IZMIR -EPHESUS ANCIENT CITY-ST JOHN BASILICA-EPHESUS MUSEUM-SIRINCE VILLAGE -IZMIR 180 KM

After breakfast ,you’ll drive to Selcuk ,first you’ll visit the Ancient Ephesus, the UNESCO World Heritage Site .A visit to Efes (Ephesus) - once the commercial center of the ancient world - is a highlight of any visit to Turkey The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times, dates in its latest form from the third century B.C. The ruins also include a theater, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsus. This tour offers a complete perspective about the Ancient City of Ephesus and the Roman way of living. In Ephesus, You will see the • Magnesia Gate, • Odeon, • Trajan Fountain, • Temple of Hadrian, • Celsius Library, • Grand Theater, • Arcadian Way.

Our next stop the Basilica of St.John.This site is the burial place of St.John,the writer of the gospel of the same name and the disciple who brought the Vırgın Mary to Ephesus.Built to the shape of a cross it has six large domes.The Byzantine Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora had the church built over the site of the grave.In the Byzantine period the entrance in the walls had embossed friezes which showed the pursuit of Achilles and for this reason is known as the ‘’Takip kapısı’’(Pursuit Gate). From the courtyard of the church there is a wonderful panorama of the temple of Artemis İsa Bey Mosque and the Aegean at Pamucak.

You’ll have Lunch in Selcuk ,before you visit the museum of Ephesus

The museum of Ephesus, unlike most of other museums, is not designed according to the chronological order but the galleries are filled with artifacts according to a theme.

Galleries include:

1- Sculptures from the fountains

2- Finds from the Terrace Houses

3-Coins

4-Ephesus through the Ages

5-Courtyard with column capitals and tombs

6- Hall of Mother Goddess cult

7- Hall of Ephesus Artemis

8- Hall of Imperial Cult

9-Museum Shop and Cafe

Before visiting these galleries, one should not miss the 3D simulation video of ancient Ephesus where visitors can visualize the setting of the ancient city and may have an idea about how the buildings used to look like. The video can be watched in three languages; Turkish, English and German and it lasts 10 minutes. The video room is the first room before the fountain statues gallery.

Some of the most remarkable artifacts in the museum are the Ephesus Artemis statue, Priapos statue, the head of Socrates, the Egyptian priest, the Eros with rabbit and the oldest piece – a stamp- found in Cukurici Mound- dating back to 6200 BC.

Then drive to Sirince Village ; It is a beautiful hill town only 8 km east of Selcuk, near Ephesus, in the Aegean hinterland south of İzmir It's famous for its olive oil, fruit wines, other natural products, and its atmospheric boutique hotels. A dozen small restaurants cater to day-trippers, hotel guests, and locals alike.

In the 19th century ,it was a Greek town with 1800 houses,famous for its fig production,especially for export.Population Exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923 ,result of the departure of the Greeks were settled by emigrants from the village.There are two Greek churges in the quarter.In Şirince no house blocks the vıew of the other.

Some say the Orthodox Christian Greeks who lived here during the Ottoman Empire were famed for the excellence of their wine. The Muslim Turks who moved here from Thessaloniki in 1924 re-started wine-making using local fruits, including apple, apricot, banana, blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, mulberry (black, and white), mandarin orange, melon, orange, peach, quince, sour (Morello) cherry and strawberry. You can taste the results and judge for yourself when you visit. They sell red, white and rosé, dry and sweet. A few local producers have switched from the local vines, which in fact produce table grapes, to Turkey's better wine grapes such as Narince.

You’ll going back in the evening to the hotel in İzmir

İZMİR-THE ANCIENT SITE OF AKROPOLİS AND ASKLEPION-RED BASILICA-SARDES ANCIENT CITY-SALİHLİ 270 KM

You’ll drive to Pergamon to visit The Acropol .Acropol is at an elevation of 300 meters and is especially rich in structures from the Hellenistic period.The palaces of the kings of Bargama,the theater ,holy areas and temples ,the agora ,the gymnasium,heroon (tomb of a deified hero) and other remains from the Roman period are all to be found on this hill.The excavation at Bergama began in 1877 and the most important find is the Zeus Altar which was taken to Berlin to be displayed there.It is only possible to see the base of the altar at Bergama.The most impressive structure on the ancient site is undouptedly the Traianus Temple which has been reerected after very successful restoration work.Other structures worthy of note are :the Temple to Dionysus ,which was constructed completely from marble in the Ionic style ,the 15.000 seat theater which is the steepest of its kind,the second largest library of its time containing 200.000 works and the Bergama Library ,built by King Attalos 1,which is located behind the Temple to Athena.

Then you’ll continue to Asklepion.This is situated to West of the ancient site.It was constructed in the 4th century BC and this area was dedicated to the god of health,Aesculapius and is the remains of one of the first health centers in the World.In its day Asklepion ,was famous for its motto,’’Death cannot enter the place its forbidden’’.On the ‘’Blessed Way’’ you can find the symbol used today by pharmacists-the snake entwined round a stick.Among some of the methods of treatment used here were music and psychotherapy .During the Romanperiod the famous pharmacist and physician,Galenos ,worked here at the Asklepion before working as the court physian. Locally the Asklepion is known as ‘’Ayvaz Ali’’.

You’ll have Lunch at the local restaurant in Bergama

After Lunch you’ll visit the ‘’Red Basilica’’ in Bergama.

The "Red Basilica", also called variously the Red Hall and Red Courtyard, is a monumental ruined temple in the ancient city of Pergamon, now Bergama, in western Turkey. The temple was built during the Roman Empire, probably in the time of Hadrian and possibly on his orders. It is one of the largest Roman structures still surviving in the ancient Greek world. The temple is thought to have been used for the worship of Egyptian gods – specifically Isis and/or Serapis, and possibly also Osiris, Harpocrates and other lesser gods, who may have been worshipped in a pair of drum-shaped rotundas, both of which are virtually intact, alongside the main temple.

Although the building itself is of an immense size, it was only one part of a much larger sacred complex, surrounded by high walls, that dwarfed even the colossal Temple of Jupiter in Baalbek. The entire complex was built directly over the River Selinus in a remarkable feat of engineering that involved the construction of an immense bridge 196 metres (643 ft) wide to channel the river through two channels under the temple. The Pergamon Bridge still stands today, supporting modern buildings and even vehicle traffic. A series of tunnels and chambers lies under the main temple, connecting it with the side rotundas and giving private access to different areas of the complex. Various drains, water channels and basins are located in, around and under the main temple and may have been used for symbolic reenactments of the flooding of the Nile.

The temple was converted by the Byzantines into a Christian church dedicated to St John but was subsequently destroyed. Today the ruins of the main temple and one of the side rotundas can be visited, while the other side rotunda is still in use as a small mosque.

Then you drive to the ancient city of Sardes or which is called Sardis by Lydians, was the capital of a state with major economic and political power in the 6th and 7th centuries BC .The ancient city of Sardis contains many historical values from Lydians and Romans, under the rule of which it has gotten after Lydians.

The Temple of Artemis, one of Anatolia's seven temples and Sardis Synagogue, which one of the most impotant evidences of the Jewish presence in Western Anatolia in ancient times, which are located in historical conservation area are quite prominent and unique cultural artifacts in respect of ruins of Bath-Gymnasium Complex of the Roman period.

Many typical mausoleums of the ancient age, which are called tumulus and located in Bintepeler territory near Sart which is thought to be the acropolis of Sardis Ancient City, are in this region as an ancient memory of the rich and glorious history of Lydians

Then you are going to the hotel in Salihli

SALIHLI-THE ANCIENT CITY OF PHILADELPHIA-THE ANCIENT CITY OF  TRIPOLİS-HIERAPOLİS AND PAMUKKALE 130 KM

You’ll drive to the Ancient Philadelphia, modern Alaşehir, is a town located in Manisa Province in the Aegean region of Turkey. It was built in 189 BC by King Eumenes II of Pergamon. The remains of the 600 AD Byzantine basilica of St. John are considered to be the main archaeological attraction in the modern city. In early Christian times, Philadelphia was home to a significant Christian church, mentioned as one of the seven Churches of the Book of Revelation.

After the visit of Philadelphia you’ll visit the ancient city of Tripolis.(Ancient city with 4 names and fascinating ruins)

Tripolis sounds intriguing enough as it is, and at least to us, the name was enough to spark curiosity and to have a closer look at the site. But it seems one name wasn’t enough for this place, which is also known as Neapolis, Apollonia, and Antoniopolis. Whichever name you prefer, this ancient site close to Pamukkale is rather pretty and worth adding to your itinerary if you’re in the area.

Tripolis dates back as far as 4.000 BCE. In the Hellenistic period, The city was at the borders of the Phrygia, Caria, and Lydia regions. However, most of the ruins you’ll see today originate from the Roman and Byzantine periods, the most lustrous time of the city. Most public buildings, including the city gates, streets, baths, stadiums, theaters, and council halls, were built after the 2nd century.

In 2013, a 1.500-year-old church was discovered, and in 2019, excavations revealed a 2nd-century fountain. The city minted its own coins, some of which carried the image of Leto.

Before you visit the ancient city of Hierapolis ,you will have Lunch near Pamukkale

Then you arrive to the ancient city of Hierapolis in Pamukkale.

The surreal, brilliant white travertine terraces and warm, limpid pools of Pamukkale hang, like the petrified cascade of a mighty waterfall, from the rim of a steep valley side inTurkey’s picturesque southwest. Truly spectacular in its own right, the geological phenomenon that is Pamukkale, literally "Cotton Castle" in Turkish, is also the site of the remarkably well-preserved ruins of the Greek-Roman city of Hierapolis. With such a unique combination of natural and man-made wonders it’s little wonder that Pamukkale-Hierapolis has been made a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. With over two million visitors annually, it is also Turkey’s single most visited attraction.

The ancient city of Hierapolis, which is not only our country but also the most important ancient city areas of the world, is located in the UNESCO World Heritage List just like the travertines. The unique antique legacy left by the Kingdom of Bergama was famous for its thermal springs and medicinal properties even in 197 BC, when it was founded.

Hierapolis, which takes its name from the presence of a thermal springs and a cave out of the gas (carbon dioxide) that causes the living creatures approaching to it to die, is "the Holy City". The earthquakes that lived in 133 BC and 60 AD destroyed the city, which was recognized by the temples of the world, but later rebuilt by the Romans.

Hierapolis ancient city ;Known as Hell Gate, Pluto's Gate or Ploutonion, the cave is located near Hierapolis. Animals slaughtered with carbon dioxide gas leaked from the cavern, which was considered the entrance gate of the underground world ruled by God Plouton and his wife Persophone, were sacrificed by the priests.

End of the day you arrive to the hotel in Pamukkale

PAMUKKALE-APHRODISIAS ANCIENT CITY-MARMARİS 280 KM

Today ,you’ll start first the ancient city of Aphrodisias on the way to Fethiye

Aphrodisias was primarily known as a center for the arts, specifically sculpture. The Aphrodisias School of Sculpture had a distinctive style and was very well circulated throughout the Greek and Roman world.

The ruins are numerous and well preserved. A two mile long Byzantine wall still surrounds the city. The Temple of Aphrodite, eventually converted to a Christian basilica, is excellently preserved. The Tetrapylon, the gate which was leading people to their great temple, was re-erected by Kenan Erim, where he's buried in front of it with a special permission of the Government after his death. The Baths of Hadrian are still partially standing. The theatre and the stadium are one of the best preserved in all eastern Mediterranean. The nearby museum contains many beautiful statues and portrait sculpture.

In 2017 Aphrodisias archaeological site has entered into the List of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

You’ll visit the museum of Aphrodisias.Aphrodisias Museum is one of the rare museums where the artifacts unearthed during the excavations of Aphrodisias Ancient City are exhibited and where the Museum and the ruins are intertwined.

Prehistoric artifacts from the Chalcolitic Period,bronze Age early,middle and late periods,Lydian ceramics excavated from these mounds and around the Temple of Aphrodite,archaic,Classical ,Hellenistic period artifacts and ruins Roman,Byzantine and Early Islamic period artifacts found in excavations on site are exhibited.

The Aphrodisias Museum is very rich in terms of the sculptural Works it displays.In this respect,it is an important archeology museum.A different aspect of Aphrodisias sculpture is exhibited in each hall with these Works made by sculptors of Aphrodisias,made of White,blue-gray marbles extracted from the slopes of Baba Mountain .These halls ; the Imperial Hall ,teh Melpomene Hall,the Odeon Hall,the Showcase Exhibition Gallery with the Glazed Window,the Penthesilia Hall and the Goddes Aphrodite Hall,which gave the city its name,as well as the sarcophagi fpund in the city in the inner garden and courtyard are exhibited.

You’ll have lunch on the way to Marmaris

End of the day you arrive to the hotel in Marmaris

MARMARİS- MARMARİS CASTLE AND ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM-KNIDOS  ANCIENT CITY - MARMARIS 210 KM

Marmaris Castle and the Archaelogy museum is the only huge historic landmark and the only museum in Marmaris. It is believed that Marmaris Castle was first built by the Ionians (1044 BC) and later on repaired during the era of the Alexander the Great.

The Castle was rebuilt and widened by Suleyman the Magnificent during his campaign for the Greek island of Rhodes in 1522. Suleyman the Magnificent used the castle as a military base for his troops. During World War I, the castle was cannon fired by the French Fleet and had a huge damage.

Till 1970s, the castle has been an accommodation area. There are 18 houses, a fountain and an arc inside the castle area. Finally, the castle was restored during the years 1980-1990 and the site now serves as an archaeology museum since 1991.

The museum has seven indoor areas;

Two of them are organized as an archaeology lounge.

One of them is organized as an ethnography lounge.Remaining areas are used as art galleries and storage.

Archaeology Lounge;

You’ll see; Amphoras belonging to the Helenistic, Roman and Byzantium era.

Earthenware,glassware works, coins and ornaments from the diggings of Knidos, Hisaronu and Burgaz regions.

Ethnography Lounge ;

You’ll see; weaving works, carpets, furniture, copper kitchen pieces, Weapons and ornament belonging to the Ottoman era.

Then drive to Datça, you’ll have lunch on the way to Datca ,you’ll arrive the ancient city  of Knidos.

The 2600-year-old ancient city has colonnaded harbour Street,agora,two ancient theaters and two harbours.Knidos is one of the strategic points in the ancient period,and is the gateway to the Aegean at the intersection of the Aegean and the Mediterranean.

Knidos ancient city is one of the treasures in Tuerkey.Knidos is known for being a very important trade,culture and art center in ancient times.The wine was exported from  here to Athens .Astronomer,mathematician and philosopher Eudoxus ,sculptor Praxiteles ,doctor Euryphon ,famous painter Polynotos and Sostratos,architect of the Lighthouse of  Alexandria in egyp ,one of the 7 wonders of the World,lived in Knidos

End of the day you drive back to the hotel in Marmaris

MARMARİS- MILETOS ANCIENT CITY AND MUSEUM -PRIENE-DOMATIA VILLAGE  - IZMIR 330 KM

Today you’ll see first the ancient city of Miletos .You’ll visit by informing our guide,it was seaside port city when it was first established ,but today it is 10 km from sea.The first settlements in the ancient city of Milet started in the middle of 2000 BC,continued with the Mycenaean colony ,and then re-established by the Ions.It is one of the four important city ports of the Ionians.Milet Ruins is known for its grid plan applied in the foundation of the city That’s why the city is very well organized .the ancient city of Miletus acquired its autonomy in 38 BC thanks to the special interest of the roman emperors and reached the metropolitan level among other Ionian cities.After listening to our guide,we also took our photo shoots ,drive to the museum of Milet.

Milet Museum exhibition areas; It consists of two main parts: the garden display and the indoor display.In the garden display ,lion sculptures ,inscriptions ,tomb steles, sarcophagi,architectural elements and column heads,which are the city of Miletus ,are exhibited

Closed exhibition area is located in the administarive building of the museum.The finds of the Ancient City of Miletus,Priene Ancient City and the Temple of Apollo in didim are exhibited in an area of approximately 600 m2.Belonging to the ancient city of Milet ; There are animation of the Minoan Period (20-15 centuries BC) Kitchen,Minoan Period finds,Zeytintepe Archaic Aphrodite Sanctuary finds,Gacartepe Tomb finds.Findings of the sacred road Miletus Ancient City to the Temple of Apollo in didim and the votive objects of the Temple of Apollo are located in the exhibition hall. The Miletus Museum is a technically ,visually and scientifically exemplary museum

You’ll have Lunch nearby Karina Golf. After lunchtime you’ll drive to the ancient city of Priene

The ancient city of Priene is one of the important ancient cities established on the southern slope of Samsun Mountain,15 km southwest of Söke district.370 m.Establishment on a steep rock at a heıght has provided an advantage in resisting attacks.In addition ,its being in a high place allows the city to be seen from different directions.the first information about Priene ,who is considered to be a member of the Ionian League like Miletus,is BC.It is found in ancient sourches in the middle of the 7th century.

The ancient city of Priene,known as the Pompei of Anatolia,is in the Priene section,especially the finds of its rich houses.In the interior showcases,coins from various periods,ornaments,glass fragrance bottles ,bronze items and figurines,terracotta items,and the Ilyas bey Mosque from the Menteseogulları Principality period are among the Works on display.In addition,tomb steles from the Archaic period and an unfinished scuplture group are in the exhibition space.The Miletus Museum is a technically ,visually and scientifically exemplary museum

Then you’ll continue to the historical greek village of Domatia (Doganbey) and Karina bay.The old village of Doğanbey ,formerly Domatia village,BC.It has a history extending from the 7th century to the present .In the immediate vicinity are Karina,where there are old customs buildings,ancient settlements Thebes and Lade Island.It is known that the Domatians come from Samos ,Chios,Dodecanese and Cyprus .In the past ,houses were built in a large forest as seperate rooms ,each with large courtyards and these rooms were called Domatia in greek.When the settlement developed a little more and the village was formed ,this name also became the name of the village.

The Greek houses in Domatia have been restored with the condition of staying true to the original.This place aimed to preserve the historical texture in time and became a village where the natüre-loving wealty people lived.Architectural wonder stone houses leaning on the mountain also have a seaview.The streets are cobblestone,the gardens are well -maintained After strolling through the streets of our charming village ,we take lots of photos and then drive to the local restaurant for Lunch.After lunchtime you’ll drive to the ancient city of Priene

End of the day drive to İzmir.Overnight in İzmir .(Breakfast and Dinner)

TRANSFER TO  ADB  IZMIR      AIR PORT   20 KM

Transfer to the Aırport of ADB İzmir  depending on the flight time.