Sirince: Day Trips and Tours from Izmir

If you’re longing to take a peek into traditional Turkish customs, look no further than the charming village of Sirince. Located on a hillside near Selçuk and surrounded by flourishing vineyards, and dense greenery, this destination is the perfect addition to any itinerary.

Day trips to Sirince from Izmir enable you to taste the flavors of Turkey through the village’s famed tipples and enjoy a tranquil oasis, just a few kilometers from the bustling ancient city of Ephesus.

Here's all you need to know about Sirince, one of the most exciting day trips from Izmir.

How to get to Sirince from Izmir?

Sirince is located in the Izmir province of Western Turkey, close to the ancient city of Ephesus. It is approximately 90 kilometers from Izmir.

From Izmir to Sirince by car

The journey to Sirince takes just over an hour by car and leaves Izmir in a northerly direction along the D300. You’ll then merge onto the E87, which you’ll follow for over 50 kilometers. Continuing on, you’ll utilize the D550 as far as Selçuk, changing over to Değirmen Boğazı Sk to reach your final destination.

From Izmir to Sirince by public transport

Those without access to a car can make the jaunt to Sirince by public transportation most of the way. You can board a bus at Izmir Bus Station, which will take you as far as Selçuk and takes 45 minutes. From there, you’ll need to hail a taxi to cover the final few kilometers of your journey.

Guided tour to Sirince from Izmir

Alternatively, opt for a guided excursion to Sirince and allow someone else to take care of the transportation details for you. These tours last between 5 and 10 hours, and usually begin with a convenient hotel pickup around 9 AM.

What is the typical itinerary?

Each Sirince day trip features its own unique itinerary, however, they all share similarities. After being collected from your hotel lobby by a friendly guide and boarding your vehicle, you’ll waste no time journeying to your first destination. While Sirince is occasionally the first stop of the day, it’s more likely that you’ll travel to Ephesus first where you’ll participate in a guided walking tour.

After learning all about the ancient Greek civilization, you’ll continue on toward Sirince where you’ll usually enjoy a wine tasting session and some free time. Along the way, you may stop at several other monuments, such as St. John’s Basilica of the Virgin Mary House to gain an even deeper understanding of the region’s history.

You’ll typically be provided with lunch at a local restaurant in between sightseeing and at the end of the day, you’ll be escorted back to Izmir where your Sirince day tour ends.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Sirince?

There are several different day tours to Sirince to choose from, depending on the additional sights you wish to see.

Day trip to Sirince plus Ephesus from Izmir

The first destination on this Sirince day trip is the ancient city of Ephesus, which was founded in the 10th century B.C. Here, you can wander the historic streets with your knowledgeable guide, marveling at its colossal grand theater, built to accommodate 25,000 spectators, as well as its Library of Celsus, which served as a funerary monument.

From there, you’ll continue on to Sirince, where you’ll taste the fruity wines that are renowned in the region and roam its enchanting streets, lined with artisanal boutiques.

Day tour to Sirince plus Ephesus and Virgin Mary House from Izmir

Those who want to discover more of the historic monuments surrounding Izmir can do so on this Sirince day tour that incorporates several additional sites. You’ll discover Ephesus as part of a small group before moving on to see the resting place of St. John, as well as the Temple of Artemis — listed as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

You’ll continue to the Virgin Mary House where it is believed that the mother of Jesus spent her final years on earth, before winding up in Sirince for a relaxing wine tasting.

2-Day tour to Sirince plus Ephesus, Aphrodisias and Laodicea from Izmir

If you’ve got a little more time to spare, consider opting for a multi-day tour of Sirince and several other historic villages. You’ll start by strolling the picturesque streets of Sirince, discovering the destination’s roots in both oil and wine production. After this introduction to the region, you’ll move on to Ephesus to delve into a world of ancient civilizations before spending the night in Pamukkale, the home of a natural thermal bath complex.

On day 2, you’ll visit Aphrodisias, which is named after the goddess Aphrodite, before rounding out your tour in Laodicea where you’ll discover two remarkable Roman theaters before returning to Izmir.

How much does a day trip to Sirince from Izmir cost?

Sirince day tours that incorporate the Virgin Mary House, Temple of Artemis and St. John’s Basilica operate in small groups limited to 15 participants, and cost US$120 per adult. Children between the ages of 4 and 8 benefit from a discounted rate of just under US$100 each while those under 4 can participate for just US$20 each.

A day trip to Sirince and Ephesus costs US$260 if you choose to travel solo. However, you can reduce the cost per head by booking as a group of two or more individuals. With the maximum group size of 10, you’ll each pay just over US$100.

Multi-day tours operate privately and have a minimum booking requirement of four individuals. Adults cost between US$380 and US$390 each while children between the ages of 3, and 6 qualify for a reduced rate of just over US$180 each. Those under 3 can join in for free.

What will you see and do?

Sirince was originally settled in the 15th century after the complete abandonment of neighboring Ephesus. It is believed that the village was first named Çirkince — which translates to “ugly” — by the freed Greek slaves who inhabited the townlet in order to ward off unwanted visitors. However, another theory is simply that the villagers did not want to share the beauty of their home with tourists.

Either way, the village is far from ugly and features cobbled streets, as well as dazzling views across the Izmir region. In the 1920s, the town’s name was changed to Sirince, meaning “cute” or “pleasant,” which is a much more fitting description of the destination.

Sirince is best known for its fruity wines, which are produced not just from grapes, but also from other fruits, including peaches, blueberries and pomegranates. The village is filled with artisans that sell a range of handmade goods, from soaps to pottery and freshly-pressed olive oil, which visitors can purchase on a day trip to Sirince.

When is the best time to visit Sirince?

The spring season is considered the best time to visit Sirince. The weather is pleasantly mild, with blooming flowers and lush greenery. The village is filled with vibrant colors and you can enjoy pleasant temperatures while exploring the streets and vineyards.

Another great time to visit Sirince is during the autumn months. The vineyards are at their most beautiful, with grapes ready for harvest. The autumn foliage adds a touch of warmth and beauty to the village.

If possible, plan your visit on weekdays to avoid the larger crowds that tend to flock to Sirince during weekends. This will allow you to explore the village and enjoy a quieter atmosphere.

If you're interested in experiencing local festivals and traditions, consider visiting during the Sirince Grape Festival. This festival usually takes place in the first week of August, where you can witness traditional music, dance, and grape-related activities.

While Şirince can be visited during the summer months (July and August), it tends to be crowded due to its popularity among tourists. Additionally, the weather can get quite hot during this time, so it's advisable to bring sun protection and stay hydrated if you choose to visit in summer.

Are there any tours to Sirince from other cities in Turkey?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Sirince:

• Day Trips to Sirince from Selçuk

Travel tips

• Sirince has cobblestone streets and hilly terrain, so wearing comfortable shoes is essential.
• Try local produce as the city is known for its locally produced fruit wines and olive oil.
• Visit the Market, where you can find a variety of local products, including handmade crafts, textiles and traditional foods.
• Respect the local culture, dress modestly, and be mindful of your behavior to ensure a positive interaction with the locals.
• Enjoy the views. Take the time to climb up to the highest points in the village and admire the picturesque landscapes.