In last decades, Turkey is getting popular in terms of sun and beach holidays destinations that UK people prefer. Families can find good and
On your next holiday to Turkey why not take a two day adventure to Ephesus and Pamukkale. On this overnight trip you get to see the legendary ruins at Ephesus as well as the natural wonders at Pamukkale. You will stay overnight in a four star hotel where dinner and breakfast is included. It’s possible to go on this trip wherever you are visiting on Turkey’s south western coast.
Day One: Ephesus
Ephesus is the best preserved classical city on the Mediterranean, built in the 10th Century BC; it is one of Turkey’s most popular tourist attractions. As a strategic coastal getaway to the Eastern World this Ionian refuge grew to be the second largest city in the Roman Empire.
It was one of the most important classical cities as it was a crucial religious centre for Paganism and Christianity as well as science and culture. Ephesus still remains a sacred Christian site due to its association with several biblical figures, which include the Virgin Mary, St. Paul and St. John the Evangelist.
It is home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world as well as other fantastic sites such as the Library of Celsus, a massive amphitheatre and the Marble road.
Excavations at Ephesus have been ongoing for 150 years, it is one of Europe’s most complete classical cities and that’s will 82% of the city still to be unearthed!
Day Two: Pamukkale
The name Pamukkale means ‘cotton castles’ in Turkish and it’s easy to see how it gained its name as soon as you see this natural wonder. Local legend has it that giant’s were known to dry cotton crops along the terraces.
The unique landscape is formed from mineral rich waters that cascade down the mountain at temperatures of 35 degrees.
When the water emerges from the springs the pressure causes the CO2 in the water to vaporise and the calcium carbonate (limestone) to be precipitated out, which forms the travertine formations that now constitute the distinctive features of the site. The terraced layers have been described as frozen waterfalls; they really are a sight to behold.
It’s possible to climb up the travertines, all the way from the bottom of the hill to the top, although you have to walk barefoot, so as not to cause damage or erosion. As you wander up you walk through the warm water which runs down the hill and you can swim in the pools created on the terraces. The thermal hot springs have been used since Roman times for their therapeutic powers.
At the top of the hill you can visit the ancient site of Hierapolis, which has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site. Due to the important waters found here it became an important religious site. Some of the ruins from lie in a pool named after Aphrodite that you can swim in.
The city dates back to 190BC, it contains many ruins which includes monuments, a theatre, a basilica, baths, the Temple of Apollo, a necropolis and tombs. One of the ancient baths has now been turned into an archaeology museum.
If you would like to see these sites but not go on an overnight excursion it’s also possible to visit Pamukkale on a day trip.
Don’t forget to bring: sensible shoes, a sunhat, spending money and an overnight bag if applicable.
Here are some reviews from previous visitors:
“An excellent tour, the guide was extremely knowledgeable, will definitely recommend to others”
“Overall a brilliant trip, the tour guide was very informative and keen to share his knowledge. The journey was safe and comfortable. Very impressed.”
“We had an amazing time! The sites were fantastic an experience not to be missed.”
