5 Days Istanbul Pamukkale Ephesus Tour

Istanbul is the city lying on two continents and connecting  Asia and Europe. Because of its location, Istanbul has been a favourite settlement through history and history dating back to 6700 BC. Istanbul is the capital of many empires and they all left their signs throughout history. Today you can see them on all the seven hills, the city built on. The old city of the most visited part of Istanbul. Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Topkapi Palace and Grand Bazaar located in old city, walking distance. Bosphorus Cruise is another popular way to see Istanbul, taking a ferry on Bosphorus and see the old mansions, palaces, mosques and other beautiful buildings from another angle.

Pamukkale is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Denizli province of Turkey. Pamukkale can simply be translated as “Cotton Castle” and the name inspired by the natural terraced basins full of hot spring water and petrified as white calcium terraces. They look white as the color of rich calcium in the water coming from 17 different underground water sources. Pamukkale was an ancient healing center, because people believed the hot water of white terraces have healing powers. Hierapolis Antique city built right next to this ancient healing center and became a rich city. Today, you can visit Pamukkale, lie down in the hot waters and enjoy the healing powers of this ancient healing center.

Hierapolis was a rich Greco Roman city, famous with textile products and cloths trade and of course the healing center right next to the city.  There are many remains today,  Necropolis, Amphitheater, Temple of Apollo, Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Agora still amaze the visitors.  The necropolis was the first commercial necropolis of its time. There was a  large Jewish community in Pamukkale and the city has importance for early Christians as well. Tomb of St. Philip and St. Philips Martrydom is in Hierapolis. Although it is not clear if it is the tomb of Apostle Philip or Philip the Evangelist, it was an important pilgrimage site for Christians. Apart from the other remains,  Cleopatra pool in Hierapolis provides a unique experience to those who wish to enjoy the warm water among the ancient columns.

Ephesus is another UNESCO World Heritage site in western Turkey. Ephesus dating back 10th century BC comprises succesive Helenistic and Roman settlements founded on new locations. In early Christian Era , Ephesus was an important religous center as one of the Seven Churches addressed in the Book of Revelations by Apostle John. The church of Virgin Mary is the first temple dedicated to Mother Mary in Christian World. Around Ephesus, Virgin Mary’s House which is the settlement where Mother Mary lived her last years and Basilica of St. John still important for Christian Community. Also Artemis Temple, sanctuary of Ephesian Artemis was one of the largest and most powerful santuaries of the ancient world and it was the center of the first settlement of Ephesus.