This sample tailor made holiday is very flexible, the itinerary and the length of the time you stay can be changed on request. You will visit a few World Heritage sides, the ancient ruins of Ephesus and the natural wonders of Pamukkale, the ruins of the ancient city of Aphrodisias and finally relax on the beach.
Day 1: UK to Izmir.
Fly to Izmir and transfer to hotel for overnight in Ephesus (Selcuk).
Day 2: Ephesus.
Drive to ruins of Ephesus to visit this ancient Roman city, one of the best preserved and most visited in the world, with its grand marble streets and imposing library. Once home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, temple of Artemis, was a Greek-Roman temple dedicated to an ancient, local form of the goddess Artemis.. It was also here that St Paul preached some of his most famous sermons, and where the Virgin Mary spent her last days. The Basilica of St. John was a basilica in Ephesus. It was constructed by Justinian I in the 6th century. It stands over the believed burial site of John the Apostle. It was modeled after the now lost Church of the Holy Apostles in Constantinople. overnight in Selçuk.
Day 3: Aphrodisias.
After breakfast, drive to the ruins of the ancient city of Aphrodisias, world heritage side, with its stunning Temple of Aphrodite. The Aphrodisias is located in southwestern Turkey, near Pamukkale. Aphrodisias was founded as a city-state in the early 2nd century BC. An orthogonal street grid defines the pattern of the city; only a few structures, such as the temple of the goddess Aphrodite, are not aligned with the grid. Because the city shared a close interest in the goddess Aphrodite with Sulla, Julius Caesar and the emperor Augustus, Aphrodisias came to have a close relationship with Rome. It obtained a privileged ‘tax-free’ political status from the Roman senate, and developed a strong artistic, sculptural tradition during the Imperial Period. Many elaborately decorated structures were erected during the period of Roman rule, all made from the local marble. After exploring this fasinating site drive to Pamukkale for overnight.
Day 4: Pamukkale .
Explore all day Pamukkale, literally translated as ‘Cotton Castle’, this unique natural wonder appears from a distance as a shimmering white fairytale castle. Its limestone-laden thermal spring waters have created a magical landscape of white rocks and warm shallow pools, which are said to cure all types of ailments. Hierapolis-Pamukkale is UNESCO World Heritage site. The Turks say that bathing in the hot spring pools in Pamukkale will cure illnesses such as nutritional and chronic disorders, digestive and circulatory problems, eye and skin diseases, etc. Because of this, Pamukkale has been a flourishing spa resort since ancient times. Even Cleopatra bathed in the healing pools. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Day 5- 9: Hierapolis – Pamukkale and Akyaka ( or can be any chosen resort )
After breakfast visit the ancient thermal spa town of Hierapolis, with its original Roman baths and graveyard containing over 1,200 tombs. It is located in Pamukkale, an ancient Roman spa city founded around 190 B.C. Ruins there include a well-preserved theatre and a necropolis with sarcophagi that stretch for 2km. The Antique Pool is famous for its submerged Roman columns, the result of an earthquake. After exploring the Pamukkale and Hierapolis ruins, you will be driven to your chosen resort for your beach holiday. In this sample itinerary, we chose to stay 4 nights in Yucelen Hotel 4* BB in Akyaka. You may stay as long as you like. End of your stay, we will transfer you to the nearest airport for your return journey.
