Ephesus Pamukkale Tour from Izmir

1/19/2021

2 Days Pamukkale and Ephesus Private Tour from Izmir

Explore two of Turkey’s highlights which are listed in the UNESCO world heritage list.
2 Days Private Tour from Izmir.

First day, depart for Ephesus to explore the Greco-Roman ruins. Overnight in Pamukkale.
On the second day visit Pamukkale (Hierapolis), which is known with the white travertine terraces and pools that are formed by calcium carbonate. Walk on the terraces and visit the ruins of ancient city of Hierapolis.

Includes excellent English speaking tour guide, lunches, luxury transport,
If requested airport pickup and drop-off.
Optional visits to Ancient cities of Aphrodisias, Laodicea and Sardis.

Pamukkale

Ephesus

2 Day Tour Ephesus Pamukkale from Izmir

Tour program and cost are as follows:

Day 1 - Private Tour of Ephesus starting from Izmir and ending in Pamukkale.
Meet your licensed tour guide and air-conditioned vehicle at your hotel in Izmir or Izmir Airport. Depart for Ephesus, Drive approximately 1.5 hours to see the remains of what was once ancient Rome’s capital in Asia Minor. Your first stop will be the ancient city of Ephesus which was the home to over 200,000 people. The peak time of the city was between the 1st and 2nd century AD. Modern-day excavations have revealed an incredible collection of ruins. See the highlights of the ancient city and visit the House of the Virgin Mary. Enjoy lunch at see the traditional local handicrafts, and make a final stop at the ruined Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Afterwards, drive to Pamukkale. Overnight in Pamukkale.

Day 2 - Private Pamukkale Tour starting from Pamukkale and ending in Izmir
After breakfast, Drive to Pamukkale, a natural and historical site listed as UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy Pamukkale’s white travertine terraces, formed by natural hot springs that has high calcium carbonate. Visit the ruins of ancient city of Hierapolis. Optional visits to Ancient cities of Apjrodisias, Laodicea or Sardis before returning to Izmir.

Cost: 440 Euro (Total to be paid for a group 1-6 people)

Rates Cover:

Services of an excellent English speaking tour Guide
A/C Mercedes MPV
All transportation costs.
Tax, service charges.
Pick up and drop off from/to Hotel / Airport in Izmir.
Traditional Turkish Lunches
Parking Fees to the sites

Rates Do Not Cover:

Entrance fees to the sites.
Drinks during lunch
Hotel accomodation in Pamukkale

There is no prepayment required for the reservation. To avoid disappointment, we recommend to make your private tour reservation at earliest possible.

Payment Terms:
Payment can be made in Euro, Turkish Liras or US Dollar cash at the end of the tour. There is no prepayment required for the booking.

* If requested we can pick you or drop you to Izmir airport. There is no surcharge for these services.
* If requested guests can be transported to Denizli Cardak Airport at the end of Day 2. There is a surcharge of 50 Euros for this private transfer service.

Cancellation Policy
You can cancel a tour 72 hours in advance of your tour departure without any charges. If you would like to cancel a tour, simply send us an email and we will be happy to assist you. Once you are within the 24 hour tour departure window, the tour becomes non-refundable. This is because our guide and vehicle have set aside space to accommodate your request and will often not be able to fill that space with another customer so close to departure.

For more information, contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions :

Q1 - I understand that we would be responsible for our overnight accommodation in Pamukkale.
> We do not make hotel bookings. You make your hotel booking directly.
We recommend the following hotels: (booking.com links)

Q2 - How long will we have free for swimming in Pamukkale?
> You will have approximately one hour for swimming in Pamukkale antique pool.

Q3 - We would anticipate being dropped off at the Ismir Airport for our flight.
> In the second day you will be dropped off to Izmir airport approximately at 7.30pm.

Q4 - So we would be safe booking a flight departing Ismir at 10:00 PM if we are expected to arrive at 7:30PM? The guide will ensure we stay on schedule?
> Yes, no problem.

Q5 - If we skip the visit to either Laodicea and Sardis would we have more time to spend swimming in Pamukkale? Is there one you'd recommend skipping over the other?
> Yes, skipping one site will give more time for you at Pamukkale. In this case recommend you to skip Sardes. In this way you would have 1.5 hours more in Pamukkale and can spend 3.5 hours.

Q6 - How do we book our trip with you? How does payment work?
> For the booking, all we need is both of your names and the pick up address.
Payment can be made in Euros, Turkish Liras, British Pounds and US Dollars cash at the end of the tour. There is no prepayment required for the booking.

Ephesus Pamukkale Tours from Kusadasi
Private Tours of Pamukkale (Hierapolis) from Kusadasi, Selcuk and Sirince
Ephesus and Pamukkale in one day from Kusadasi, Selcuk, Sirince

4 Comments

Seven Churches of Revelation Tour

12/19/2020

9 Comments

3 Days Biblical Tour of Western Turkey -

Smyrna (Izmir) - Pergamon (Bergama) - Laodicea -
Hierapolis (Pamukkale) - Ephesus - Sardis - Philadephia - Thyatira

For many generations Christians, or those who simply have an interest in Christian history and traditions, have traveled to the western part of Turkey which was known as Asia Minor in the biblical times, filled with the incredible Christian history and background. The Asia Minor is known for the 7 churches of the Book of Revelation. On top of that St. Paul travelled to the area several times. Near Ephesus, there is a possible house where Virgin Mary spent her last years. Ephesus and the surrounding areas had a history of spiritual awakening and Christian revival.

We have a background in sharing the Western Part of Turkey's Christian Heritage with others, having worked with a broad selection of churches and mission organisations over the years. We are always pleased to organise Biblical Tours of Western Turkey, visiting seven churches of revelation and beyond. We are sure that you will find them interesting whether you are a Christian or religious person or simply interested.

There are many possibilities for these tours, depending on how long you area able to tour for. A 1 day tour can take you to many sights of Christian interest in Ephesus. If you have 2 or more days there are many more possibilities such as a tour incorporating ancient cities of Pergamon, Laodicea, Hierapolis (Pamukkale) etc. Get in touch for more details.

What are the names of 7 Churches of Revelations today?

The Seven Churches of Revelation are ancient churches that St John wrote about in The book of Revelation of the New Testament. All the 7 churches mentioned are located at the western part of modern Turkey.

Ephesus - Selcuk, Izmir
Smyrna - Izmir City Center
Pergamon - Bergama, Izmir
Thyateira - Akhisar, Manisa
Sardis - Sart, Salihli, Manisa
Philadelphia - Alaşehir, Manisa
Laodicea - Denizli

Below please find suggested tour program:

Day 1 - Basilica of St. John, House of Virgin Mary, Ephesus
After meeting your guide at Izmir Airport or at an Izmir airport hotel, drive through the fertile lands. Your first stop will be the Temple of Artemis, one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world. Afterwards proceed to the mountain where Virgin Mary is believed to spent her 9 years. The house is approximately 1000 feet above sea level and running as an active chapel. Roman Catholics believe that Virgin Mary came to Ephesus with Saint. John 5 years after the crucification. At the age of 63 she is assumed to heaven. Altough there is no fact that Virgin Mary lived here approximately 1.5 million people visit the site each year. After 30 minutes visit to the House of Mary, drive to ancient city of Ephesus. You will be dropped at the upper gate of Ephesus with your tour guide. Start exploring the city. You will be walking down the hill approximately 1.5hrs. You will see the Odeon, the basilica, domitian square, fountain of Trajan, Celcus library, Terrace Houses (optional), Marble street, the Grand Theater of Ephesus and the Harbour Street. You will be endng your tour at the bottom gate. Drive approximately 3 hours to Pamukkale. Ovenight in Pamukkale.

Tour Timings:
08.00am - Depart Izmir Airport or an Izmir Airport Hotelt.
09.00am - Visit Basilica of St. John
10.00am - Visit House of Virgin Mary
11.30pm - Visit Ephesus
2.00pm - Lunch and see the local handcrafts
4.00pm - Depart Selcuk Town
7.00pm - Arrive Pamukkale for overnight.

Day 2 - Laodicea - Hierapolis (Pamukkale) - Sardis - Philadephia - Thyatira
After leaving your hotel, drive south east through the fertile lands. Your first stop will be Laodicea. Once a trade city which was known with glossy black wool and eye salve trade. Mentioned in the Book of Revelation as the luke warm city. Afterwards visit ancient Hierapolis which is known as Pamukkale today. Natural thermal springs which has high density of chalk inside formed glacier looking terraces on the areas where flowed for thousands of years. Walk on the white terraces of Pamukkale. After lunch drive to the ancient Philadelphia Church at Alasehir, the youngest of the Seven Churches of Revelation, visiting the remains of an early church and the city walls. Continue to Sardis, the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia. Walk the Royal Avenue and see the site of the Church of Sardis. Finally at Akhisar we visit the Church of ancient Thyatira, another one of the 7 churches, set in an ancient commercial town with strong ties to Troy and Sardis. Drive to Bergama for overnight.

Tour Timings:
08.00am - Depart your hotel in Pamukkale
8.30am - Visit Laodicea
10.00a, - Visit Hierapolis (Pamukkale)
12.15pm - Lunch
2.00pm - Visit Philadelphia
3.00pm - Visit Sardes
6.00pm - Visit Thyatra
8.00pm - Arive Bergama for overnight.

Day 3 - Pergamon (Bergama) - Smyrna (Izmir)
Depart from your hotel for the ancient city of Pergamon. Mentioned in the book of revelation in the new testament among the seven churches of asia minor. The city was known as the city where the throne of satan is located. Visit acropolis and asklepion, the ancient famous hospital. After lunch drive to Izmir, the third largest city of Turkey. Known as Smyrna in the biblical times. Visit the remains of Ancient Agora in Smyrna. From ancient Smyrna there is not much left. The remains of the ancient city is under the modern buildings. Smyrna is mentioned in the Book of Revelation known as the city of prosecution. Your tour will end at Izmir airport.

Tour Timings:
08.00am - Depart your hotel in Bergama
08.30am - Visit Acropolis
11.30am - Visit Asklepion
12.15pm - Lunch
3.00pm - Visit Smyrna
5.00pm - Arrive Izmir Airport

The cost of the above private tour: 760 Euro (Total to be paid for the group of 1-6 people)

The price includes:

Excellent local licensed Englsih speaking tour guide.
Mercedes V-Class Minibus
Transportation costs
Service charges
Lunches
Parking fees to the sites.

The price does not include:

Hotel Accomodation
Entrance costs to the sites
Drinks during lunches

* We recommend the guests to obltain Museum Pass Turkey or Museum Pass Aegean. This would be a more economical option for the costs of entry to the sites,
* If you need a private transfer from Izmir Airport to Kusadasi, the cost of private transfer 50 Euros.

For more information, please contact us.

Recommended hotels to stay :
(booking.com links)
Izmir Airport Hotels:

Kusadasi :

Hotel Ilayda - 3 Stars

Selcuk :

Saint John Hotel
Cella Hotel

Nea Efesos Hotel

Pamukkale :

Venus Suite Hotel

Bergama :

Attalos Suites Hotel

Ephesus Biblical History
Christian Heritage Tours of Ephesus
Cave of St. Paul in Ephesus
Private Tours of Ephesus

Private Tours of Pergamon
Private Tours of Laodicea
Private Tours of Sardis

9 Comments

Private Tours of Loadicea - History of Laodicea

2/17/2018

3 Comments

Laodicea is home to one of the seven holy churches mentioned in the book of revelations of the new testament. Only city in Anatolia with four baths and two theaters. Laodicea also boasted a large ancient stadium (Capacity 25.000 people).

Ancient city of Laodicea

The city was formerly known as Diospolis, meaning the city of Zeus. The city was named after the wife of Seleucid King Antiochus II: Loadice. The population initially consisted of Greeks, Jews and the soldiers of Antiochus II.

The city of Laodicea was one of the chief seats of Christianity. Laodicea is mentioned in the epistle to the Colossians and is one of the seven churches of Asia mentioned in the Book of Revelations. The Laodicean church is thought to have been founded by the Colossian Epaphras, a Christian preacher and one of the diciples of St. Paul.

Laodicea is located approximately 100 miles west of Ephesus and was connected to Ephesus with a trade road during the reign of Roman Empire at West, Anatolia. The city was founded in a valley formed by Lycus River. Besides Laodicea there were two more cities stood here: Hierapolis (Pamukkale) and Colossae. These 3 cities were located at the Asia Province of Roman Empire. Laodicea was located 6 miles away from Hierapolis (Pamukkale). The Lycus river was flowing between them. There area where these cities were founded was wealthy and fertile. Also the area became known with wool, textile industry and dying of these garments. Especially Loadicea was known with glossy black sheeps wool. According to some ancient histiorians, the chemicals in the water which the sheeps drank made the wool glossy and shining. Laodicea was located in the junction point of the trade roads which made the city rich. Loadicea became the financial headquaters of the area.

Laodicea was also known with a philosophy and a medical school. The medical school of Laodicea was known with ear and eye medications.

The city had 2 theaters. The small theater had a 8000 people capacity and the big one had 12000 people capacity.

As mentioned in the New Testament Col 4: 16), there is a letter sent to Laodicea by Paul which has never been discovered. Laodicea is mentioned as the lukewarm city in the new testament. There was no source of water where the city was founded. The water is supplied to the city from Hierapolis (Pamukkale). Pamukkale was known with the hot thermal springs, by the time the water reached to Laodciea, it was lukewarm. The church of Laodicea is said to be lukewarm like the water. This was the only congregation in the book of revelation where nothing good about it is said. Laodicea was a rich city in financial terms but a very poor city in faith.

The area had a major Jewish population, the jews came to the area in the 2nd century BC from Babylon. They were sent by Antiochus the Great as paid soldiers. These jews became the early christians and introduced trade to the area.

Cicero the famous Roman statesman served as the governor of the area and lived in Laodicea.
Roman Empreror Hadrian spent a summer here.

On of the highlights to be seen in the ancient city of Laodicea, is a 4th century AD church which was ordered by Constantine the Roman Emperor. The church is recently re-erected and opened to the public visits. This church is considered to be one of the earliest church buildings of the world.

Please click the following link for a virtual tour of Laodicea:
https://sanalmuze.gov.tr/muzeler/DENIZLI_LAODIKEIA_ORENYERI/

Laodicea, is 3 hours drive to Kusadasi. Visit to Laodicea can be combined with a visit to Pamukkale (Hierapolis) and Aprodisias. If requested we can organize you a private tour of Laodicea and Pamukkale (Hierapolis) and Aprodisias. We also offer 3 Days tours of the best preserved biblical sites of western Turkey including Laodicea. Contact us today for your personalised quote.