Turkey Tour

7 nights / 8 days

18 October 2023

Fully Guided

Kusadasi is one of the best known and popular resorts in Europe and with good reason. Situated on Turkey’s western coast this Aegean pearl boasts stunning beaches (all 8 of them) and scintillating nightlife in a setting where you can just as easily find yourself strolling through charming old-world bazaars and tavernas.

Day 1
We depart Dublin on our direct flight to Izmir. On arrival, you will be met by our Tour Leader and your local Tour Guide. They will transfer you by coach to our hotel in Kusadasi. We will be staying for 7 nights in a centrally located 4-star Hotel.

Day 2
Today you are free to begin your exploration of this wonderful resort. Perhaps you will start with a gentle stroll through the cobblestone streets to savour the quaint architecture before making your way to the Grand Bazaar Kusadasi’s famous treasure trove of quirky and interesting shops. After lunch (good luck choosing a restaurant – they are all fabulous!) walk it off with a pleasant amble to Pigeon Island. This small peninsula is connected to the mainland by a 350m causeway and is a spot long favoured by the locals for a relaxing seaside walk. Then again the beach, the beach is calling! And maybe a less active day is what you have in mind saving your energy for the evening ahead. Whatever your decision it will be the right one.

Day 3
After breakfast, we travel by coach to visit The Virgin Mary’s House at Selcuk. According to tradition, the Mother of Jesus was brought here by St. John the apostle and she spent the final years of her life in the tiny house. It was discovered, in 1891, in the wake of the visions of Anna Katharina Emmericick, a German mystic of the XIX century who was dear to John Paul II. Since then, it has become a place of pilgrimage for nearly one million people per year. People from all religions come to visit the house. Whether you are a believer or not Virgin Mary’s house is a place of peace and tranquillity and well worth visiting. After our visit we return to the hotel in time for lunch. You have the afternoon free to relax by the pool or enjoy Kusadasi town.

Day 4
After breakfast, we begin our half-day coach tour to Ephesus. Step back in time and lose yourself in the marvel of one of the most spectacular ancient cities in the world. Ephesus was designated as a UNESCO world heritage site in 2015 and on this guided tour you will see for yourself why. Founded in the 10th century BC as a Greek colony in Asia Minor, Ephesus is steeped in history. It has changed hands many times over the centuries; from the Greeks to the Romans, from the Byzantines to the Ottomans. It is forever linked to St. Paul and St. John. Ephesus is the site of the temple of Artemis one of the seven ancient wonders of the world. A 24000 capacity amphitheatre, imposing temple facades and monumental arches impress on every visitor how truly vibrant and awe-inspiring this city was and remains.

Day 5
Wednesday gives you another opportunity to taste a little (or a lot) more of what Kusadasi has to offer. If you have not been to Ladies Beach then now is your chance. Soft sand, pristine turquoise waters, lots of bars and restaurants. You can of course finish ticking those boxes on your holiday shopping list. The markets and bazaars will be only too happy to welcome you with open arms. Which should give you a good appetite for a delicious lunch before gearing up for a night on the town!

Day 6
After breakfast we depart for our full day tour of Izmir. It is the largest metropolitan city in the western extremity of Anatolia and the third most popular city in Turkey after Istanbul and Ankara. It has a population of over 4 million people. First stop will be at the Karsiyaka district where you will have some free time to browse among the shops. Later you will take a ferry across to the magnificent region of Konak where again you will have time to mingle with the locals, maybe do a spot of shopping or perhaps while away afternoon along the waterside while having a spot of lunch. We return to Kusadasi early evening giving you plenty of time to enjoy this beautiful city.

Day 7
Full-day excursion Priene Miletos Didyma Tour. Your Priene/Miletos/Didyma tour (PMD) is a fascinating immersion into the archaeology and history of ancient Turkey. Individually each site is a little wonder in itself but together they make for an unforgettable experience. From the atmospheric isolation of Priene with its beautiful temple to Athena Polias to the Byzantine Castle of Miletos and on to the temple of Apollo at Didyma, each location will provide you with memories that will linger long after the journey’s end.

Day 8
We depart our hotel after breakfast and travel back to Izmir for our return flight to Dublin.

Please note that our itinerary may change due to weather, traffic conditions etc.

The average temperature in Izmir in October is 23°C.

Price Includes:
Return direct scheduled flights Dublin to Izmir
30kg checked bag per person
Coach transfers in Kusadasi
7 nights Bed & Breakfast in a 4* Hotel in Kusadasi
1/2 Day Tour of Virgin Marys House
1/2 Day Tour Ephesus
2 Full Day Tours. Izmir & Priene Miletos Didyma Tour
Services of a tour leader
Services of our local tour guide

Extras:

Travel Insurance

Single Room Supplement