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Discover the religious riches of Ancient Anatolia with the special 2-Day Izmir - Pergamon - Ephesus "Biblical Turkey" Tour. Starting in Izmir, a unique journey will take you to Pergamon. In ancient Pergamon, visit historical sites such as the Altar of Zeus, the Great Theatre. Then head to Ephesus, where you will see religious and historical sites such as the House of the Virgin Mary, the Temple of Artemis and the Ancient City of Ephesus. Listen to the stories of this sacred land with professional guides. Overnight in Izmir.
On the second day, set out to explore the ancient city of Sardis. Jewish synagogues, the Temple of Artemis and the Tombs of the Kings await you in this historic city. End your journey with spectacular views of the Tamara Stream. Designed for a special experience, this tour is a perfect option for those who want to discover religious and historical riches. Book and join this unique journey!
05:00 Early morning transfer to Istanbul airport
07:00 Direct Flight from Istanbul to Izmir.
08:10 Arrive at Izmir Airport, meet your guide, and drive to Izmir City Center.
Our first stop will be Kadifekale (Izmir Castle). Hellenistic and Roman Smyrna Acropolis, known today as Kadifekale and called Pagos in ancient sources. Acropolis Hill, due to its location, has a view that can keep the entire Izmir Bay under control.
The approximately 3 m thick fortification wall surrounding the Acropolis was built directly on the andesite bedrock. In the excavations and research, information about the cult and temple of Athena could not be reached.
However, it is known that there are temples, altars, or places of worship and areas belonging to gods or goddesses other than the god or goddess of the city on the hills of the Acropolis. As a matter of fact, a bowl with the inscription "For Artemis" found during the excavations indicated the existence of the cult of Artemis, at least on the hill.
Then we will drive to Izmir (Smyrna) Agora, located in the heart of the historical city center of Izmir, is also one of the largest agoras in the city center in the world today. It is dated to the Roman Period (2nd century AD). "Agora" means "town square, bazaar, marketplace."
To the Hippodamos city plan, it was built close to the center, with three floors. It is considered the largest and best preserved of the Ionian agoras. It is a three-story compound structure with a staircase in front, built on columns and arches around a large courtyard in the middle.
It is understood that the relief of Goddess Vesta on the northern gate of the Agora is the continuation of the comforts of the Altar of Zeus unearthed during the early excavations. In addition, besides the statues of God Hermes, Dionysus, Eros, and Heracles, Numerous male, female, and animal statues, reliefs, figurines, marble, bone, glass, metal, and terracotta artifacts were unearthed. After that, walk-in Kemeralti Street (Bazaar) to Konak Square.
Since the 19th century, inns and covered bazaars have been in the Kemeralti Bazaar, the liveliest trade point in Izmir. However, the shops here were referred to as small businesses that local people were interested in. Options such as blacksmith, coal maker, nail maker, spice and straw bazaar were previously located in Kemeralti Bazaar.
Commercial shops in different areas were also found at various points. Then we will arrive at Konak Square and the clock tower. Izmir Clock Tower, the symbol of Izmir, is the Ottoman Sultan Sultan II. It was built in 1901 as part of the 25th-anniversary celebrations of Abdulhamid's accession to the throne. This commercial square started from the Hisar Mosque built in Izmir in 1592 and has grown increasingly. After that, we will drive to St. Polycarp Church.
An apostle and gospel writer, St. John's. One of the first students was St Polycarp. He was born in 69 AD in Asia Minor (present-day Türkiye). His divineness, apostle tradition, and profound knowledge of Christianity made him become bishop of the Smyrnaean Church. As the name suggests, its church is dedicated to St.Polycarp. St.Polycarp church is the oldest religious building in Izmir.
Also, this is the most. It is also famous among the "Seven Churches" in Asia Minor. St.Polycarp church draws attention with its elaborate decorations and tiny sculptures. Altar niches, the central nave, aisles, and especially the bema, there are also frescoes.
They are impressive surfaces that cover all interior surfaces without leaving any gaps. These frescoes are also from St. Raymond Pere, who lived in Izmir in the last century, depicting the life and martyrdom of Polycarp drawn by young French painters and architects.
Then we will drive about 2 hrs to drive to Pergamon. After the lunch break, Visit the Pergamon Acropolis.
The ruins of Pergamon cross the river in Bergama's pleasant, modern city. The deep-bedded Caicus River flowing through the town adds to Bergama's quiet charms. Pergamon's archaeological sights, towering 330 m above the city, are extensive and impressive.
Loping over 3000 acres, its ruins are located on two main sites. The Acropolis, which looms above the town, and with one world's wealthiest libraries, the ruins make it one of Turkey's finest archaeological sites.
Extremely worthwhile UNESCO world heritage site atop a massive hill. The vantage point is incredible. It's high, panoramic views, its establishment, and the whole city complex in itself; you will love this place because it's overlooking the entire town.
The theater on the side of the hill is simply amazing. The most notable attraction is the mammoth amphitheater, capable of seating 10.000 spectators. It is the steepest theater whole Mediterranean coastline.
Most of the Altar of Zeus, consisting of the remains of a marble offering table, graces the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. The Temple was the "throne of Satan," referred to by St.John in the Book of Revelations. In ancient times, only the library in Alexandria surpassed Pergamon’s, which contained more than 200.000 volumes.
When the Alexandrians attempted to eclipse the Pergamon book bonanza by limiting the flow of papyrus from the Nile, Pergamon schoolers invented parchment from goat hides—the plot thıckned: when the library’s Egyptian rival rose in flames. Marc Antony plundered Pergamon’s shelves and presented the pilfered collection to Cleopatra.
Red Basilica was initially built as a second-century temple to the Egyptian God Serapis and converted into a basilica during the Byzantine Empire.
Pergamon Acropolis, The temple of Zeus, the Temple of Emperor Trojan, the Theatre, the Pergamum Library, Arsenals, Red Basilica, and the Ascleion medical center;
After the tour, drive to Kusadasi. Overnight in Kusadasi.
After breakfast, departure from the hotel to Ephesus. During your journey, your local tour guide will inform you about Ephesus, The House of the Virgin Mary, and The Temple of Artemis.
Also, about Turkey, such as climate, different regions in Turkey that hold the most beautiful historical places, and all while standing in front of the Turkey Map as they will then pinpoint these certain places for you, to make it easier to follow the tour guides Turkey Map.
Still, your local tour guide will also hand you your Ephesus Map, Pamukkale Map, Hierapolis Map, and Turkey Map.
We will pass through the verdant and picturesque countryside before arriving at our first stop, The House of the Virgin Mary. In accordance with the Predominant Christian tradition, Mary was brought to Ephesus by the Apostle John after the resurrection of Christ and lived out her final resting years here. This is based mainly on the traditional belief that John came to Ephesus and the biblical statement that Jesus consigned her to John's care (John 19:26-27).
After the House of the Virgin Mary, we will visit the Ancient City of Ephesus; The tour here will be a walking tour and will take you to one of the most magnificent archaeological sites in the world. Ephesus was once the cultural and economic capital of the Roman empire in Asia Minor; you will be able to see the Fountain of Trajan, the steam baths of Scholastic, the Temple of Hadrian, and of course, remember the awe-inspiring library of Ephesus.
The library is adorned with columns and statues. It also housed the Library of Celsus, the third-largest library in the Roman world. It housed over 12,000 scrolls and manuscripts in niches along the inner wall. When St. Paul visited Ephesus in AD 53, he found a sizable Jewish community there. Menorah graffiti: The carvings on the stairs of the Ephesus Celsus Library are a mystery.
The menorah was used as a Jewish symbol in the 3rd century; So far, three have been found in ancient Ephesus, which had a thriving Jewish community. The Great Theatre, where St. Paul preached, is the largest in antiquity, with a capacity of 24,000 people. You will then return to the bus down the Arcadian Road, where Mark Anthony and Cleopatra once rode in the parade.
After your 2-hour exploration of Ephesus, we set off for an approximately 1-hour lunch break.
Then we will continue on the tour and head on for our next stop, which is the Temple of Artemis (Diana); this outstanding temple was built in honor of the Greek Goddess of hunting, wild nature, and fertility, deemed as one of the Seven wonders of the ancient world.
The temple of Artemis used to be the largest marble temple in the ancient Greek world since it was four times as big as the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The temple served as both a marketplace and a religious institution. Offerings by thousands of pilgrims each year enabled the temple to grow so wealthy that it became the world's first bank.
Today, little remains of the magnificent structure. Your guide will describe its importance, wealth, and the tension between the Romans and Christians that settled in the area over the centuries.
After the Ephesus tour, drive to Izmir Airport. Fly back to Istanbul. Arrive in Istanbul and transfer to your hotel.
PS: If you wish, you can do an Extention, or you may request bus tickets or transfer service to Pamukkale, Cesme, Canakkale, Gocek, Fethiye, or Istanbul.
*Private two days Izmir, Pergamon, and Ephesus Package Turkey Tour run daily and is available all year round.
*Also, documents with details and confirmations will be e-mailed after booking.
Contact us for booking