Aegean Wonders : Travel to Pamukkale, Laodicea, Ephesus, Priene

Day 1: Early Morning Flight from Istanbul to Pamukkale / Tour to Laodicea, Pamukkale, Hierapolis / Overnight at Kusadasi

1. Pamukkale
   1h
   Upon arrival at Denizli Çardak Airport, your tour guide will meet you at the exit of the arrival terminal, holding a welcome sign with the guests’ names for easy identification, and then proceed to the Pamukkale Natural Park area for your tour of the Pamukkale travertines and the ancient city of Hierapolis.
2. Pass by
   Pamukkale Natural Park, a must-visit destination for Nature and History lovers. For centuries, people have been coming here and going home restful. This natural park provide you experiences at the white travertenies of Pamukkale, Cleopatra Pools and ancient city of Hierapolis which are located in Pamukkale Natural Park.
3. Hierapolis & Pamukkale
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   The highlights of the Hierapolis Ancient City are Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Latrina, Oil Factory, Frontinus Street, Agora, Byzantium Gate, Triton Fountain, Cathedral, Apollon Temple, Plutonium, Theater and Antique Pool. During visits to these ancient ruins, you can take some photos from the nicest corners of the Pamukkale.
4. Pamukkale Thermal Pools
   1h 15m
   After visited the Hierapolis Ancient City, you will have free time for about 60-75 minutes to explore the natural beauties of the Pamukkale, and swim at white travertines - thermal pools (or antique pool - Cleopatra’s pool with extra fee).
5. Cleopatra Pools
   30m · Admission ticket not included
   Situated above the Pamukkale white travertine pools is one particularly spectacular location fed by the same hot springs. Here you can bath in the same waters in which Cleopatra once swam! A professionally run modern spa facility allows you to enjoy these historical healing waters. Unlike the white water of the lower pools the Antique Pool favored by Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, is pure clear warm water. Once it was surmounted by a Roman Temple to Apollo with ornate roof held up with Doric columns. Imagine how Cleopatra must have experienced this when you imagine it in it's glory day.
6. Pamukkale
   1h
   You will stop at a local restaurant for your lunch. Today’s lunch is included during guided tour. After the lunch, you will have experience traditional handcraft workshop for get lecture about the special stones/metals of Pamukkale.
7. 30m · Admission ticket not included
   Pamukkale Paragliding Adventure (Optional Attraction – You can add this attraction to your experiences with extra cost.) : See Pamukkale’s glistening white travertine and ancient Hierapolis, including the enormous theater, from the air on this short-but-sweet paragliding experience with a seasoned pilot. You will race off the edge of a slope about 1,300 feet (400 meters) up, then glide on the breezes over the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. Laodicea
   1h · Admission ticket not included
   Excavations here have revealed artifacts dating from 3500 BC (Late Chalcolithic) to 3000 BC (Early Bronze Age). The city’s name comes from the Seleucid king Antiochus ii, who named it for his wife Laodike in the 3rd century BC when it was thriving. Later controlled by the kings of Pergamum, it was willed to the Roman Empire, and thrived again from the 4th to 6th centuries. Its importance then numbered it among the Seven Churches of Revelation.
9. Kusadasi
   2h 30m
   After today’s semi-private guided tour in Pamukkale district, you will be transferred to your hotel in Kusadasi.
10. Kusadasi Castle
    Pass by
    This small castle is picturesque Byzantine fortress stands on the causeway-connected Guvercin Adasi (Pigeon Island) and has recently been renovated. *** There is no any visit to this place on tour. You can visit there by your own after we dropped you to your hotel in Kusadasi.
11. Okuz Mehmet Pasa KervansarayI
    Pass by
    This caravanserai was built by the Grand Vizier Okuz Mehmed Pasha to support maritime trade in the region. This historical building is opposite to Kusadasi cruise port. *** There is no any visit to this place on tour. You can visit there by your own after we dropped you to your hotel in Kusadasi.

Day 2: Semi-Private Tour to Ephesus and Its Surroundings / Flight to Cappadocia / Overnight at Cappadocia

1. 30m
   After having breakfast at the hotel, your tour guide and driver will meet you at the reception of your hotel in Kusadasi and then drive you to the town of Selcuk for your tour of Ephesus and its surroundings.
2. Ephesus Ancient City
   1h 45m · Admission ticket not included
   Ephesus was one of the most important harbor cities in antique world and also it is mentioned in the book of Revelations as one of the seven churches. Also Celsus Library and theater in Ephesus are the other highlights. You will see and visit the Celsus Library, Temple of Hadrian, the fountain of Trajan, Grand Theater, Hercules Gate, Odeon, Ancient Toilets and many important historical buildings in this UNESCO-listed ancient city.
3. 20m
   Ephesus Experience Museum, where you will travel back in time and immerse yourself in the mystical atmosphere of the ancient world. With innovative approach of this amazing museum, we offer an entirely mesmerizing experience where time breaks free from its static confines and dances in perpetual motion, bringing historical artifacts to life and presenting interactive visual spectacles that will leave an indelible imprint on your memory. (Admission to the Ephesus Experience Museum is free if you have a ticket for Ephesus Ancient City)
4. Ephesus Terrace Houses
   Pass by
   You will be walking from front of Terrace Houses during your tour, and your guide will provide information about the Terrace Houses of Ephesus Ancient City. (There is no visit to this place included in the guided tour. However, you may add a short visit if your schedule allows.)
5. The House of the Virgin Mary
   45m · Admission ticket not included
   The next visit of your tour will be the last home of the Virgin Mary. Once you arrive there you will be thrilled by the natural beauty that surrounds the monument. The House of Virgin Mary is located on the Aladag Mountains 5 miles away from Ephesus. At the third Ecumenical Council on 431 AD in Ephesus, it was claimed that Mary came to Ephesus with St. John in 37 A.D. and lived there until her death in 48 A.D. After the discovery of the house, the Archbishop of Izmir declared there as a place of pilgrimage in 1892. On July 26, 1967, Pope Paul VI visited this place and prayed there.
6. Selcuk
   1h
   You will stop at a traditional Turkish restaurant for your lunch. After the lunch, you will have experience in a traditional handcraft co-operative for get lecture about the special arts of Turkish villagers.
7. The Temple of Artemis
   20m
   Another visit of your tour is Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, standing today next to Ephesus ancient city.
8. Pass by
   At the end of the tour of Ephesus and its surroundings, we will transfer you to Izmir Airport for your flight to Cappadocia. Please note that there are no direct flights from Izmir to Cappadocia every day. Therefore, you may have a flight with a layover in Istanbul if there is no direct flight to Cappadocia on your travel date.
9. 1h
   Upon your arrival Kayseri airport, we will transfer you to your hotel in Cappadocia.

Day 3: Day 4 : Hot Air Balloon Ride (Optional) / Overnight at Cappadocia

1. 3h · Admission ticket included
   Hot Air Balloon Ride (INCLUDED FOR SILVER, GOLD, AND DIAMOND PACKAGE OPTIONS – EXCLUDED FOR BRONZE PACKAGE OPTION) : Get ready for a unique and unforgettable experience in Cappadocia! We will pick you up from your hotel and transfer you to the balloon site, where you can watch the balloon being prepared for your flight. The flight takes place at sunrise, with your pilot climbing to a comfortable altitude of approximately 700 to 1000 meters above ground level. From this height, you will marvel at the breathtaking beauty of Cappadocia below. During certain segments of the flight, our pilots may also fly as low as 1 meter above the rock formations, giving you perfect opportunities for photos. The total activity lasts approximately 3 hours, with the flight itself lasting around 60 minutes. At the end of the flight, there will be a champagne celebration, and you will receive a souvenir to remember this magnificent experience. Afterwards, we will transfer you back to your hotel.
2. 1h · Admission ticket included
   Camel Ride (INCLUDED) : Join your guides during the safety briefing. Get to know your new camel friends and start the safari journey. Admire the stunning landscapes of Cappadocia as you ride into the Red and Rose Valleys.

Day 4: Northern Cappadocia Tour

1. Fairy Chimneys
   20m
   Cappadocia is famous for its unique landforms. The Fairy Chimneys are the most obvious places to visit where these landforms are best seen and the common life of humankind and nature. On this tour, you will have seen many examples of the Fairy Chimneys of Cappadocia and the first off them will be Three Beauties. Meet the most famous family of fairy chimneys: Three beauties. These are the official symbol of both Urgup and Cappadocia.
2. Goreme Open Air Museum
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   The Goreme Open-Air Museum features an extensive monastic complex carved directly into the soft volcanic rock, including ancient churches, kitchens, wineries, storerooms, and living spaces once inhabited by Anatolian Christians. With its unique architectural details and beautifully preserved frescoes, the site offers a vivid window into early Christian life in Cappadocia. Its cultural and historical significance has earned it a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
3. TokalI Church
   20m · Admission ticket included
   The Tokalı Church (Buckle Church) in the Göreme Open Air Museum is considered one of the most beautiful of the Cappadocian cave churches. Its interior boasts some of the most outstanding frescoes, notable for their theological and artistic significance. The church is part of a larger complex that includes four churches and a hermitage, all dating back to the 9th century. Once the most famous church in the region, it remains one of the most impressive churches in the area today.
4. Ortahisar
   20m
   The entire town is dominated by the 90-metre-high (300 ft) rock-castle in the centre of the town, which is called Sivrikoya by the inhabitants. It is an extraordinary example of the rock-cut architecture which is typical of the region and served as a refuge from attackers in Byzantine times. You will see all these rock-cut architecture by panoramic visit.
5. Avanos Oren Yeri
   1h 30m
   Today’s lunch service will be in a local restaurant at the Avanos, and you will have chance for test the "Testi Kebab" which is a traditional kebab variety of the Cappadocia region of Turkey. (Also, vegetarian meals are available in same restaurant.) Avanos is a popular destination because of its attractive old town with cobbled streets, and views over the river. The old city of Avanos, whose name in ancient times was Venessa, overlooks the longest river of Turkey, the Kizilirmak (Red River), which also separates Avanos from the rest of Cappadocia. The most famous historical feature of Avanos, which is still relevant and very visible today, is its production of earthenware pottery; it is also the most economic activity in the town. The ceramic trade in this district and its countless pottery factories date right back to the Hittites, and the ceramic clay from the red silt of the Kizilirmak has always been used.
6. Uchisar Castle
   30m
   Uchisar rock castle is one of the biggest landmarks of Cappadocia. It is the highest tuff hill in the area with beautiful views of the surrounding valley full of bizarre rock formations. (There are no any visit to rock castle because of the walking difficulties and safety risks on there. You will have a stop for panoramic view to this rock castle.)
7. Devrent Valley
   20m
   Which is also known as Imagination Valley. Valley contains many animal shaped rocks which are mostly in red colour. Some of the most frequent shapes is like Camel.

Day 5: Southern Cappadocia Tour

1. 5m
   We will pick you up from your hotel and then drive to Keslik Monastery. On the way, you will pass through Mustafapaşa (Sinasos) Village, one of Cappadocia’s hidden gems. This charming village combines history and nature, showcasing impressive examples of both Greek and Turkish architecture. With its stone houses, narrow streets, and restored old mansions, Mustafapaşa takes visitors on a journey back in time.
2. Keslik Monastery
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Keslik Monastery is a sprawling cave monastery complex with two churches, a large refectory hall, a sacred spring, and endless cave rooms. Located in an idyllic garden setting, this is the most expansive monastery in Cappadocia. This site has been used and developed in many ways throughout the course of 2,000 years. This area was a gravesite in pre-Christian Roman times, a large communal monastery during the Byzantine era, and now a tourist site in modern Turkey.
3. Sobesos Ancient City
   30m
   Sobesos Ancient City was discovered by accident in 2002. The city, which is one of the mirrors of Cappadocia's history, was unearthed as a result of a 3-year archaeological excavation. As a result of the excavations, it has been observed that there are many motifs embroidered on colored stones. Especially the floor mosaics are made with interesting geometric patterns.
4. Pigeon Valley
   1h 30m
   You will have your lunch and then continue to Pigeon Valley, located in Üçhisar, to enjoy one of the best panoramic views of the region. The site also features many pigeon houses built by the ancient inhabitants of the area. If you wish, you can also visit the region’s popular onyx stone factory.
5. Kaymakli Underground City
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Kaymakli, one of the major underground cities of Cappadocia, consists of 8 floors. However, as in many underground cities, not all floors are open to tourists. In the city, the first floor is separated for the animals to go out easily. Establish a connection between the churches and other living spaces with the corridors separated from the stables. Kaymakli Underground City, which has astounding sections such as warehouses, kitchens, cemeteries, mughouse, and copper processing workshop, still contains hidden underground tunnels that have not been fully revealed.

• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• To arrange your flight tickets, the local tour operator may kindly request some passport details. Providing this information will help ensure that your domestic flight booking can be completed smoothly.
• E-tickets for your domestic flights will be sent by the local tour operator three days prior to your departure date. Printed copies of the tickets are not required by airline companies or the local tour operator. You may use the digital copies.
• Each domestic flight includes a baggage allowance of 15 kg of checked luggage and 8 kg of hand luggage per person. If you require additional baggage allowance, please inform the local tour operator in advance. Please note that extra charges may apply for luggage exceeding the 15 kg limit.
• If you wish to change your scheduled domestic flight(s) after they have been issued, the local tour operator may request the cost of new flight tickets. Please note that flight tickets cannot be refunded or changed once issued.
• Package prices are based on accommodations in double or triple rooms. Rooms are assigned according to the number of guests in your booking: 2 guests will receive a double room, and 3 guests a triple room. For groups of 4 or more, rooms will be arranged as the most suitable combination of double and/or triple rooms. For bookings of 2 or more guests, a single room supplement may apply if a single room is requested. Single travelers (for bookings of one person) are not charged extra and will automatically be accommodated in single rooms.
• Pick-up transfer service is not available for hotels or addresses located inside the same airport as the departure flight. Similarly, drop-off transfer service is not available for hotels or addresses located inside the same airport as the return flight.
• MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE : Hot air balloon rides are subject to weather conditions and safety regulations set by the Civil Aviation Authority. Unlike some others, we offer a guaranteed refund for the cost of hot air balloon experience if the flight is canceled due to unfavorable weather. In such cases, the balloon flight cost is refunded promptly, typically by the following day, ensuring a worry-free and transparent travel experience.
• DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE PACKAGES : The hot air balloon ride is included in the Silver, Gold, and Diamond Packages, while the Bronze Package does not include this activity. Accommodation for the Bronze and Silver Packages is at Carina Boutique Hotel in Kuşadası and 1811 Cave Hotel in Cappadocia, whereas the Gold and Diamond Packages offer stays at Charisma De Luxe Hotel in Kuşadası and Zeydem Suites Cave Hotel in Cappadocia. If the selected hotel is unavailable in the standard or superior room categories on the requested travel dates, the local tour operator reserves the right to arrange accommodation at an alternative hotel of equivalent category and quality. All packages except the Diamond Package include semi-private guided tours with a maximum of 10 participants per group and English-speaking guides. The Diamond Package offers private (non-shared) guided tours with guides who speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, or Japanese, providing a more personalized and exclusive experience.
• SEMI-PRIVATE GUIDED TOURS : Unlike standard group tours, the guided day tour(s) in this travel package are operated with a maximum of 10 participants per group. This exclusive format ensures a more personal, immersive, and comfortable experience, allowing guests to truly connect with Cappadocia’s ancient heritage and breathtaking landscapes.
• The Hot Air Balloon Ride will be operated in the Standard Category. This category offers an approximate flight duration of one hour, using baskets with a capacity of 20 to 28 passengers. The actual flight time may vary between 50–55 minutes or 65–70 minutes, depending on weather conditions prior to landing. Flight duration decisions are made by the pilot in accordance with the safety regulations of the Civil Aviation Authority. The total duration of the activity is approximately 3 hours.
• If you have not added the Hot Air Balloon Ride to your booking for this travel package, the hot air balloon experience and any related services mentioned or advertised in the description are not included.
• If you do not use any service or choose not to participate in activities, tours, or airport transfers, this will be considered a last-minute cancellation. In such cases, no refund will be provided.
• The guests aged 17 and under are not allowed to participate in the Camel ride due to safety measures.
• The children aged 6 and under are not allowed to participate in the hot air balloon ride due to Civil Aviation regulations.
• Child rates apply only when accompanied by two paying adults. If the booking includes 1 adult and 1 child, the local tour operator may charge the rate for 2 adults.
• Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking.
• Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required.
• Infant meals not included.
• All the information provided above forms part of the terms and conditions for tour. You have been confirmed your acceptance of these when you book this tour. The local tour operator clearly specifies the details in the program, explanations, and reservation options, and is responsible only for the services indicated. That's why, please read those details while booking this tour.