Celebrated since ancient times, Mt. Ida in western Turkey possesses almost an ‘embarras de richesses’ in terms of historical associations – home to the gods Zeus and Pan, fought over by Alexander the Great and the Persian emperor Xerxes, visited by St Paul and St Luke, and closely linked to the mythological figures of Paris, Hector, Helen and Achilles. The entire mountain massif is now protected as a National Park, with a network of mule tracks leading through natural forests, olive groves, and meadows brilliant with spring wildflowers, to waterfalls and pools sacred to the naiads.
Western Turkey Walking Tour: for Peonies, Pomegranates and Pergamon
From a beautifully restored farmhouse in an olive-growing village on the southern slopes, we enjoy daily walking tours to discover the natural heritage of the mountain, returning to delicious meals of authentic Turkish cuisine. We explore the nearby archaeological sites of Pergamon, Asclepieum and Assos on foot and begin our Western Turkey walking tour staying in an elegant, historic hotel, from which we visit both Ephesus and Priene (by boat).
HIGHLIGHTS of our Western Turkey walking tour include:
- Exploring the Mt Ida National Park on foot – following mule paths through olive groves to waterfalls and meadows filled with wildflowers
- Visits to superbly sited archaeological sites, including Pergamon, Assos, Aesclepium and Ephesus
- Staying in 2 charming 'boutique' country hotels, both serving exceptional, authentic, Turkish cuisine accompanied by first rate local wines
- Nightingales singing at night, migrating birds of prey and storks, wild peonies and orchids
- A private boat trip along the coast to visit the evocative site of Priene
Guests’ comments on this trip:
‘It was the most wonderful holiday and I could not have enjoyed it more – guides, food and hotels were superb.’
'The most delicious food ever!'
‘Our 8 days were absolutely superb and the trip surpassed all expectations. So well planned and a perfect balance placewise, timewise etc. Frances was thoughtful, caring, alert and attentive to individual needs, fun, informative and most professional.’
DAY 1
L, D included
After meeting at Izmir airport by midday, we have an hour’s drive to our small, well-appointed country hotel, with antiques and a beautiful pool. We have a local walk in the nearby olive groves in the afternoon and dinner brings a first taste of the rich array of traditional meze, accompanied by very good Turkish wines from the surrounding area.
DAY 2
B, L, D included
We have a gentle mornings walk in the surrounding countryside and time to relax by the pool before lunch. Once the crowds have dispersed, we visit Ephesus for a whole afternoon’s guided tour of this magnificent site, the largest and best-preserved ancient city in the eastern Mediterranean. It is especially noted for the splendid 2nd century Library of Celsus (where little owls can often be found in the scroll niches) and our visit also includes the excavated town houses with impressive mosaics and frescoes.
DAY 3
B, L, D included
This morning we journey by private boat (given good weather) along the coast and between the island of Samos and the Dilek peninsula to visit the site of Priene, beautifully set below Mt. Mykale. Priene reached its zenith circa 300BC - Alexander the Great stayed there during the Siege of Miletus - and we see the remains of the Temple of Athena and the Council Chamber. After a swim and a picnic we return to our hotel by road, pausing for a walk in the Dilek National Park (noted for its wildflowers and butterflies) en route.
DAY 4
B, L, D included
In the period between Alexander the Great and the Roman domination of Asia Minor, Pergamon was enormously wealthy, with a library rivalling that of Alexandria, thanks to their discovery that parchment (pergamen) could be made from animal hides and not exclusively from papyrus. We reach the site by a 2.5 hour scenic drive and explore on foot at a relaxed pace, seeing the marble-columned Temple of Trajan and the fine theatre built into the steep hillside. Wheatears of several species are common, blue rock thrushes sing from the tops of columns and wildflowers carpet the site. The views are memorable as we walk down through the ruins to the town to visit both the excellent museum and nearby Asclepieum, where the great physician Galen laid the foundations of western medicine in the second century AD. At our hotel for the next 4 nights, well-appointed rooms in the restored farmhouse have individual character, and our very welcoming hosts create a charming house party atmosphere.
DAY 5
B, L, D included
A full day’s circular walk from the village, with a donkey carrying our picnic, takes us through olive groves vivid with flowers and views down to the Gulf of Edremit. We ascend through natural pine forest on a good track up to the old nomadic grazing land, looking out for birds such as the endemic Kruper’s nuthatch and Syrian woodpeckers, while red-rumped swallows fly overhead. There are splendid views across to the Greek island of Lesbos as we descend, and patches of wild asparagus, helleborines and orchids. Our hotel is noted for its light and fresh approach to Turkish cuisine, making full use of the local produce (including wild herbs from Mt Ida), and those who wish have the opportunity to participate in a cookery lesson - preparing dishes such as aubergine stuffed with pinenuts, rice and raisins, or lamb baked with tomatoes, white beans and fresh herbs.
DAY 6
B, L, D included
Even breakfast is a gastronomic experience in our hotel - fresh village yoghurt with rose petal jam; home baked bread dipped in zatar (ground sesame and watermelon seeds) and their own olive oil; omelettes with finely chopped fresh herbs from the garden; fresh black mulberry juice and, of course, delicious Turkish coffee. Thus fortified, we visit a colourful local market en route to the dramatic hilltop site of Assos, where Aristotle studied in the 4th century BC and St Paul met up with St Luke in 55 AD. We see the 6th century Temple of Athena then admire the spectacular views over the Gulf of Edremit. We have lunch by the sea in a small local restaurant and have the opportunity to swim in the Aegean before returning to our hotel.
DAY 7
B, L, D included
The southwestern flanks of the Mt. Ida massif are scored by deep gorges and today, partly on foot and partly by landrover, we explore the sacred mountain, search for wild flowers and drive (weather permitting) to the summit (1774m) where the nomads hold their summer festival. Perhaps we shall find paeonies in the forest, the rare saxifraga sancta, cushion thyme or wild white roses - and birds (especially birds of prey which use the thermals above Mt Ida to gain height for their journey north). We return to our hotel for aperitifs and a last memorable dinner together on the terrace.
DAY 8
B included
After breakfast, often accompanied by the singing of nightingales, we transfer to Izmir airport for flights home.
TBC per person sharing
TBC deposit per person
TBC single room supplement
Please note that the single room supplement is imposed by the hotels and not by Kudu Travel. If you are willing to share but no other suitable guest books on the trip, we regret that the supplement will be payable. We shall endeavour to obtain double rooms for single occupancy whenever possible, but hotels in some countries do have single rooms that are small and less well positioned - in this case the supplement is simply ensuring your privacy.
Price includes
- All accommodation for Days 1 to 8 on a twin shared basis
- All meals (with wine at lunches and dinners) as listed in the daily notation
- All land transportation in a private vehicle as described, except during free periods
- Boat journey to Priene as described
- All entrance and sightseeing fees except during free periods
- An optional cookery lesson/demonstration
- Services of local guides and mule/donkey (or Landrover, as available)
- Gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff (appreciation for tour leaders/managers is entirely at your discretion)
Price does not include
- Trip cancellation, medical or other insurance
- Immunisations, prescriptions or other medical requirements
- Passport, visa and health documentation
- International transportation to and from Izmir airport
- Personal expenses (laundry, alcohol other than wine with group lunches and dinners, free time activities, etc.)
- Transport and transfer of excess baggage
- Turkish departure tax, if any
VALUE FOR MONEY - SO MUCH IS INCLUDED
On Kudu trips you will only need money for postcards, presents to take home, the odd G & T or an irresistible ice cream. Festival and opera tickets, museum and gallery entrances, National Park fees, all meals (with a very few exceptions specified in individual itineraries), wine with lunch and dinner, access to specialist books carried by the guides, gratuities for porters and hotel and restaurant staff, boat rides, train trips, internal flights, wine tastings, 4WDs with drivers, the services of skilled local guides and trackers etc are ALL INCLUDED in the cost of your holiday.
We are confident that, like previous very satisfied guests, you will discover that our tours give you excellent value for money.
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3 nights in a small, well-appointed country hotel, with antiques and a pool
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4 nights in a restored farmhouse in a charming and peaceful setting, with well-appointed rooms and an outstanding restaurant
Note
Please be aware that the village farmhouse is not a hotel in the conventional sense (it was created by one of Turkey’s most famous actors) and there is no provision of facilities such as individual televisions and telephones in the rooms – it is, however, charming and peaceful!
Visa and Health Requirements
Almost all visitors require a valid passport and a visa to enter Turkey. Visitors from the EU require a valid passport and a visa which can be obtained online (the easiest option) or issued on arrival at Izmir airport (currently costing £10). If you are a national of any other country, please check visa regulations with your nearest Embassy of Turkey.
At present there are no specific and compulsory health requirements for entry to Turkey, but you may wish to consult your doctor about updating your immunisation against Hepatitis A, polio, tetanus and typhoid, or anything else they consider advisable. You may also wish to check the advice given to travellers by the Department of Health and the FCO.
Insurance
It is essential, and a condition of booking, that you protect yourself with a suitable travel insurance policy as soon as you book a trip. Follow this link for a quote for a policy available to UK residents.
If you are already insured or a non-UK resident, please inform us of your policy at the time of booking.
Size of party
This trip will run with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 14 guests.