General
Stunning natural beauty of Cappadocia and breathtaking history of Ephesus come together in this great tour.
Highlights in Selcuk
The Ancient City of Ephesus
An ancient Greek city, Ephesus, is located in the South of Symrna (present-day Izmir). It dates back to 10th century BC. Despite this long history it’s remarkably well preserved. The city was famed for the Temple of Artemis (completed around 550 BC), one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. It was also an important centre for Early Christianity. Today, Ephesus is one 0f the most sought after archaeological wonders of the world
Temple of Artemis
The Temple of Artemis or Artemision, was a Greek temple dedicated to the goddess Artemis and is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple was destructed and rebuilt a number of times throughout its long history. Today only the ruins of the foundations of this amazing construction of the Hellenistic Age can be seen.
House of The Virgin Mary
This Catholic and Muslim shrine, located on Mount Koressos (Bulbul Dagi) is an important religious site . Catholic pilgrims visit the house based on the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken to this stone house by Saint John and lived there until her Assumption (according to Catholic doctrine) or Dormition (according to Orthodox belief).
Highlights Nearby Selcuk
Sirince Village
This pretty village, 12 km away from Ephesus, was once called Cirkince (ugly). Its habitants gave this name to the village on purpose as they did not want to be bothered by foreigners nor to share the beauty of their village. After years, visitors understood that the village was far from being ugly and on the contrary very beautiful at all and called it Sirince (“pretty”). However, this cute little village managed to preserve its authenticity. Its unique architecture, tasty wine, olive oil and hand crafts and serene lifestyle makes it a must see place if you’re visiting Ephesus.
Pergamon
This magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits on top of a hill in a town called Bergama, two hours north of Ephesus. The acropolis of Pergamon was the capital of the Hellenistic Attalid dynasty, a major centre of learning in the ancient era. Monumental temples, theatres, gymnasium, stoa or porticoes, altar and library were set into the sloping terrain surrounded by an extensive city wall. Pergamon is cited as one of the seven churches of Asia in the Book of Revelation. Sanctuary of Asclepius and Serapis Temple (today known as Red Basilica) are the other notable structures of Pergamon.
Pamukkale
A short drive away from Selcuk, Pamukkale is located in the province of Denizli. Hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water creates the extraordinary look of Pamukkale, which literally translates “cotton castle” in Turkish. Tourists visit Pamukkale and Hierapolis not only for its extraordinary look and its ancient history but also for wellness.
Izmir
Izmir is the third biggest city of Turkey after Istanbul and Ankara. Ancient city of Smyrna, Agora of Smyrna, Izmir Archaeology Museum are some of the places you can visit in Izmir. A walk by the sea in Konak and a meal at one of the nice sea-view restaurants can make you get a feel of this great city.
Highlights In Cappadocia
Fairy Chimneys
Fairy chimneys are the symbol of Cappadocia. These odd rock formations are a result of a soft rock being eroded over time and revealing only the hard rock that gives the region its current landscape. The diversity of the size and shape of these rocks is simply exceptional.
Hot Air Balloon Ride
Cappadocia is known to be one of the best places in the world for balloon rides. Its otherworldly rock formations known as fairy chimneys and a breathtaking landscape makes hot air balloon riding in Cappadocia an unforgettable experience. Watching the sun rising above the valleys of Cappadocia is a highlight you will be telling your friends when you get back. You can go for 1 hour or 1.5 hour rides. You also have a private balloon ride option for special occasions like honeymoon, anniversaries etc.
Goreme Open Air Museum
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Goreme Open Air Museum, located in the centre of the region is where you can find a great density of well preserved rock carved churches. This Byzantine settlement is a must – see place in Cappadocia. Nunnery, St Barbara Church, Dark Church and Snake Church some of the most impressive churches you can find iside the museum.
Ihlara Valley
Ihlara Valley carves this rocky landscape right in the middle to create a lush green oasis. Once home to eighty thousand inhabitants, thousands of cave dwellings and around a hundred rock carved churches this 100 metre deep gorge doesn’t offer only a trek in a beautiful green valley but also a trip in time.
Underground Cities
These incredible underground cities were carved in bare rock to hide from the invaders passing through Cappadocia. They dates all the way back to Hittites expanding thereafter. There are 36 underground cities spanning under Cappadocia, The largest of them Kaymakli and the deepest Derinkuyu are two of the most important ones. in 2014, a new underground city is discovered and it’s believed that this new city may be the largest underground city not only in the region but also in the world.
Other Things to Do / See
In Ephesus and Surroundings
Basilica of St. John - The believed burial site of John the Apostle constructed by Justinian I in the 6th century. It’s located in Selcuk near Ephesus Ephesus Archaeology Museum - It houses finds from the nearby Ephesus excavation site. Its best-known exhibit is the statue of Artemis retrieved from the temple of the goddess in Ephesus. Isa Bey Mosque - One of the oldest mosques remaining from the Anatolian Principalities (Beyliks) Grotto of Seven Sleepers - Inscriptions dedicated to the Seven Sleepers were found on the walls of the church. Hellenistic City Wall -A well preserved section of the wall can be seen on the way to the House of Mother Mary Aphrodisias - The name of the city is derived from the goddess of love, Aphrodite, who has her famous sanctuary here.
In Cappadocia
Zelve Open Air Museum - An empty cave town with churches Uchisar - A natural rock citadel. Highest point in Cappadocia Ortahisar - A roman rock – cut castle Avanos - Centre of pottery making since the Hittites Cavusin Old Village - The biggest cave church is located here. Pasabag - Monks valley Devrent Valley – Imagination valley. Animal shaped fairy chimneys can be seen. Hiking Tours - Discover the region’s amazing landscape on foot. Bike Tours - Cycle around the amazing fairy chimneys. Great way to explore the region. Quad-bike Riding - A great alternative for adrenaline lovers Horseback Riding - Sunset horse riding in Cappadocia is an amazing experience. Whirling Dervishes - Sema ceremonies represent an inner journey. Rumi’s inspiration. Traditional Cooking Classes - Learn how to cook amazing Central Anatolian dishes Lunch at a Village Home - ..or just sample amazing Central Anatolian dishes.
Daily Highlights
Day 1
Transfer to your hotel. Settle in and discover the town of Selcuk and the nearby Sirince village
Day 2
A fully loaded Ephesus tour including ancient city of Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis.
Day 3
A day trip to either Pergamon or Pamukkale.
Day 4
Transfer to Cappadocia, either from Pamukkale by land or from Izmir by plane. Choice is yours. Depending on the arrival time; A visit to Goreme Open Air Museum. Optional bike ride, horse ride, or quad-bike ride in the stunning landscape of Cappadocia
Day 5
A grand tour of the region with visits to Kaymakli underground city and Ihlara Valley.
Day 6
Hat air balloon ride Optional jeep safari
Day 7
Transfer to airport
Hotels, Transfers and Guides
You will be staying at some of the highest rated hotels of Istanbul and Cappadocia. Private transfers will be arranged and expert guides will be assisting you in every step of your tour.
Prices
All of our tours are tailor-made so prices will depend on your preferences. Please ask. You can combine this tour with another tour. See multi-centre tours tab for more details.
Daily Highlights
Day 1
Transfer to your hotel. Settle in and discover the town of Selcuk.
Day 2
A fully loaded Ephesus tour including ancient city of Ephesus, House of Virgin Mary and Temple of Artemis.
Day 3
A day trip to either Pergamon.
Day 4
A visit to the Sirince Village to discover the serene village life in this part of Turkey.
Day 5
A day trip to Pamukkale
Day 6
Transfer to Cappadocia, either from Pamukkale by land or from Izmir by plane. Choice is yours. A light activity after settling in at your hotel.
Day 7
A visit to Goreme Open Air Museum Optional bike ride, horse ride, or quad-bike ride in the stunning landscape of Cappadocia
Day 8
Hat air balloon ride Explore Cavusin Village
Day 9
A grand tour of the region with visits to Kaymakli underground city and Ihlara Valley.
Day 10
Traditional Cappadocia: Village lunch at a local’s home. Whirling dervishes in the evening.
Day 11
Discover Uchisar A visit to Devrent Valley
Day 12
Transfer to airport
Hotels, Transfers and Guides
You will be staying at some of the highest rated hotels of Istanbul and Cappadocia. Private transfers will be arranged and expert guides will be assisting you in every step of your tour.
Prices
All of our tours are tailor-made so prices will depend on your preferences. Please ask. You can combine this tour with another tour. See multi-centre tours tab for more details.
ISTANBUL, CAPPADOCIA AND EPHESUS
Available departures
All of our Ephesus & Cappadocia tours are on demand tours so please tell us the dates you'd like to travel and whether you're interested in a 7 day,12 day or a tailor made tour option in the enquiry form.