Day 1 Istanbul - Ephesus - Pamukkale
Very early in the morning we will transfer you to the domestic airport and put you on a 1 hour flight down to Izmir, after arrival we will transfer to you Ephesus and continue on the full day tour of Ephesus.
Breakfast served at the hotel - Sites you’ll see today
*Ephesus is one of the best preserved cities from Roman times. At the time St. Paul lived in Ephesus in the 60‘s AD, it was at it’s Roman heyday with a population around 250,000. When St. Paul lived in Ephesus he would have addressed the Ephesians in the great theatre, that today impresses everyone that walks into it’s stands. Ephesus was a great ancient city and much of it has been preserved for you to see. More than any other site, you can walk the streets, stand in the great theatre, wander in the library, look towards the hill where St. Paul was put into prison, and feel that you are walking back into the time that St. Paul lived. After being here, you will read the book of Ephesians with new eyes.
*The House of The Virgin Mary where it is believed St. Mary came to live with St. John in the last years of her life. After the tour we will be on our way to Pamukkale, Arrival in Pamukkale, check in the hotel, dinner provided & Overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Day 2 - (B/L) Pamukkale
*Pammukale which means cotton castle, is the result of limestone formations built over thousands of years. Warm calcium rich mineral water flowed over the cliffs and as it cooled it deposited the calcium into the formations that are seen today. Pammukale is now a world heritage site.
*Hierapolis was founded as a healing care centre in 190 BC, taking advantage of the mineral waters in the area. It was one of the most important intellectual, artistic, religious and commercial centres of the Roman Empire. It eventually had a large Jewish and Christian community. Right after the tour of Pamukkale we will put you on a comfortable overnight stay in Pamukkale.
Day 3 - Pamukkale to Antalya
After breakfast we will provide a transfer from Pamukkale to Antalya, after arrival you will check into your nice hotel and have a free day to relax or explore Antalya on your own.
Day 4 - (L/D) Antalya
After breakfast we will continue on a full day guided tour of Antalya, you will explore Side Perge Aspendos.
Sites you'll see today
* Perge is a grand exhibit of what an ancient Greek and Roman city looked like. Records date it back as far as the 4th BC. It was visited by Greek colonists after the Trojan War, by St. Paul and companions when it was one of the leading cities of Pamphylia, and fell under the leadership of Alexander the Great and also the Byzantines.
* Side was the site of Pamphyilia's largest port and was probably first colonized in the 7th BC. Coming from Cyprus St. Paul would have entered the ancient port enroot to Perge. The great ruins are among the most notable in Asia Minor. They cover a large promontory where a wall and a mote separate it from the mainland.
* Manavgat Waterfall is where we will take a nice cool rest , sitting right next to the falls. Local restaurants provide iced drinks or ice cream.
* Aspendos is most famous for its theatre that dates to 160-180 AD. Depending on performance dates, we may be able to visit this ancient theatre to see the world renown summer evening opera and ballet performances.
After the tour we will return to your hotel and have a free evening to relax or explore Antalya on your own. Overnight stay in Antalya.
Day 5 - (B/L) Antalya to Istanbul
After breakfast we will take you on a full day tour and you will explore these sites ;
MYRA : On the north of the church of Saint Nicholas, the ruins of MYRA city and rock tombs can be found on the slope of a mountain .It is understood from the ancient city walls that this ancient city which is right next to the theatre, was built on a steep hill.
KEKOVA (SUNKEN CITY): Kekova has a surface area of 5,7sq km. On the north shore of Kekova, the ruins of a city, whose large part has sunk under sea, can be viewed.
St. NICOLAUS According to ancient sources, St. Nicolas was born towards the end of the 3rd century in Patara, 60 km west of Demre in a wealthy family. He had a good education and devoted himself to mankind.
SIMENA : The village of Kale ,previously known as Simena, is very attractive. Its ruins are situated under the sea , and a well preserved Middle ages detents walls are on the slope. Most of the buildings have two floors.
After the tour we will transfer you to Antalya airport and put you on a 1 hour 15 minute flight back to Istanbul.
Tour ends
Cost will be € 545 per person in double room and € 625 for single supp.
Price includes
* All Transportations by comfortable vehicles
* 4 star accommodation with breakfast, 2 Lunches, Dinner
* Domestic flight tickets ( Istanbul - Izmir & Antalya - Istanbul )
* Professional English speaking guides
* Entrance fees to the Ancient sites
* All of the service charges and local taxes
( This is a customize program and it is available all year around, if you are interested in getting more information about the cost, and hotel name and their websites, then simply send us an e-mail inquiry and let us know the dates you like to travel, then we will get back to you with full on information.
We can also extend your stay by adding more sights like Pamukkale, Fethiye or more days in either in Kusadasi and Istanbul and make the program suitable for your time and interest.
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