The hidden Aegean – Claros, Notion, Teos and Sığacık

Between Kuşadası and Izmir lies a coast the tour buses drive past: an oracle sanctuary where priests prophesied in the dark, a harbour city on the cliff that has stood empty for two thousand years, the largest Temple of Dionysus in Asia Minor among olive trees and a fishing village behind a fortress wall. We take time for all four – and for a bay on the way.

Highlights

• Claros: underground oracle chambers and the colossal statues of Apollo, Artemis and Leto
• Notion: the unexcavated city on the rock with views across the Aegean
• Teos: Temple of Dionysus by Hermogenes, theatre and olive groves
• Sığacık: fortress, marina and fishing harbour in Turkey's first Cittaslow town
• Swim stop or break at Akkum bay, depending on the season
• Pick-up from Kuşadası port, Izmir port or Izmir Airport optional

Full description

Claros was, with Delphi and Didyma, one of the great oracles of the ancient world. Delegations from all over Asia Minor had their names carved into the columns; the prophet descended into the chambers beneath the temple, drank the sacred water and answered in verse. Today the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and the fragments of the colossal statues lie in the groundwater of the valley – a place where the stillness of the sanctuary can still be felt. A few minutes on, Notion, the harbour city of Colophon, sits on a rocky ridge above the sea: walls, agora, theatre and Temple of Athena, barely excavated, without fences and without visitors.

In the afternoon we follow the coast north. At Teos, home of the poet Anacreon and seat of the Dionysiac guild of artists, the temple of the wine god lies among olive trees and the theatre looks out over the bay. We finish in Sığacık: fishing boats, the fortress from the reign of Suleiman, built with stones from Teos, and the lanes within the walls where the producers' market is held on Sundays. If you like, swim at Akkum bay or eat fish by the harbour before we head back.

What we see

We adapt order and selection to weekday, opening hours, weather and your wishes.

• 1 · Claros
  Sanctuary of Apollo with oracle chambers, propylon with delegates' inscriptions, colossal statues and altar; about 1 hour from Kuşadası.
• 2 · Notion
  Harbour city of Colophon on the rock: city wall, agora, Temple of Athena, theatre, panorama over the bay.
• 3 · Teos
  Temple of Dionysus by Hermogenes, theatre, bouleuterion and remains of the harbour among olive groves.
• 4 · Sığacık
  Fortress of 1522, marina, fishing harbour, lanes and Cittaslow market (Sundays).
• 5 · Akkum bay
  Swim stop or coffee by the water, depending on season and schedule.

Included

• 8 hours private, state-licensed guide in your language (Mehmet Humayunoğlu or an experienced colleague from his team)
• Planning, coordination and time management of the day
• Headsets for groups of 16 or more
• Guided walks through Claros, Notion and Teos
• Transfer with vehicle and driver from Kuşadası port, Izmir port or Izmir Airport (ADB), if booked

Not included

• Entrance fees at the archaeological sites
• Lunch and drinks
• Transfer, optional: €120 + €10 per person
• Personal expenses, tips

Meeting point

With a booked transfer we pick you up at Kuşadası cruise port, Izmir cruise port or Izmir Airport (ADB) and bring you back there. Without transfer we meet at the entrance of the sanctuary of Claros near Ahmetbeyli.

You will recognise me by the sign “MeinReiseleiter.de” and the visibly worn guide licence. We confirm meeting point and time with your booking.

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Important information

German, English, Turkish, French, Italian, Spanish – 25 more languages on request.

• Comfortable shoes – Unpaved paths at Notion and Teos, a climb up the rock of Notion.
• Museum Pass Aegean – Can be added in the booking form; paid in full with the deposit and non-refundable. Children under 8 need no pass.
• Claros – After rainy winters part of the sanctuary stands in water – we adapt the walk accordingly.
• Sundays – In Sığacık the producers' market takes place inside the fortress – livelier, but busier.
• Without transfer – The sites lie 10 to 40 km apart; you need your own vehicle, we recommend the optional transfer.
• Cruise guests – Please state ship and time in port; we plan the return to the ship with ample buffer.