Ephesus

Ephesus Ancient City - Guests will be picked up from their hotel in Istanbul early in the morning and taken to the airport for a flight to Izmir. Upon arrival at Izmir Airport, they will be driven to Selçuk to explore Ephesus. Ephesus attracts millions annually due to its historical and spiritual significance. Once a prominent Roman city and bustling trade center, it was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus was also a key Christian site, where St. Paul preached at the Great Theater, and St. John is believed to have spent his final years. It is mentioned in the Book of Revelation as one of the Seven Churches of Asia. Visitors will explore the Celsus Library, Great Theater, Temple of Hadrian, Fountain of Trajan, Hercules Gate, Domitian Temple, and more, experiencing the rich history and remarkable sights of this ancient city in Turkey.

Ephesus Terrace Houses - These exclusive residences are located on the slopes opposite the Temple of Hadrian along Curetes Street. Known as the “rich houses,” they were uncovered during recent excavations. The houses near Curetes Street feature colonnaded porticoes, with step streets leading directly to the entrances. Visitors will stop at the Terrace Houses to explore the homes of wealthy Ephesians.

Ephesus Experience Museum - The Ephesus Experience Museum offers a journey through the history of Ephesus and daily life during the Roman era. The museum brings Ephesus to life with 3D projections, interactive storytelling, and digital reconstructions, providing a sensory and educational experience that complements the exploration of Ephesus’s actual ruins.

Virgin Mary’s House - The House of Virgin Mary is a Catholic and Muslim shrine located in Bülbüldağı, near Ephesus. This sacred site has been visited by various popes and received the Patriarchate Blessing.

The Temple of Artemis - Also known as the Temple of Diana, only one or two marble pieces remain from this temple, considered one of the seven wonders of the world. After the tour, guests will be taken to their hotel to spend the night in Kusadasi.

Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour

Hierapolis & Pamukkale - After an early breakfast, guests will leave Kusadasi and drive to Pamukkale, a 3-hour journey through scenic countryside. They will visit Hierapolis and see the Necropolis, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinious Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, and Theater.

Hierapolis Arkeoloji Muzesi - The Archaeological Museum of Hierapolis is located within the Ancient City of Hierapolis, featuring structures like the Ancient Roman Bath, Gymnasium, and library. Visiting the Hierapolis Museum is the perfect conclusion to exploring the history of this ancient city.

Cleopatra Pools - Above Pamukkale’s white travertine pools lies the Antique Pool, fed by the same thermal springs where Cleopatra once bathed. This modern spa facility allows visitors to enjoy these historic healing waters. The Antique Pool, a Roman ruin today, remains impressive. Guests can immerse themselves, navigate around fallen columns and Roman artifacts, and enjoy the therapeutic waters, posing for photos on submerged temple stones.

Pamukkale Thermal Pools - Pamukkale, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its striking white calcium cascades and hot springs, making it one of Turkey’s top Instagram-worthy destinations. The name ‘Pamukkale’ translates to ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. These healing hot springs once served as a pagan cult center in ancient times. The terraces, shaped by mineral-rich running water, have evolved over thousands of years. Today, Pamukkale’s pristine beauty is well-preserved. Visitors can immerse themselves in the soothing hot springs, relax, and capture stunning photos of this natural wonder.

Kusadasi - At the end of the tour, guests will be driven back to their hotel in Kusadasi.

Flight from Izmir to Cappadocia

Cappadocia - Guests will be driven to Izmir Airport according to their flight schedule for a flight to Cappadocia. Upon arrival at Cappadocia Airport, they will be driven to their hotel for an overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Northern Cappadocia Tour

Uchisar Castle - After breakfast, guests will be picked up from their hotel and taken to Uçhisar Castle, where they can enjoy a stunning panoramic view of Cappadocia. From this incredible vantage point, the guide will introduce them to the unique landscape, history, and geology of the region, providing a deeper understanding of what makes Cappadocia so extraordinary.

Goreme Open-Air Museum - Visitors will explore Göreme Open-Air Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to some of the most well-preserved rock-cut churches and monastic complexes in Cappadocia. These ancient sanctuaries, carved into the soft volcanic rock by early Christian monks, are adorned with vivid frescoes depicting biblical scenes, including the life of Christ and various saints. Guests will learn about the history of monastic life in Cappadocia, the significance of these Byzantine-era paintings, and how this hidden refuge became an important center for early Christianity.

Avanos - Guests will visit the pottery workshops in Avanos, where artisans still use centuries-old techniques to craft pottery from the red clay of the Kızılırmak River. They will see skilled artisans at work and learn about the rich history behind this traditional art.

Pasabag - Visitors will explore Pasabag (Valley of the Monks), famous for its mushroom-shaped fairy chimneys and some of Cappadocia’s most distinctive rock formations. This serene valley was once home to hermit monks, including St. Simeon, who lived in isolation within rock-carved dwellings. As they explore, guests will learn about the monastic lifestyle and the spiritual significance of this unique landscape.

Devrent Valley - Guests will visit Devrent Valley (Imagination Valley), where they will see fairy chimneys resembling animals and mythical figures. They will also admire the surreal rock formations shaped by nature over thousands of years. This valley, untouched by human settlement, offers a dreamlike landscape that sparks creativity and wonder. At the end of the tour, guests will be taken back to their hotel for an overnight stay in Cappadocia.

Southern Cappadocia Tour

Goreme Panorama - After breakfast, guests will be picked up from their hotel and taken to Göreme Panorama Viewpoint, where they can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of Cappadocia’s unique landscape. From this elevated spot, they will see fairy chimneys, rock-cut churches, and the rolling valleys that define the region. The guide will provide information about Cappadocia’s geological formations and historical significance.

Cavusin Village - Next, guests will visit Çavuşin Village, one of Cappadocia’s oldest settlements, known for its rock-carved houses and churches. The village was once home to both Greek and Turkish communities. Visitors can explore narrow pathways, cave dwellings, and the historic Church of St. John the Baptist.

Love Valley - Guests will then head to Love Valley, famous for its tall, pillar-shaped rock formations, naturally sculpted by wind and erosion over thousands of years. Love Valley is one of the most photographed spots in Cappadocia, with its unique landscape and smooth, towering fairy chimneys. As they walk through the valley, guests will learn about the geological forces that created these formations and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Kaymakli Underground City - Visitors will explore Kaymaklı Underground City, built by early Christians as a hidden refuge from persecution. It is one of the largest and deepest underground settlements in Cappadocia. Guests will explore this multi-level underground city, its narrow tunnels, living quarters, storage rooms, and even a church, offering a glimpse into the ingenuity and resilience of those who once lived here in secrecy.

Pigeon Valley - The final stop is Pigeon Valley, where guests will see hundreds of pigeon houses carved into the soft rock by early settlers of the area, used to collect pigeon droppings as fertilizer for local farms. The valley also offers breathtaking panoramic views, making it a perfect spot to take in Cappadocia’s unique landscape one last time.

Istanbul - At the end of the tour, guests will be driven to the airport for their flight back to Istanbul. Upon arrival at Istanbul Airport, they will be driven back to their hotel.

• Breakfast included
• Hotel pick-up and drop-off
• Professional tour guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle transfers
• Accommodation in local hotels

• Lunch, Dinner and drinks
• Entrance fees
• Domestic flight tickets

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.