With Symbologist and Author Efe Elmas: THE DARK GODDESSES OF ANCIENT CITIES

31 October 2026 – 1 November 2026 | 1 Nights, 2 Days
Book Now & Pay Later. Free Cancellation & Refund.
Hotels
Denizli / 1 nights Lycus River Termal Hotel ★★★★★
Tour Departures
31 October 2026 Halloween Special
Departure 31 Oct, Sat Denizli
Return 01 Nov, Sun Denizli
Duration 2 Days
Tour details

DAY 1:

At 05:00 we meet at Adnan Menderes Airport and, after completing our necessary procedures, we arrive at Kayseri Airport on the Pegasus Airlines 06:15 flight. We meet our vehicle waiting for us. We set off for Cappadocia, the fairy-tale land, known as the 'Land of Beautiful Horses', where history and geography intertwine. In the region, we first visit one of the most beautiful spots in Cappadocia, the GÖREME OPEN AIR MUSEUM. After touring this open-air museum, which consists of monasteries, churches, chapels, refectories, kitchens and living areas carved into the rock, we arrive at Ortahisar Castle. The castle, which is the largest fairy chimney in Cappadocia, is known as one of the first multi-storey settlements built in the world, located at the highest point in the region. Access to the castle is provided by high and steep stairs. Various businesses are located inside the castle. After the panoramic tour we will take in Ürgüp, we check into our hotel. Dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

DAY 2:

After breakfast, we depart from our hotel for the visit to Hierapolis Ancient City. During our tour of Hierapolis Ancient City, we will see the Colonnaded Street, the Ancient Theatre that was destroyed during Nero's reign and rebuilt in its place, the Temple of Apollo, the Necropolis, the Agora, and the Travertines formed by the accumulation of river waters containing calcium oxide from Çaldağ.

Afterwards, we arrive at Laodicea, an ancient city dating back to the 3rd century BC, where excavations are still ongoing and which has been rebuilt. We complete our ancient city tour accompanied by our guide's explanations.

Following our tours, we take the necessary breaks via Nazilli – Aydın and reach İzmir. We say goodbye, looking forward to seeing you on another Yeni Atılım Turizm journey.

What's included
  • Comfortable transportation with vehicles suitable for the number of people
  • 1 night accommodation at the 5* LYCUS RIVER Hotel Pamukkale
  • 1 Breakfast
  • 1 Dinner
  • Professional guiding services
  • All excursions stated in the program
  • Travel insurance
  • Mythology talks accompanied by SYMBOLOGIST and AUTHOR EFE ELMAS
Not included
  • First day breakfast
  • Lunches
  • National park, museum and archaeological site entrance fees
  • Personal expenses
Need to Know

Accompanied by Symbologist and Author Efe Elmas, on this special journey we will tread in the footsteps of civilizations thousands of years old and explore the mysterious world of mythology together.

To ensure that our tour covering the ancient cities of Kibyra, Aphrodisias, Hierapolis and Laodicea is enjoyable, comfortable and trouble-free, we kindly ask you to keep the following reminders in mind.

🏛️ Points to Consider on Ancient City Tours

  • Our tour is focused on culture and archaeology, and during the day walks will be carried out in different ancient cities.
  • Uneven ground, stairs and sloping walking areas may be found, especially at the Kibyra, Aphrodisias, Hierapolis and Laodicea archaeological sites.
  • To protect historical structures, please follow the warning signs in the visiting areas and the directions of the staff.
  • Do not climb on archaeological remains, and avoid behavior that could damage the artifacts.
  • To follow your guide's commentary comfortably and maintain group unity, please pay attention to the designated meeting times.
  • During photography, do not step outside the safe walking areas, and follow the photography rules at the visiting points.
  • As shade and resting areas may be limited during parts of our tours, we recommend planning your personal needs in advance.

🏨 Accommodation and Meals

  • During our tour, one night's accommodation will be provided at the 5-star Lycus River Thermal Hotel Pamukkale.
  • The tour fee includes one dinner and one breakfast at the hotel.
  • Breakfast on the first day along the route, lunches, museum and archaeological site entrance fees, and personal expenses are not included in the tour fee.
  • We kindly ask guests with special dietary requirements, food allergies or gluten-free dietary needs to inform our agency during reservation. Special menu requests will be evaluated within the hotel's capabilities.

⚠️ Important Reminders

  • As our tour includes cultural visits requiring walking, it is important that guests with mobility limitations or special health needs consult our agency before booking.
  • The order of the tour may be changed due to weather conditions, traffic, visiting hours of the archaeological sites or mandatory operational reasons.
  • To carry out the visits specified in the tour program, it is important to adhere to the durations and meeting times set by our guide.
  • Museum and archaeological site entrance fees are not included in the tour price. Current fees and MüzeKart validity conditions are subject to the practices of the relevant institutions.
  • We recommend keeping your personal belongings and valuable documents secure throughout the journey.

✨ A Small Suggestion

This tour is not merely a visit to ancient cities; it is a special cultural journey where we trace the traces of mythology, symbols and beliefs that are thousands of years old.

To enjoy Efe Elmas's narrations even more, don't forget to bring your curiosity, your questions and your excitement for discovery with you!

  • As Yeni Atılım Turizm, we wish you an unforgettable journey full of history, mythology and discovery.
What to Bring?

🎒 What We Recommend You Bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes: Since walking will take place on stone-paved, uneven and occasionally slippery surfaces in ancient cities, we recommend comfortable sports or walking shoes with non-slip soles.
  • Seasonal clothing: Mornings and evenings can be cool at the end of October and beginning of November, so comfortable clothes that can be layered are recommended.
  • Raincoat or small umbrella: It will be helpful to have one with you in case of seasonal rainfall.
  • Small backpack: Recommended so you can comfortably carry your personal belongings during daily excursions.
  • Water bottle: We recommend paying attention to your water intake, especially during walks through ancient cities.
  • Sunglasses and sunscreen: You may bring these for excursions in open areas.
  • Identity document: Please carry your Turkish ID card or another valid identity document for hotel check-in procedures and necessary checks.
  • MüzeKart: We recommend bringing your MüzeKart, which may be valid for entry to museums and archaeological sites.
  • Personal medications: Do not forget any medications you use regularly and personal health supplies you may need.
  • Phone, camera and charger: To capture the magnificent ancient city views and your unforgettable memories, you may bring your phone, camera and portable charger.
  • Swimsuit, slippers and cap: Recommended for guests who wish to use the thermal pool or spa facilities at the Lycus River Thermal Hotel, where we will be staying. Facility usage conditions should be confirmed separately.
Tour Program
DAY 1

At 06:00 we start our journey by picking up our valued guests from the designated points. On the Aydın – Nazilli road, we have our buffet breakfast. After a good breakfast, our first visit is Kibyra Ancient City, located at the border of the Lycia, Caria, Pisidia and Phrygia regions in a strategic position connecting trade routes. Known for its Medusa mosaic unlike any other in the world, its massive stadium and as the city of gladiators, it is a historically significant archaeological site on UNESCO's World Heritage Tentative List. From there, via the Geyre road, we reach Aphrodisias. Aphrodisias is a remarkably well-preserved ancient city that will amaze you with its temple dedicated to the goddess Aphrodite, the rich ruins it houses and its unique finds. In 1960, the famous photographer Ara Güler accidentally discovered it during an adventurous journey, and the renowned archaeologist of the period, Kenan Erim, began excavations here and devoted his life to it. You will never tire of exploring the city of Aphrodisias. In this magnificent city, the places we will see include the 30,000-seat stadium, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Bishop's Palace, the Odeon, the Hadrianic baths, the 10,000-seat theatre, the four-columned structure and the Sebasteion Temple. After our visit to the archaeological site, dinner and accommodation at our hotel.

2.DAY

After breakfast, we set off from our hotel for the Hierapolis Ancient City tour. During our Hierapolis Ancient City tour, we will see the Colonnaded Street, the Ancient Theatre that was destroyed during the reign of Nero and rebuilt in its place, the Temple of Apollo, the Necropolis, the Agora, and the Travertines, formed by the accumulation of river waters containing calcium oxide from the Çaldağ area.

Afterwards, we arrive at Laodicea, an ancient city whose history dates back to the 3rd century BC, where excavations are still ongoing and which has been partially reconstructed. We complete our ancient city tour accompanied by our guide's commentary.

Following our visits, we travel via Nazilli – Aydın, making the necessary rest stops, and reach İzmir. We say goodbye, looking forward to seeing you on another Yeni Atılım Turizm journey.