Last reviewed: · Prices in Turkish Lira (₺ TRY) and Euros (€ EUR) are approximate and for orientation only.
Route at a glance
Follow the North-to-South Aegean coast from Homeric Troy and Bozcaada Island through the hilltop Acropolis of Pergamon, İzmir, and the Urla/Alaçatı peninsula to Ephesus.
Estimated Trip Budget: ₺23,000–₺51,000 (€620–€1,370) per person · Primary Transport: Car or Intercity Coach + İZBAN Rail
Day-by-day plan
Gallipoli Peninsula & Ferry to Çanakkale (Çanakkale)
Tour Gallipoli memorials and cross the Dardanelles Strait to Çanakkale Kordon.
Ancient Troy, Museum of Troy & Bozcaada Island (Bozcaada)
Explore Troy and its modern museum, then take the Geyikli ferry to Bozcaada for sunset at Polente Lighthouse.
Assos Cliff Temple, Mount Ida & Ayvalık Cunda Island (Assos → Ayvalık)
Visit the Doric Temple of Athena at Assos and dine on Aegean meze on Cunda Island.
Pergamon (Bergama) Acropolis & Arrive in İzmir (Bergama → İzmir)
Ride the cable car up to Pergamon's steepest ancient theater and Altar of Zeus, then continue to İzmir Kordon.
Urla Vineyard Route & Alaçatı Stone Windmills (Urla & Alaçatı)
Taste boutique wines at Urla wineries and spend the evening in Alaçatı's cobblestone lanes.
Ephesus, Terrace Houses & Şirince Village (Selçuk (Ephesus))
Full day exploring Ephesus, the Basilica of St. John, and Şirince.
Priene, Miletus & Didyma or Depart from İzmir (ADB) (İzmir)
Visit the colossal Temple of Apollo at Didyma before flying out of İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport.
Transport & rail/flight notes
Car or Intercity Coach + İZBAN Rail. Book TCDD YHT high-speed trains 15–30 days ahead on e-Bilet and domestic flights on Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, AJet, or SunExpress.
What to book ahead
- Cappadocia sunrise hot air balloon flight for your first morning in Göreme (€180–€280).
- TCDD YHT high-speed rail seats and domestic flights with 15–20 kg checked baggage included.
- Museum Pass Türkiye (€165) or Museum Pass Istanbul (€105) to skip ticket booth queues at Topkapı Palace and Ephesus.
Ways to adapt this route
- Add 2 extra days on the Turquoise Coast in Kaş or Bodrum for a wooden gulet boat excursion.
- Swap a domestic flight for the 250 km/h TCDD YHT high-speed train between Istanbul, Eskişehir, Ankara, and Konya.