2-Days Exploring Ephesus and Pamukkale Marvels from Istanbul

Nat Geo Day Tour: Efesoksen muinaiset mosaiikit ja taide

Antiikin aikainen Efesoksen kaupunki on yksi maailman suosituimmista historiallisista nähtävyyksistä. Kaupunki kukoisti ensin kreikkalaisten ja sitten roomalaisten vallan alla 700-luvulta eaa. aina 200-luvulle asti. Nykyään se on hämmästyttävän hyvin säilynyt historiallinen aarreaitta, jonka raunioilla kulkiessa on helppo kuvitella kauan sitten vallinnut arkipäivän vilske.Seikkailusi alkaa kierroksella interaktiivisessa museossa. Ihaile rivitaloja, jotka eivät yleensä kuulu Efesoksen kierroksiin. Kävellessäsi käytävien ja sisäpihojen keskellä, joissa asui aikoinaan varakkaita paikallisia, saat käsityksen silloisesta yltäkylläisestä elämäntyylistä. Näissä taloissa asui joitakin maailman rikkaimmista perheistä. Ihaile seiniä koristavia mosaiikkeja ja freskoja, ja siirry ajassa taaksepäin.Sitten oppaasi johdattaa sinut Efesoksen marmorikaduille, joilla Pyhä Paavali, Kleopatra ja Aleksanteri Suuri aikoinaan kulkivat. Vierailet Celsuksen kirjastossa, joka on yksi ainoista jäljellä olevista roomalaisen valtakunnan kirjastoista, ja amfiteatterissa, johon mahtui 24 000 katsojaa.Käyt myös Art Ceramic Centre -keskuksessa, jossa perinteiset keramiikkatekniikat on edelleen voimissaan. Katsele taiteilijaa työssään, jonka jälkeen pääset maalaamaan paikallisten käsityöläisten tekemiä kaakeleita. Molemmat elämykset ovat tarjolla yksinomaan National Geographicin matkalaisille. Kierroksen päätteeksi pääset maistelemaan paikallisia hedelmäviinejä.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour

A natural masterpiece combines with ancient ruins for this full day tour. You'll head to Pamukkale – which means 'cotton castle' in Turkish – as well as the adjacent city of Hierapolis. Both are UNESCO-listed, so it's a two-for-one deal on Turkey's historical gems. Muzaffer, one of our local guides, says, ‘Pamukkale is like something out of a fairytale – a spectacle of terraces formed over thousands of years that look like a cascading snowy waterfall. Legend has it, the hot thermal springs here have healing properties'.On arrival, you'll stop by the Pam Hotel for a spot of lunch, before we make our way to the main event. A sight to behold, Pamukkale's natural springs solidified into chalk-white stalactites and cliffs long ago, resulting in a winter-like wonderland of petrified tiers and pools. People have bathed here for thousands of years, including Roman emperors. Follow in their footsteps and bathe in one of the thermal pools or simply make your way to the top and drink in the magnificent views.Next up is the ancient spa town of Hierapolis. You'll have free time to explore its well-preserved ruins, including ancient streets, a 13,000-seat theatre and the thermal baths – known as Cleopatra's pool due to her reputation of eternal youth. A dip is extra but well worth forking out for the experience of bathing in an oasis scattered with Roman artefacts. What's more, for every sale of this experience, there's a donation to CYDD, a charity that helps in the education of underprivileged children in Turkey.

Ancient Ephesus tour with pottery-making demonstration

Ephesus is one of those places that brings history to life. Relive the glory days of the Roman Empire as you explore the monuments of this ancient city on a guided tour. The archaeological site is so well preserved that it's easy to imagine the toga-clad crowds that gathered and chattered in its streets 2,000 years ago.

Izmir City Tour & Aquarium

Thanks to its sweeping harbour, seafront eateries and palm-lined pier, Izmir is known for its beautiful waterfront. This full-day guided tour takes you through the top sights of Turkey's third-largest city. Take a ferry ride across the bay, visit Izmir's aquarium, and meander through the markets. You'll kick your sightseeing off with the historic clock tower at Konak Square, a beloved symbol of Izmir, made from white marble. Our expert local guide, Ahmet, says "the clock tower isn't just a timekeeper, it's a storyteller narrating tales of Izmir's past."Next up, you'll wander over to Kizlaragasi Hani, a lively marketplace buzzing with local vendors and artisans. There's time for you to get a good look at the stalls here, which are packed with goods, from handmade crafts to traditional Turkish delight. Then, head over to Hisar Mosque, one of the city's oldest and largest. You'll learn about its history, importance and religious practices. You'll also get the chance to quietly appreciate its peaceful interior.Afterwards, meander through the colourful Kemeralti Bazaar, where you can haggle for souvenirs or just take in its vibrant atmosphere. Finally, hop on a ferry from Konak to Karsiyaka harbour – you can get a good look at Izmir's skyline from here. Round the tour off at Westpark Mall. Izmir's biggest retail outlet boasts an aquarium, too. Entry is included, so you can choose to spend the afternoon in the shops or seeing shoals of exotic fish, sharks, stingrays and more.

Ancient Ephesus Tour with House of the Virgin Mary

The hills around Kuşadası are home to two of Turkey's most popular historical sites – the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. You'll be whisked through centuries of history at Ephesus, see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and visit an important pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos – all in one afternoon. Esra, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Library of Celsus is one of the most impressive landmarks of Ephesus. It once held over 12,000 scrolls and was the third-largest library in the ancient world.'Kick off with a drive into the sun-soaked hills to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. According to popular belief, St John the Evangelist brought Mary to Ephesus after the crucifixion of Jesus, and she lived here until her death. Next, it's time to head to the ancient city of Ephesus, where a journey through history awaits. Your guide will lead you around the sprawling archaeological site and point out its highlights while regaling you with fascinating historic tales of this once-powerful city.You'll stroll down marble-paved streets where mosaics and frescoes still decorate the walls of ancient Roman houses, gaze at the Temples of Artemis and Hadrian, and be blown away by the Library of Celsus. Esra says, ‘I love to imagine the Great Theatre filled with 25,000 spectators. They would come to watch gladiator clashes, political rallies and performances in this theatre, a hub of city life. You can almost hear the roar of the crowd.'

Kusadasi 4x4 Safari Tour

Forested mountains and sea-framed peninsulas are the backdrop to this scenic 4x4 drive. Tour the beautiful rural countryside inland from Kusadasi by rugged 4x4, taking in the charming mountain villages of Çamlık and Kirazlı, followed by an afternoon of sand surfing on Pamucak beach.

Kusadasi Horse Riding Safari

Exploring your surroundings by horse is a fun and natural way to discover the Turkish countryside. Take a few hours on this horse-riding excursion from Kusadasi to get back to nature at a sedate pace, with a refreshing sea swim along the way.

Northern bays boat tour from Kusadasi

The coastline north of Kusadasi offers fantastic scenery from the sea. You'll spend the full day taking it in on this laid-back cruise, with lunch and drinks on board, swimming stops from the boat and excursions to the beach.Board your luxury vessel at Kusadasi harbour in the morning and push out into the sparkling Aegean Sea, gliding past the coastline's coves and rugged cliffs. Head to the stunning northern bays, where you'll swim in the clear, turquoise waters from the boat – or maybe just sunbathe on the ample deck.Let your friendly crew-member row you to a nearby beach – and pick you up again in time for lunch aboard your boat. Relax on deck with a drink in your hand, as you set off again on your leisurely, sun-drenched cruise.

Kusadasi Turkish Bath with Transport

Turkish baths are all about relaxation. Visit one of Kusadasi's finest Turkish bath houses, where you'll be treated to a steam room session, an invigorating body scrub and soothing foam massage. There's also the option of a traditional oil massage.

Izmir Airport VIP Lounge & Service for Kusadasi hotels

Travel in style with this full VIP service at Izmir airport. Avoid all the usual hassle as you enjoy unlimited drinks, hot and cold snacks, Wi-Fi and more in the exclusive departure lounge. An altogether more relaxed way to round off your stay.Make your wait at the airport a breeze. You'll be greeted on arrival and then have time to take advantage of the comfortable VIP lounge and all its benefits. And to top it off, you'll have assistance with check-in, security clearance and passport control.Inside, you've access to complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks and snacks, as well as selected alcoholic beverages too. What's more, there's unlimited free Wi-Fi access to a kids' area to keep the little ones entertained – allowing you to relax right up to take off.