Meander through the sun-bleached remains of Greek- and Roman-era temples, bath houses, libraries, and gymnasiums as you scope out archaeological sites in Ephesus. Take a dip in the steaming thermal baths of Pamukkale and get up-close looks at Isa Bey Mosque on this 2-day excursion.

Day 1 Arrive in Kusadasi in the morning, after taking an overnight bus from Istanbul's bustling center. Transfer to a comfortable shuttle and make your way to the old center of Ephesus, where you can snap photos of the Temple of Hadrian, whose columns have cast long shadows since second century, and pay a visit to the mountain abode where the Virgin Mary is believed to have spent her final days.

Grab lunch at Selçuk, admire the monumental minaret at Isa Bey Mosque, see the massive Temple of Artemis, and then explore the immersive exhibits that tie your day's experiences together at the Ephesus Archaeological Museum. Dinner is back at your hotel, where you can fill up on Turkish dishes before turning in for the night.

Day 2 Wake up and enjoy a tasty breakfast before heading to Pamukkale's array of thermal hot springs, surrounded by brilliant white limestone formations. Take a dip in pale blue waters, visit a nearby archaeological museum, and then head back to Kusadasi to catch your overnight bus back to Istanbul and your hotel.