3-Day Aegean Myths And Beauty Tour from Istanbul

The ancient cities in Western Turkey have been the cradle of civilization since the mythological times.

This 3-day journey will take you to the focal points of this tremendous cultural heritage. It will be a journey to a land where myth, beauty and history are melted in a golden pot.

DAY 1:

On the first day of your journey, you will visit Troy, the site of the Trojan War and Pergamum, the birthplace of parchment. Your tour will start with an early morning departure from the hotel at 06:00 am. As you cross the Dardanelles by ferry, and drive the last 25 minutes to the site of Troy, you will become a part of Homer’s legends, seeing the symbolic Trojan horse, the city walls, The Athena Temple and the Odeon. Then you will follow the route taken by those who have escaped the fall of Troy, fleeing from the wrath of Agamemnon, to the city of Pergamum.

Pergamum had hosted one of the biggest libraries of ancient ages, before it was destroyed. You will walk through the ages at this site; visiting the Acropolis and the Asklepion, which indeed has been an inspiration, as well as a prototype for the modern healthcare center of our day. Dinner and a overnight stay in one of the best hotels in modern Pergamum.

DAY 2:

The second day of your tour will start with a drive, via the Aegean city of Izmir, to Selcuk area. You will then visit the ancient city of Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia Minor. Your tour will include the Odeon, the Marble Street, the Hadrian Temple, the Celcius Library and the Great Theatre You may opt for lunch in a local restaurant, before paying a pilgrimage visit to the House of Virgin Mary. This Christian and Muslim shrine is located in the vicinity of Ephesus; and it is believed by many that Virgin Mary, was taken to this stone house by Saint John and lived there.

DAY 3:

Pamukkale, meaning "cotton castle" in Turkish, is a natural site that is created by hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white "castle" which is nearly 9 thousand feet long and more than 500 feet wide. After an optional lunch, you will drive to another land of dreams; this time to Aphrodisias. The city was especially well – known with the temple dedicated to its protecting Goddess Aphrodite and its sculptors.

Your tour of the ancient city will include the Theater, the Basilica, the Roman Baths; and the biggest stadium of the ancient time. You will also see the museum and its magnificent marble statues.

Your car will then take you back to Izmir Airport for the flight to Istanbul. The tour will end with a private transfer to your hotel.