Day 4: The Ancient Site of Ephesus

If you are able to take a short domestic flight to Izmir, you can spend the day visiting the archaeological site of Ephesus, the largest Roman ruins this side of the Mediterranean. There are also several other important sites close by. The Temple of Artemis is one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Ephesus Museum, St. John’s Basilica, and the House of the Virgin Mary round off a day devoted to history.

The nearby village of Sirince is the perfect place to unwind, eat dinner, and reflect on a day well spent.

Day 5: Pamukkales Travertine Terraces

You will most likely need to set aside an entire day to fully appreciate Pamukkale and the surrounding area.
Pamukkale means “cotton castle” in Turkish, a fitting description for the chalky land and hot springs it contains. You may be surprised to discover that the city of Hieropolis was actually built on top of Pamukkale; its inhabitants believed the spring water to have healing properties overseen by Apollo. Once at Pamukkale, you will see the travertine and limestone cliffs that resemble terraces.

Enjoy a dip in the Sacred Pool, and note the nearby ruins of Aphrodisias, an ancient city named for the Greek goddess Aphrodite.