Guided Tour of Pamukkale and Ancient Hierapolis from Izmir

Nat Geo Day Tour: Äitiyden ikonit – Artemis, Neitsyt Maria ja paikallinen pormestari

Kulje aikojen halki ja tutustu yhteiskuntaa muinaisista ajoista nykypäivään muokanneiden naisten sisukkuuteen Turkissa. Vaikutu kreikkalaisen jumalatar Artemiin mahtavuudesta ja kuule hänen tarinansa, kun käyt Artemiin temppelillä.Kiertele museossa paikallisille jumalattarille omistetussa galleriassa, joka kuvaa Artemiin kehitystä. Ihaile kahta suurta Artemiin patsasta ja näe malli temppelistä sellaisena kuin se oli aikana, jolloin sitä pidettiin yhtenä antiikin maailman seitsemästä ihmeestä. Pääset myös kulkemaan Neitsyt Marian jalanjäljissä vieraillessasi talossa, jossa hänen uskotaan asuneen ja lopulta kuolleen. National Geographicin artikkelin innoittamana oppaasi kertoo Marian roolista "maailman kuuluisimpana naisena" ja pohtii naisten tärkeää roolia nykypäivän Turkissa. Pääset yksinoikeudella tutustumaan Efes Village of Life Earth School -hankkeeseen, jonka on perustanut Selçukin pormestari. Tämä hanke on osoitus hänen omistautumisestaan yhteisölleen ja kestävän maatalouden edistämiselle. Täällä sinulla on lisäksi tilaisuus tavata toiminnassa mukana olevia paikallisia. Saat kuulla pormestarin tiimin jäseneltä siitä, miten tämä hanke on muuttanut paikallisten elämää ja maisemaa. Lisäksi pääset maistelemaan paikallisen naisjärjestön jäsenten valmistamia perinteisiä turkkilaisia pikkupurtavia ja juomia.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Efesoksen muinaiset mosaiikit ja taide

Antiikin aikainen Efesoksen kaupunki on yksi maailman suosituimmista historiallisista nähtävyyksistä. Kaupunki kukoisti ensin kreikkalaisten ja sitten roomalaisten vallan alla 700-luvulta eaa. aina 200-luvulle asti. Nykyään se on hämmästyttävän hyvin säilynyt historiallinen aarreaitta, jonka raunioilla kulkiessa on helppo kuvitella kauan sitten vallinnut arkipäivän vilske.Seikkailusi alkaa kierroksella interaktiivisessa museossa. Ihaile rivitaloja, jotka eivät yleensä kuulu Efesoksen kierroksiin. Kävellessäsi käytävien ja sisäpihojen keskellä, joissa asui aikoinaan varakkaita paikallisia, saat käsityksen silloisesta yltäkylläisestä elämäntyylistä. Näissä taloissa asui joitakin maailman rikkaimmista perheistä. Ihaile seiniä koristavia mosaiikkeja ja freskoja, ja siirry ajassa taaksepäin.Sitten oppaasi johdattaa sinut Efesoksen marmorikaduille, joilla Pyhä Paavali, Kleopatra ja Aleksanteri Suuri aikoinaan kulkivat. Vierailet Celsuksen kirjastossa, joka on yksi ainoista jäljellä olevista roomalaisen valtakunnan kirjastoista, ja amfiteatterissa, johon mahtui 24 000 katsojaa.Käyt myös Art Ceramic Centre -keskuksessa, jossa perinteiset keramiikkatekniikat on edelleen voimissaan. Katsele taiteilijaa työssään, jonka jälkeen pääset maalaamaan paikallisten käsityöläisten tekemiä kaakeleita. Molemmat elämykset ovat tarjolla yksinomaan National Geographicin matkalaisille. Kierroksen päätteeksi pääset maistelemaan paikallisia hedelmäviinejä.

Ancient Ephesus tour with pottery-making demonstration

Ephesus is one of those places that brings history to life. Relive the glory days of the Roman Empire as you explore the monuments of this ancient city on a guided tour. The archaeological site is so well preserved that it's easy to imagine the toga-clad crowds that gathered and chattered in its streets 2,000 years ago.

Pamukkale & Hierapolis Tour

A natural masterpiece combines with ancient ruins for this full day tour. You'll head to Pamukkale – which means 'cotton castle' in Turkish – as well as the adjacent city of Hierapolis. Both are UNESCO-listed, so it's a two-for-one deal on Turkey's historical gems. Muzaffer, one of our local guides, says, ‘Pamukkale is like something out of a fairytale – a spectacle of terraces formed over thousands of years that look like a cascading snowy waterfall. Legend has it, the hot thermal springs here have healing properties'.On arrival, you'll stop by the Pam Hotel for a spot of lunch, before we make our way to the main event. A sight to behold, Pamukkale's natural springs solidified into chalk-white stalactites and cliffs long ago, resulting in a winter-like wonderland of petrified tiers and pools. People have bathed here for thousands of years, including Roman emperors. Follow in their footsteps and bathe in one of the thermal pools or simply make your way to the top and drink in the magnificent views.Next up is the ancient spa town of Hierapolis. You'll have free time to explore its well-preserved ruins, including ancient streets, a 13,000-seat theatre and the thermal baths – known as Cleopatra's pool due to her reputation of eternal youth. What's more, for every sale of this experience, there's a donation to CYDD, a charity that helps in the education of underprivileged children in Turkey.

Ancient Ephesus tour with House of the Virgin Mary

The hills around Kuşadası are home to two of Turkey's most popular historical sites – the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. You'll be whisked through centuries of history at Ephesus, see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and visit an important pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos – all in one afternoon. Esra, one of our expert local guides, says, "The Library of Celsus is one of the most impressive landmarks of Ephesus. It once held over 12,000 scrolls and was the third-largest library in the ancient world."Kick off with a drive into the sun-soaked hills to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. According to popular belief, St John the Evangelist brought Mary to Ephesus after the crucifixion of Jesus, and she lived here until her death. Next, it's time to head to the ancient city of Ephesus, where a journey through history awaits. Your guide will lead you around the sprawling archaeological site and point out its highlights while regaling you with fascinating historic tales of this once-powerful city. While you're here, you'll also walk through the museum, where digital exhibits help to bring the place to life by showcasing what Ephesus could've looked like in its heyday. You'll stroll down marble-paved streets where mosaics and frescoes still decorate the walls of ancient Roman houses, gaze at the Temples of Artemis and Hadrian, and be blown away by the Library of Celsus. Esra says "I love to imagine the Great Theatre filled with 25,000 spectators. They would come to watch gladiator clashes, political rallies and performances in this theatre, a hub of city life. You can almost hear the roar of the crowd."

Sites & Bites: Sirince tour, St John’s Basilica and Turkish meze

History fans and foodies, listen up! This guided tour to Sirince is all about getting to grips with the area's main landmarks, as well as sampling some of the local cuisine. This activity ticks off everything from castles and temples to meze and ice-cream. Plus, you'll have a guide with you throughout the trip, so expect lots of insider info and stories on top of the sightseeing and food tasting.You'll be picked up from your hotel and driven to your first stop, St John's Basilica in Selcuk. On the way, you'll get a glimpse of other big-name attractions in this part of Turkey, including the Temple of Artemis and Isa Bey Mosque. You might have a chance to hop off the coach and snap some pics. If not, you'll get a good look at them from the window as you drive by. Your guide will be on board, too, and they'll share stories and info related to everything you'll see. After some time to look around the exterior of the basilica, you'll wind your way through countryside lanes to Sirince.When you arrive in the village, you'll sit down for breakfast. You'll have a chance to try some authentic Turkish meze dishes, like stuffed vine leaves, gozleme pancakes and bazlama round bread. Then, it's time for a guided walk through the city. Your guide will tell you what life's like here, and they'll point out all the leading landmarks. It's a laidback walk, so you'll have plenty of time to shop for souvenirs, as well, and you'll also be treated to some ice-cream. After your walk, you'll wrap things up at the restaurant you had breakfast in for a fruit wine-tasting.

Izmir City Tour & Aquarium

Thanks to its sweeping harbour, seafront eateries and palm-lined pier, Izmir is known for its beautiful waterfront. This full-day guided tour takes you through the top sights of Turkey's third-largest city. Take a ferry ride across the bay, visit Izmir's aquarium, and meander through the markets. You'll kick your sightseeing off with the historic clock tower at Konak Square, a beloved symbol of Izmir, made from white marble. Our expert local guide, Ahmet, says "the clock tower isn't just a timekeeper, it's a storyteller narrating tales of Izmir's past."Next up, you'll wander over to Kizlaragasi Hani, a lively marketplace buzzing with local vendors and artisans. There's time for you to get a good look at the stalls here, which are packed with goods, from handmade crafts to traditional Turkish delight. Then, head over to Hisar Mosque, one of the city's oldest and largest. You'll learn about its history, importance and religious practices. You'll also get the chance to quietly appreciate its peaceful interior.Afterwards, meander through the colourful Kemeralti Bazaar, where you can haggle for souvenirs or just take in its vibrant atmosphere. Finally, hop on a ferry from Konak to Karsiyaka harbour – you can get a good look at Izmir's skyline from here. Round the tour off at Westpark Mall. Izmir's biggest retail outlet boasts an aquarium, too. Entry is included, so you can choose to spend the afternoon in the shops or seeing shoals of exotic fish, sharks, stingrays and more.

Kusadasi 4x4 safari tour

Forested mountains and sea-framed peninsulas are the backdrop to this scenic 4x4 drive. Tour the beautiful rural countryside inland from Kusadasi by rugged 4x4, taking in the charming mountain villages of Çamlık and Kirazlı, followed by an afternoon of sand surfing on Pamucak beach.

Kusadasi Horse Riding Safari

Exploring your surroundings by horse is a fun and natural way to discover the Turkish countryside. Take a few hours on this horse-riding excursion from Kusadasi to get back to nature at a sedate pace, with a refreshing sea swim along the way.

Pohjoisen poukamat – veneretki Seferihisarista ja Ozderesta

Astu alukselle ja vietä elämyksellinen ja rentouttava päivä Turkin kauniilla rannikolla. Risteilemme pohjoisten lahtien halki pysähtyen viehättäville saarille ja uimaan. Pääset nauttimaan virkistävästä mutanaamiosta ja tutkimaan luolaa, jonka sisällä on kuuma lähde. Lounaaksi tarjolla on grillattua kalaa ja kanaa, pastaa sekä salaattia. Lounaan aikana tarjolla on myös olutta, viiniä ja virvoitusjuomia.