Ephesus
If you're looking for a truly unique holiday experience, then consider spending your time in Ephesus. This ancient city is one of the most well-preserved in all of Turkey, and offers visitors a glimpse into life thousands of years ago. Whether you're interested in history or just want to see some amazing sights, Ephesus is definitely worth a visit!
One of the best preserved and most visited ancient Roman cities. It was also here that St Paul preached some of his most famous sermons and where the Virgin Mary spent her final days. This ancient UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus, know as Efes in Turkish, which dates back perhaps as early as 7th Century BC is Turkey’s historical jewel. Ephesus was a Greek, Roman and Byzantine city at different points in time and each of these people left their mark on the city, making Ephesus unique and fascinating. Ephesus is within proximity to the temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders Of The World. As the cult of Artemis declined with the rise of Christianity, the temple’s marble was looted and used for private homes and churches. Today, a single column and a small pile of rubble is all that remains. Saints John and Paul the Apostles called Ephesus home in 42 and 53 AD respectively. Alexander the Great rode in to liberate (or conquer) the city in 334 BC. The most famous resident of Ephesus by far is Mary, The Mother Of Jesus. Get in touch to find out more about Ephesus holidays.
Pamukkale
Where in the world can you find a set of natural white terraces and cascading waterfalls, surrounded by surrealistically beautiful snow-capped peaks? Not many places on Earth can make that claim, but Pamukkale in southwestern Turkey is one of them. A dip in its mineral-rich thermal waters is the perfect way to relax after a day of sightseeing around this UNESCO World Heritage Site. So why not add Pamukkale to your list of must-see destinations?
Literally translated as ‘Cotton Castle’, this unique natural wonder appears from a distance as a shimmering white fairytale castle, or snow-covered mountain. Its limestone-laden thermal spring waters have created a magical landscape of white rocks and thermal pools. Pamukkale is a town in western Turkey known for the mineral-rich thermal waters flowing down white travertine terraces on a nearby hillside. It neighbors Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Ruins there include a well-preserved theater and a necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for 2km. The Antique Pool is famous for its submerged Roman columns, the result of an earthquake.
Aphrodisias (near Pamukkale)
It’s all about love, isn’t it? And at the ancient temple dedicated to Aphrodite, the love goddess, you can feel it all around you. Not just in the ethereal sense, but in the practical. For it was the love of history that saw Turkish archaeologist Kenan Erim dedicate his life to uncovering the story of Aphrodisias. It became his second home for 30 years and, now buried there, his eternal resting place. It is because of his work that we are now able to experience one of the greatest sites in Turkey. It’s the ruins at Ephesus that generally get most of attention when it comes to the ancient sites of Turkey. But, in many ways, Aphrodisias is far superior. The site stretches out over a large area, it’s been extremely well preserved or restored, and it’s easy to lose yourself in the moment because it doesn’t have the large tourist crowds it probably deserves.
Olive Oil Tasting
Turkey is one of the largest producer of Olive Oil in the world . The cultivation and production of olive oil have deep roots in Aegean history, evident with the expansive olive groves stretching as far as the eyes can see.
This tour will take you to visit olive groves and a 15th century olive oil mill located in a charming village. There, you can learn about all the different characteristics, culinary uses, and health benefits of olive oil, and learn the differences of their taste. Experience a fun and delicious tasting session of an array of Turkey's representative olive oils. We'll also show you the diverse ways to use olive oil, for example organic olive oil derived cosmetic products. And we will visit Olive Oil Museum as well which is unique.
Transfers & distances
- from Izmir airport to Ephesus is around 60 km (approx. 50 minutes transfer).
- from Ephesus to Pamukkale is around 190 km (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes transfer).
- from Izmir airport to Pamukkale is around 225 km (approx. 3 hours 20 minutes transfer).
- from Izmir airport to Aphrodisias is around 191 km (approx. 3 hours transfer).
Don't just take our word for it, read what our clients say...
Dear Mr. Koc
I've been meaning to write to you for some time, so say thank you for arranging such a wonderful holiday for us. We had 4 nights B & B at the Empire Palace Hotel in Istanbul, which was wonderfully central, with friendly, helpful staff, and then flew to Cappadocia, staying at the MDC Cave Hotel in Urgup, which was delightful. The location was outstanding and the hotel quite unique.We have travelled all over the world and I can safely say that this holiday was one of the best - full of new experiences including a trip in a hot air balloon, visiting underground cities, ancient cave dwellings with amazing frescoes and fabulous landscapes. It was fun and exciting. For the first 2 days of tours in Cappadocia we went with the local representative, who were excellent and our guide, Mustafa Sahin was outstanding.
Thank you again for a brilliant trip and we will recommend your company. We may be interested in Croatia next year.
Yours sincerely,
Barbara Lewis, 30.7.2018
Average Temperatures in Dalaman Region
