Embark on a captivating journey from Istanbul to explore the ancient wonders of Ephesus and the natural marvels of Pamukkale. Immerse yourself in the rich history of Ephesus, wandering through its well-preserved ruins. Then, marvel at the surreal travertine terraces of Pamukkale, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. With seamless transportation and expert guides, this tour promises an unforgettable exploration of two of Turkey's most iconic destinations.
Your tour begins with an early morning pickup from your hotel in Istanbul at 4:00 AM. You will be transferred to Istanbul Airport for your flight to Izmir. Upon arrival at Adnan Menderes Airport, a driver will meet you and take you to Selçuk. Here, you will join your professional guide and other tour participants to start your exploration of Ephesus.
The first stop is the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be the place where Mary spent her last days. According to tradition, she may have arrived in the area with Saint John. The site was officially recognized as a shrine by the Roman Catholic Church in 1986 and has since become an important pilgrimage site. Pope Paul VI visited the shrine in 1967. The visit to the house takes about 45 minutes, and before leaving, don’t forget to make a wish and attach it to the wishing wall.
Next, we continue to Ephesus, one of the most significant cities of the ancient world, known for its well-preserved ruins from the Hellenistic, Roman, and early Christian periods. Ephesus is also an important site in Christian history, as it was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation. The Apostle Paul is believed to have spent about two and a half years here during his missionary work.
During our tour of Ephesus, we will visit notable landmarks such as The Odeon, State Agora, Prytaneion,Memmius Monument, Domitian Temple, Hercules Gate, Curetes Street and Hadrian Temple, Celsus Library, Marble Road, Great Theater, Arcadian (Harbor Road)
For those interested, an optional visit to the Terrace Houses is available for an additional fee of €15 per person. Please inform your guide at the beginning of the tour if you would like to visit.
After exploring Ephesus, we will visit the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. You can take photos of the Church of St. John and the Isa Bey Mosque from here.
Our final stop for the day is Şirince, a charming village located 7 km from Ephesus. Originally a Greek settlement, Şirince became home to Turkish inhabitants after the population exchange between Greece and Turkey in the 1920s. The village is famous for its traditional houses and locally produced fruit wines. You will have free time to explore the village and taste some of its wines.
The tour concludes around 4:30 PM, and you will be transferred to your hotel in Kuşadası, located near the seaside.
The second day of your tour begins with breakfast at your hotel. At 8:00 AM, your driver will pick you up for the journey to Pamukkale (Hierapolis), arriving around 11:00 AM.
Pamukkale and Hierapolis are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Pamukkale is famous for its white travertine terraces, formed by calcium-rich hot springs believed to have healing properties. The thermal waters emerge at a temperature of 35.6°C, depositing calcium carbonate, which creates the stunning white formations.
Hierapolis, an ancient city located near Pamukkale, was founded by Eumenes II, the king of Pergamon, in the 2nd century BC. According to historians like Strabo and Ptolemy, Hierapolis may have originally been a Phrygian settlement. The city played a crucial role in the spread of Christianity and is believed to be the place where Philip, one of Jesus Christ’s twelve apostles, was martyred. In the 4th century AD, Hierapolis became an important religious center and was later under the control of the Roman Empire.
During the tour, we will visit: The Necropolis (Ancient Cemetery), Domitian Gate & Frontinus Street, Agora & North Byzantine Gate, Gymnasium & Triton Fountain, Apollon Temple & Martyrium of St. Philip, Column Church & Plutonium (Ancient Gas Chamber), Roman Baths & Latrina (Public Toilets)
After the guided tour, you will have free time to take photos or swim in Cleopatra’s Pool (optional, extra fee of 350 Turkish Lira).
At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to Denizli Airport for your flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival, our driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Istanbul.
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