What to expect during the 5-day Historical Triangle Tour of the Unique 3?
Discover the highlights of Turkey, starting with Istanbul to immerse yourself in the history of masterpieces. The gates of the most spectacular landmarks are wide open with this Historical Istanbul, Ephesus, Pamukkale Triangle Excursion
What to see during this 5-day excursion?
What is the itinerary for this excursion?
Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul
Welcome to the airport and private transfer to your hotel. Depending on your arrival time, our guide might meet you at the hotel to say welcome and brief you about the tour.
Day 2: Full-day Istanbul walking City Tour
After the tour guide welcomes you into your hotel lobby, your Istanbul tour will begin with the magnificent Ayasophia. Aya Sophia was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I between 532 and 537 AD as a patriarchal cathedral. In 1453, after Istanbul was taken by the Turks, it was converted into a mosque by Fatih Sultan Mehmet. Ayasophia has the largest marble columns of Byzantine architecture, richly decorated with mosaics. You will also see the Byzantine Hippodrome. This place was famous as the heart of Constantinople and also hosted many political, and sportive events. Among the monuments on the site are the Snake Delphi Column and an Egyptian obelisk from the Temple of Karnak in Luxor. You will also visit one of the most well-known places in the city; the elegant Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque with its six elegant minarets and more than 20.000 blue Iznik tiles, has a magnificent interior design. Then you will take a break for lunch. You will taste traditional, delicious, and healthy Turkish dishes. The next destination is Topkapı Palace. It was once the palace of the Ottoman sultans and now it is home to an extraordinary collection including tile porcelain, artworks, and brilliant Topkapı Diamond jewelry. After Topkapı Palace, you will discover the famous Grand Bazaar where you can shop. You will be able to buy antiques, colorful spices, beautiful jewelry, and a wide variety of fabrics from the Grand Bazaar with some bargains. And now it’s time to move from Istanbul to Ephesus Ancient City. At the end of the tour, we will go to the Istanbul airport with great memories and enjoy your direct domestic flight to Izmir. Upon arrival, meet your guide and driver and drive straight to Selcuk, where you will check in at your hotel in Selçukfor the night.
Day 3: Classical Ephesus Tour
After breakfast, our tour guide will pick you up from the hotel and start the tour. The first visit to Ephesus, a fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site considered one of the gems of Western Turkey. Its Odeon Theater, Hadrian Gate, Terrace Houses, and Library of Celsus will amaze you! Drive to Artemision (Temple of Artemis) is listed as one of the ancient wonders of the world.
After a nice local lunch, continue with Selcuk Museum, which was recently renovated, and is now even more stunning. The final visit to the Virgin Mary’s House where Mary is said to spend the last days of her life. After the tour, we drive in the direction of Pamukkale and check in at your hotel.
Day 4: Pamukkale and Hierapolis Tour
Splash the final day of your Historical Triangle Tour of the Unique 3. After picking you up from your hotel in the morning, you will visit the ancient city of Hierapolis. You will see the Necropolis (1,200 tombs), the Roman Bath, Domitian Gate, Main Street, the Byzantine Gate, and many ancient ruins here. Next, you will visit natural hot water terraces which contain calcium. The temperature of the water is about 35 degrees. You can see the sparkling travertines next to the ruins of Pamukkale. The water from the hot springs creates an extraordinary effect when it loses carbon dioxide, leaving limestone deposits as it flows down the slopes. After the white calcium layers formed the steps on the plateau, this region was named Pamukkale. After lunch, you can swim in the hotel’s hot red thermal pools. If you wish, you can swim in the ancient Cleopatra pool. (Entrance fee is not included) The Cleopatra Pool is heated by hot springs and underwater is filled with ancient column pieces. These columns, probably part of the Temple of Apollo, offer visitors a rare opportunity to swim with antiques today! At the end of our Pamukkale Tour, we are moving towards your hotel in Pamukkale
Day 5: Last day in Pamukkale Visit Laodicea and Kaklik cave, Honaz Waterfalls with drop off at Cardack Airport.
Pick up from your hotel in Pamukkale around 09:30 am. We will visit Laodicea Antique City, Zeus Temple, Theater, Church, Monumental Fountain, Odeon, Imperial Cult, Caracalla Fountain, Syria Avenue, Gymnasium, and Stadium.
After lunch, we will drive to Honaz Waterfall. After that, we will continue to Kaklik Cave where you could find the miniature Pamukkale Travertines. After Kaklik Cave we will drop you off at the airport where your tour ends.
Extra Tour Details
- Everyday departure (All year round)
- Duration: 5 days
- Private/Group
What has been included in this excursion?
Included:
- Accommodation BB
- All sightseeing & excursions mentioned in the itinerary
- Lunch during the tours
- Transfer service from Hotels & Airport
- English Guide
Excluded:
- Beverage during the tour
- Tips to the guide&driver(optional)
- Entrance Cleopatra Pool
- Not mentioned diners
- Not mentioned flights
- Entrance fee for Harem Section in Topkapi Palace.
- Personal expenses
Which extra activities can you do?
- Pamukkale Paragliding
- Pamukkale Hot Air Balloon
