Ephesus & Pamukkale - from Fethiye

Ephesus & Pamukkale - from Fethiye – Intro

This exciting overnight tour takes you from Fethiye to Ephesus, the largest classical archeological site in the world, and on to the wonderland of limestone ‘cotton castles’ in Pamukkale, two of Turkey’s most important historical attractions.

Ephesus & Pamukkale - from Fethiye – Itinerary

Day One:

• 6.05 to 6.30am: Pick-up from hotel.
• 6.45 to 8.45am: Drive towards Ephesus.
• 8.45 to 9.15am: Stop for breakfast.
• 9.15 to 11.05am: Continue drive towards Ephesus.
• 11.05 to 1.45pm: Explore Ephesus.
• 2.05 to 3.05pm: Lunch at restaurant.
• 3.05 to 6.05pm: Drive towards Pamukkale.
• 6.05 to 7.05pm: Arrive at hotel and dinner.

Day Two:

• 8.05 to 8.30am: Breakfast at hotel.
• 9.05 to 12.05pm: Visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis.
• 12.30 to 1.30pm: Lunch in Pamukkale restaurant.
• 2.05 to 3.05pm: Visit onyx shop and carpet co-operative.
• 3.05 to 5.15pm: Drive towards Fethiye and break at restaurant.
• 5.30 to 7.05pm: Arrival in Fethiye and hotel drop-off.

Ephesus & Pamukkale - from Fethiye – Full Details

After being collected from your hotel, relax and enjoy the scenic drive and enjoy a break for breakfast en route from Fethihye to Ephesus – your first destination.

Ephesus

Located on the west coast of Anatolia in the region of Ionia, Ephesus played a vital commercial role in ancient times, due partly to its port and location in a fertile valley.

Enjoy strolling through Ephesus, which is the world’s largest classical archaeological site and one of the most important open-air museums in the world.

As you walk along the dusty, ancient streets of Ephesus, look out for mankind’s first road sign, (pointing towards the local brothel!) and historic buildings which include the Agora, Temple of Hadrian, the magnificent Library of Celsius and the Great Amphitheatre.

In the Great Amphitheatre at Ephesus, which seated a huge crowd of 25,000 people, Julius Caesar spent many evenings cheering on his gladiators and watching famous actors of the day at work.

Following your visit to Ephesus, you’ll get back on the road and head to a comfortable 3* hotel in Pamukkale for dinner and an overnight stay.

Pamukkale

After breakfast, your first stop is at the fascinating ancient site of Pamukkale.

No human hands helped create this entirely natural attraction in Turkey’s Aegean Sea region.

A vital settlement for centuries, Pamukkale became an important destination for pagan cults in antiquity in part because its thermal hot springs were believed to have powerful healing properties.

Pamukkale, which translates as ‘Cotton Castle’, is named after the towering white limestone ‘cotton castle’ stalactites which began forming over 14,000 years ago.

Today Pamukkale is a major tourist attraction, an important World Heritage Site, and a completely unique attraction – there really is nowhere else in the world like Pamukkale.

Enjoy exploring this fascinating fairytale ‘city’ and take time out to bathe in the healing waters of famous Cleopatra’s Pool (fee not included) before moving on.

After leaving the site at Pamukkale, you’ll head to the 2^nd century city of Hierapolis, originally built as a thermal spa, before stopping for lunch in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you’ll visit an onyx factory and carpet-weaving centre where you’ll learn how Turkey’s famous carpets are created by hand in the ancient tradition, before beginning the journey back to your hotel.

This exceptional value-for-money tour includes hotel transfers, entrance fees (except to Cleopatra’s Pool), English-speaking guides, one night half-board accommodation in a 3-star Pamukkale hotel with dinner, and breakfast on both days.

Suitable for:

• Families
• Couples
• Groups
• Teenagers
• Seniors

Great for:

• Explorers
• Culture Vultures