Set along Turkey's sun-drenched Aegean coast, this six-day excursion combines the seaside charm of Cesme with immersive culinary traditions and landmark archaeological treasures. Your journey commences upon landing at Izmir Airport, followed by a transfer to the picturesque coastal haven of Cesme. Explore the boutique streets of Alacati downtown, famed for its stone masonry and vibrant holiday appeal, before uncovering the maritime history of Cesme. Walk to Cesme Castle, built in the time of Sultan Bayezid II, and on to Cesme Marina with its elegantly designed restaurants and shops.
Delve deep into antiquity with a full-day guided exploration of the UNESCO-inscribed ancient city of Ephesus. Walk along ancient marble thoroughfares to discover prominent monuments including the Odeon, State Agora, Prytaneion, Memmius Monument, Domitian Temple, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, the Temple of Hadrian, and the Roman latrines. Stand in awe of the celebrated Library of Celsus, the Commercial Agora, the Great Theater, and the Arcadiane harbor road. The journey continues with visits to the site of the Artemis Temple, one of the wonders of the ancient world, an authentic carpet weaving workshop, and a renowned regional leather production center. Conclude the cultural circuit in the scenic hillside village of Sirince, famous for its preserved Greek-era houses and fruit-flavored wine tasting.
Gastronomy and authentic relaxation take center stage through hands-on cultural encounters. Attend a Turkish cooking lesson with a professional chef at a local restaurant, cooking regional recipes such as Cesme Tava, meat with local rice, and the sweet fried dough balls called lokma, before sitting down to eat what you have prepared. Unwind further with an authentic Turkish bath (hamam) experience, participating in a centuries-old rejuvenation ritual. With ample free time built into the itinerary for shopping in the bustling city center, this tour offers a seamless blend of relaxation, heritage, and regional taste.
| Tour type | Shared small group Β· multi-day tour |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 Days 5 Nights |
| Price | From β¬1,251 per person |
| Departures | Every day |
| Guide | English-speaking licensed guide |
| Stops | 5 |
| Entrance fees | Included |
| Booking | Instant request online, confirmation within 24 hours Β· TΓRSAB-licensed operator (A-5751) |
Your full program, day by day β click a day to see every stop.
Upon your arrival at Izmir Airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel in Cesme. After checking in and receiving your room keys, take advantage of the remaining hours to unwind or explore this picturesque Aegean coastal town at your own pace. Overnight stay in Cesme.
Following breakfast, your journey begins with a visit to the charming downtown district of Alacati, one of the most sought-after holiday spots in the country. Your guide introduces the town before you have free time to explore it on your own. Continue to central Cesme with its many shops, then walk to Cesme Castle, built in the time of Sultan Bayezid II, and on to Cesme Marina, where restaurants and shops are elegantly designed. Following the guided promenade, return to your hotel for an evening at leisure. Overnight in Cesme.
Depart after breakfast for an immersive excursion to Ephesus, an exceptional testament to Greco-Roman civilization. Accompany your guide along preserved marble roads to view the Odeon, State Agora, Prytaneion, Memmius Monument, Domitian Temple, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street, the Temple of Hadrian, and the ancient latrines. Gaze upon the magnificent Library of Celsus, the Commercial Agora, the grand Theater, and the harbor thoroughfare known as the Arcadiane. After a lunch break, discover ancient craftsmanship at a carpet weaving center and behold the site of the Artemis Temple. Continue to the scenic hillside settlement of Sirince to admire Greek-style architecture and sample local fruit wines. On your return journey, visit one of the well-known leather production centers of the region before arriving back at your hotel in Cesme.
Savor breakfast before heading to a regional restaurant to participate in an authentic Turkish culinary workshop. With a professional chef you taste various flavors of the Cesme region and cook local dishes such as Cesme Tava, meat with local rice, and the sweet dessert lokma. After cooking, relish your creations during an enjoyable lunch. Later in the afternoon, journey to the vibrant city center for leisure time, for shopping before returning to your hotel. Overnight in Cesme.
Begin your morning with breakfast, followed by a transfer to a classic Turkish bath for a restorative hamam ritual. The hamam is a popular part of Turkish culture practised all around the country, and the timing is arranged according to your wishes and the hamam's opening hours. Afterward, make your way into the town center to take advantage of additional independent time for shopping and sightseeing. The rest of the day is at your leisure. Overnight in Cesme.
Enjoy your final breakfast at the hotel in Cesme. The day is yours until your departure transfer to Izmir Airport for your flight home.
Cesme β Alacati & Cesme β Ephesus & Sirince Village β Cesme β Cesme & Izmir
Modern, comfortable and fully-equipped vehicles β the same fleet we use on your tour.
π₯ 54 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats (2+1 VIP)
π₯ 55 Seats
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π₯ 50 Seats
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π₯ 50 Seats
π₯ 46 Seats
π₯ 37+2 Seats
π₯ 37 Seats
π₯ 35 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 16+1 Seats
π₯ 12+1 Seats
π₯ 6+1 Seats
Extra day tours you can add along your route β Cesme, Alacati & Cesme, Ephesus & Sirince Village, Cesme & Izmir.
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Real, verified reviews from travellers who explored Turkey with us.
My husband and I chose Inca Tour for our honeymoon and we are so glad we did. The boutique hotel selection was beautiful and the Bosphorus dinner cruise was so romantic. Thank you for making our trip special!
It was important for us to have a guide who spoke Russian, and Ender was wonderful. He explained every detail at Dolmabahce Palace. The Princes Islands day trip was a beautiful break from the busy city.
Our guide Ender was incredibly knowledgeable about Turkish history. The hot-air balloon ride at sunrise in Cappadocia was the highlight of our trip. Everything was perfectly organized β from airport pick-up to the last d...
Ender was our Italian-speaking guide and we felt like family. He took us to local spots tourists never see. The hotel choice in Sultanahmet was perfect for walking everywhere.
10+ years later we still talk about our Cappadocia balloon ride and the Bosphorus sunset cruise. Some memories are timeless. Thank you Inca Tour!