Salda Lake, Pamukkale, Ephesus, Kuşadası and Şirince Tour

About the tour

Tour programme

The daily route follows the programme in the catalogue. A detailed itinerary is shared with the quote.

Places to see

• Salda Lake

  In the Yeşilova district of Burdur, at about 196 m deep, it is one of the deepest lakes in Türkiye. It is known for the white hydromagnesite formations along its shores. In 2021 NASA described Salda's mineral and rock deposits as the closest analogue on Earth to Jezero Crater on Mars, where the Perseverance rover landed.

• Pamukkale travertines

  White travertine terraces formed by the deposits of calcium carbonate-rich thermal waters flowing down a slope about 200 m high. Together with the ancient city of Hierapolis, it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1988. Visitors walk barefoot on the terraces to protect the limestone surface.

• Ancient city of Hierapolis

  A spa city founded at the end of the 2nd century BC by the Attalid kings of Pergamon. You can see baths, the remains of the Temple of Apollo, a theatre, a monumental gate, a nymphaeum, a large necropolis and the Martyrium of St Philip. Together with Pamukkale, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• House of the Virgin Mary

  This small stone building on Mount Koressos (Bülbüldağı), about 7 km from Selçuk, is a place of pilgrimage believed to be where the Virgin Mary spent her final years. It was identified in 1881 and rediscovered by Lazarist priests in 1891. Popes Paul VI, John Paul II and Benedict XVI have visited it.

• Ancient city of Ephesus

  Founded by Ionian colonists in the 10th century BC, Ephesus became the capital of the province of Asia in the Roman period. The remains at Selçuk include the Great Theatre, which held about 25,000 people, the Library of Celsus and the Terrace Houses. It was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015.

• Library of Celsus

  Built in the 110s by his son in memory of Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, governor of the province of Asia, it was completed in the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Celsus's tomb lies beneath the building, and the library is thought to have held about 12,000 scrolls. The façade you see today was re-erected between 1970 and 1978.

• Temple of Artemis

  The Artemision near Selçuk is counted among the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The temple burned down in 356 BC and was rebuilt; its final form was destroyed in 401. Today only the foundations remain on the site, along with a single column re-erected from fragments found there.

• Şirince

  A mountain village near Selçuk, cited as an example of Ottoman-era Christian settlement architecture, with most of its houses dating from the 19th century. Formerly called Çirkince, the village was renamed Şirince in 1926. Wine, olive oil and peaches are among its local products.

Photos

What's covered and notes

Who is it for?

• History and culture enthusiastsDiscover historic and cultural heritage on site, with a guide's commentary.
• School and student groupsA pace suited to the age group, planned together with the teacher and group leader.
• FamiliesA programme that participants of all ages can enjoy together.

Practical information

Frequently asked questions