Ancient Cities of the North Aegean Sea
TROY – EPHESUS – BERGAMA – IZMIR TOUR
Ancient Cities of the Northern Aegean Sea
March 20 – 22 | 2 Nights 3 Days
We are setting off on an unforgettable journey through the Northern Aegean, following the traces of legends, mythology, and history. From Troy, featured in Homer's Iliad, to Ephesus and Bergama, two of the ancient world's largest metropolises, this culture tour offers a rich experience, extending to sacred sites and the most enjoyable streets of the Aegean.
On the first day of our tour, we will visit the Troy Ancient City, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and witness thousands of years of history in the lands where the Trojan War took place. Subsequently, we will enjoy free time filled with sea, flavors, and joy on Cunda (Alibey) Island, one of the most beautiful islands in the Aegean. We complete the day by settling into our hotel in Bergama.
On the second day, we will explore Bergama Ancient City (Pergamon), one of the most important centers of science, culture, and health in ancient times. In this unique city, filled with the Acropolis, Asklepion, ancient theaters, and temples, we will feel the depth of history. Later in the day, we will have an Izmir city tour, visit the Clock Tower, and have free time in the center to discover the modern face of the Aegean. Our accommodation will be in Izmir.
On our last day, we will visit the Ephesus Ancient City, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world; we will journey back in time among the Celsus Library, the ancient theater, and magnificent streets. Following this, we will visit the House of Virgin Mary, an important pilgrimage site for the Christian world. We will conclude our tour with Sirince Village, known as the "village that will not be destroyed in the apocalypse," famous for its stone houses and fruit wines.
In this special tour where history, mythology, culture, faith, and Aegean flavors come together, you will experience every moment fully and return with unforgettable memories.
👉 Are you ready to witness thousands of years of civilizations in the land of legends?
The agency or Guide can make changes to the travel program as long as the content remains the same.
Child discounts are applicable on the condition of staying in the same room with two adults.
Our agency has the right to change the type of vehicle based on the number of passengers participating in the tour.
The prices above are standard room rates; please inquire about the price difference for other room types in hotels.
Programs that are not conducted due to weather conditions are considered force majeure and no refunds are made.
Our agency is not responsible for the closure of streets, avenues, museums, archaeological sites, and places to be visited that are closed by Local Authorities on holidays and official holidays or special days.
No refunds are made for tour cancellations made 48 hours before the tour starts.
For tour cancellations made between 48 hours and 72 hours, 50% of the amount will be refunded.
For cancellations made more than 72 hours before the tour, a full refund will be given to those who paid in cash. A 20% deduction will be made for cancellations made by credit card or bank transfer.
The mandatory travel insurance from Türsab is not health insurance.
For those with a Museum Card, all archaeological sites, museums, and ancient cities in Turkey affiliated with the Ministry of Culture are free for one year. Anyone with a Turkish ID number can obtain a Museum Card, and the current price for foreign IDs is 500 Lira. Our guide or agency staff will assist you at museum entrances.
Due to long queues caused by inactive or non-functioning museum cards that you may have purchased earlier, the guide will continue the tour without waiting. Please ensure that you acquire a functioning and active museum card before going on the tour.
Seat guarantees are not provided to those who do not make payments; those who pay a deposit or full payment can reserve the empty seats for themselves.
Our agency is not responsible for changes in fees for museums, archaeological sites, or paid entries.
The ancient city of Troy, mentioned in Homer's Iliad and known as the location of the Trojan War, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1998. With a historical background dating back to 3000 BC, it is one of the world's most famous archaeological sites and is located within the borders of Çanakkale province. According to the founding myth of Troy, Electra, the daughter of the sea nymph Thetis and the sea god Dardanus, gave birth to Dardanus, who became the wife of Zeus. Dardanus's son Tros founded the city of Troy, and his son Ilus established the city of Troy as well. The Kaz Mountain, where Troy was established, is also the site of the world's first beauty contest, which caused the Trojan War. The beauties Hera, Aphrodite, and Athena participated in the beauty contest. Paris, acting as a shepherd, chose Aphrodite, who promised him the wife of the king of Sparta, Helen. Helen's abduction led to a war. Excavations in Troy since 1871 have shown that the city was built and destroyed many times throughout its history. In addition to the nine layers of the city, forty-two building levels have been discovered. As a result of ongoing excavations over the years, a theater, baths, various artifacts, a highly developed sewage system, and the foundations of buildings have also been uncovered. After the ancient city of Troy, a visit to Ayvalık Cunda Island and free time.
Alibey Island is connected to the mainland by two separate bridges. It offers its beaches, local cuisine, historical texture and artifacts, and the cultural heritage preserved through migration to holidaymakers. The fish restaurants located along the coastline and in the streets, as well as boutique cafes and restaurants, are popular spots for lovers of Aegean flavors. There is free time for lunch here. After Cunda Island, check in to Hotel Labella Bergama, a 4-star hotel, and dinner at the hotel.
Pergamon (Bergama) Ancient City is one of the ancient cities of the Aegean Region, but its history, works, and information found abroad are known worldwide. The Bergama Ancient City was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2014, ranked 999th. Pergamon was first mentioned in the early 4th century BC. Among the ruins of the Bergama Ancient City, the Acropolis, a library with 200,000 books, a theater with a capacity of ten thousand, palaces, the Temple of Trajan, and the temples of Asklepios and Serapis stand out. The Asklepion, established in the 4th century BC, was one of the most important medical centers and schools of its time. One of the coolest theaters in the world is located here. Below are the Gymnasium and the Temple of Demeter.
ST. POLYCARP CHURCH
IZMIR CLOCK TOWER
Free time for dinner in downtown Izmir
ACCOMMODATION in 4 or 5 star hotels in Izmir
After breakfast, we are going to the ancient city of Ephesus.
The ancient city of Ephesus emerged as a simple settlement around 8600 BC. It grew over the centuries and became one of the most important world capitals of its time. It experienced its golden age in 129 BC after joining the Roman Empire. Ephesus became one of the largest metropolitan areas of its time with a population of over 200,000.
The wealth accumulated in the city is also reflected in its architecture. The impressive nature of the city is evident from the grandeur of the Celsus Library, which has been restored. It is said to rival that of Rome. The theater, which is the largest open-air theater of the ancient period, has a capacity of 24,000 people. The ancient city of Ephesus was added to the UNESCO Temporary World Heritage List in 1994 and was registered as a World Heritage Site in 2015. After exploring the best-preserved ancient city in the world, we are going to the House of the Virgin Mary.
As a result of numerous studies, it has been found that John, Jesus' faithful disciple, brought Mary, who was no longer safe in Jerusalem after Jesus' crucifixion, to this house and sheltered her. She lived in this house until her death.
The church, declared a pilgrimage site by Pope John XXIII in 1961, is known among Christians as "Panaja Capula".
Known as the Efes on the mountain, Şirince is a historical village where Greeks once lived and is now a tourist destination with a population exchange heritage. It is one of the most charming locations in the city in recent years, with its small market, cute white houses, and special fruit wines sold here. It is also considered the only village that will not be destroyed on Doomsday according to the Maya Calendar.
After free time in Şirince Village and shopping for fruit wines, we will head to Mersin and Taşucu.
ARRIVAL IN TAŞUCU BETWEEN 02:30 AND 03:30
* Round Trip Transportation
* Visiting the places specified in the program
* 1 Night Half Board Accommodation at Hotel Labella Bergama
* 1 Night Bed and Breakfast Accommodation at a 4 or 5-star hotel in Izmir
* 2 Breakfasts at the Hotels
* 1 Dinner at the Hotels
* First Day Breakfast
* Caretta Tourism Guidance
* Professional Russian Guiding Service
* Mandatory Travel Insurance
* Water on the Vehicle
- Comfortable walking shoes
- (Long walks will be made in archaeological sites)
- Since there are stairs, stone paths, and sloped areas in archaeological sites, it is strongly recommended to prefer comfortable and non-slip sole shoes.
- Seasonal clothing
- (Cool in the morning and evening, warm during the day)
- Light jacket or cardigan
- sunglasses & hat
- Small backpack
- (Ideal for day trips)
- Camera/phone + power bank
- Personal medications and hygiene products
- Sun cream
- Hat/bandana
- Cash
- (For small purchases and village visits)
- Umbrella or raincoat
- (Recommended for March)