Sirince Village and Wine Tasting
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Port
Kusadasi (Ephesus), Turkey
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Activity Level
Moderate Activity
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At (prices in USD)
$120
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 3¼ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
Enjoy a drive through the Turkish countryside to the charming mountain village of Sirince. The village has less than a thousand inhabitants and most of the houses date from the 19th century or earlier. Originally, the village had been named Çirkince, or "ugly place," which was a deliberate attempt by its Greek inhabitants to hide its beauty from foreign intruders but after WWI, when the Turks became the primary inhabitants, they changed the name to Sirince, which translates roughly into "pretty" or "charming place". Here you will experience the perfect synthesis of Turkish and Greek culture, and world-famous Turkish hospitality. Stroll through the streets where the houses are kept in Greek style on the outside, while the interiors are distinctly Turkish.
In the heart of Sirince you are free to explore the wonderful local marketplace and souvenir shops where handmade crafts, such as lace, embroidery and locally produced olive oil can be found.
Enjoy a wine-tasting event at the old village school, now a well-known restaurant with sweeping views of the valley and the perfect location to raise a glass and toast to the local harvest. Savor the flavors of the famous local fruit wines, produced with peaches, blueberries and grapes grown in the surrounding orchards and vineyards, accompanied by local snacks. With just one sip you'll understand why, despite its diminutive size, Sirince has become a big name in the wine industry in Turkey. Following this taste of local culture, you will return to the port at Kusadasi.