Ephesus

Ephesus (Efes) is close to the town of Selcuk about an hour drive south of Izmir. Kusadasi is the nearest larger town, about 20km from Ephesus. You can do this two day tour from Hisaronu which takes in Pamukkali as well. If you are interested in the history of this country and of the Romans, this trip is a must and I would recommend it.

Let your imagination run wild as you tread the paths of the Roman debauchers on their way to the brothel or to take a bath. Marvel at the culture that must have flourished when you visit the library and the amphitheater! This place represents so many different facets of Ancient Greek and Roman culture that one wonders how the Dark Ages ever came upon Europe. Look for the footprint carved into the street marble to show the way to the brothel! View the magnificence of the Baths of Skolasticia and admire the ingenuity of the heating system which fed a swimming pool, hot bath (caldarium) and warm bath (tepidarium) and cold bath (frigidarium).

See the breathtaking Library of Celsus whose façade has been carefully reconstructed from all original pieces, was built around 125 B.C.by Gaius Julius Aquila in memory of his father, and once held nearly 12,000 scrolls.9 steps take you up to the salon of the library where you will see the niches in the walls where books were kept and the remains of low Ionian pillars that supported the reading tables. At the back of the library you can climb down the stairs and follow the winding narrow corridor to the tomb containing the beautiful white marble sarcophagus of Celsus.
Perhaps the greatest spectacle of all Ephesus -The Great Theatre - continuously excavated year by year and which would have been capable of holding 25,000 spectators. It was, like all ancient theatres, open to the sky; it was used initially for drama, but during later Roman times gladiatorial combats were also held on its stage. The Great theatre at Ephesus was the site of an Elton John concert on July 17, 2001.
It is a vast site, not yet completely excavated but what is visible gives some idea of its original splendour and the names associated with it are evocative of its former life. The theatre is huge and in a very outstanding position which dominates the view down Harbour Street leading to the harbour, long since silted up.

Pamukkali

Pamukkale is an extraordinary natural wonder. The calceous waters come out of the ground at a temperature of 35 centigrade degrees and tumble down the mountain side from a height of 100 meters, forming a myriad of pools. Cotton-coloured stalactites are formed as the water overflows the pools creating a breath-taking sight, unequalled in the worls. Water is the sole architect of this gleaming fairy-castle resembling cotton-or snow, hence its name "cotton castle". In this wonderland are hot springs in abundance which are recommended for the treatment of heart diseases, circulatory problems, high blood presure, nervous disorders, rheumatism, and eye and skin diseases. In ancient times Pamukkale was a famous spa called Hierapolis. The springs were just as popular then as they are now for their reputedly health-inducing properties