Ancient Ionia: Ephesus, Pergamon & Sirince (4 Days)

Overview

Journey through the golden age of the Aegean on this four-day tour from Istanbul to ancient Ionia. We explore Ephesus, one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the Mediterranean, the dramatic acropolis of Pergamon (Bergama) with its steep theatre and famous ancient medical centre, and the last column of the Temple of Artemis, once one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. We finish in the hillside wine village of Sirince. Round-trip flights from Istanbul, 3-4 star hotels, transfers and an expert guide are included.

Itinerary

Day 1 - Istanbul to Pergamon (Bergama)

We fly from Istanbul to Izmir and drive north to Pergamon. We ride the cable car to the acropolis to see the vertiginous theatre, the library and the base of the Great Altar of Zeus, then visit the Asklepion, one of the ancient world's most important healing centres.

Day 2 - Ephesus and the Temple of Artemis

A full day at Ephesus: the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, the Temple of Hadrian, the terrace houses and the Curetes Street. We also see the surviving column of the Temple of Artemis and the Basilica of Saint John in Selcuk.

Day 3 - Sirince and the Aegean

We spend time in Sirince, a pretty village of old Greek houses famous for its fruit wines and views, with free time to enjoy the relaxed Aegean atmosphere. Optional visit to the House of the Virgin Mary.

Day 4 - Return to Istanbul

After a final morning we transfer to Izmir Airport for our flight back to Istanbul.

Tour highlights

Explore Ephesus and the Library of Celsus
Climb the acropolis of Pergamon and visit the Asklepion
See the last column of the Temple of Artemis, a Wonder of the Ancient World
Taste fruit wines in the hillside village of Sirince
Flights from Istanbul, 3-4 star hotels, transfers and an expert guide included

Frequently Asked Questions

Ionia was the ancient Greek region along the central Aegean coast of Anatolia, home to brilliant cities such as Ephesus and nearby Pergamon. It was a cradle of philosophy, science and architecture in the classical world.

Ephesus and Pergamon are two of the greatest ancient cities in Turkey but very different in character. Pergamon dazzles with its hilltop acropolis and Asklepion healing centre, while Ephesus impresses with its marble streets and the Library of Celsus.

Sirince is a picturesque village of old stone-and-timber houses in the hills above Selcuk, known for its fruit wines, local handcrafts and lovely views, a relaxed counterpoint to the ancient sites.

Round-trip domestic flights from Istanbul, 3-4 star hotels with half board, all transfers, site entrance fees and an expert guide. Cable-car tickets where relevant are included; lunches and personal expenses are not.