Fethiye Times Travel Club – Urla Wine Tasting Tour
19 to 22 May 2020
4 Days 1560 TL per person (Single supplement 195 TL)
Not only will we be visiting some lovely wineries and meeting people passionate about their skill and craft but we will also be travelling to some truly beautiful locations on the Aegean coastline. The Urla wine route comprises a half dozen vineyards of varying sizes, from the vast Urla Wines, with its large caves, professional guides and award-winning wines, to the small rustic charm of Urliçe, with its porch that opens up onto the plantations. Our plan is to visit three of the vineyards in the area, to sample their produce, enjoy the scenery, visit lovely towns and have adventures along the way!
Day 1
Depart Fethiye at around 9.00am stopping en route at the Vinifera Yedibilgeler, Çamlik where we will have a guided tour of their vinery and a three course set menu with a glass of wine. This is a delightful hotel where we can relax enjoy the scenery and get to know your fellow travellers. The visit and lunch is included in our price but for those who are interested there is an optional tour to see the Çamlik Train Museum (20TL per person). For those who do not want to see the engines, they can stay on at the hotel while they wait for an hour so. We will then proceed to our hotel at Sığacık. After check-in we will all enjoy a set meal including a choice of mezes and salads, fish, fruit and another glass of wine on the house. The rest of the evening is down to you!
Clik here to view.
Day 2
After breakfast we drive to Urla from Sığacık enjoying the sights and scenery as we tour the area before arriving at Urla Şarapçılık. There will be a tour and explanation of the vinery production and we shall see the botanik gardens before we enjoy the tasting of 4 different wines accompanied by nuts and cheeses, dried fruit and bread. Then on to the Usca Vinery – another 4 wines to include a rose, white and two reds, again with accompanying cheeses. Our final visit of the day is to Urlice Vinery where ther will be 4 more wines to taste before we head back to Sığacık . This evening there is free time for you to get to know Sığacık and choose a spot for your evening meal.
Day 3
After breakfast we will drive to Çeşme with plenty of free time for you to explore before heading off to Alacati in the afternoon. There will be time for an early evening dinner at your choice of restaurants before getting the bus back to Sığacık.
Day 4
We depart Sığacık after breakfast – but your wine experience is not quite finished! We will call in at Şirince which is near to Selçuk. It is an old Greek village that specialises in delicious olive oil and wonderful fruit wines. Our guide will lead a tour of the village (or you can be independent) and you can get a light meal before heading back to the bus. On our way home, we will have a short but pleasant visit to Magnesia (for culture vultures) before arriving back in Fethiye in the early evening.
NOTES
What is included in the cost:
- An English speaking guide with transport
- 3 nights bed and breakfast accommodation
- Lunch at Vinifera on Day 1
- Dinner at Burç Restaurant on evening of Day 1
- Winery Tours of Urla Şarapçılık, Usca, and Urlice on Day 2
- All day excursion to Çeşme and Alaçatı on Day 3
- Visit to Şirinci on Day 4
- Visit to Magnesia on Day 4
- Representative from Fethiye Times
What is NOT included:
- Meals other than those stated
- Optional visit to Çamlik Train Museum (Day 1)
- Tips for driver and guide.
What you need to bring:
- A sense of humour – anything could happen!
- Even if you have residency in Turkey is is never wise to travel without your passport – please bring it with you, together with your Kimlik if you have one.
- Health insurance documents
- Muse cards if you have one (might save you money if you want to explore in Çeşme)
- Money! There will be ample opportunity to purchase the wines that we sample.
Sığacık – where we will be staying
An isolated port village clustered around a crumbling 16th century Genoese castle. There is no beach but a beautiful picturesque waterfront populated with working fishing boats and several local restaurants dishing up the Catch of the Day.
Çeşme – free time on Day 3
Çeşme boasts a long seafront and a hilltop castle overlooking a windswept bay. Just back from the front there are busy winding market streets. The fortress (built in 1508 to defend the coast from attack by pirates) is well worth a visit and dominates the town. Latterly used by The Knights of St John it affords a magnificent view of Çeşme. A museum housed in one of the towers of the castle is also worth a visit. Naturally waterfront eateries afford a premium price but there are plenty of traditional lokantas and cafes to be discovered while you are exploring the back streets.
Alaçatı – free time on Day 3
Being so close to the island of Chios (famous for it’s mastic production) it will not surprise you to know that this used to be an old Greek village known mainly for it’s excellent olive oil but entrepreneurial Turks have turned this once unassuming village into the hottest destination for free spending Izmirians. It is pricey but pretty. Have a good wander and enjoy the rich culinary and social scene.
Magnesia – on the way home
Known as Magnesia on the Meander (it’s a river…) Founded by the Greeks, occupied by the Romans and became a religious centre in Byzantium times, it is a small, often overlooked ancient site with an impressive stadium, – well worth a look as it is on our way home.
Want to come?
You would be mad to miss it but we have a limited number of places due to the nature of the Wine Trail Tour. A maximum number of 26 places are available on a first come, first served basis.
Should interest exceed this number, we will consider putting on another tour from 26 to 29 May.
Jan will be at Taş Mekan in Fethiye on Friday 13th March between 11.30 am and 1.00 pm to take bookings.
A deposit of 160 TL per person is required and should be paid in cash. Please also bring your kimlik/passport number.
Confirmation of your booking will be issued.
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Contact us
Fethiye Times Travel Club: fttravel100@gmail.com
Fethiye Times (all other enquiries): fethiyetimes2017@gmail.com
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