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

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.

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.

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 walking tour taking in 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 intentions 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.

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.