4 Days Ephesus, Pergamon, Pamukkale, Priene, Miletus & Didyma Tour

Day 1: Flight from Istanbul to Izmir and Ephesus

You will be collected from your Istanbul hotel and transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Izmir. On arrival, continue to Ephesus to meet your professional guide and begin the day’s touring.

Visit the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, before exploring the remarkably preserved Greco-Roman city of Ephesus. Following lunch, continue to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where Mary spent her final years and respected by both Christians and Muslims. Your final visit is the Isabey Mosque, before travelling to Kusadasi for hotel check-in.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Lunch

Day 2: Pergamon Acropolis and Asklepion

After breakfast, travel from Kusadasi to Pergamon, one of the major centres of the Hellenistic world. At the Acropolis of Pergamon, your guide will introduce the city’s role as a centre of learning, architecture and government, as well as its importance during the early Roman Christian period. You will also see the remains associated with the Altar of Zeus.

Continue to the Asklepion, the ancient sanctuary dedicated to Asklepios, god of healing. This important medical centre used treatments including massages, mud baths, sacred water, herbs and ointments, with dream analysis also used in diagnosis. Return to your Kusadasi hotel after the tour.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 3: Pamukkale and Hierapolis

After breakfast, leave Kusadasi and join the group in Selcuk for the journey to Pamukkale. There is a short comfort stop on the way, followed by lunch on arrival.

Your guided visit covers the white Cotton Cliffs of Pamukkale, formed over centuries by mineral-rich thermal waters, and the ancient city of Hierapolis. Explore its Basilica, Theatre and Roman Baths, then enjoy free time to look around independently. If you wish, you may swim in the Pamukkale Antique Pools during this time, at your own expense. Afterwards, return to Kusadasi.

• Overnight in Kusadasi
• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4: Priene, Miletus and Didyma, then flight from Izmir to Istanbul

After breakfast and check-out, depart Kusadasi for a full day visiting three important ancient Ionian sites. Begin at Priene, which was among the most impressive Ionian cities of its day.

Continue to Miletus, one of Ionia’s oldest cities, where you will see its magnificent Theatre of Miletus and the Byzantine Fortress on the acropolis above. The final stop is Didyma, site of the vast Temple of Apollo, the largest Ionic temple in the world, and the fallen Head of Medusa. At the end of the tour, transfer to Izmir Airport for your return flight to Istanbul. Airport-to-hotel transport in Istanbul is not included.

• Included Meal(s): Breakfast, Lunch

Inclusions

• European-side Istanbul hotel pickup and airport transfer
• Domestic flights as listed in the itinerary
• Three nights’ accommodation in Kusadasi with breakfast
• Professional licensed English-speaking guide
• Transport during the tour programme
• Entrance fees on the programme
• Meals listed in the itinerary

Exclusions

• Istanbul airport-to-hotel transfer after the return flight
• Drinks with meals
• Optional activities
• Services not listed in the programme
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses