Immerse yourself in the archaeological wonders and natural beauty of Turkey on this 2-day excursion to the ancient Greco-Roman sites at Pergamum and Pamukkale. Roam among ruined temples and the remains of the Asclepium, and soak in the striking hot springs perched on white travertine terraces.

Day 1
After you're picked up from your Istanbul hotel, ride to the airport for the quick flight to İzmir. Once you land, hop in a shuttle for the drive out to the ancient Greek city of Pergamum.Travel back in time as you walk among the crumbling columns and sacred pools of the Asclepium, the medical center where Roman citizens and emperors alike sought innovative treatments like blood transfusions and therapies like meditation. After lunch, climb the hill to the Acropolis of Pergamum, where you can marvel at the marble mass of the Trojan Temple and the Temple of Athena before heading back to the hotel to check in and enjoy dinner.

Day 2
After breakfast at the hotel, ride through the countryside to reach Pamukkale, whose name means “cotton castle” in Turkish. This spectacular natural site is a stacked cliffside of snowy white terraces, where mineral rich thermal waters have created a staircase of opalescent pools and baths. Take a dip in the healing springs, and visit the ancient city of Hierapolis on the plateau above the pools. Check out the fascinating displays of excavated objects and models at the archaeological museum before riding back to İzmir for your evening flight back to Istanbul.