Alaçatı Folk Festival Tour - 2-Night Hotel Stay
Tour Detail
🌿 Are you ready to experience the spring scent of the Aegean, the colorful streets of Alaçatı, and the festival spirit with a longer exploration?
With the arrival of spring, Alaçatı’s unique herbs, local flavors, and stone streets come together with festival excitement. In our enjoyable tour departing from Istanbul, featuring 2 nights of hotel accommodation; after visiting Çeşme Castle and Çeşme, we will head to Alaçatı to fully immerse ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the Alaçatı Herb Festival, discovering local herbs and the exquisite flavors of Aegean cuisine.
Continuing our tour, you will witness the thousands of years of history at the Ancient City of Ephesus, visit the House of the Virgin Mary, and embark on a pleasant exploration through the peaceful streets of Şirince, enchanted by its stone houses. Thanks to the extended stay duration, you will have the opportunity to experience the culture, history, nature, and flavors of the Aegean region without rushing.
In this colorful Aegean journey stretching from the herb-scented streets of Alaçatı to the majestic history of Ephesus, let’s welcome spring together! 🌿🌸
Tour Program
Day 1 Night Journey
Vehicle Departure Points and Schedules
22:00 Incirli Metrobus Stop - In front of Nevada Cafe
22:30 Mecidiyekoy Square - In front of Nevada Cafe
23:00 Kadikoy Marriage Office Front
23:10 Bostanci Bridge Underpass
23:20 Kartal Bridge Underpass
23:30 Pendik Bridge Underpass
23:40 Cayirova McDonald's Front
23:50 Gebze Center Front
After picking up our valued guests at the designated points, we begin our night journey with itctur.com for the Nergis Festival and Hidden Villages of Aegean Tour.
Day 2 Izmir – Çeşme – Alaçatı - Ot Festival
After our night journey, we depart for Çeşme following the breakfast stop at Çiçekliköy for the Alaçatı Herb Festival Tour with itctur.com. Our first stop in Çeşme will be Çeşme Castle, one of the most important fortresses in Western Anatolia, where we can observe both Genoese and Ottoman architectural styles. After receiving information about Çeşme Castle from our guide, we begin exploring the castle. Upon completing our castle tour, we view the Caravanserai built by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent in 1528 panoramically. Then, we have free time in Çeşme. After our free time, we board our bus and head towards Alaçatı. According to a legend, 1001 types of herbs grow in Alaçatı, but no one has ever been able to collect them all alone. To unravel the secret of this legend, we participate in the Alaçatı Herb Festival, organized by the Çeşme Municipality under the auspices of the Alaçatı Art and Culture Association. The Alaçatı Herb Festival is held to showcase the richness of Alaçatı's magnificent nature, the diversity of its herbs, and to preserve traditional dishes cooked with these herbs. At the festival, herbs unique to Alaçatı are collected to prepare delicious meals. Each year, the festival features a different herb as its main theme. During the festival period, dishes made from the year's main theme herb are competed. In the colorful streets of Alaçatı, built on narrow cobblestone paths where Greek architecture blends with Ottoman style, we will join the enthusiastic crowd, visit producers' herb stalls, and watch the parade procession. During the festival, we will have the opportunity to taste dishes prepared by renowned gourmets, dishes made by participants competing in the festival, and meals served for a fee at booths provided by the Festival Committee. In the evening hours, we gather at the time specified by our guide. After our meeting, we proceed to our hotel. Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at our hotel.
Breakfast: Will be taken at Çiçekliköy. (Extra)
Lunch: Will be taken as free time. (Extra)
Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Izmir Region Hotels
Day 3: Virgin Mary – Ephesus Ancient City – Şirince
On the last day of the Alaçatı Wine Festival Tour with itctur.com, we depart for Selçuk to visit the House of the Virgin Mary after enjoying our morning breakfast at our hotel. In the area believed to be where Hz. Mary once lived, we visit the church and offer our prayers. Afterwards, we leave the House of the Virgin Mary and begin our tour of Ephesus Ancient City, one of the world-famous ancient cities renowned for its magnificence and being entirely built of marble from antiquity. Guided by our tour guide, we explore the ruins of Ephesus Ancient City, including the Agora, Ancient Theatre, Hillside Houses, Odeon, Heracles Gate, Trajanus Fountain, and the Celsus Library. After completing these visits, we take a break for lunch. Following our lunch break, we head towards Şirince. Our journey through olive groves leads us to Şirince, a charming Greek village formerly known as "Çirkince." In Şirince, we visit the Wine House / Wine Museum, which offers some of the region's finest wines. Then, we are given free time to take beautiful photos around the village and go shopping. We complete our tour of Şirince Village, known for its adorable houses, streets, and friendly people, before returning to our hotel. Dinner and overnight stay will be at our hotel.Guests who wish may join the Kuşadası Night Tour at the time determined by the tour guide.(EXTRA)
Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken as free time. (Extra)
Dinner: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
Accommodation: Izmir Region Hotels
Day 4 Seferihisar – Sığacık – Urla - Germiyan Village - Barbaros Village - Bademler Village - Alaçatı – Istanbul
On the 4th day of the Alaçatı Folk Festival Tour with itctur.com, we will depart from our hotel in the morning towards Seferihisar, which has been awarded Turkey's first "Sakin Şehir" (Slow City) title. We arrive at Sığacık, a coastal town in Seferihisar that won the prestigious Cittaslow Slow City title in 2009 and has served as a filming location for numerous series and films. We visit the Ottoman Fortress built by Kanuni Sultan Süleyman and admire the original houses within the Inner Fortress that have retained their authentic structure, strolling through its streets. We are given free time to shop at the producer market set up inside the fortress. Afterwards, we head to Urla Bademler Village, where Turkey's first village theater was established. This village is one of the most valuable in İzmir and even in all of Turkey. With its natural beauty, stone houses, and market area showcasing local products, it offers a unique atmosphere. After our village tour, we board our vehicle and proceed to Urla. In Urla, we visit the famous poet and writer Necati Cumalı House. Then, passing through Sanat Sokağı (Art Street), composed of historic Greek houses, we step into a different era. We then visit the Urlalı Kadın Üretici Pazarı (Urla Women Producers Market), where women from Urla have formed a cooperative to produce and sell their goods, giving us free time for shopping. Next, we go to Barbaros Village, the host of Turkey's first Oyuk Festival (Scarecrow Festival). Beyond the festival, the scarecrows have become permanent residents of the village, adding employment and charm. As we stroll through the village streets accompanied by these scarecrows, you won't be able to resist the creative thinking and unique character they bring to the streets. Leaving the scarecrows behind, we head to Germiyan Village, the only village in Turkey to join the Slow Food movement. In Germiyan Village, we are given free time to capture beautiful views along streets decorated with flower motifs. After our free time, we board our bus and begin our return journey. Having dropped off our valued guests at their respective points, we bid farewell to them, looking forward to meeting again at another itctur.com event.
Morning Breakfast: Will be taken at the hotel. Included in the tour price.
Lunch: Will be taken in Urla. (Extra)
Dinner: Will be taken at a rest facility (Extra)
Accommodation: No accommodation tonight.
General Information
Things You Need to Know About This Tour
- Tour duration: Our tour departing from Istanbul lasts 3 nights and 4 days and includes 2 nights of hotel accommodation.
- Transportation: Round-trip transportation is provided by bus. The first night involves overnight travel.
- Departure points: Departures are made at scheduled times from İncirli, Mecidiyeköy, Kadıköy, Bostancı, Kartal, Pendik, Çayırova, and Gebze.
- First day breakfast: After the overnight journey, a breakfast stop is made in Çiçekliköy. Breakfast is not included in the tour price.
- Çeşme: Çeşme Castle is visited, Kervansaray is seen panoramically, and free time is given in Çeşme.
- Alaçatı Herb Festival: Free time is spent in the festival area in Alaçatı. Producer stalls, local herbs, herb-based dishes, and festival activities can be explored. Food, drinks, and personal shopping within the festival are subject to extra charges.
- Alaçatí streets: Since walking will take place on the cobblestone streets of Alaçatí during the festival, it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes.
- Accommodation: Within the program, 2 nights are spent at the 4-star Anemon Hotels in Kuşadası. Dinner on the first evening and breakfasts on subsequent days are included in the tour price.
- House of the Virgin Mary: On the third day of the tour, the House of the Virgin Mary is visited.
- Ephesus Ancient City: With a guide, important sites such as Ephesus' Agora, Ancient Theatre, Hillside Houses, Odeon, Heracles Gate, Traianus Fountain, and the Library of Celsus are visited.
- Şirince: After the Ephesus tour, free time is given in Şirince. You can stroll through the village's historic streets and discover local products.
- Meals: The first breakfast in Çiçekliköy and the lunch on the first day are extra. Evening dinners and breakfasts at the hotel are included in the program.
- Walking: Walking will be done in the festival area, Alaçatí streets, Ephesus Ancient City, and Şirince. Therefore, it is recommended to use comfortable shoes with non-slip soles.
- Weather conditions: Weather may be variable during this spring tour. It would be beneficial to have layered clothing, a raincoat, or an umbrella.
- Free time: There is free time for shopping, dining, and personal exploration in Çeşme, the Alaçatí Herb Festival, and Şirince.
- Extra expenses: Meals not included in the tour price, personal expenses in the festival area, entrance fees to museums/ancient sites, and other personal costs are borne by the guests.
- Program changes: Due to weather, road, and regional conditions, the guide may make changes to the order or timing of the program.
Tour Contract
Package Tour Contract
Cancellation and Refund Terms
CONTRACT PRICE INCREASE
In the event of a price increase in the contract amount, no additional difference will be charged to the consumer, nor will any discounts termed as "actions" by the facility be refunded to the consumer. However, in package tours to abroad where the contract amount is determined in foreign currency, if there is an abnormal increase in the exchange rate, changes in taxes, duties, fees, and similar legal obligations collected at places such as ports and airports, or extraordinary increases in transportation costs including fuel expenses (a price increase of more than 2% will be considered an abnormal increase), the consumer acknowledges that itctur.com has the right to make changes to prices and conditions not exceeding 5% of the contract amount.
DEPOSIT SYSTEM
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The refund of the deposit is possible only if the seller decides to abandon the said sale or if the service cannot be rendered. The buyer does not have any right to refund of any deposit or full payment in case of inability to join the tour or expiration of the cancellation/refund or postponement period stipulated in the package tour contract.
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TRANSFER OF SERVICE
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RIGHTS TO MODIFICATION
Significant changes made to the content of the contract due to reasons not attributable to the consumer before the start of the package tour/service, and other price or similar changes other than those specified in Article 5 of the sales contract, are considered substantial contract modifications. Substantial contract modifications and the effect of these substantial contract modifications on the price are immediately communicated to the consumer/participant in writing and/or via a permanent data storage medium by itctur.com. Following the notification to them, the Consumer/Participant may:
a. Join another package tour offered by itctur.com of equal or higher value without paying an additional fee,
b. Join a package tour of lower value subject to the refund of the price difference,
c. Withdraw from the contract without paying any compensation.
In case the Consumer/Participant withdraws from the contract, the amount paid by the Participant/Consumer will be refunded to the Consumer/Participant without deduction within 15 days at the latest from the date the withdrawal notification reaches itctur.com. The Participant/Consumer acknowledges and declares that even if itctur.com has notified them of substantial contract modifications and their effect on the price through the above methods, if the Consumer/Participant does not respond to any communication and/or does not notify itctur.com via the above methods which of the aforementioned rights they have exercised, they will be deemed to have accepted the new conditions containing the substantial changes in the package tour contract, including the price increases notified to them, which alter the essential elements of the package tour contract. Furthermore, if they fail to join the tour without making any notification, they will not be able to request a refund or reduction of fees on the grounds that they did not receive the service, and the fees they have paid will be considered cancellation compensation.
If itctur.com cancels the tour/contract before the start of the tour/service due to reasons not attributable to the Consumer/Participant, the Consumer/Participant may exercise the rights listed in points a), b), and c) above granted to the Consumer/Participant.
IMPOSSIBILITY TO START OR CONTINUE THE SERVICE
Despite itctur.com exercising all necessary care, if the tour/service cannot be started or its continuation becomes impossible due to the following reasons, and/or if the breach of contract originates from the following reasons, itctur.com cannot be held responsible for the non-performance or improper performance of the contract:
a. Fault on the part of the consumer.
b. Unexpected and unavoidable behavior of a third party not included in the performance process of the contract.
c. Existence of force majeure.
d. Occurrence of an event that could not be foreseen or prevented by the package tour organizer, intermediary, or independent service provider despite exercising all necessary care,
e. Cancellation due to failure to meet the minimum participation required for organizing the package tour, and the cancellation being notified in writing or via a permanent data storage medium to the consumer at least twenty days before the start of the package tour as stipulated in the contract (If the reason for postponing and/or cancelling the tour arises less than 20 days before the start of the tour, itctur.com cannot be held responsible.)
In case the reasons mentioned above arise before the tour starts, itctur.com has the right to cancel and/or postpone the tour/service or propose an alternative tour by informing the consumer in writing or via a Permanent Data Storage Medium. If, due to the reasons mentioned above, the tour cannot start and the consumer does not agree to the postponement of the tour or participation in an alternative tour, itctur.com will cancel the consumer's tour. In this case, if the consumer does not accept itctur.com's request for postponement or the offer of an alternative tour, or if the postponement of the tour is practically impossible, itctur.com will refund the payments made by the consumer up to that date to the consumer, excluding official payments made for the consumer (taxes, fees, etc.). If force majeure occurs after the tour has started during the performance of the service, itctur.com's liability is limited to returning the consumer to the starting point of the tour, and no other liability (refund, compensation, etc.) can be imposed on itctur.com.
CANCELLATION AND REFUND CONDITIONS
In cancellations made by the consumer without stating a reason up to 30 days before the start of the service, the amount paid will be refunded to the consumer, except for expenses arising from mandatory taxes, fees, and similar legal obligations, and amounts paid to third parties that can be documented and are not refundable. In cancellations made between 29 and 15 days before the start of the service by the consumer, the consumer declares, accepts, and undertakes to pay 35% of the reservation amount to itctur.com; in cancellations made less than 14 days before the start, the consumer declares, accepts, and undertakes to pay the full reservation amount to itctur.com. In cancellations made up to 60 days before the start of the service for special products, the full amount paid by the consumer up to that time will be refunded to the consumer. If the consumer cancels the contract 59-31 days before the start of the service, they declare, accept, and undertake to pay 25% of the reservation amount; if cancelled 30-15 days before, 50% of the tour fee; if cancelled 14-7 days before, 75% of the trip fee; and if cancelled less than 7 days before, the full amount to itctur.com. The aforementioned articles do not apply if the service received is a product within special periods such as New Year, semester breaks, holidays, or other campaigns. In such cases, the consumer does not have the right to cancellation or refund. Consumers who purchase early reservation cancellation insurance for domestic accommodations, or consumers who purchase the early reservation cancellation guarantee package for cultural tours, can use the unconditional cancellation right up to 72 hours before the start of the service. Early reservation cancellation insurance or early reservation guarantee packages do not cover air transport fees for consumers. In cancellations made for international travel, if a visa has been obtained, the visa fee is non-refundable. For tours involving air transport, the consumer's cancellation request will be evaluated in accordance with the cancellation and change conditions of the carrier airline company. In case the consumer requests a change to the service, provided itctur.com deems the change appropriate, if there is a price difference between the previously received service and the newly requested service, the consumer must immediately pay the difference to itctur.com upon acceptance of the change request. However, if the price of the new service is lower than the previous service price, itctur.com will refund the difference to the consumer.
You have the right to unconditional refund or postponement up to 7 days before our day trips and up to 14 days before our overnight tours. In case of exceeding the specified period, you have the right to refund for health reasons or death in the first degree of kinship. You must document such situations with a state hospital report. You have the right to refund or postponement for tours postponed or cancelled by the agency.
FORCE MAJEURE
If the consumer notifies itctur.com less than 30 days before the start of the tour/service due to a situation or force majeure that they could not foresee or prevent despite exercising all necessary care, the amount paid by the consumer will be refunded to them, except for expenses arising from mandatory taxes, fees, etc., legal obligations, and amounts paid to third parties that can be documented and are not refundable. If such a situation arises during the continuation of the tour, related information and documents must be submitted to itctur.com immediately along with documentation after the consumer leaves the tour. In case the consumer does not notify in writing that they will participate in the tour/accommodation/service they missed the start of; itctur.com has the right to cancel all reservations and services made on behalf of the consumer after 24 hours. In such cancellations, no fee refund will be made to the consumer.
If unforeseen circumstances or force majeure arise during the continuation of the tour, related information and documents must be submitted to itctur.com immediately along with documentation after the consumer leaves the tour. In case the consumer does not notify in writing that they will participate in the tour/accommodation/service they missed the start of; itctur.com has the right to cancel all reservations and services made on behalf of the consumer after 24 hours. In such cancellations, no fee refund will be made to the consumer.
INFORMATION TEXT REGARDING PROTECTION OF PERSONAL DATA, USE OF VISUAL CONTENT, AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE CONTRACT
Within the scope of the Law on Protection of Personal Data No. 6698 ("KVKK"); names, surnames, T.C. identity numbers (where necessary), dates of birth, telephone numbers, email addresses, payment information, reservation information, and similar personal data of guests may be processed in accordance with current legislation for the purpose of carrying out reservation, sales, operations, transportation, accommodation, accounting, customer relations, and tour service processes.
Collected personal data may be used for the purpose of providing the service completely, completing reservation processes, carrying out tour organization, fulfilling legal obligations, sharing with relevant official institutions when necessary, and managing customer satisfaction processes.
Photo and video shooting may be carried out by us during tour organizations, and if participants appear in the taken visuals, such content may carry the nature of personal data.
In this context, guests accept that they give explicit consent for photos and videos taken during the tour to be;
- Used on our company's website
- On social media accounts
- In digital advertising and promotional activities
- In printed advertising and promotional materials
- In corporate archive activities
- In promotion, marketing, and brand awareness activities
Guests who do not wish to appear in photo and video content must notify authorized personnel in writing or verbally before the start of the tour. In case no notification is made, it will be accepted that consent has been given for the use of group photos and videos taken in public areas.
The guest may submit their requests regarding their personal data and the use of visual content to the agency in writing at any time. Evaluations will be made within the scope of legislation and necessary procedures will be implemented.
Before the reservation process and/or during the completion of the reservation, this sales contract, additional terms, and information texts are conveyed to the guest via internet site links, short messages, emails, WhatsApp, or similar electronic communication channels.
It is fundamental that the guest carefully reads and examines the contract and information texts conveyed to them, becomes informed about all conditions, and completes the reservation process accordingly.
In case the reservation is created, a prepayment or total payment is made, the tour service is purchased, or participation in the tour is ensured, the guest is deemed to have read, understood, and accepted the provisions of this contract and the information texts.
The agency cannot be held responsible for any disputes, claims, damages, or loss of rights that may arise if the guest has not read the contract and information texts conveyed to them in due form, examined them incompletely, or claims to be unaware of the provisions.
What to bring with you?
Items to Bring When Joining the Tour
- Comfortable and non-slip shoes: For walking on the cobblestone streets of Alaçatı and during hikes at the Ephesus Ancient City.
- Season-appropriate layered clothing: In spring months, you may prefer clothes of different thicknesses to adapt to variable weather conditions.
- Raincoat or small umbrella: It will be useful to keep one in your bag in case of sudden rain.
- Hat and sunglasses: Especially for outdoor tours in Ephesus and the festival area.
- Small backpack: To comfortably carry items you need throughout the day.
- Water bottle: To meet your hydration needs during long walks.
- Personal items for the night bus journey: Items such as a neck pillow, headphones, and a light blanket can make the journey more comfortable.
- Phone or camera: To immortalize beautiful moments from Alaçatı streets, the Ot Festival, Ephesus, and Şirince.
- Power bank: To charge your phone during the day.
- Personal medications and any personal care products you may need.
- Cash or card: For festival shopping, meals, and personal expenses.
Departure Points
- Incirli Metrobus Stop - In Front Of Nevada Cafe 22:00
- Mecidiyeköy Square - In Front Of Nevada Cafe 22:30
- Kadıköy Marriage Office Front 23:00
- Bostancı Bridge Underpass 23:10
- Kartal Bridge Under 23:20
- Pendik Bridge Under 23:30
- Çayırova Mc Donalds Front 23:40
- Gebze Center Front 23:50
What's Included
2 nights accommodation in hotels
2 buffet breakfasts at the hotel
2 dinners (buffet or set menu) at the hotel
Transportation via luxury vehicles (vehicle provided based on number of passengers)
Sightseeing tours as specified in the program
Professional guide service
Bottled water in the vehicle
Guaranteed by itctur.com
Mandatory Travel Insurance according to Tourism Law No. 1618
Not Included
Breakfast on the first day as specified in the program
Dinner on the last day as specified in the program
Beverages included with all meals
Lunches
Night Tours
Virgin Mary
All extra activities specified
All personal expenses
Museum and archaeological site entrance fees (applicable to municipalities and private operators)
Museum Card (applicable to museums under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism)
Extra tours
Virgin Mary 300 ₺
Kuşadası Night Tour 300 ₺ ( If accommodation is in İzmir, the Kuşadası night tour does not take place )