Private Pamukkale & Aphrodisias Tour

Aphrodisias lies in southwestern Turkey, in the fertile valley of the Dandalas River, a tributary of the Meander, about 150 kilometres east (inland) of the Aegean Sea. It is situated at the base of the Babadag mountain range, at 500 m above sea level. The city was the capital of the ancient Roman province of Caria.

Aphrodisias is one of the oldest sacred sites in Turkey, dedicated to the ancient Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite, it was the site of a magnificent Temple of Aphrodite and the home of a famous school of marble sculpture. The Temple of Aphrodite later became a Christian basilica through an impressive swapping of columns. Today, the Temple of Aphrodite is well-preserved and partially restored; it is not hard to imagine its ancient splendor. Aphrodisias also offers ruins of a large theater, a stadium and other structures, as well as an on-site museum displaying artifactsAccording to Suda the city had three names before it was known as Aphrodisias ; Lelegon Polis, Megale Polis and Ninoe.

To visit Aphrodisias you will be picked up from your hotel in Kusadasi / Selcuk at 07.30 by a private vehicle and guide. During your trip you will drive along the countryside for about two hours with the lovely scenery of vineyards , olive trees and cotton plantations.

After visiting Aphrodisias you’ll have your lunch at a local restaurant and after the lunch our next step will be the ancient city of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage site which differs from all other ancient cities in being located, not on earth or rock, but on solid limestone layers formed by limestone water that flowed for centuries over this raised level plateau. "Hierapolis" means "sacred city" and the city was given this name because of the large number of temples it had Today, the theatre, the Apollo temple and the Necropolis are the most important places to see in Hierapolis. During the tour you will have the chance to have look at the Turkish traditional hadcrafts.

Travel Tips

Please, do not forget to bring your swimwear. During your walk on travertines mind your steps to avoid injuries. Summer period is hot and dry so please take your hat and sunscreen with you.

This tour is a full day tour and departs everyday.

Itinerary of the tour

07.30

Pick up from your hotel in Kusadasi / Selcuk

09.30

Arrive in Aphrodisias and start the tour

Visiting

• Tetrapylon ( Gateway from 2nd century )
• Temple of Aphrodite ( turned into a Christian basilica in the 5th century )
• The Stadium ( designed for athletic contests)
• The North Agora
• The Sebasteion ( Roman imperial cult complex )
• The Baths of Hadrian

12:00

Lunch at a local restaurant

13:00

Depart for Pamukkale Hierapolis Tour

Visiting

• Hierapolis ( Sacred City )
• Necropolis ( tumulus, sarcophagus and house-shaped tombs )
• Domitian Gate
• The Main Street
• Byzantium Gate
• Temple of Apollo
• Plutonium
• Theatre
• Travertines
• Cleopatra’s Pool

16:00

End of the tour transfer to your hotel / bus station / Denizli airport