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Embark upon a captivating two-day adventure from Istanbul, journeying to the historic marvels of Turkey, Ephesus, and Pergamon. Explore the past grandiosity of Ephesus, a city that was once a formidable rival of Rome, and immerse yourself in the remnants of the Greek and Roman epochs in Pergamon. The tour, encompassing majestic temples and soaring theaters, offers a comprehensive insight into the enthralling past of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Step into a time warp, live the history and carry back timeless memories etched in history.
You will be picked up from your hotel in Istanbul around 4:00 am and transferred to the airport for your flight to Izmir, departing between 6:00 and 8:00 AM. Upon arrival in Izmir, you’ll be transferred to Selçuk, where you’ll meet your guide to begin your full-day Ephesus tour.
Your first stop will be the ancient city of Ephesus, where you’ll explore its fascinating ruins, including highlights like the Temple of Hadrian, the impressive Great Theater, and the beautiful Trajan Fountain. After lunch, the tour continues to the House of the Virgin Mary, believed to be where she spent her final years. You’ll also visit the site of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and the stunning Isa Bey Mosque, a remarkable example of Seljuk architecture.
After the tour ends at around 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi for check-in. The rest of the day is yours to relax or explore the area at your leisure.
After breakfast, check out from the hotel, and you will be picked up for a scenic drive to the ancient city of Pergamon. Known as a significant cultural hub of the ancient world, Pergamon promises a fascinating journey through history.
Your tour begins at the Acropolis of Pergamon, situated on the city’s highest point. Here, you’ll first visit the famous Library of Pergamon, one of the greatest libraries of antiquity. Next, you will explore the Temple of Athena, dedicated to the goddess of wisdom and war, and the Temple of Trajan, an impressive monument honoring the Roman Emperor Trajan, blending Roman and Greek architectural elements beautifully.
Following this, you’ll admire the Altar of Zeus, a monumental structure adorned with intricate friezes depicting mythological scenes. Afterward, you’ll take a break to enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch at a local restaurant, where you can relax and savor local flavors before resuming the tour.
The afternoon continues with a visit to the Gymnasium, an ancient training ground for athletes, and the Lower Agora, the bustling marketplace of ancient Pergamon. One of the highlights is the Hellenistic Theater, built on a steep hillside, offering breathtaking views and an impressive example of ancient theater architecture. Your last stop will be the Temple of Dionysus, dedicated to the god of wine and festivity, showcasing the religious and cultural richness of ancient Pergamon.
At the end of the tour around approximately 4:00 pm, you will be transferred to the Izmir airport for a late evening flight back (between 7:00 – 10:00 pm) to Istanbul. END OF OUR SERVICE and TOURS.
Please note that transportation from Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) to your hotel in Istanbul is not included in the tour price.
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If you need to cancel your tour or change your travel dates, please notify us at least 5 days before the tour start date. As this tour includes domestic flights and bus tickets, which are non-refundable, the cost of these tickets will be deducted from your payment and the remaining balance refunded to you. For cancellations or date changes made less than 5 days before the start date, no refund will be issued and the booking will be treated under our no-show policy.
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