MİDİLLİ NEW YEAR TOUR
Tour Detail
Welcome a new year on the opposite shore of the Aegean, in a whole different atmosphere!
Would you like to spend the last night of the year differently from usual and start the new year with new memories?
Sometimes all we need for a new year is to step a little away from familiar places and give ourselves a different story.
Just across from Ayvalık, Midilli (Lesvos) stretches across the blue of the Aegean and offers far more than an ordinary holiday to welcome the New Year.
Here, history, culture, gastronomy and island life intertwine. While following traces of the past through stone streets, you discover the winter atmosphere of traditional villages, get to know local flavors, and say hello to 2027 to the rhythm of Greek music.
So what makes this New Year's journey special?
- Exploring a city steeped in history: Get to know the Ottoman-era monuments, historic bazaars, churches and seaside life of the town center with a Turkish-speaking guide.
- Agiasos within a winter fairytale: Discover one of the island's most characteristic settlements with its stone streets, traditional houses, ceramic workshops and distinctive village culture.
- An island culture with roots reaching into the past: Experience the Taxiarchis Monastery in Mantamados, the medieval fabric of Molivos and the impressive view of Petra.
- The gastronomic tradition of the Aegean: Get closely acquainted with uzo culture in Plomari, local products and traditional island life.
- An unforgettable New Year's Eve: Welcome 2027 on Midilli accompanied by local flavors, live music and entertainment.
And you don't need to set out on a long journey for any of this. From Ayvalık, you can reach Midilli by ferry, and over three days you will discover the different faces of the island.
This trip is not just a New Year's holiday; it is the privilege of beginning the new year by meeting a different culture, with good tables, music and a sense of discovery.
Start 2027 with a different story.
This year, count down not at home but on the opposite shore of the Aegean.
Midilli is waiting for you.
What's Included
SERVICES INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PROGRAM
🏨 2 Night Comfortable Accommodation
A carefully selected accommodation experience where you can leave the fatigue of the day behind.
🍽️ Special Set Menu New Year's Eve Dinner
Crown your evening with a specially prepared set menu that suits the atmosphere of Lesbos.
🚐 Special Transfers Within the Island
Experience the privilege of exploring Lesbos with comfortable and well-planned transportation throughout your journey.
🎓 Professional Tour Leadership
A professional tour leader who will accompany you as you discover the island's stories, culture and way of life.
⛴️ Ayvalık – Lesbos – Ayvalık Ferry Transportation
Start your journey with the Fatih Jale Ferry; enjoy the comfort of a round-trip sea voyage between the two shores of the Aegean.
**A night on the opposite shore of the Aegean…
New stories, new discoveries and memories you will never forget.**
From Ayvalık to Lesbos, much more than an ordinary journey.
Not Included
SERVICES NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
🛂 Entry Visa
Visa application and related service fees are not included in the tour price.
⚓ Ayvalık Port Tax
The port tax levied by the Ayvalık Municipality is not included in the price.
🍽️ Lunch
The lunch specified in the tour program is not included in the price.
🥂 Beverages Consumed at Dinner
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages of your choice during dinner are not included in the tour price.
Note: The special set menu served at dinner is included in the tour price; beverages outside the menu and those requested during the meal are charged separately.
Tour Program
AYVALIK CUSTOMS AREA MEETING
We meet at Ayvalık Port at 07:30 in the morning and, after passport and ferry procedures, we depart for the Island of Lesbos (Midilli).
Upon our arrival at Mytilene Port and completion of our entry procedures, we begin exploring the city center accompanied by our professional Turkish-speaking guide.
Our walking tour includes the Agios Therapon Church, the Metropolitan Church, the historic bazaar, structures from the Ottoman period and the seaside area. Afterwards, we give free time for lunch, shopping and New Year's preparations.
Depending on the program and the opening hours of the stores, we make a short shopping stop at Lidl and Jumbo. Then we head to Agiasos Village, which best preserves the traditional fabric of Lesbos.
We wander through Agiasos with its stone streets, wooden-carved houses, ceramic workshops and small local shops, and experience the village's winter atmosphere. After our visit, we move to our hotel in the center of Mytilene, the Blue Sea Hotel or a similar hotel, and settle into our rooms.
In the evening, we join a special New Year's program with dinner and live music. We welcome 2027 on Lesbos accompanied by local flavors, music and entertainment.
Accommodation: Helietrope Hotel, Loriet Hotel, Mythical Coast Wellness Retreat And similar hotels on Lesbos
Meals: The New Year's Eve dinner is included. Breakfast and lunch are not included.
Day 2: Friday 1 January 2027 Mantamados, Molivos and Petra
After breakfast at the hotel, we set off on the first day of the new year to explore the northern route of Lesbos.
Our first stop is the village of Mantamados. We visit Taxiarchis Monastery, one of the most important spiritual centers of Lesbos. During our break in the village square, guests who wish may try the region's beloved flavors.
Then we continue to Molivos, known for its stone houses, narrow streets, small shops and impressive views. After our guide's explanations, we give free time for walking, photography and lunch.
The last stop of the day is Petra. We explore Petra with the Panagia Glykofilousa Church on the rocky hilltop, the coastline and its traditional settlement texture. Depending on seasonal conditions and daylight hours, we return to central Lesbos at a time determined by our guide.
Dinner and free time in the city center to enjoy the first evening of the new year.
Accommodation: Blue Sea Hotel, Helietrope Hotel, Loriet Hotel and similar central Lesbos hotels
Meals: Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are not included.
Day 3: Saturday 2 January 2027 Plomari, Uzo Culture and Return
After breakfast at the hotel, we check out of our rooms and head to Plomari on the south coast of Lesbos.
In Plomari, known for its ouzo production, seaside life and traditional architecture, we take a short walk; we then have free time to explore the bazaar and the coastal area.
Depending on the New Year period working schedule of the businesses, a production point or tasting venue introducing local ouzo culture is visited. If the relevant facilities are closed, a local product experience of similar content determined by our guide is offered.
After our Plomari visit, we head to Mytilene Port. Once passport procedures are completed, we return to Ayvalık by ferry and complete our New Year Lesbos tour.
Meals: Breakfast in the morning is included. Lunch and dinner are not included.
Accommodation: There is no hotel accommodation tonight.
Ferry times may change depending on weather and sea conditions, port congestion and the operations of the carrier company. Exact meeting and departure information will be shared before the tour.
General Information
- Passport and travel documents: A valid passport and the required Schengen visa or other appropriate document granting travel rights for Greece are required. Guests should check passport validity and visa requirements before departure.
- Port meeting: On the first day of the tour, 31 December 2026, guests must be present at Ayvalık Port at 07:30. Due to passport and ferry procedures, it is important to observe the stated meeting time.
- Ferry schedules: Ferry departure and return times may change depending on weather and sea conditions, port congestion, and the operational decisions of the carrier. Exact departure times and meeting details will be communicated to our guests before the tour.
- New Year period opening hours: Since the tour dates coincide with the New Year and official holiday period in Greece, opening hours of shops, shopping centers, museums, restaurants, and visiting sites may change or some may be closed. Visits to Lidl, Jumbo, and other shopping locations will be carried out according to the businesses' operating status.
- Program flow: While the visit points listed in the tour program are the basis, our guide may change the order of the program in line with weather conditions, road conditions, the opening hours of local businesses, and operational requirements.
- Winter conditions and clothing: On Lesbos in December and January, the weather may be cool, rainy, and windy. Temperatures may feel lower, especially during visits to Agiasos and villages in the north of the island. Waterproof jackets, comfortable walking shoes, and seasonal clothing are recommended.
- Walking and free time: The program includes walks through town centers, historic streets, villages, and coastal areas. In settlements such as Molivos, Agiasos, and Petra, there may be cobbled, sloping, and in places stepped roads. For this reason, it is important to wear comfortable, non-slip shoes.
- New Year's Eve: A special New Year's Eve program with dinner and live music will be held on the evening of 31 December. The venue, program content, and implementation details of the New Year celebration will be shared with our guests before the tour.
- Hotel accommodation: Accommodation will be in hotels of the Blue Sea Hotel, Helietrope Hotel, Loriet Hotel, or similar category in central Lesbos. The hotel selection will be finalized according to availability. Room distribution is arranged according to reservation preferences and hotel availability.
- Meal arrangements: The New Year's Eve dinner on the first day and hotel breakfasts for the next two days are included in the tour program. Lunches and dinners outside of these are at the guests' own expense.
- Plomari and ouzo culture visit: During the visit to Plomari on 2 January, a tour of the production facility or tasting area depends on the New Year period operating schedules of the relevant businesses. If the business is closed, our guide will plan an alternative local product experience.
- Personal expenses: Lunches and dinners, beverages, shopping, personal expenses, and free-time activities not explicitly stated as included in the program are the responsibility of our guests.
- Guiding service: Professional Turkish-language guiding service will be provided throughout the tour. Explanations at visit points and free-time durations will be arranged by our guide according to the general flow of the program.
- Health and special needs: Guests who take regular medication are advised to carry their personal medications with them. Special diets, mobility limitations, or other special needs must be reported at the time of reservation.
- Travel insurance: Guests are advised to obtain travel health insurance covering their overseas travel.
Tour Contract
Asil Jale
MYTILENE ISLAND 1-NIGHT ACCOMMODATED PACKAGE TOUR AGREEMENT
Type of agreement: Package tour agreement concluded electronically
Tour duration: 1 night accommodation
Tour route: Ayvalık – Mytilene Island – Ayvalık
Tour date: Date selected during online reservation
Package tour organizer: [Full trade name]
Brand: AEGEAN RIDE
Contact and address information: [Company information and contact addresses]
ARTICLE 1 — CONCLUSION AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE AGREEMENT
1.1. This agreement is concluded electronically in relation to the Mytilene Island package tour offered for sale via the AEGEAN RIDE website.
1.2. Before completing the reservation and payment process, the customer is obliged to review this agreement, the tour program, price and payment conditions, cancellation and refund provisions, and the pre-information documents provided to them.
1.3. The customer's marking of the electronic confirmation box stating that they have read and accepted the agreement, and completion of the reservation process, constitutes a declaration of acceptance for the electronic conclusion of the agreement. The conclusion of the agreement is subject to the fulfillment of the information and delivery obligations required by the applicable legislation.
1.4. Upon completion of the reservation, the provisions of the agreement become binding between the customer and the package tour organizer or intermediary within the framework of applicable legislation.
1.5. The agreement and reservation documents are made available electronically in a manner accessible to the customer for later review, and are delivered to the customer via a durable medium.
1.6. It is essential that the agreement can be concluded electronically without the customer needing to provide a wet signature. However, party information which the applicable legislation requires to be included in the agreement is incorporated into the agreement through the reservation system.
ARTICLE 2 — SCOPE OF THE TOUR AND SERVICES
2.1. The package tour consists of sea transport, one night of accommodation, and other tourism services offered within the scope of the tour program, as specified in the tour program.
2.2. Departure and return dates and times of the tour, accommodation facility, room features, route, meal plan, guiding services, services included and not included in the price, and any additional fees, if any, are specified in the tour program presented to the customer prior to purchase.
2.3. Services not expressly stated in the tour program are not included in the package tour price unless otherwise agreed in writing.
2.4. The realization of the tour and the provision of services are subject to applicable legislation and transport and safety rules.
ARTICLE 3 — CUSTOMER'S OBLIGATION TO OBTAIN TRAVEL INSURANCE
3.1. The customer is required to obtain travel health and accident insurance valid for the duration of the Mytilene Island trip, covering the travel dates and including coverage appropriate to the nature of the trip.
3.2. It is recommended that the insurance include coverage for medical treatment costs, damages resulting from accidents, emergency health services, and, where necessary, medical transport or repatriation costs. The scope and limits of coverage must be clearly stated in the insurance policy.
3.3. The customer is responsible for checking the validity of the insurance policy and the travel period, and for keeping the policy so that it can be presented when required.
3.4. If personal health expenses, emergency intervention costs, or transport costs that could be covered by insurance cannot be covered due to the absence of a valid personal travel insurance resulting from the customer's own fault or failure to fulfill their obligations, the financial consequences arising therefrom will be assessed within the framework of the applicable legislation and the circumstances of the specific case.
3.5. The customer's failure to obtain insurance does not eliminate the statutory liabilities of the package tour organizer. This provision cannot be interpreted in a way that would eliminate the customer's legal rights or transfer to the customer liability arising from the company's fault.
3.6. In cases such as the customer's death or loss of decision-making capacity during the trip, the rights and obligations of legal heirs, legal representatives, and relatives are determined within the framework of the applicable legislation. First-degree relatives cannot be burdened with an obligation to assume all debts and liabilities of the customer solely on the basis of this agreement provision.
3.7. The travel insurance obligation does not replace the package tour insurance that the package tour organizer is required by law to obtain.
ARTICLE 4 — NOTIFICATION OF HEALTH CONDITION AND SAFETY
4.1. The customer is obliged to inform the tour organizer or the authorized tour leader before travel, to the extent necessary, about any health condition, mobility restriction, allergy, need for regular treatment, or special circumstances that may require emergency intervention and that could significantly affect their participation in the trip, safe travel, or use of tour services.
4.2. The customer must promptly report to the tour leader, guide, or authorized company representative any ailments, symptoms, or health-related emergencies arising during the tour that may affect their safety or their use of tour services.
4.3. If a preventable intervention is delayed or additional damage arises due to the customer's failure to fulfill the necessary and reasonable notification obligation, liability will be determined by taking into account the causal link and degree of fault between the customer's conduct and the damage.
4.4. The collection, storage, and transfer of health-related information shall be carried out in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 6698 on the Protection of Personal Data and other applicable legislation concerning special categories of personal data.
4.5. This article does not eliminate the obligation to provide necessary assistance in emergencies or the statutory liabilities of the company and service providers.
ARTICLE 5 — TOUR LEADER'S INSTRUCTIONS AND GROUP DEPARTURE TIMES
5.1. The customer is obliged to comply with meeting points, bus departure times, transfer times, and group departure times previously announced by the tour leader, guide, or authorized tour representative within the scope of the tour program.
5.2. The customer must be present at the specified point before the departure time announced to them and must avoid conduct that would delay the group's departure.
5.3. In case of the customer's delay, the group may depart after a reasonable waiting period in order to protect the tour program and the rights of other participants. The waiting period and departure decision are determined taking into account transport conditions, safety requirements, and the nature of the program.
5.4. If, after the group has departed, the customer is unable to join the group due to their own delay, personal preference, or another reason attributable to them, the reasonable, necessary, and documentable additional expenses arising from arranging re-transport, rejoining the group later, or similar measures shall be borne by the customer to the extent such expenses may be charged to the customer under applicable legislation.
5.5. These expenses may include alternative transport, taxi, transfer, new tickets, or other reasonable costs necessary to rejoin the group. For such costs to be charged to the customer, they must be connected to the specific situation and be legally claimable from the customer.
5.6. If the customer cannot use subsequent services due to their late arrival, refund or compensation claims will be assessed within the framework of the agreement provisions and applicable legislation.
5.7. This article is not intended to shift to the customer delays arising from the fault of the tour organizer or other service providers, their misinformation, or their failure to provide services as required.
ARTICLE 6 — PASSPORT, VISA AND BORDER CROSSING
6.1. The customer is responsible for obtaining the valid passport, visa, and other travel documents required for the trip.
6.2. The customer must check the necessary requirements according to their citizenship, travel document, and current border crossing rules. The company is obliged to provide accurate and timely information within the scope of its legal obligations.
6.3. If the customer presents incomplete or invalid documents, or if entry at the border is refused due to reasons arising from their personal situation, the possible consequences will be determined according to the circumstances of the specific case and applicable legislation.
6.4. Decisions of border authorities regarding entry or exit fall within the duties and powers of the competent authorities.
ARTICLE 7 — CHANGES TO THE TOUR PROGRAM AND SAILING SAFETY
7.1. Changes to the tour program may become necessary due to weather and sea conditions, port authority decisions, sailing safety, actions of public authorities, or other justified reasons.
7.2. In such a case, the company will inform the customer as soon as possible and act in accordance with the rights and obligations provided by applicable legislation.
7.3. In the event of material changes to essential elements of the tour or cancellation of the tour, the customer's rights to withdraw from the agreement, accept an alternative service, receive a price refund, or exercise other legal rights are reserved.
ARTICLE 8 — CANCELLATION, WITHDRAWAL FROM THE AGREEMENT AND REFUND
8.1. The customer may exercise the right to withdraw from the package tour agreement within the conditions specified in the Regulation on Package Tour Contracts.
8.2. Deductions, notice periods, and refund conditions that may apply if the customer withdraws from the agreement before the tour begins shall be determined in accordance with applicable legislation.
8.3. If the tour is cancelled by the company, undergoes a material change, or cannot be carried out in accordance with the agreement, the customer's rights arising from legislation are reserved.
8.4. If the customer leaves the tour voluntarily or is late, this does not automatically mean that the right to a refund is extinguished in all cases. Refund and offset transactions are assessed according to the specific situation and applicable legislation.
ARTICLE 9 — PERSONAL DATA AND ELECTRONIC RECORDS
9.1. Personal data necessary for reservation, payment, ticketing, accommodation, communication, and travel organization shall be processed in accordance with applicable legislation.
9.2. Electronic reservation, confirmation, payment, information, and agreement records may be retained to the extent permitted by legislation for the purpose of proving the conclusion and performance of the agreement.
9.3. Health data and other special categories of personal data may only be processed where the legal conditions foreseen in the relevant legislation exist, and necessary security measures are taken.
9.4. The customer's electronic confirmation record is one of the pieces of evidence of the conclusion of the agreement; it does not eliminate the customer's statutory rights of objection and application.
ARTICLE 10 — LIABILITY AND DISPUTES
10.1. The responsibilities of the parties are determined in accordance with the provisions of this agreement and applicable legislation.
10.2. No provision of the agreement may be interpreted in a way that would eliminate the consumer's rights arising from mandatory legislation or unlawfully limit the company's statutory liability.
10.3. In disputes arising from this agreement, Turkish law and applicable mandatory provisions shall be the basis. The consumer's rights to apply to consumer arbitration boards and competent courts are reserved.
ARTICLE 11 — INTEGRITY OF THE AGREEMENT AND ELECTRONIC CONFIRMATION
11.1. This agreement shall be evaluated together with the relevant tour program, pre-information documents, and price and payment information.
11.2. Upon the customer's electronic acceptance of the agreement and completion of the reservation process, the agreement is concluded in accordance with applicable legislation.
11.3. A copy of the agreement is electronically delivered to the customer or made accessible to them upon completion of the reservation.
Package Tour Organizer: Asil Jale Deniz Taşımacılığı Gemi Acenteliği Turizm Sanayii Ticaret A.Ş
Brand: AEGEAN RIDE
Agreement version: 1
Effective date: At the start of each package
Customer's electronic declaration of acceptance:
“I declare that I have read, understood, and accepted this Package Tour Agreement, the tour program, price and payment conditions, cancellation and refund provisions, and the related pre-information documents.”
What to bring with you?
WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING WITH YOU FOR THE TOUR?
- 🛂 A valid passport and any necessary travel/visa documents
- 🎫 Your ferry ticket and tour reservation details
- 💳 A payment method for Euros and personal expenses
- 👟 Comfortable walking shoes — especially recommended for the stone streets of Molyvos and the steep paths of Agiasos.
- 🧥 Seasonal clothing and a light outer layer
- ☔ A raincoat/umbrella to be prepared for the weather
- 💊 Your regular personal medications
- 📱 Your mobile phone, charger, and if possible a power bank
- 🕶️ Sunglasses and sun protection
- 🎒 A small backpack or handbag for daily excursions
Note: Since our tour has an intensive program involving walking and island exploration, we especially recommend bringing comfortable shoes and seasonal clothing.
Departure Points
- AYVALIK JALE TOURISM OFFICE