The Aegean coast with Ephesus & Pamukkale

Itinerary

• DAY 1

  Izmir to Pamukkale via ancient ruins of Aphrodisias

  Meet at the Izmir airport with Demavend Travels representative and drive to Pamukkale, on our way take time to visit ancient site of Aphrodisias, named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love. The city was built near a marble quarry that was extensively exploited in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The wealth of the city came from the marble quarries and the art produced by its sculptors. The city streets are arranged around several large civic structures, which include temples, a theatre, an agora and two bath complexes. In the late afternoon we arrive in Pamukkale where we spend the night at the hotel.

  Transfer time: 4 h; transfer distance: 290 km (Izmir - Pamukkale via Aphrodisias)

  ON: in Pamukkale at the hotel

  Meals: - / - / D

• DAY 2

  Pamukkale travertine terraces & ancient Hierapolis - drive to Selcuk

  After breakfast we visit the famous travertine terraces and the ancient site of Hierapolis. Pamukkale has the meaning "cotton castle" and is one of the most remarkable natural sites with its cotton white plateaus, pale blue waters topping of the shallow pools and gently cascading down the drape-like stalagmites onto the lower levels for over 300 feet. The city contains hot springs and travertine, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. Hierapolis is a UNESCO world heritage site where the hot springs have been used as a spa since the 2nd century BC; people came to soothe their ailments, with many of them retiring or dying here. The large necropolis is filled with sarcophagi, including the sarcophagus of Marcus Aurelius. Parts of the archaeological site of Hierapolis are the great bathes, which were constructed with huge stone blocks without the use of cement and consisted of various closed or open sections linked together. In the afternoon we leave Pamukkale and drive to Selcuk where we spend the night at the hotel.

  Transfer time: 3 h; transfer distance: 190 km (Pamukkale - Selcuk)

  ON: in Selcuk at the hotel

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 3

  House of Virgin Mary & ancient Ephesus

  After breakfast we first visit the house of Virgin Mary. The Roman Catholic Church has never pronounced on the authenticity of the house for lack of acceptable evidence, but nevertheless maintains a steady flow of pilgrimage since its discovery. Catholic pilgrims visit the house based on the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John and lived there until her Assumption. Afterwards we drive to nearby ancient city of Ephesus, one of the former twelve cities of the Ionian league during the classical Greek era and home to one of the seven churches of Asia that are cited in the book of revelation. In the Roman period it was for many years the second largest city of the Roman Empire, ranking behind Rome. Ephesus contains the largest collection of roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean. Only an estimated 15 % has been excavated. The ruins that are visible give some idea of the city's original splendour and the names associated with the ruins are evocative of its former life. During our visit we also head over to Ephesus terrace houses, located on the hill opposite the Hadrian temple. Also called as "the houses of rich", these houses, with amazing mosaics and frescos, are covered with protective roofing which resembles Roman mansions. In the late afternoon it is possible to have a short walk to the old city centre, famous for its traditional Turkish culture and lifestyle. The old quarter of the town, known as Ayasoluk hill, dominates the surrounding area with several historical buildings on its slopes, including the Isa Bey mosque, the grand fortress and the 6th century Basilica of St. John the Apostle, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus according to the New Testament. We conclude the day with a traditional cup of Turkish coffee before we return to our hotel.

  ON: in Selcuk at the hotel

  Meals: B / L / D

• DAY 4

  Trip concludes at Izmir airport

  After breakfast; transfer to Izmir airport where the trip concludes.

  Transfer time: 1 h; transfer distance: 60 km (Hotel in Selcuk to Izmir airport)

  Meals: B / - / -