Alacati & The North Aegean

Embark on a privately guided food-themed tour of Istanbul that will take you to both sides of the Bosphorus and enable you to explore some of the hidden corners of this incredible city in the most delicious way. Alternatively, we can create a tour that reveals Istanbul’s famous monuments or explores its colourful neighbourhoods and museums.

Cross the rolling hills of Thrace to the strategic Gallipoli peninsula, the site of the titanic First World War struggle between Allied and Turkish forces. Visit the now tranquil ANZAC Cove memorial, then drive along what was once the frontline, stopping at cemeteries including Lone Pine, Johnston’s Jolly and Quinn’s Post, to the highpoint of Chunuk Bair with its New Zealand and Turkish memorials. Continue to Kilitbahir, the location of one of the enormous Turkish forts the naval campaign failed to destroy in April 1915.

Cross the narrow Dardanelles Strait to Canakkale on the Asian shore. Thought-provoking ruins of ancient Troy, the subject of Homer’s epic poem The Iliad, and the Troy Museum await you this morning. According to Homeric legend, it was here that the bronze-armoured Achaeans sought to lay low the Trojans – breakers of horses. Then drive to the Smintheion, one of the most important religious sanctuaries of the late Hellenistic period in Anatolia. Your final destination will be Yesilyurt Village, on Mt. Ida, where it was believed that Zeus was born and that the ancient gods witnessed the Trojan War unfold.

After a gourmet Turkish breakfast, including herb cheeses and fresh homemade pastries, a short drive through the beautiful olive-strewn countryside will bring you to ancient Assos (Behramkale). On arrival, visit the port and the ruins of the ancient settlement founded in the 10th century BC with its dramatically sited Temple of Athena. Assos commands stunning views over the deep blue waters of the Gulf of Edremit and the Greek island of Lesbos beyond. Then, return to Yesilyurt where you will stroll through one of Turkiye’s most attractive traditional villages, visit small handicraft shops, meet the local people, and have Turkish tea or coffee in a café.

Drive to the popular Turkish seaside town of Ayvalik, then continue to Cunda Island. This ‘hidden gem’ looks out over the clear waters of the Aegean Sea and will be explored this morning on a guided walking tour. Noted for its historic stone houses, colourful wooden shutters, winding cobblestone lanes, atmospheric restaurants and a small harbour full of fishing boats, Cunda Island has a serene atmosphere and was once home to a large Greek population. Sightseeing will include the Rahmi Koc Museum-Taksiyarhis Church. After check-in at your boutique hotel, the remainder of the day will be at leisure.

A morning’s drive will bring you to Pergamum (Bergama), the capital of a kingdom in Hellenistic times and a city celebrated for its precipitously steep theatre and Temple of Athena. Pergamum is also the location of the Asklepion – one of the most famous shrines and places of healing in the ancient world. Continue your journey south this afternoon to Alacati – one of Turkiye’s most charming seaside towns – and your boutique hotel.

Today will be at leisure in Alacati. A stay in Alacati is all about lazy days, relaxed al fresco meals, and absorbing the atmosphere in this little-known and charming seaside town. It is noted for its cobblestone streets, colourful old houses, beaches with crystal-clear waters, and being one of the best places in the world for kitesurfing. Alternatively, we can arrange a day excursion to the fabulous classical ruins of Ephesus.

A day at leisure in Alacati. Should you wish to venture further afield, you might like to visit a beach club or charter a boat and spend a day beach hopping. The white cliffs and clear waters of Delikli Bay are dream-like in their Aegean splendour. Alternatively, travel to nearby Cesme where you can visit the castle and marina and enjoy a good meal.

Private transfer to Izmir International Airport and check in for your onward flight.