Fly to Denizli in the Aegean region of Turkey. Meet your guide and drive to Pamukkale. The name means "cotton castle" in Turkish, which describes the white topography of the area. Hot calcium oxide-rich water flowing down from the Caldag mountain range has left, over time, a build up of white travertine deposits in cotton-like formations.
Adjacent to Pamukkale is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hierapolis. The hot springs there have been used since Roman times for their therapeutic powers. Both the thermal center with its thermal pools and the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis are situated on the plateau. The area is now an impressive archaeological museum. Visit the theatre, necropolis and temple of Apollo. After your exploration of Hierapolis return to Pamukkale and your hotel.
Day 2
Visit Aphrodisias, the ancient city named after Aphrodite, Goddess of Love. The city is one of the most recent discoveries in Turkey. Some of the richest ancient treasures were uncovered in the excavations here. Built near a marble quarry, its sculptures became famous in the Roman world. See the impressive ruins of the Amphitheatre and visit the remarkable museum.
Return to Istanbul, via Denizli, and depart on your Mediterranean cruise or by air to your next destination.
