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The ancient cities in Western Turkey have been the cradle of civilization since the mythological times. These were the eastern provinces of the Roman Empire, where the Roman culture came across the antique Greek culture and set the ground for intellectual enlightenment – Hence the famous Roman proverb: “Ex Oriente Lux.” The west of Turkey today was the orient then; it was the source of the light. This three-day journey will take you to the focal points of this tremendous cultural heritage. It will be a journey to a land where myth, beauty, and history melts in a golden pot. DAY 1: ISTANBUL > TROY > PERGAMUM On the first day of your journey, you will visit Troy, the site of the Trojan War, and Pergamum, the birthplace of parchment. Your tour will start with an early morning departure from the hotel at 06:00 am. You will drive along the European shore of the Marmara Sea, seeing some lovely summer houses on the seaside, with vast sunflower fields on the landside. As you cross the Dardanelles by ferry and drive the last 25 minutes to the site of Troy, you will become a part of Homer’s legends, seeing the symbolic Trojan horse, the city walls, The Athena Temple, and the Odeon. After the visit, you may opt for lunch in a local restaurant. Then you will follow the route taken by those who have escaped the fall of Troy, fleeing from the wrath of Agamemnon, to the city of Pergamum. Pergamum had hosted one of the most extensive libraries of ancient ages before it was destroyed. Pergamum is also the original home for The Great Altar of Pergamon, on display in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin, Germany. Still in its original site is the altar’s base, believed to have been dedicated to Zeus, and the 'Satan's Throne' as referred by John of Patmos in his Book of Revelation. You will once again walk through the ages at this site, visiting the Acropolis and the Asklepion, which indeed has been an inspiration, as well as a prototype for the modern healthcare center. Then, you will have dinner and overnight in one of the best hotels in modern Pergamum. DAY 2: PERGAMUM > EPHESUS > PAMUKKALE The second day of your tour will start with a drive to the Selcuk area via the Aegean city of Izmir. You will then visit the ancient city of Ephesus, the Roman capital of Asia Minor. Your tour will include the Odeon, Marble Street, the Hadrian Temple, Celcius Library, and the Great Theatre. You may opt for lunch in a local restaurant before paying a pilgrimage visit to the House of Virgin Mary. This Christian and Muslim shrine is located in the vicinity of Ephesus, and it is believed that Virgin Mary was taken to this stone and lived there. After a drive to Pamukkale town, you may wash the fatigue of the day away by taking a quick swim in a thermal bath before dinner. DAY 3: PAMUKKALE > İZMİR ✈ İSTANBUL “White” will be the dominating color of the third day of your journey, as you will visit the famous “cotton castle” and witness the extraordinary level of mastery the skilled sculptors of Aphrodisias have demonstrated while creating marble statues. In Turkish, Pamukkale, meaning 'cotton castle,' is a natural site created by hot springs and travertines, terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. The ancient city of Hierapolis was built on top of the white 'castle,' which is nearly 9 thousand feet long and more than 500 feet wide. This amazing sight can be seen even from miles away on a clear day. You will visit the Cotton Castle, the ancient Hierapolis, the Necropolis, the Roman Baths, and the Theatre. After an optional lunch, you will drive to another land of dreams, this time to Aphrodisias. The ancient city of Aphrodisias was an autonomous city during the time of the Roman Empire. The town was exceptionally well–known, with the temple dedicated to its protecting Goddess Aphrodite and its sculptors. During the 1st and 2nd centuries AD, its level of welfare had brought the city to a unique position in architecture and the art of sculpting. Aphrodisias witnessed the cultural interaction between Anatolian and Greek identities, the structure and running of the Empire, and many historical secrets of passage from the ancient to the middle ages. Your ancient city tour will include the Theater, the Basilica, the Roman Baths, and the biggest stadium of ancient times. You will also see the museum and its magnificent marble statues. Your car will then take you back to Izmir Airport for the flight to Istanbul. The tour will end with a private transfer to your hotel.