2-Day Ephesus & Pamukkale Tour by Plane from Istanbul

(Lunch and Dinner included)

Early the morning, you'll be picked up from your hotel and taken to the airport for your flight to Izmir. When you arrive in Izmir, you will be met at the airport by a member of our friendly team and driven to the first exciting stop, The House of the Virgin Mary. Do you know who the Virgin Mary was? She was the mother of Jesus, whom Christians believe to be the son of God. After Jesus' death, resurrection and ascension to Heaven, his mother was brought to Ephesus by one of his close followers, John. You can visit the house on the hill where she lived, which is considered by some to be one of the holiest Christian sites. There are water taps there where visitors often write their wishes and hope they come true. 
 Next, we will head to one of the most well-preserved and beautiful ruins in Turkey, The Ancient City of Ephesus. At Ephesus, we will tour the site on foot to see the Odeon, the Fountain of Trajan, the Temple of Hadrian, Scholastica steam baths and, of course, the very impressive Library of Ephesus. The library is adorned with columns and statues and is absolutely stunning. The Grand Theatre, where Saint Paul preached, is the largest theatre in antiquity with a capacity of 24,000 seats. On the way back to the bus, you'll walk through the Arcadian Way where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in procession. After 2 hours of exploring, it will be lunchtime.  After lunch, the tour will continue with a visit to the Temple of Artemis (known as 'Diana' to the Romans) which honoured the Greek goddess of hunting, nature and fertility. The stunning marble palace was one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Ephesus saw thousands of pilgrims pass through it over the years and the temple grew very wealthy. In fact, the Temple of Artemis was the first bank in the world! Even after all these years, you can still appreciate the architectural beauty of the city.  At the end of the day, you will be taken to your hotel in Kuşadası

(Breakfast and Lunch included)
It will be another great day! In the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in Kusadası then drive around 4 hours to Pamukkale. You could bring a book or just enjoy the scenery while resting in our comfortable vehicle. There will be short breaks on the way to stretch your legs and get something to eat or drink. When we arrive at Pamukkale, you'll be shown the North Gate and will be able to see the Necropolis of Hierapolis which has a Roman Bath, Domitian Gate, Byzantium Gate and more. Then we'll head to the Pamukkale travertines. The travertines are the beautiful water terraces you've probably seen in pictures. They formed over many years as a result of multiple chemical reactions and the unique geographical characteristics of the area. They are thermal waters and the temperature is about 35 degrees celcius. In simple terms, the travertines are created when water from the thermal springs loses carbon dioxide as it flows down the slopes, leaving deposits of limestone. The layers of white calcium carbonate build up in steps. This is how the site got its name 'Pamukkale' - because it resembles a huge ball of cotton!  Next, it will be time for lunch. You will enjoy an open buffet lunch and have the chance to swim in the Red Thermal Pools, if you like. There is also a private pool called the Cleopatra Pool which is now a modern spa. The thermal waters are crystal clear there and you can enter for an additional fee, if you choose. Cleopatra herself really swam in these waters! During the Roman period, columned porticoes surrounded the pool but unfortunately earthquakes toppled them into the water where they lie today.  At the end of the day, it will be time to go back to the airport for your evening flight back to Istanbul. In Istanbul, you will be met by a member of our friendly team and taken back to your hotel.