AEGEAN DELIGHT

DAY 1            IZMIR, EPHESUS, SIRINCE, MOTHER MARY’S HOUSE
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Izmir. You will be met upon arrival and transferred to your hotel located in the sea side town of Kusadasi approx. 1 hour drive south along the Aegean coast from Izmir.

Step back in time as you wander through UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ephesus open-air museum, one of the world’s best preserved ancient Greek city on the coast of Ionia. Contains more then 30 buildings and structures adorned with columns and statues of the Gods, Goddesses and Emperors linked together by streets that still have the marks of ancient chariot wheels. Walk on the ancient roads where Holy Mother Mary, St John, St Paul, Mary Magdalena (one of the few people who witnessed crucifixion and resurrection), Cleopatra and Mark Anthony, once walked and see monuments such as Harbour Street, the Brothel, Gymnasium, Agora, Trajan Fountain, Odeon Temple, Celcus Library, one of the richest libraries of the ancient world after Alexandria and Pergamon. It counted more than 12,000 hand-written scrolls. Facade niches hold replica statues of the Four Virtues. From left to right, they are Sophia (Wisdom), Arete (Goodness), Ennoia (Thought) and Episteme (Knowledge). Temple of Hadrian, where the main keystone arch is still in place nearly 2,000 years after its construction. The Grand Theatre is where St Paul gave his famous sermon. Opt to see famous Terrace Houses, in many regards, the remains are on a par with the famous ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy – making them one of the world’s key sites to experience and admire the sophistication, luxury and aesthetic refi nement of upper-class Roman domestic life. Enjoy a delicious lunch of Turkish cuisine at a local restaurant.

You will also have the chance to visit the pilgrimage point claimed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary at Mount Koressos before eyewitnessing one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world, Temple of Artemis aka the Temple of Diana, built in around 550 BC destroyed in AD 268 in a raid by the Goths. Later, drive past vineyards, apple and peach orchards to the quaint Ottoman-Greek village of Sirince, where charming, red-roofed houses clamber up the hillside. Here are the sounds of the village: birds chirp, mourning doves coo, dogs bark, roosters crow, children play, tractor passes. Before tour’s end, visit the wonderful example of the Seljukian architecture, Isabey Mosque. Overnight Kusadasi. (L)

DAY 2            WHITE CALCIUM FORMATIONS OF PAMUKKALE
This morning, following the winding Taurus Mountaints, passing through rural villages and fruit orchards as we journey inland to Pamukkale, which means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish. It is a surreal natural wonder of rippling semi-circular, pure-white travertines that sit among green farming fields. This pure white hillside is one of Turkey’s most photographed spots and famous natural tourist attraction with a stunning backdrop to the ancient Greco-Roman city of Hierapolis. Made up of 17 hot water springs, mineral-rich volcanic spring water outpouring over basins and natural terraces, crystallizing into travertines. The hot springs at Pamukkale are believed to cure rheumatism, musculoskeletal system, heart and blood vessels and other ailments, ancient Greeks and Romans considered the thermal springs sacred. Just above the travertines lies Hierapolis. Don’t miss the Roman Theatre, largest surviving Necropolis, the Agora, Martyrium of St Philip the Apostle and Temple of Apollo where people came to consult the temple’s oracle. We gain a sense of the daily life during those times.

Swimming in the Cleopatra’s Pool offers a separate pleasure with mineral water bubbling from its bottom at 35°C or 95°F, so a dip in the middle of November is not out of the question. Changing rooms are available, as are drinks and snacks. There is an additional entrance fee to swim in this pool, but it is well worth it. When visiting Pamukkale, remember to pack your bathing suit, towel and slippers.

Evenin return flight to the exotic city of Istanbul. Opportunity to finish up your sightseeing or get in some last minute shopping at your own pace. (B, L)