DAY 1 – Pick up from your hotel in Istanbul Sultanahmet or Taksim and transfer to Istanbul Airport. Flight from Istanbul Airport to Izmir (TK2310 06:55-08:05).
FULL DAY PRIVATE VIRGIN MARY HOUSE – EPHESUS - LAODICEA (L)
Pick up from Izmir Airport and drive to the house of Virgin Mary where she spent her last days. Continue with drive to Selcuk to visit ancient Ephesus, cradle of early Christianity; a site 116th years under excavation. Highlights will include the Celcus Library which is third largest library of ancient time. The Theatre, Agora, Temple of Hadrian, Trajan Fountain. Continue to the spectacular remains of Ephesus from the period of St. Paul; visit the Bazilica of St. John and his tomb. Then, we will drive to ancient city of Laodikeia (Leodicea), visit one of the seven Churches and the remains of the Cathedral still exists.
Accommodation in Pamukkale Anya Resort Hotel
DAY 2 - FULL DAY PRIVATE PAMUKKALE - SARDIS - THYATIRA - PHILADELPHIA (B, L)
Pick up from your hotel. We will start with the tour of the ancient city of Hierapolis. The Theater and the well preserved Necropolis. After that, we will continue to natural part of Pamukkale. We walk down on walking path while 35ºC Spring water flowing around your feet.
Continue with drive to Sardis, capital of the ancient Lydia; see the Temple of Diana, which later became a church, the golden River Pactalos and the royal Road. We will visit the remains of the church Thyatira on way. Continue to Philadelphia in Alasehir, visit the scanty remains of the Cathedral.
Accommodation in Bergama Berksoy Hotel
DAY 3 - FULL DAY PRIVATE PERGAMON – SMYRNA - St. POLICARP CHURCH (B, L)
Pick up from your hotel. Drive to Pergamon. We will visit Acropolis (Library, steepest Theatre of Anatolia, the Temples of Trojan and Dionysus, the place of monumental Altar of Zeus famous, with the relief of Gods and Devils, the Gymnasium situated on the terraces, the Lower Agora). Then, we will visit Asclepion and Red Basilica. Our last stop will be ancient Smyrna and will see the St. Policarp Church.
Transfer to Izmir Airport. Flight to Istanbul Airport (TK2337 21:40-23:00).
Pick up from Istanbul Airport and transfer to your hotel in Istanbul Sultanahmet or Taksim.
END OF OUR SERVICE
Pergamon, Ephesus, Pamukkale, and Hierapolis are in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
NOTES
• Hotels are based on bed and breakfast. Check in time is 14:00 and check out time is 11:00.
• All tours are private including English speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch (drinks extra), transportation.
• You can make any changes on the programme, if our programs are not suitable for you. We can work together on your itinerary.
• Programmes may change due to bad weather conditions.
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Temple of Artemis was a Greek Temple, dedicated to Artemis who was the daughter of Zeus and was the goddess of the hunt, wild animals, and wilderness. This temple was one of the Seven Wonders of The World.
Ephesus Theatre's capacity was 25.000 spectators, used for dramas in antique-greek times and gladiator combats in Roman times.
Celsus Library was built by Celsus' son. 12.000 documents (scrolls) had served in this Library in its time.
Odeon was a small theater which had 1.500 spectators capacity and built by Vedius Antonius and his wife for plays and concerts in 150 AD.
Domitianus Temple was one of the largest temple in the city. There was the store rooms on the west side.
Trajan Fountain was built by Emperor Trajan. Giant statue of Emperor Trajan was located in the center niche.
Roman Latrine was the public toilets which were in the same room without separation.
Virgin Mary House was believed by many Christians that Virgin Mary lived in this house as well as St John.
Hierapolis is located on the top of a hill. Since the ancient time, this city was the hot spring (spa) center. The ancient city of Hierapolis consists of the theatre, Temple of Apollo, Antique Pool, The Bath, Cleopatra's Pool, Necropolis and, Hierapolis Archeology Museum.
White Travertines is formed by Calcium Carbonate. When the thermal spring water is flowing, it leaves the Calcium Carbonate on the surface of the travertine. In the beginning it is like a gel, then it gets harder and becomes cotton-shaped white travertine.