Duration: 5½ Hours
Departure: Kusadasi Port or Hotel
Visiting: Pigeon Castle, Turkish Bath, Art Galery, Kaleici Mosque

Highlights:
-Enjoy a guided walking tour and see Pigeon Island, the Byzantine Castle, the Inner Castle and the Ibramaki Art Gallery.
-Turkish bath: Experience the perfect way to relax and unwind with a bath experience that includes steaming, authentic scrubbing and foaming soap cleansing.
-Lunch: Delight in local dishes for lunch.Enjoy the local handicrafts and a brief carpet presentation.

You will be greeted by your local guide at the port and will start your walking tour of Kusadasi. After a 10 minute walk by the waterfront, you will arrive at Pigeon Island which is located at the close-shore of Kusadasi, connected to the shore with a mole. There you will have the chance to visit the Byzantine Castle built up on sharp rocks. At this point, you will have the chance to watch the beautiful panorama as you stroll around the castle. During the Ottoman Empire period, the castle served as a forward check point against all attacks and was originally called the “Pirates Castle” by the inhabitants because of its strategic location. As the castle wasrestored, the surroundings started to become occupied by tea houses, bars and restaurants until today. The name of the town Kusadasi actually comes from Piegon Island which in Turkish refers to “Birds Island”.
After visiting the castle, you will walk towards the city center to Kaleici, meaning “inner castle,” where you will enjoy the sweet hurry of the merchants. During your walking tour, you’ll have the chance to visit an Art Gallery building which was originally constructed as a Hometown Hospital at the end of 19th Century by Kusadasi gentry Ibrahim Zeki; also known as IBRAMAKI. The building was donated to the Municipality of Kusadasi in 1925 and has been used as Night Art School for Girls from 1959. Today, only the two way staircase in the front, the water tap and the top floor of the building standing on the castle wall constructed in the beginning of the17th century remains from the original building which had been constructed with steel carcass system. After the castle walls were renovated the building was reconstructed as well. This building, which reflects the speciality of Ottoman Era Kusadasi Architecture, is now been given back to the community as an art gallery.
After your tour of the Ibramaki Art Gallery, you will continue your walk through the city gate and pass the City Arch on your way to a real Turkish treat which is the Turkish bath experience. A Turkish bath is a great experience and the perfect way to relax and unwind. You may either bring a bathing suit or use the pashmina clothing provided at the venue. You’ll enjoy a scrubbing massage which will open the pores of your skin, followed by a foam massage to relax and smoothen your body. Following the Turkish bath, the only way to regain your energy will be with the delicious dishes of the Aegean Region for lunch. Water, tea or coffee are included during the lunch. Soft drinks and/or alcoholic beverages are availableat an additional cost.
After lunch, you will see the downtown mosque and the watch tower. Before ending your day in downtown, you’ll enjoy the local handicrafts and a brief carpet presentation during a refreshment break. During the tour, you’ll receive a gift set and bottled water.

WHAT’S INCLUDED
– Licensed professional guide in English or other preferred language for all sightseeing.
– Air-conditioned luxury vehicle with a professional driver
– Pick-up and drop-off service
– Entrance fees to museums and sites according to the above itinerary

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
– Gratuities to guide and driver
– Items of a personal nature
– Any items not specifically mentioned as included

Additional Information: To bring a camera, a sunhat, and to prefer comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.