Aphrodisias and Hierapolis Tour

At 08.30, pick up from your hotel and drive to Hierapolis Ancient city. We are going to see the largest Necropolis of ancient times. The cemetery dates between 2C BC- 3C AD and has 1200 tombs; 300 epitaphs have been read and published. Roman Bath dates 2C AD, and the structure was converted into a church in 6C AD. The olive press is used for processing olive oil. Frontinus Street, with its Doric style façade extending 170 m to the Byzantine Gate, dates back to late 4C AD when the city grew; they needed a defensive Wall around it. The Great Cathedral dated 6C AD when the city was promoted to the metropolis Phyrigia. The cathedral has a narthex, three aisles, and an apse. Plutonium, newly discovered as the shrine of Pluto. Agora was built in 2C AD. It was one of the largest market places in the ancient world. The theater is one of the best well-preserved theatres of the ancient World and had 12,000 persons. The Antique Pool, also known as Cleopatra’ Pool, can swim among the water’s ancient ruins. After the archeological sightseeing, you have a free time of about 1 hour, then proceed to the Travertines where you can enjoy walking on the white terraces. The water has been coming underground and flowing down to the slopes for centuries. We are having lunch at a local restaurant then drive to Aphrodisias.  

We are visiting one of the fascinating ancient cities of Turkey. Once Roman Emperor Augustus said, “I’ve chosen this city among the whole Asia Minors cities.” Aphrodisias educated the most talented sculptors in ancient times. We are going to see Sebasteion is a temple dedicated to the Roman emperors and Aphrodite. Theater, with three-story stage construction and has the capacity of 7,250 persons, dating back to 2C AD. Agora was the marketplace and the meeting point, dating back to 1C AD. The portico was dedicated to the Roman Emperor Tiberius. Hadrian Baths, dedicated to Emperor Hadrian, is one of the most important public buildings. Bishop’s Palace and the guest room located to the north of the courtyard, worth seeing and dating back to 5C AD. Aphrodite Temple, almost the most important structure of Aphrodisias. Because the city was dedicated to the deity Aphrodite, the temple dates back to 1C BC. Odeon had an important role in the city. It was an attractive place for the concerts; the capacity was 1,750 persons and dates back to 2C AD. Tetrapylon, the monumental gate built in 2C AD. The gate has Corinthian columns and lots of carvings on it. The symbol of Aphrodisias, re-erected 1984-1991 by archeologist Kenan Erim whose grave is near the gate.

After the ruins’ walking tour, we reach the Aphrodisias Museum to see many artifacts on display. We drive back to your hotel at 16.30

Please note: The Cleopatra’s Pool requires an extra fee. And please bring your own towels and wear comfortable shoes. The other thing; we all have to take shoes off to walk on the White terraces. That precaution is to protect the natural existence of Pamukkale ( Cotton Castle).

After the Aphrodisias and Pamukkale sightseeing tour, drive back to the hotel.