Ephesus & Pergamon & Pamukkale Tours from Istanbul

Ephesus & Pergamon and Pamukkale Tour from Istanbul is planned for people who will be departing from Istanbul. From Istanbul, you will be transferred via bus or plane, depending on your preference. There is no train service that runs directly between Istanbul and Izmir. Your journey can conclude in Izmir, Kusadasi or Bergama (Pergamon).

Day 1 – This tour from Istanbul takes you to Pergamon, one of the finest archaeological sites in Turkey. The city was a great cultural centre of culture and the capital of the East during the reign of the Roman Empire. After a short cable car ride, you will have a birds-eye view of the local surroundings. You will see numerous ruins including the celebrated Library, the steepest theatre in Anatolia, the Temples of Trajan and Dionysos, the location of the Altar of Zeus which is famous for its relief with God and devils, the Sanctuary of Demeter, the Gymnasium situated on terraces, and the lower Agora. After a delicious lunch with Turkish specialities, you will visit the Archaeological Museum in Bergama, before proceeding to the Medical Center of the ancient world — the Asclepion — where the first psychological treatments were performed and which was dedicated to the God of Health, Asclepios.

Day 2 – Our day will start with the ancient Ephesus, one of the twelve Ionian League cities during the classical Greek period. Additionally, Ephesus was one of the “Seven Churches of Asia” mentioned in the Book of Revelation. Visit the old Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, Marble Street, Odeon, Bouleterion, Temple of Hadrian and Serapis, Agora, Library of Celsus, Great Theatre, Double Church, Arcadian Way, Gate of Magnesia. Next is the last residence of the Virgin Mary on Mount Solmissos, followed by lunch in Selcuk. Visiting the Isabey Mosque, one of the oldest and most impressive examples of Anatolian Beylik architecture, and the Temple of Artemis, one of the “Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.” Time to proceed to Pamukkale for our overnight stay for the second leg of the program. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3 – You will enjoy viewing the lovely combination of history and nature as you drive to Pamukkale (Cotton Castle). This uniquely beautiful and spectacular natural site will make you feel like you’re in a fairytale with the dazzling white petrified cascades surrounding thermal spring water laden with carbonate minerals. The cascades plunging down the mountainside have created this natural formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. Thermal water has been used since the Roman period for its therapeutic powers. You will visit the Roman city of Hieropolis. In Hieropolis you will see the Temples of Apollo and Delphi, a 4th Century Basilica called Monumental Nymphaeum and the Theatre. After visiting the well-preserved Necropolis, return to Kusadasi or Izmir. Lunch is included too. Well, this is the final moment, you will be taken back to the bus terminal or airport for your journey back to Istanbul.

Tour Code: PLN014EPP