritage). Feel the atmosphere of past races at the Hippodrome, the city's ancient hippodrome. Find peace in the large and bright prayer area of the six-minaret Sultanahmet Mosque. This mosque is a unique example of Ottoman architecture. Then, visit Hagia Sophia, formerly Christianity's largest church later converted into a mosque. Admire the magnificent mosaic art inside. In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the fairy-tale world of the East by touring Topkapi Palace. See the valuable artifacts displayed in the palace's treasury. Later, visit the Basilica Cistern, an impressive Byzantine structure with 336 columns. Then, tour the beautifully decorated Rüstem Pasha Mosque and shop at the Spice Bazaar.
Distance: Walking

Day 3After breakfast, take a boat tour on the Bosphorus: Passing under two large suspension bridges, see the 19th century Rococo palaces, fortresses at the narrowest points of the Bosphorus, and picturesque wooden houses along this waterway connecting Asia and Europe. When you reach the Asian side, take one last look at Istanbul. Take a ferry across the Sea of Marmara to Bursa. In Bursa, the former capital of the Ottoman Empire, tour the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site. See important structures like the Grand Mosque and Green Mosque, and discover impressive examples of early Ottoman architecture. The elegant calligraphy and colorful tiles in the mosques will enchant you. Later, take a stroll through the famous Silk Market and then head to Çanakkale. Spend a peaceful evening in Çanakkale against turquoise blue waters. 1 night accommodation in Çanakkale. (Breakfast/Dinner)
Distance: 440 km

Day 4Your route continues along the Dardanelles and Aegean Sea coast. Enjoy the blue sea and mountain views along the way. When you arrive in Troy, visit the Troy Museum. This museum stands out as a modern structure next to the famous excavation site and is one of the most successful museums we've visited. Then, tour the ancient city of Troy. See famous works like Homer's Iliad, the Trojan Horse, and Schliemann's excavations. In Assos, the Temple of Athena and a magnificent view overlooking Lesbos Island await you. While heading to Ayvalık, stop at an olive oil museum where you can learn about traditional olive oil production. Have dinner by the sea in Ayvalık. 1 night accommodation in Ayvalık. (Breakfast/Dinner)
Distance: 220 km

Day 5Today, the ancient city of Bergama (UNESCO World Heritage) awaits you. This ancient city was once built on an extinct volcanic hill and had been used as a settlement since the Bronze Age. Extensive walls and marble ruins will make you feel the splendor of the past. See the foundation of the Altar of Zeus and walk among the ruins of the ancient library. While exploring the remains of structures like the Acropolis, Temple of Trajan, and theater, take a journey through history accompanied by impressive views. Before arriving in Kuşadası, visit the ancient city of Sardis, homeland of the ancient Lydian King Croesus. Tour the ruins of the Temple of Artemis and the ancient cemetery. Check into your hotel in Kuşadası and then spend free time at the beach right next to the hotel. 4 nights accommodation in Kuşadası. (Breakfast/Dinner)
Distance: 420 km

Day 6Today, you will visit Ephesus (UNESCO World Heritage), one of the most important excavation sites of the ancient world. Ephesus was one of the ancient Greek trading cities. Impressive structures like the Temple of Hadrian are among the best-preserved ancient ruins in the Mediterranean region. On today's tour, you will see the marble streets, temples, Library of Celsus, theater, agora, and the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. In the afternoon, you will go to the charming village of Şirince for a walking tour and discover the village's unique architecture. (Breakfast/Dinner)
Distance: 80 km

Day 7Today, you will explore the ancient Ionian settlements south of Ephesus. First, you will visit the ancient port city of Priene and the ruins of the Temple of Athena. The city's hippodamian plan is also noteworthy. Then, you will go to Miletus, homeland of famous philosophers Thales, Anaximander, Anaximenes, and Hippodamus. Here you will see the ancient theater, Faustina Baths, old harbor, and agora ruins. The day's final stop will be the Temple of Apollo in Didyma, the third largest temple of the ancient world. Although this temple was never completed, it was one of the most important oracle centers of the ancient world. Your guide will provide information about the competition and superstitions among the famous oracle centers of the ancient world. (Breakfast/Dinner)
Distance: 250 km

Day 8Today, you will take a day trip to the Urla Peninsula, one of the ancient Ionian settlements. Here, you will see one of the world's oldest olive oil presses. In recent years, important discoveries about olive and wine have been made in this region. Going to the ancient harbor, you will see the oldest means of transportation between the islands. Later, you will visit the quarantine building built by the French during the Ottoman period to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In the afternoon, you will go to Uzbaş Botanical. Here, you will see plant species brought from 54 different countries and learn about the vineyards growing in the region. You will taste award-winning wines at Urla Winery and conclude your journey by having dinner at the harbor. (Breakfast/Dinner)
Distance: 290 km

Day 9After breakfast, it's time to bid farewell to magnificent Turkey. You will be transferred to the airport and return to Germany after an unforgettable 9-day journey.
Distance: 100 km