Advertorial

Beyond the beaches of Altınkum and Didim lies an Aegean landscape rich in ancient cities, forgotten villages, Byzantine churches and breathtaking scenery. Go2Altinkum’s carefully designed private tours take you away from the crowds to discover authentic local culture, remarkable archaeological sites and spectacular viewpoints, all at a relaxed pace with your own private guide.

Whether you’re fascinated by history, archaeology, local food or traditional villages, these itineraries offer a memorable day exploring some of western Türkiye’s most remarkable locations.

Tour One

Village Breakfast, St. Nicholas Church & Beautiful Şirince

Your day begins in the peaceful village of Güllübahçe, formerly known by its Greek name Gelebeç. Sitting above the fertile Söke Plain, the village enjoys magnificent views across one of the richest agricultural regions in Türkiye, with the winding Büyük Menderes (Meander) River stretching across the landscape below.

Breakfast is served at the popular Günbatımı Restaurant, renowned for its generous homemade village breakfast prepared using fresh local ingredients. Enjoy around 1 hour and 20 minutes to savour traditional cheeses, olives, seasonal jams, fresh bread, eggs, local honey and unlimited Turkish tea while taking in the panoramic countryside views.

St. Nicholas Church – A Forgotten Byzantine Treasure

Just a short 500-metre drive from the restaurant stands one of the region’s most overlooked historical treasures — St. Nicholas Church (Aziz Nikolaos Kilisesi).

The church was constructed using finely cut stone, marble and even architectural blocks reused from the nearby ancient city of Priene. The building has recently undergone restoration and has reopened to visitors, allowing guests to appreciate its architecture and historical importance once again.

Inside, visitors can admire surviving sections of decorative wall paintings and faded frescoes that hint at the beauty the church once possessed. Although time has inevitably taken its toll, these surviving fragments provide a fascinating glimpse into the artistic traditions of the Greek Orthodox community that worshipped here.

The Ossuary (Bone House)

One of the most unusual parts of the visit is the church’s ossuary, known in Greek Orthodox tradition as an osteophylakion.

In many Orthodox communities, cemetery space was limited. After many years, graves would be carefully reopened and the bones respectfully collected and transferred into a dedicated ossuary, allowing the burial plot to be used again. During your visit you’ll see this remarkable structure, where generations of villagers were laid to rest.

The Beautiful Village of Şirince

Leaving Güllübahçe behind, the journey continues into the hills above Selçuk to the picturesque village of Şirince.

Originally a Greek village dating back centuries, Şirince is famous for its narrow cobbled streets, beautifully restored stone houses, artisan shops and relaxed atmosphere. Nestled among olive groves, vineyards and fruit orchards, it has become one of the most charming destinations in the Aegean.

Your guided walk includes visits to the village’s two historic churches while learning about the fascinating multicultural history of the area before the population exchange of 1923.

No visit would be complete without experiencing Şirince’s famous fruit wines. Many shops offer free tastings, although it’s worth knowing that much of the wine sold today is commercially produced fruit-flavoured alcohol. Your guide can point you towards the small number of producers still making genuine homemade wines, with the blackberry and pomegranate varieties being particular local favourites.

You’ll also have plenty of free time to browse the local boutiques selling olive oil products, handmade soaps, spices, textiles, ceramics and regional delicacies before returning comfortably to Didim.

Tour Two

Village Breakfast, St. Nicholas Church, Priene, Miletos & Sunset at the Temple of Apollo

This full-day experience combines authentic village life with some of the finest archaeological sites in the Aegean.

Following breakfast at Güllübahçe and a guided visit to St. Nicholas Church and its historic ossuary, the tour continues to two of the greatest cities of the ancient Greek and Roman world.

Priene – A Perfect Ancient City

Nestled dramatically beneath the cliffs of Mount Mykale, Priene is one of the finest preserved examples of a planned Hellenistic city anywhere in the world.

Unlike many ancient cities that developed organically over centuries, Priene was carefully laid out on a grid system around the 4th century BC. Walking through its remarkably preserved streets allows visitors to imagine daily life more than 2,300 years ago.

Highlights include:

• The Temple of Athena, designed by the celebrated architect Pytheos.
• The impressive theatre with panoramic views across the Meander Valley.
• The Bouleuterion (Council House), where civic decisions were made.
• Ancient homes, gymnasium and agora.

Alexander the Great is believed to have visited Priene and dedicated the Temple of Athena during his campaign through Asia Minor.

Miletos – Birthplace of Philosophy

The journey continues to Miletos, one of antiquity’s greatest cities and once among the wealthiest ports of the Mediterranean. Although now several kilometres inland due to centuries of silting from the Meander River, Miletos was once a thriving harbour city whose merchants traded across the ancient world.

It was also home to some of history’s earliest philosophers and scientists, including Thales, often regarded as the first philosopher in Western civilisation.

Visitors explore:

• The enormous Roman theatre, capable of seating around 15,000 spectators.
• The impressive Baths of Faustina.
• The ancient harbour area.
• The city’s remarkable blend of Greek, Roman and Byzantine remains.

Sunset at the Temple of Apollo

As the day draws to a close, the final stop is Didim’s magnificent Temple of Apollo, arriving in the early evening when the setting sun bathes the enormous marble columns in warm golden light. It is one of the most atmospheric times to experience this extraordinary sanctuary.

Once one of the most important oracle centres of the ancient world, second only to Delphi, the Temple of Apollo impresses visitors with its colossal scale, intricate carvings and fascinating mythology. As shadows lengthen across the ancient stones, it provides a spectacular finale to a day immersed in thousands of years of history.

A Tour Designed Around You

Unlike large coach excursions, Go2Altinkum’s private tours allow you to enjoy each destination at your own pace. There is time to ask questions, stop for photographs, browse local shops and truly appreciate the stories behind every location.

Whether your interests lie in archaeology, Byzantine history, traditional villages, authentic food or spectacular scenery, these itineraries can be adapted to suit your preferences.

Join Go2Altinkum and discover the hidden history of the Aegean—one unforgettable journey at a time.

Go2altinkum is a family-run company which was established in 2007 and has been offering speciality tours, airport transfers and supporting visitors to Altınkum for 18 years. The office is located in the Third Beach area, close to Esra Hotel, and is open 7 days a week throughout the summer season. Owners Harun and Elif Olguner and their team organise all kinds of activities for Altınkum visitors and residents, including daily boat trips, jeep and quad safari, day trips to Kos, Adaland water park, Temple of Apollo, and Mavişehir night market, as well as longer excursions.

Advance booking is recommended for all trips. For booking and information about tours, car rental, airport transfers etc, contact Harun via WhatsApp on +90 544 592 0501.