Aphrodisias and Pamukkale as a private tour is a tourist’s dream come true. There will be no following the crowd, but seeing at your own pace these wondrous areas of Turkey. The ancient city of Aphrodisias, named for the Greek Goddess of love herself, and housing the magnificent temple in her name is well worth the visit. There is also a large amphitheatre dating from antiquity here. With architecture from the different centuries, the city is as beautiful and compelling as the Goddess herself, and will be an enchanting part of your itinerary.
No visit to this region would be complete without visiting the terraces of Pamukkale. Translated into English meaning Cotton Castle, as you approach the area you will see in the distance this geological wonder, unique in the known world with the only similar counterpart being Yellowstone Park in America. Even though it looks like ice, the terraces are actually formed by overflowing calcifications from underground. Over millions of years these pools have been forming and fading. Picturesque to behold, they are easy to climb and not at all slippery. The rocks have formed pools where you are able to paddle or swim through at your leisure.
With the calcified travertines leading the way, you arrive at the top and find, hidden from view, the most wondrous antique city of Hierapolis. Never heard of it? Well this city is where the apostle St Philip preached christianity after the execution, and was himself executed for his deed.
He is buried here. In ancient times it was known for its healing waters and as a spiritual centre throughout the centuries. Often shaded by its larger sister city of Ephesus, Hierapolis has much to offer and is equally as entrancing to visit. Home to the thermal spa where Cleopatra used to bathe, you may, to this day, swim in the same spa waters (heated to 35 degrees centigrade) where the famous Queen once bathed. With most of the ancient pillars fallen into the waters (a result of earthquakes throughout the last thousand years or so) the pool is breathtaking in its beauty and crystal clear water. It is easy to lose yourself among the palm trees and the ambience of this oasis paradise at the top of the travertines.
With a tourist centre in the heart of the ancient city, you may take time out to sit among the lush gardens, visit the tourist shops or contemplate your route through the ancient city itself.
All of this taken in the company of a professional, English speaking guide, means you won’t have to miss a thing.
Upon booking you can discuss with the team the best days and departures times for you. As a private tour this is your prerogative. Your luxury vehicle will be waiting in front of your accomodation at the prearranged time, ready to take you quickly and comfortably towards Aphrodisias. You will be accompanied on the tour by a registered guide with an excellent command of English or any chosen language required by you.
You will visit the sites at Aphrodisias and Pamukkale and can add any stops along the way. With a lunch half way through the day (you say when), you will visit an open buffet restaurant to replenish yourself for the rest of your tour.
After your visit is complete you will head back to your accomodationfeeling the VIP that you are, having had a privately guided tour.
