Itinerary

1. Day 1: Ephesus

   • Early departure from Bodrum about 06:30 a.m and panoramic driving to Ephesus. 
   • Set on the skirts of Mount Croesus, Selcuk, it is 176 km/ 109 miles away from Bodrum. 
   • As we travel along the roads up to Ephesus, stop for breaks along the way so you can stretch your legs and grab some refreshments. Be sure to keep watch out of the window as you are sure to see some of the most beautiful scenery along the way so keep your eyes peeled on the route. 
   • Stop by the Bafa Lake, on the Aegean coast of Turkey, popular for its Turkish breakfast restaurants and surrounded by the lake. Small local breakfast restaurants on the shore. Very unique off the beaten path of Turkey. The breathtaking scenery of The Besparmak Mountains Mountains is an impressive backdrop. It is hard to describe the atmosphere at Bafa lake, but the place has a unique vibe and energy which you should experience. 
   • After breakfast, we will pass through to the Soke valley and Magnesia Ancient city.
   • Arrival at Selcuk or Ephesus.
   • When you are driving with your local tour guide, they will give you lots of information about Turkey such as climate, different regions in Turkey that hold the most wonderful historical places. Whilst standing in front of the Turkey Map, they will then pinpoint these certain places for you. Your guide will hand you your very own copy of a Ephesusle Archaeological Site map and Turkey Map to keep throughout your day trip from Bodrum. The journey from Bodrum to Ephesus will take around about 10 hours.
   • Visit Ephesus, and imagine walking where some of the apostles of Jesus walked thousands of years ago. The ruins are a sight to behold. it feels like the vehicle you turned up in is a real-time machine. If you are on the west coast of Turkey, Ephesus has to be on your to-do list. Even if you are not that fascinated by old bricks and carved stone, there is so much there that you will be by the time you leave.  It's one of the few ancient cities in the world where you will take in an amalgam of Ancient Greek, Roman and Byzantine civilizations.
   • Among alleys and paths in the valley, you will get to enjoy sights such as the Library of Celsus (The Celsus Library is awe-inspiring. 
   • As you walk down the road viewing the ruins of Ephesus's ancient city, you come upon what is still standing of the Celsus Library. It is incredible that part of it still stands), Temple of Hadrian, Gate of Augustus, Ephesus Theater (St. Paul preached to the Ephesians from this stage and was ultimately run out of town when the Temple of Artemis's contributions began to fall off. The theatre has been used in more recent times for concerts. You can imagine Tom Jones singing, "Why Delilah" from the same stage where St. Paul preached!), Agora, baths, tombs, Odeon, Hercules Gate, the Temple of  Domitian, Fountain of Trojan, Toilets (Very interesting how they handled toileting in the ancient days don't want to say more and spoil the surprise!), and so many other sublime antiquities. 
   • Allow yourself to get lost in this ancient city; you will feel its vibes and reach ecstasy. At least this is an inspiring and magical place. Great to go off-season and avoid the crowds.
   • House of Virgin Mary sits on the top of Mount Bulbul. The house was discovered in the 19th century. Catherine Emmerich (1775-1824), an invalid German nun, who had never visited Ephesus, described in great detail the house and its situation which she had seen in a vision. It is believed that St. John brought Mary (the mother of Jesus) to Ephesus sometime between AD 37-48 and she spent her last years of her life there.
   • Temple of Artemis at Ephesus located on the western coast of Asia Minor (modern Turkey) was built in the 1200 BCE, it is double the dimensions of other Greek temples including the Parthenon, that it was soon regarded as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. Artemis was the goddess of chastity, hunting, wild animals, forests, childbirth, and fertility.
   • The problem is, it is almost totally removed, and it requires a great deal of imagination to appreciate what a majestic shrine this once was.
   • It's hard to pass up the opportunity to stand on the grounds of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, so we would recommend this site to those that are interested. Besides, Don't expect anything grand - all that remains is one "Franken-column" that has been constructed from fragments of broken columns unearthed there, and it's 4 m shorter than the originals. Close your eyes and use your imagination, though...the actual temple included over 100 of these columns, so it must have been a sight to behold. 

   Overnight in Kusadasi.

2. Day 2: Izmir

   • This Izmir full-day tour is a perfect Turkey trip in many ways, so come with us and visit Izmir. Izmir, on the northwest of Kusadasi, is 101 km/ 62,7 miles far away from Kusadasi. As we travel along the roads up to Izmir, it will take around 1:30 hours. There shall be stopping off-breaks along the way so you can stretch your legs and grab some refreshments. Be sure to keep watch out of the window as you are sure to see some of the most beautiful scenery along the way, so keep your eyes peeled on the route.
   • In the full-day Izmir tour, we will drive to Izmir city centre, driving along Kordon to see the city's symbol, Ottoman Clock Tower, in Konak Square of the city. The clock itself was a gift of Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany. It is decorated in an elaborate; late Ottoman style. 
   • Next to the clock tower, visit the Yali Konak Mosque. It was constructed in the 18th century by Ayse Hatun. The mosque decorated with turquoise porcelains has nearly become unique for Konak square and has become the second symbol of Izmir. 
   • Free time at leisure Kemeralti (Covered Bazaar), Kemeralti is a historic bazaar covering an area extending from Konak square's neighbourhood. Th Bazaar is a major shopping centre in Izmir today. The bazaar has an outdoor and indoor section that offers almost anything to shoppers.
   • Drive to the city s famous public elevator, which is another symbol of Izmir. It was built in 1907 and restored by the municipality in 1993. The upper terrace has a breathtakingly beautiful view of Izmir. The city and the bay. Restored old houses fill the old Asansor quarter, also known as the Jewish quarter.
   • Taking a bird's eyes view of Izmir and the port, Kadifekale, which was called Pagos in Ancient times, has characteristic of an acropolis due to its position at an altitude of 186m. The ruins of walls on the western and southern parts, comprising of five towers, dating back to the period of Lysimachus, one of the generals of Alexander The Great. 
   • This 2nd century A.D. Agora, midway between the acropolis and the harbour, was partially excavated by German and Turkish archaeologists from 1932-1941. Porticoes lined the agora's north and west sides, and an altar to Zeus sat in the centre. It was used for political gatherings and elections by the Roman government representatives but was also the main commercial area of the city. The first floor was reserved for wholesale trade, with workshops, cooling cisterns and warehouses for goods, while the second floor was designed for political meetings and retail trade.
   • After the visit to the Agora, you will visit Izmir Archaeological Museum. The museum exhibits an impressive collection of ancient and Roman artefacts recovered from area excavations, including Bergama, Iasos, Bayrakli ( Izmir's original settlement), and Izmir's Agora.
   • Take an approx 30 minute time to stroll at your leisure or relax have some refreshments in the Izmir Museum. 
   • When the tour finishes, you will be driven back to where you were picked up.