Ephesus Full Day Tour

Ancient City of Ephesus - Ephesus was an ancient Greek city located in Asia Minor, near the mouth of the Menderes River, in what is now western Turkey, south of Smyrna (modern-day Izmir). As one of the most prominent Ionian cities, it became the region’s leading seaport, renowned for its wealth. The Greek city was situated near an ancient center of worship for a native nature goddess, who was associated with the Greek Artemis. Around 550 B.C., a large temple was constructed, with contributions from Croesus, who had captured the city.

Meryemana (The Virgin Mary’s House) - The House of the Virgin Mary is situated atop the “Bulbul” mountain, 9 km from Ephesus. This shrine, dedicated to the Virgin Mary, is nestled in a serene, green environment. It is believed to be the place where Mary spent her final days, possibly arriving in the area with Saint John, who spent several years there spreading Christianity. Mary chose this secluded location over a bustling city life.

The Temple of Artemis - The Temple of Artemis is recognized as one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was constructed in the Ephesus area on a flat terrain that eventually became a swamp. Today, visitors to Ephesus can see the ruins of the foundations of this magnificent Hellenistic Age structure, which was entirely made of marble and adorned with sculptured column capitals and shafts. The most exquisite remnants of this temple are now displayed in the British Museum in London.

The oldest remains date back to the 6th century BC. The temple was originally surrounded by 36 massive columns and was later expanded under the orders of the Lydian King Croesus during the 6th century BC. Many of the exhibits in the British Museum belong to this period.

Pamukkale Full Day Tour

Pamukkale - Pamukkale is a city located in southwestern Turkey, famous for its hot springs and travertines (terraces of carbonate minerals left by flowing water). The area boasts 17 thermal springs with temperatures ranging from 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) to 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit), making some pools unsuitable for swimming. It’s advisable to avoid the hottest springs.

Pamukkale Thermal Pools - Pamukkale, meaning “cotton castle” in Turkish, is a unique and stunning natural site in Denizli, southwestern Turkey. The area is renowned for the carbonate minerals deposited by the flowing water.

Hierapolis & Pamukkale - Hierapolis is an ancient city located atop Pamukkale and is a World Heritage site. It features a blend of Pagan, Roman, Jewish, and early Christian influences. Since the 2nd century, Pamukkale’s hot springs have been used as a spa, attracting people to Hierapolis for healing and retirement. The ruins cover a vast area, including a large necropolis filled with sarcophagi.

The baths were constructed from large stone blocks, with various open and closed areas interconnected. Built in the 2nd century, little is known about the city’s origins. Many statues have been relocated to museums worldwide, and a museum was established onsite in 1970.

Pamukkale Tiyatrosu - The Roman Theatre was constructed in two phases; the first was destroyed by an earthquake, leading to the second being carved into a mountain slope. Much of the stage remains visible, along with decorative panels and VIP seating. The theatre could accommodate 12,000 to 15,000 people and is divided by eight vertical passageways and nine aisles. Ongoing excavation projects continue to uncover new relics and statues depicting mythological figures.

Hierapolis Arkeoloji Muzesi - Once a Roman bath, the Archaeological Museum is located near the Antique Pool atop Pamukkale’s travertines.

For those interested in Roman archaeology, this is a logical next stop after visiting the ruins of Hierapolis and the Roman theater.

Cleopatra Pools - Above the Pamukkale white travertine pools lies a particularly spectacular spot fed by the same hot springs. Here, visitors can bathe in the same waters Cleopatra once enjoyed! A modern spa facility allows for a relaxing experience in these historic healing waters. Unlike the white water of the lower pools, the Antique Pool favored by Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, features clear, warm water. It was once topped by a Roman Temple to Apollo, with an ornate roof supported by Doric columns. Imagine Cleopatra’s experience during its glory days.

Pergamon Full Day Tour

The Acropolis - The Acropolis, meaning “Upper Town,” contains the most significant remains of Pergamon. Largely founded on a hill, it is a unique masterpiece of ancient settlements, resembling a cut-mountain town due to the lack of a natural plateau.
The upper town is divided into three main sections: the highest and most protected areas house the kings’ palaces, temples, water reservoirs, wells, cisterns, and fountains belonging to the royal family and aristocrats. The city walls, built during the reign of Eumenes II, remain in good condition, indicating that life in the upper town was quite secure. Visitors can explore the Trajan Temple, the Zeus Altar (known as Satan’s seat by early believers), the largest temple, the kings’ palaces, the world’s steepest theater with a capacity of 10,000 seats facing the Asclepium, and the heroon where heroes were buried. This area served as the administrative center of the Pergamon kingdom.

The Asklepion - The Asklepion Temple in Pergamon was constructed in the 4th century B.C. During the Prehistoric Era, it was a renowned medical center, comparable to Epidaurus and Kos. The medical center was dedicated to the God of Health, Asklepios.
The Asklepios was a significant medical center during the Roman Era, featuring a galleried yard, a theater with a capacity of 3,500 people, a cult hall dedicated to Emperor Hadrianus, and the circular Asklepios Temple. It was famously known as ‘The Place Death Was Not Allowed To Enter.’

The serpentine column, symbolizing pharmacy, welcomes visitors along the Holy Road.

In the southern section, there are three small temples from the Hellenistic Era, sleeping rooms, a holy spring, and pools. Diseases were treated through restful sleep in the sleeping rooms, water sounds, mud, healing and hunger treatments, musical therapy, and various other therapies in the holy spring and pools.

Red Basilica (Kizil Avlu) - Bergama’s Red Hall (Kızıl Avlu) or Red Basilica was constructed for the worship of the Egyptian gods Serapis, Isis, and Harpocrates during the 2nd century AD when Egyptian religion was spreading into the Roman Empire.

Faced with marble and surrounded by a colonnade, the massive building appeared very different in Roman times. A stream flowed beneath it in stone channels, with its waters used for ritual bathing and ablutions.

• Private transportation
• Lunch
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Parking fees

• Gratuities for the guide and the driver
• Personal Expenses
• Entrance Fees to the Museums and any Sites
• Beverages During Lunch
• dinner
• Entrance fees
• Entrance fees
• Entrance fees
• Entrance fees
• Entrance fees

You will enjoy Ephesus , Pamukkale and Pergamon with this 3 days private combine tour.
Day 1 : Explore the ruins of Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis.
Day 2: Explore the magnificient Pamukkale with its thermal hot springs.
Day 3 : Make a journey to the ancient History today you will visit Pergamon, Acropolis , Asklepion and the red basilica.

• After booking your tour, please contact our team to confirm and arrange your meeting time by providing your cruise ship name and arrival & on-board times. This information will help us suggest the best timing for your tour. If you encounter any difficulties finding a suitable time option, we will gladly assist you to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.