Asian Minor Coast
(Ayvalik – Foca – Izmir – Ephesus Archeological Site – Pergamon)
Road trip, 5 days, from 299€ per person
Schedule:
Day 1: Thessaloniki – Ayvalik
Gathering at our offices and departure at 06.00 am. With the necessary stops we arrive at the border, where police and customs checks are carried out by the authorities of both countries. In Eastern Thrace we pass first outside of Kesani, then west of Gallipoli and through the world’s longest suspension bridge, Chanakkale 1915, with 2023 m, a project of 2022, from the continent of Europe we pass over the Dardanelles to the continent of Asia. We continue east of Chanakkale and after a green route through the mythical mountain range of Idis and the vast plain with olive trees in Adramytio we reach the homeland of Fotis Kontoglou, the beautiful Aivali. Check-in at the hotel, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 2: Ayvalik – Foca – Izmir
After breakfast we head to Phocaea, one of the most important cities of Greek antiquity in shipping and the establishment of colonies. We will wander its narrow streets and be fascinated by the magnificent architecture of the old Greek houses. We will end up in the picturesque harbour for a coffee or a little tsipouroki. Then via Menemeni and Kordelios we reach the much-afflicted cosmopolitan Smyrna. The tour includes the Governor’s Office (Konak) with its picturesque Clock, the old Greek mansions, the historic waterfront – the Kordon, the old Railway Station, churches and the ancient Agora. Free time is available for the city’s rich market, the Kemeralty. Arrival at the hotel, check-in, dinner, optional walk or beach excursion and overnight.
Day 3: Izmir – Ephesus – Kirkinze – Church of St. John the Evangelist – Izmir
After breakfast we travel south, to the heart of ancient Ionia, to visit Ephesus, which for over 1000 years was one of the most famous metropolitan centers of Hellenism. It was the home of the philosopher Heraclitus and known throughout the ancient world for the cult of Artemis Ephesias. In early Christian times it was already a great city and known from the “Epistles to the Ephesians” of the Apostle Paul and as one of the Seven Churches of the Revelation of John. In the archaeological site we will see the Parliament building, the Prytaneion, the Public Market, the Nymphaeum, the Library of Kelsos of amazing architectural beauty, the Theatre, the Gymnasium and the Stadium. We continue east to visit the hometown of the author Dido Sotiriou, the picturesque village of Kirkinze, where after the population exchange of 1923, Muslim Cretans, the so-called “Turkish Cretans” settled. On the way back we see a magnificent Sheljuk castle (14th century) and a gate of stunning beauty in a Byzantine castle, inside which is the Church and the tomb of John the Evangelist (6th century). Return to Izmir, free time for city tour, dinner, optional walk or exit and overnight.
Day 4: Izmir – Pergamos – Ayvalik – Moschonisia
After breakfast we head north to ancient Pergamum, of the Attalid and Parchment dynasty, one of the most glorious cities of antiquity, and we will tour the Asclepion, Serapion or Red Court or Basilica of St. John. Stop for lunch in person. We continue further north to Fotis Kontoglou’s hometown, Aivali and Moschonisia, with the strong Greek colour in the architecture of the houses and churches, the flower-filled courtyards, the narrow cobbled alleys and the famous olive mills and soap factories, while we will visit in particular the charitable institutions of Greeks of the 18th and 19th centuries. and the churches – now Muslim mosques, Agios Georgios, Agios Ioannis and Taxiarchis. A visit to Moschonisia with its unparalleled beauty alongside the imposing temple of Taxiarches – Museum of Toys Cots satisfies every traveller. Free time at the seaside cafes. The day ends with a magical panoramic view of Moschonisia and Aivali from the hill of Seitan Tepesi at sunset. Arrival at the hotel, check-in, dinner and overnight.
Day 5: Ayvalik – Troy – Thessaloniki
After breakfast we head north through the lush green Ida Mountains to the antiquities of mythical Troy, the city of the Iliad and Priam, where we will see a modern replica of the Trojan Horse and tour the archaeological site with its successive layers of remains, mainly walls and megaliths, from the various phases of the city’s existence. Finally, we visit the adjacent museum of Troy. Then we begin our return journey to Greece via the 1915 Chanakkale Suspension Bridge in the Dardanelles. Passing west of Gallipoli and Kesani we reach the border. After the controls foreseen there and the intermediate stops on the way we arrive late in the afternoon in Thessaloniki.
What is included:
- Transportation – travel with a modern elevated bus, which meets all the specifications for a comfortable and safe journey.
- Overnight stays in selected hotels.
- Half board (breakfast and dinner daily at the hotels).
- Guided tours as mentioned in the program.
- Accompanying leader.
- Local guide.
- Liability insurance.
Not included:
- Entrance fees to museums and archaeological sites, extra meals, drinks, porters, gratuities and everything mentioned in the programme as optional, suggested or own.
- Total taxes and other expenses.
- Travel insurance for COVID-19: Insurance coverage for COVID-19 reasons, and coverage of medical expenses during the trip and reimbursement of 70% in case of illness due to COVID-19, up to 1st degree of kinship. Cost 20€ per person.
