7-Day North Aegean to Ephesus Route

This seven-day route travels south through Turkey’s Aegean region, beginning around Çanakkale and ending at Ephesus near Selçuk. The route combines archaeological sites, islands, stone villages, historic towns and coastal landscapes.

Day 1: Çanakkale and Troy

Begin in Çanakkale, exploring the waterfront and central streets before travelling south to Troya Antik Kenti.

Troy contains archaeological layers representing settlements built over thousands of years. Walk through the site and view the remains of defensive walls, structures and excavation areas associated with different periods of the ancient city.

Return to Çanakkale for the evening.

Day 2: Bozcaada

Travel toward Bozcaada and cross to the island.

Begin around Bozcaada Castle and the harbour before walking through the narrow streets of the town.

The island is known for vineyards, coastal scenery and small bays. Spend the afternoon exploring the landscape and shoreline.

Local food reflects the island’s Aegean character, with seafood, olive oil dishes and grape products common across the area.

Day 3: Assos and Behramkale

Continue south along the coast toward Behramkale and Assos.

Climb through the stone village toward the ancient site. The Temple of Athena occupies high ground above the Aegean and offers wide views toward the surrounding coastline and islands.

Continue downhill toward the old harbour area, where stone buildings sit close to the sea.

Day 4: Ayvalık and Cunda

Travel south to Ayvalık.

Explore the old streets and historic stone buildings before crossing toward Cunda (Alibey Adası).

The area is strongly associated with olive cultivation and Aegean cuisine. Olive oil dishes, seafood and local herbs are prominent parts of the regional food culture.

Finish the day from an elevated viewpoint overlooking Ayvalık’s islands and coastline.

Day 5: Bergama

Continue south toward Bergama.

Visit the ancient city of Pergamon, beginning with the Acropolis above the modern town. The archaeological area contains remains of temples, public buildings, a steep theatre and other structures from the ancient city.

Continue to the Asklepion, the ancient healing complex located below the Acropolis.

Spend the remainder of the day around Bergama’s historic centre.

Day 6: İzmir

Travel south to İzmir.

Begin around Konak, Saat Kulesi and Kemeraltı Çarşısı.

Walk through the bazaar streets before continuing toward the waterfront and Kordon.

İzmir’s food culture includes boyoz, kumru and a wide range of Aegean dishes prepared with local herbs and olive oil.

Finish the day along the Gulf of İzmir.

Day 7: Selçuk and Ephesus

Travel south to Selçuk for the final day.

Visit Efes Antik Kenti, one of the largest archaeological sites in the Aegean region. The route through the ancient city includes Celsus Library, the theatre, marble streets, public buildings and residential areas.

Continue to Selçuk and the surrounding historic sites, including St. John’s Basilica and the remains associated with the Temple of Artemis.

The seven-day journey ends in Selçuk after travelling from the northern Aegean through some of western Turkey’s most important coastal and archaeological landscapes.