Departure:

At 23:59, we depart from designated locations.

Day 1: Barbaros – Germiyan – Bademler – Sığacık – Seferihisar – Kuşadası

After a comfortable overnight journey, we arrive in the region early in the morning. Our first stop is Barbaros Village, known for hosting Turkey’s first-themed festival, the Scarecrow Festival (Oyuk Festivali). The handmade scarecrows from past festivals remain displayed throughout the village streets.

Next, we visit Germiyan Village, Turkey’s only Slow Food village, where we admire houses and streets decorated with hand-painted floral patterns.

We then continue to Bademler Village, which won the “Turkey’s Cleanest Village” award in 2012 and is also known as Turkey’s first and only theater village.

Our journey then takes us to Sığacık, one of the most popular coastal towns in the Aegean, featured in many TV series and films. We explore:

• Sığacık Castle, built by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent
• Authentic houses and narrow streets inside the fortress

Our final stop of the day is Seferihisar, Turkey’s first Cittaslow (Slow City), where we take a panoramic market tour.

In the evening, we check into our hotel in Kuşadası, enjoy dinner, and rest for the night.

Day 2: Kirazlı – Çamlık – Tire – Ödemiş – Birgi

After breakfast at the hotel, we start the day with a visit to Kirazlı Village and Çamlık Village.

In Çamlık, we explore the Çamlık Steam Locomotive Museum, home to 30 historic steam trains. You will have free time in the village square to relax.

Next, we arrive in Tire, where we witness the last surviving traditional craftsmanship, including:

• Felt-making (Keçecilik)
• Rope-making (Urgancılık)
• Clog-making (Nalıncılık)
• Saddle-making (Semercilik)
• Leatherworking (Saraçlık)
• Quilt-making (Yorgancılık)

We take a tea and coffee break at the famous Dere Kahvesi before heading to Ödemiş for a short rest stop.

Our next destination is Birgi, a historical museum city known for its stunning Ottoman architecture. Highlights include:

• “Sun and Cypress” Tree, symbolizing life and death
• Çakırağa Mansion, one of the finest examples of Turkish mansion architecture
• Ulu Mosque (Aslanlı Mosque) & Sultan Şah Tomb
• Andaç House, an authentic example of local village homes

After shopping for local products, we begin our return journey to Istanbul, arriving in the evening.

End of the tour.