Ephesus Miletus Izmir Sardes Pamukkale 5 days

DAY 1: ISTANBUL – IZMIR – KUSADASI
Takte the flight from Istanbul to Izmir. Upon arrival transfer to your hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi.

DAY 2: EPHESUS, HOUSE OF VIRGIN MARY AND ARTEMIS TEMPLE
09.00 Departure. Today we tour Ephesus, which was one of the largest and most interesting ancient cities of Asia Minor. The tour of Ephesus includes the Library of Celsius, Temple of Hadrian, Agora and fantastic Greco-Roman theater. (Terrace Houses are optional and extra). We will also view the Isabey Mosque which is a beautiful example of Selcuk architecture. In the afternoon will visit the carpet cooperative weaving center to see how the Turkish carpets are made by hand and also see a fashion show at a leather outlet center. Finally, we visit the house where the Virgin Mary allegedly spent her last days, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, which was one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B.D)

DAY 3: MILETUS, PRIENE AND DIDYMA
09:00 Departure. Visit three of the most important cities of the antique period: Priene, Miletus, and Didyma. Priene is one of the most typical antique cities of the Hellenistic Period. St Paul visited Miletus during his third journey, and the city was very important with its 80 colonies, and philosophers Thales and Anaximander. Apollo Temple situated in Didyma was the third biggest building in the world at this time and was a most important place for prophecies. It is possible to combine this with swimming at Altinkum Beach. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B.D)

DAY 4: IZMIR – SARDES
09:00 Departure. Today we will make a pleasant visit to the city of Izmir, which may include the Museum, clock tower, and Konak square, Kadifekale on Mt. Pagos and St. Polycarp Church or Kemeralti market. We will continue to the ancient site of Sardes with its gymnasium, Temple of Artemis and ancient Synagogue. It was once the wealthy capital of the ancient Lydian Empire and was the first place in history that coins were minted. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B.D)

DAY 5: PAMUKKALE AND HIERAPOLIS – DENIZLI – ISTANBUL
08.30 Departure. We will drive through the Meander Valley and arrive in Pamukkale, which has been a thermal spa center since before the Roman era. We visit the ancient city of Hierapolis, which is said to have been founded by King Eumenes II of Pergamon. We visit the great Roman baths, the Temple of Apollo, the well-preserved theater and the fascinating Necropolis. St. Phillip is associated with Hierapolis. We will also visit the calcium terraces and pools for which Pamukkale is named “Cotton Castle”. It is possible to bathe in the sacred Roman thermal pool with ancient columns (an extra fee is due) or you will have some free time at the terraces or to explore more on your own. Transfer to the Denizli airport and take the evening flight to Istanbul. (B)