Ephesus, Sirince & the Western Coast of Turkey – Exclusively Solos

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Ephesus, Sirince & the Western Coast of Turkey – Exclusively Solos

ANCIENT TURKISH DELIGHTS

Alongside like-minded travellers, venture across the western coast of Turkey, stopping to observe ancient cities, visit well-preserved ruins, and sip on unique fruit wines. History and nature enthusiasts will revel in this Turkish escape set against the backdrop of the beautiful ‘Turquoise Coast’. With a permanent base in the seaside town of Kusadasi, daily excursions led by a local tour manager will take in some of the world’s most well-preserved historical wonders. The group will have the opportunity to visit the shrines and fortifications in Herakleia at Latmos, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Aphrodisias, and the vibrant cultural centre of Izmir. Teos, home to the Temple of Dionysus will also be explored as will the former fishing village of Sigacik. Ample time will be spent in Ephesus, home to the magnificent Temple of Artemis, and there’ll be a chance to see the House of the Virgin Mary before sampling the locally produced fruit wines in the vineyards surrounding Şirince. Short coach journeys during the day and slower-paced evenings ensure you can unwind and interact with fellow travellers, as does an optional day of leisure.

Holiday Highlights

Explore the well-preserved ruins in the ancient city of Herakleia at Latmos with a guided hike
Join an optional tour to see Izmir’s historical highlights and archaeological museums
Discover Aphrodisias, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Nysa with its sprawling theatre
Visit the port town of Teos, with its Temple of Dionysus, and Sigacik, a former fishing village
Embrace a day at leisure to take it easy by the hotel’s pool and nearby beach or sightsee at your own pace
Spend time in Ephesus and see its Roman amphitheatre, Temple of Artemis and the House of the Virgin Mary
Sample the unique fruit wines at a local restaurant

What's Included

Seven nights’ half-board accommodation at the four-star Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Kusadasi, Kusadasi
A welcome drink and dinner and a farewell dinner
Full-day excursion to Herakleia by Latmos
Full-day excursion to Aphrodisias and Nysa
Full-day excursion to Teos and Sigacik village
Full-day excursion to Ephesus, House of the Virgin Mary and Sirince village
Wine tasting in Sirince
Return flights from Izmir
Comfortable, air-conditioned coach travel throughout
Fully escorted by friendly, experienced tour managers

Itinerary

Day 1

Upon arrival at Izmir airport, your friendly, local tour manager will welcome you and your fellow travellers. You’ll then be transferred to your hotel in the beach resort town of Kusadasi. As you settle into your accommodation, you can take in the exquisite waters of the ‘Turquoise Coast’, where most of your trip will be set against. This evening, you’ll join the other travellers for a welcome drink and dinner at the hotel, the perfect opportunity to get to know each before the week.

Day 2

After breakfast at your hotel, the group will set off on a full day of exploration in Herakleia at Latmos. This ancient city offers a unique blend of scenic beauty and archaeological wonders, immediately igniting any historians’ passion. You'll have the chance to explore the well-preserved ruins of Herakleia and observe the remaining fortifications, which are among the best-preserved in the world. Your guide will also show you the remains of the temple that was built in the Hellenistic period, the Roman baths, a theatre, and a fortress with a cemetery looking over Lake Bafa. The highlight of the day is a gently paced hike that takes you through the archaeological site and the village. As you hike, you can enjoy the views of the coastal scenery, with the Aegean Sea in the background. In the evening, you’ll return to Kusadasi to relax and have dinner at your leisure.

Day 3

Following breakfast, you can choose to unwind and explore Kusadasi at your own pace, perhaps meandering along the seafront promenade and the marina. Alternatively, you can join a tour of coastal Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city. This excursion will cover its major historical treasures, including the centuries-old Kadifekale Castle set on a hilltop with beautiful views, and Konak Square, ringed with palm trees and home to the iconic ornate Clock Tower, a symbol of Izmir, as well as Konak Mosque and the City Hall. You’ll also get to see the ancient Agora, a former public meeting place, dating back to the 4th century BC and the Izmir Archaeological Museum, which houses an assortment of 1,500 artefacts from the Bronze Age, and Greek and Roman periods. The group will then walk down to the waterfront and Konak Pier, as well as the Kermeralti Grand Bazaar, awash with colour and stalls selling handicrafts, clothing, spices and Turkish Delight. Later in the day, those who travelled on the tour will return back to the hotel.

Day 4

Once you’ve had breakfast, the group will travel to two remarkable historical sites. First up is Aphrodisias, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an ancient city, which dates back thousands of years. Deriving its name from the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, this site is known for its well-preserved Roman architecture, marble quarries and exquisite sculpture features. The Tetrapylon Gate is a highlight with its four columned entrances that took around 150 years for sculptures to build. You won’t miss the magnificent stadium either, which could seat approximately 30,000 people. There’ll then be time to amble around the theatre, the Temple of Aphrodite and the Aphrodisias Museum, which showcases a collection of the statues found at the site. On the return journey to Kusadasi, you’ll make a stop at Nysa, another ancient city that provides further insight into the past with its ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Connected by a late imperial Roman bridge and encompassing a gymnasium, a library (Turkey's second-best preserved ancient library), Roman baths, and an agora, this site built into the slopes of a mountain is equally as striking. The remains of the city walls can be observed, and the sprawling well-preserved theatre is a stand-out structure, adorned in friezes depicting Dionysus, the god of the grape harvest, winemaking and wine. Another evening at leisure will then be enjoyed.

Day 5

Enjoy breakfast then embark on an adventure to the ancient city of Teos. Here, you’ll be led through the preserved ruins that date back to the 3rd millennium BC while learning about how it was a bustling port city and a significant hub for trade. During your visit, you’ll be shown around the Temple of Dionysus, with its towering columns (the largest temple of Dionysus in the ancient world), the bouleuterion (assembly or senate house), and the agora. Lastly, you’ll observe the harbour that was used back in Greek and Roman times. The next stop is nearby, Sigacik, a former fishing village, positioned on a small peninsula. Home to the ruins of a 16th-century Ottoman castle, Sigacik became a city and holiday resort in 2009. Today, it exudes a laid-back atmosphere, and you’ll be able to wander around the marina, take in the views of the Aegean Sea from the castle’s ramparts, and perhaps explore the local markets and small seafood restaurants. Later in the day, you’ll be dropped back at your hotel.

Day 6

Take it easy this morning with a leisurely breakfast ahead of a free day. Perhaps make some plans to explore further with the other travellers, or relish some precious time on your own, maybe by the hotel’s pool or on the nearby beach, with a drink and book in hand.

Day 7

After breakfast, your final included excursion takes in ruined Ephesus, one of the most important Roman and Byzantine cities, and witness in the 1st Century AD, to the preaching of Saint Paul. The ruins, which include churches, bathhouses, fountains and temples, a gymnasium, the great Roman Amphitheatre, the façade of the fabled Library of Celsus and the colonnade of the Arcadian Way, serve to reflect this greatness in breathtaking fashion. The Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is incredible to see too, with its imposing structure and complex works of art that adorn it. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a site of profound religious significance. This house was discovered in the 19th century following the reported visions of a Roman Catholic nun. Ever since, a constant stream of Catholic pilgrims has visited the location based on the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus lived there. A ‘wishing wall’ can be found outside of the house, where pilgrims have tied their personal intensions on paper or fabric, and a nearby well is believed to have miraculous powers of healing and fertility. The tour will then continue to Şirince, a former Greek village nestled in a wooded hillside. Traditional Ottoman houses line the pretty lanes, and the surrounding landscape is covered in vineyards and rows of fruit trees. You’ll glide past the town's flourishing vineyards before stopping to sample their unique fruit wines for yourself at a local restaurant. A last evening will then be enjoyed with your fellow travellers as you come together for a farewell dinner to reminisce on your time.

Day 8

Your final breakfast will be savoured before you’re transferred to Izmir airport for your flight back to the UK, following a trip of coastal and cultural encounters.

Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham, Kusadasi

A stylish resort surrounded by tropical gardens with a private beach area and views over the Aegean Sea.

Facilities & Amenities

Built around three outdoor swimming pools, the property also has direct access to a private beach. An on-site spa features a sauna, a hammam, and a gym. There's a 24-hour lobby, a bar and a restaurant serving international and local cuisine.

Rooms

Sleek guestrooms have modern d'ecor, TVs, hairdryers, safes, mini-bars, tea/coffee-making facilities, balconies and Wi-Fi.

Hotel transfer times

The transfer time from the airport to your hotel is approximately one hour.

Passports and visas

British citizens travelling to Turkey for tourist or business purposes are able to travel without a visa for visits of up to 90 days in any 180-day period.

If you hold a different type of British nationality (eg BN(O), British Overseas Citizen, British Protected Person or British Subject), you'll need to apply for a visa from the Turkish Consulate General before you travel.

Combining hotel transfers

We sometimes need to combine transfers to and from your hotel. We always try to keep any wait to a minimum, but you may be asked to wait at the airport for up to an hour, while other incoming flights arrive, before the transfer to your hotel. Similarly, we may need to transfer you back to the airport up to three hours before your flight home departs.

Special requirements

If you have notified us of any special requirements, please check that they have been noted and acknowledged. This is especially important with any dietary needs you may have.

Disabled access

The majority of our tours involve a certain amount of walking, including a short walk from the coach stop to the town, attraction or venue you're visiting. If you are bringing a wheelchair, please let us know at the time of booking so that appropriate arrangements can be made.

Itinerary changes

Occasionally, for operational reasons, we may have to change the order of the excursions on your holiday. The final day-by-day itinerary will be confirmed on your Final Travel Documents, which you will receive approximately three weeks prior to your departure.

Foreign Office Travel Advice

Visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice to find out the latest Foreign And Commonwealth Office travel advice for your holiday destination, as well as information about passports and visas.

Travelling to Europe

Rules may have changed since you last travelled to European Union countries as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The following are useful guidelines which will help you prepare for your next adventure. You do require government issued passport to travel.

Names - It is very important that all passenger names are exactly as per your passport although we do not require middle names.

Passport - Your passport must meet two requirements to travel to an EU country and to Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. It must be: Less than 10 years old on the day you return home (please check the "date of issue") and valid for at least 3 months after the day you return home (please check the "expiry date").

Visa - You do not need a visa for short trips to most EU countries, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. You’ll be able to stay for up to 90 days in any rolling 180-day period.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS) - Due to commence in 2025, all citizens of the United Kingdom will require a ETIAS electronic form completed prior to their arrival into the EU and Schengen member countries. The cost for this travel authorisation will be €7.00 per person with exceptions for under 18’s and over 70’s. The latest information and further details can be found at www.etias.com.

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