Pamukkale / Hierapolis - Experience the ancient...

Pamukkale/Hierapolis

Pick up location: Izmir Hotels or Kusadasi Pier

Experience the ancient Greek, Roman, and Byzantine ruins of Hierapolis, including the famous spa at Pamukkale. Your driver/guide will pick your party up at hotels in Izmir or at the Kusadasi Pier and drive first to Hierapolis, the ancient city, founded in 190 BC by King Eumenes II of Pergamum and dedicated to Hiera, the wife of Hercules’ son. Its extensive thermal springs made it a famous healing center, second only to Pergamum. Hierapolis was a notable city even during its Roman period. It is also where St. Phillip was martyred in 80 AD.

Hierapolis has the largest necropolis in Anatolia, with thousands of Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine tombs. Your guide will take you through the necropolis to the ancient city and detail the city’s facts, history, and archaeology. You will also visit Domician’s Gate, Main Street, a well-preserved amphitheater that seats 15,000, the Temple of Apollo, and a monumental fountain.

From there, we will head Pamukkale, where the glitter hot springs run over limestone terraces, creating a magnificent view. You will enjoy walking by the canals and taking photos, spending 2.5 hours here exploring.

We will stop for lunch at a family-run restaurant in Pamukkale village.

We will return Kusadasi and/or Izmir late in the evening, where the tour ends upon arrival.

Pictures are courtesy of Dick Osseman www.pbase.com