Ephesus, Kuşadası, Çeşme, Alaçatı and Pamukkale Tour

About the tour

Tour programme

Times follow the programme in the catalogue; there may be small changes depending on traffic, weather and the group's pace.

Places to see

• Şirince

  A mountain village near Selçuk, cited as an example of Ottoman-era Christian settlement architecture, with most of its houses dating from the 19th century. Formerly called Çirkince, the village was renamed Şirince in 1926. Wine, olive oil and peaches are among its local products.

• Ancient city of Ephesus

  Founded by Ionian colonists in the 10th century BC, Ephesus became the capital of the province of Asia in the Roman period. The remains at Selçuk include the Great Theatre, which held about 25,000 people, the Library of Celsus and the Terrace Houses. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015.

• House of the Virgin Mary

  Located on Mount Koressos (Bülbüldağı), about 7 km from Selçuk, the House of the Virgin Mary is a place of pilgrimage used as a chapel and believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years. It was rediscovered by Lazarist priests in 1891 and has been visited by three popes.

• Alaçatı

  Alaçatı, part of Çeşme, is known for its stone houses, colourful windows, bay windows and narrow streets; it was declared a conservation area in 2005. The area is known for its windmills and vineyards, and its shallow bay is ideal for windsurfing and hosts international competitions.

• Çeşme

  A district about 85 km west of İzmir, facing the island of Chios. Çeşme Castle in the centre was enlarged and strengthened under Sultan Bayezid II. It is also known for the thermal springs and beaches of Ilıca.

• Kuşadası

  A coastal town in Aydın province, named after Pigeon Island (Güvercinada), which resembles a bird's head; the island is reached by a causeway and has a fortress on it. Its port is a regular stop for cruise ships visiting Ephesus. The Öküz Mehmed Pasha Caravanserai near the port was built in 1618.

• Pamukkale

  White travertine terraces formed by the deposits of calcium carbonate-rich thermal waters flowing down a slope about 200 m high. Together with the ancient city of Hierapolis, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988.

• Hierapolis

  A spa city founded at the end of the 2nd century BC by the Attalid kings of Pergamon. You can see baths, the remains of the Temple of Apollo, a theatre, a monumental gate, a necropolis and the Martyrium of St Philip. Together with Pamukkale, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Cleopatra's Pool

  A thermal pool in Hierapolis, also known as the Antique Pool. It took its present form after a 7th-century earthquake, in which the Ionic marble portico collapsed into the pool. For a fee, visitors can swim among the ancient column fragments in the water.

• Karahayıt

  A spa town about 5 km north of Pamukkale. The oxidised iron in its thermal water, at about 58 °C, colours the travertines reddish, which is why it is known as "Red Water".

Photos

What's covered and notes

Who is it for?

• History and culture enthusiastsDiscover historic and cultural heritage on site, with a guide's commentary.
• FamiliesA programme that participants of all ages can enjoy together.
• Corporate groupsSuitable for team trips, incentive programmes and company events.

Practical information

Frequently asked questions