Day 1: Ephesus Ancient City Tour
Meet your guide at your Kusadasi hotel or cruise port and begin your journey to Ancient Ephesus. Your first stop is the peaceful stone house believed to be the final home of the Virgin Mary. This site is an important pilgrimage centre for Christians and offers a serene setting on Mount Koressos.
Walk through the remarkably preserved streets of this 2,000-year-old Roman city. Highlights include the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, the Odeon, the Agora, the Trajan Fountain, the Roman Baths, and the Marble Streets. Your guide will bring ancient life back to reality with stories of Romans, early Christians, apostles, and everyday Ephesians.
Visit the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though only a few columns remain, the archaeological significance and setting are unforgettable. Enjoy a delicious Turkish lunch featuring regional specialities. Visit a carpet-weaving centre or leather workshop where you can see traditional craftsmanship first-hand. Return to your hotel in Kusadasi for an overnight stay.
Day 2: Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour
Depart from your hotel for a scenic drive through small villages and fertile farmlands to Pamukkale. Walk on the famous white travertines, known as the Cotton Castle, formed by mineral-rich thermal waters. Enjoy spectacular views, warm pools, and incredible photo opportunities.
Explore the impressive UNESCO site of Hierapolis, including the Grand Theatre, the Temple of Apollo, the Plutonium (Gate to the Underworld), and the Roman Baths. Your guide will explain the history of this Greco-Roman spa city, once a retreat for healing and relaxation.
Swim among ancient marble columns in Cleopatra’s Pool, a warm, mineral-rich pool believed to have healing properties (entrance fee extra). Enjoy a freshly prepared Turkish lunch in a local restaurant. After the tour, relax on your drive back to your hotel or port in Kusadasi.
