Asia Minor Archaeological Odyssey: From Ephesus to Antalya

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Asia Minor Archaeological Odyssey: From Ephesus to Antalya

(10 Days / 9 Nights – The Ultimate Ancient Turkey Route)

Tour Code: ARCH 010
Route: Izmir -> Pergamum -> Ephesus -> Aphrodisias -> Pamukkale -> Priene/Miletos/Didyma -> Bodrum -> Lycia -> Antalya
Start: Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport (ADB) End: Antalya Airport (AYT)
Duration: 10 Days / 9 Nights
Best Season: April, May, June, September, October, November.

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Travel through the pages of history in the land where East meets West. This intensive archaeological tour covers the most significant ancient cities of the Aegean and Mediterranean coasts.

From the marble streets of Ephesus to the Lycian tombs of Myra, from the sunken city of Kekova to the best-preserved Roman theatre in Aspendos… This is the definitive tour for history buffs who want to explore the cradle of civilizations.

Itinerary: 3,000 Years of History
Day 1: Arrival in the Pearl of the Aegean
Arrival: Pick-up from Izmir Airport and transfer to your hotel.

Welcome: Relax and prepare for the journey. Izmir (ancient Smyrna) is the third-largest city in Turkey.

Overnight: Izmir. (Meals not included).

Day 2: Kings & Physicians (Pergamum & Sardis)
Pergamum Acropolis: Visit the capital of the Pergamon Kingdom. Ride the cable car to see the steepest ancient theatre, the Trajan Temple, and the Altar of Zeus. This is also where parchment paper was invented.

Asclepion: Explore the ancient medical center where Galen, the famous physician, treated patients with early forms of psychotherapy.

Sardis: Visit the capital of the Lydians, where money was invented. See the massive Temple of Artemis, the Gymnasium, and the impressive ancient Synagogue.

Return: Drive back to Izmir.

Overnight: Izmir. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 3: The Crown Jewel (Ephesus)
Izmir City Tour: A quick visit to the Clock Tower and the historical Kemeralti Bazaar.

Ephesus: The highlight of the trip. Walk the marble streets of the best-preserved Roman city in the Eastern Mediterranean. See the Celsus Library, the Great Theatre, and the Temple of Hadrian.

Temple of Artemis: Visit the site of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

St. John’s Basilica: Visit the tomb of the Apostle John.

Overnight: Kusadasi. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 4: City of Love & The Cotton Castle
Aphrodisias: Visit the city dedicated to Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love. It houses the best-preserved Roman Stadium and a museum full of exquisite marble statues.

Hierapolis: Explore the ancient Roman spa city built above the thermal springs.

Pamukkale: Walk on the snow-white travertine terraces and enjoy the thermal waters.

Overnight: Pamukkale (Thermal Hotel). (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 5: The Philosophers’ Route (PMD)
Priene: The “Pompeii of Anatolia.” famous for its city planning and the Temple of Athena beneath a massive cliff.

Miletos: The home of Thales and the center of philosophy. See the Great Theatre.

Didyma: Stand in awe before the colossal columns of the Temple of Apollo, one of the largest oracles in the ancient world.

Bafa Lake: A scenic tea break by the lake, enjoying views of the Latmos Mountains.

Overnight: Bodrum. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 6: Underwater Archaeology & River Cruise
Bodrum Castle: Visit the Castle of St. Peter, home to the award-winning Museum of Underwater Archaeology. See shipwrecks from the Bronze Age.

Kaunos & Dalyan: We drive to Dalyan and board a private boat. Sail past the spectacular Lycian Rock Tombs carved into the cliffs and visit the ruins of Kaunos.

Iztuzu Beach: A swim break at the famous Turtle Beach.

Overnight: Fethiye. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 7: The Land of Light (Lycian League)
Tlos: One of the oldest Lycian cities, famous for its acropolis and the tomb of Bellerophon.

Xanthos: The ancient capital of the Lycian League, known for its tragic history and UNESCO status.

Letoon: The sacred cult center of Lycia, dedicated to Leto, Artemis, and Apollo.

Patara: Visit the parliament building of the world’s first democratic federation (which inspired the US Constitution) and the sandy Patara Beach.

Overnight: Kas. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 8: Sunken City & Santa Claus
Kekova Boat Trip: A highlight! We sail over the Sunken City of Simena (Dolchiste). See ancient ruins submerged in clear turquoise water.

Myra (Demre): Visit the impressive rock-cut tombs and the Roman Theatre.

St. Nicholas Church: Visit the church and tomb of the original Santa Claus.

Phaselis: Walk through this ancient harbor city nestled among pine trees right on the beach. Swim break included!

Overnight: Antalya. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 9: Capital of Pamphylia
Aspendos: Marvel at the best-preserved Roman Theatre in the world, still used for concerts today.

Perge: Walk through the monumental gate and colonnaded streets of this massive city where St. Paul once preached.

Side: Visit the Temple of Apollo by the sea.

Duden Waterfalls: A refreshing nature stop to see the waterfalls.

Overnight: Antalya. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner included).

Day 10: Departure
Transfer: Transfer to Antalya Airport (AYT) for your flight back home or to Istanbul.

End of Tour: A journey of a lifetime ends here.

Tour Package Details
Inclusions

Accommodation: 9 Nights in 4-Star or Boutique Hotels.

Meals: 9 Breakfasts, 8 Lunches, 8 Dinners (Dinner not included in Izmir Day 1).

Guiding: Professional Licensed English-Speaking Tour Guide (Expert in Archaeology).

Transport: Private Luxury A/C Vehicle.

Fees: Entrance fees to all Ancient Cities, Museums, and National Parks.

Activities:

Cable Car to Pergamum Acropolis.

Dalyan River Boat Trip.

Kekova Sunken City Boat Trip.

Transfers: Airport Transfers (Izmir Arrival / Antalya Departure).

Exclusions

Domestic Flights (Istanbul-Izmir / Antalya-Istanbul).

Drinks during meals.

Personal expenses.

Tips for guide and driver.

Important Note: This is an archaeology-focused tour involving significant walking on uneven ancient stones. Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen are essential.

Ready to walk in the footsteps of legends? Contact us for the best price!

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Contact Info

Address: Yukarı Mah Yunus Emre Caddesi No.23 Uchisar Nevsehir Cappadocia
Phone: +905475788663
Mobile: +905333542242

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Welcome to Travel Mart Turkiye. By browsing this website and booking any tours, activities, transfers, or packages with us, you agree to be bound by the following Terms and Conditions. Please read them carefully before making a reservation.

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To ensure a seamless experience, our booking process is structured as follows:

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We understand that travel plans can change. We aim to be as flexible as possible while respecting the operational costs of our partners. Our cancellation policy is divided by service type:

A. Hot Air Balloon Flights (Important) Ballooning is strictly weather-dependent. Here is how we handle cancellations:

Cancellation by Civil Aviation (Weather): If your flight is cancelled by the Turkish Civil Aviation Authority due to unsafe weather conditions (wind, fog, storm), you are entitled to a 100% FULL REFUND. No hidden fees, no deductions. Alternatively, we can reschedule you for the next day, subject to availability.

Cancellation by the Guest:

More than 48 Hours Notice: If you cancel more than 48 hours before the scheduled flight time, you will receive a full refund.

Less than 48 Hours: Cancellations made within 48 hours of the flight are non-refundable due to seat allocation costs and limited capacity.

No-Show: If you are not present at the designated pickup time/location, no refund will be issued.

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Free Cancellation: You may cancel up to 24 hours before the tour start time for a full refund.

Late Cancellation: Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the tour are subject to a 100% cancellation fee (no refund).

C. Private Tours & Large Group Bookings For private VIP tours or groups larger than 10 people, stricter planning is required:

7 Days Notice: Full refund if cancelled 7 days prior to arrival.

3-6 Days Notice: 50% refund.

Less than 72 Hours: Non-refundable.

Pricing & Inclusions
Currency: All prices on our website are in Euros (€) or USD ($) unless stated otherwise.

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Exclusions: Unless specifically stated in the tour description, personal expenses, beverages during lunch, and gratuities (tips) for guides/drivers are not included in the price.

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Balloon Safety: All hot air balloon operators we partner with hold valid insurance policies covering all passengers in accordance with ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.

Travel Insurance: While our tours cover basic transportation and activity insurance required by Turkish Law, we strongly recommend that all travelers purchase their own comprehensive travel insurance to cover personal health issues, lost luggage, or international flight delays.

Liability: Cappadocia Mart acts as a booking agent. We are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage sustained during the tour, except where such loss is caused by our direct negligence.

Child Policy
Hot Air Balloons: For safety and legal reasons, children under 6 years old are strictly not allowed to fly in hot air balloons. Children aged 6-12 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Land Tours:

0-2 Years: Free of Charge.

3-8 Years: Discounted rates usually apply (varies by specific tour).

Pick-up & Drop-off Times
Pick-up times provided during the booking process are estimates. The exact time depends on the location of your hotel (Goreme, Urgup, Uchisar, Avanos) and seasonal sunrise times. We will confirm the exact pick-up time with you via WhatsApp or Email one day before the tour.
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Governing Law
These terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Turkey. Any disputes arising from these terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nevşehir, Turkey.