Bodrum Pamukkale & Ephesus Tour

For a holiday within a holiday, a visit to the antique cities of Ephesus and Hierapolis in Pamukkale are a ‘must see’ for all the history buffs, who need that little bit more from their vacation than simply sand and sea.  This tour takes you to the ancient city of Ephesus, the second largest city of the Roman Empire, and still worth a visit today, where some streets are still intact and despite the ravages of the centuries.

Ephesus still stands as imposing as ever it must have been.  You can walk the streets once walked by St Paul and St John.  It is said that St John wrote the book of Revolution in the nearby Basilica dedicated to him.  Where legend becomes misted with fact, it is documented in the Christian Bible that the prophet Jesus  entrusted his mother, Mary into John’s keeping.  It is also believed that the Virgin herself ended her days in a large house on the outskirts of the city, you can still see the ancient house footage and the water source at its centre. There is now a small church on this spot and the area has become a fascinating pilglrimage for Christians throughout the world.  One more interesting fact is that the Ecumenical Council who chose the Gospels for the Christian Bible, took place in Ephesus, one of the most important cities in the ancient world and chronicled by many throughout the centuries. 

As you walk the antique streets down to the famouse Library at Celsius or take the route to the Bathhouse or the massive amphitheatre that once held 24,000 people you will wonder at this jewel.

Still, you are not visiting one, but two of these marvels.  The second day of your tour will take you to the small town of Pamukkale, where the white calcified rocks, rule majestically over the town.  The rocks have filled with the highly calcified water, creating shining blue pools that cascade down the mountainside.  One of the other place in the world where you can see this rock formation is Yellowstone Park in the USA.  Unfortunately those rocks are discoloured, hence the name yellowstone.  For this reason, you are unable to walk with shoes when you walk the travertines.  This is no problem.  It is not slippery.  In fact the chalklike rocks make it easy to walk barefoot to the top.  Taken slowly this is a leisurely climb with the amazing city of Hierapolis awaiting you, barefoot, at its summit. 

Hierapolis often sits in the shadow of Ephesus, but is no less an important city of antiquity.  Known for its healing waters and proximity above the travertines, Hierapolis is also home to Cleopatra’s Pool.  A charming thermal spa where the ancient pillars of her majesty’s time have fallen into the waters, and where you can now swim and breathe in the allegedly healing air of the Spa.  And of course you have guessed it, Cleopatra, queen of Egypt, was in fact from the Ptolome family who once ruled in this region, and who surely did bathe in the pool at some time in her life.

Your tour begins on Day 1 with an early morning pick up at around 06:30 from your Bodrum hotel, introduction to your tour guide and buffet breakfast stop on the way to Ephesus.  You will be travelling by luxury coach with all modern conviences available.

You will make a mid morning comfort stop in Selcuk Town and visit an authentic Turkish Delight factory for tasting. You will then travel on to the antique city of Ephesus, sightseeing the Temple of Artemis (one of the seven wonders of the ancient world) and the House of the Virgin Mary. There will be a lunch break before heading towards Pamukkale and your hotel for the night.  There will be freetime and evening dinner at the hotel.

You will have breakfast at the hotel before checkout. You will then visit the Travertines (white rocks) and head to the upper area where the city of Hierapolis nestles.  You can expect some free time in Hierapolis centre to visit Cleopatra’s Pool or the Tourist Centre to relax.  You will have some lunch and relax, before heading back to Bodrum and return to your holiday hotel.