2 private tours: Çeşme and Alaçati / Ephesus and Şirince
DanielW8344, May 2025
My wife and I spend last week 2 fantastic and unforgettable days with our guide Faruk Acar.We took two private tours with him. He picked us up from our hotel and dropped us off in his car.
Tour 1: Çeşme and Alaçati
First, we drove to Çeşme. Çeşme is a coastal town in the Izmir province on Turkey's west coast, directly on the Aegean Sea. It is located about 85 km west of Izmir city. Our first stop was Çeşme Castle. It is a well-preserved castle dating back to the 16th century. Today, it houses a small archaeological museum. We then took a relaxing stroll along the promenade at Çeşme Marina, enjoying the view of the sea and the yachts, and enjoying some delicious local ice cream. There are small designer shops, jewelry and fashion boutiques, local souvenir shops, and stylish restaurants. We then drove to a nearby beach. We made a short stop there and took a walk along the promenade. After the walk, we drove to Alaçati. Alaçati is a picturesque coastal village known for its charming architecture and vibrant culture. We visited the old town. It features narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed stone houses with colorful shutters, and blooming bougainvillea. Many buildings date back to the Ottoman period and have been lovingly restored. Particularly striking are the traditional balconies, often painted in shades of blue or purple. There are beautiful alleys, galleries, boutiques, markets, and good cafes and restaurants. Before we headed home, we had lunch at a typical local restaurant. The food was so delicious.
Tour 2: Ephesus and Şirince
Early in the morning, we first drove to Ephesus.
The ruins of Ephesus are now located near Selçuk, about 70 km south of Izmir. The archaeological finds reflect the history of past centuries – from ancient Greece to the Roman Empire, when the city was the most important trading center in the Mediterranean, to the spread of Christianity. Tips for your visit: It can be very hot and dry, especially in summer. Bring plenty of water. Be sure to bring a hat or cap! The ancient city has little shade. Sunscreen with a high SPF is a must. Don't forget sunglasses. Wear light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes, as you'll be walking a lot (over uneven stones and cobblestones). After the visit, Faruk recommended us a good local restaurant nearby. The food was once again delicious and inexpensive. The restaurant was very nice and somewhat hidden, free from tourists. After lunch, Faruk recommended that we go to Şirince. Şirince is a picturesque village. It is located about 8 km northeast of the town of Selçuk and about 12 km from the ancient city of Ephesus. The drive is a scenic one. The village is perched on a hill. The road leads through hilly terrain and offers picturesque views. The route winds along the river and gradually climbs into the mountains, making it especially attractive for nature lovers. The village is surrounded by vineyards, olive groves and forests. It is a pleasant and easy way to experience authentic rural life in Turkey. It is known for its traditional architecture, narrow cobbled streets, and colorful, restored stone houses. Formerly a Greek village, the mix of Turkish and Greek cultures still prevails. Today, Şirince is especially popular for its cozy atmosphere, small cafes, wineries, and craft shops. Şirince is famous for its local wines, especially fruit wines such as pomegranate, peach, and fig wine. Many wineries offer tastings. We opted for a small wine tasting (made only from grapes) in one cellar - a real highlight! After the tasting, we enjoyed the beautiful view on the terrace with a good white wine.
We can definitely recommend Faruk. He is very nice, very professional, and flexible. He is an amazing photographer and videographer.
Faruk thank you so much for everything. We’ll never forget the 2 days we were able to spend with you. We are incredibly grateful for all the places you showed us. The pictures you took of us turned out beautiful. Thank you so much!
