Pamukkale sunrise hot air balloon ride and Hierapolis tour

Nat Geo Day Tour: Maternal Icons: Artemis, Virgin Mary & a Local Mayor

Roam through the ages and explore the indomitable spirit of women who have shaped society from ancient times to the present day, right here in Turkey. Prepare to be awed by the might of the Greek goddess Artemis, learning her story as you pass by the site of her grand temple. In the museum, you'll spend time in the gallery dedicated to the local goddesses, depicting the evolution of Artemis. Admire two large statues of Artemis of Ephesus and a model of the temple as it was during the period when it was considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. You will also have the chance to follow in the footsteps of the Virgin Mary, visiting the house believed to be where she lived and eventually died. Inspired by a National Geographic article, your guide will discuss Mary's role as 'the most famous woman in the world' and reflect on how in modern day Turkey, the role of the woman is vital to society. Enjoy exclusive access to Efes Village of Life Earth School, an initiative founded by the Mayor of Selçuk herself. This project underscores her dedication to nurturing her community and promoting sustainable agriculture and you'll have the opportunity to meet the locals who are involved. A member of the Mayor's team will accompany you, providing insights into how this initiative is changing local lives and landscapes. There will be an opportunity to sample some traditional Turkish homemade snacks and drinks, prepared by members of the local women's organisation.

Nat Geo Day Tour: The Ancient Mosaics and Artistry of Ephesus

The ancient city of Ephesus is one of the most visited classical sites in the world. From the 8th century BC to the 3rd century AD, the city flourished under Greek and then Roman rule. Today, it's a historical treasure trove in a remarkably well-preserved state considering its great age, and it's easy to imagine the bustle and chatter of daily life long ago as you roam through the ruins. Your adventure begins with a tour of the interactive museum, included with your entry ticket. Take in the wonder of the Terraced Houses, which are not usually included in Ephesus tours. Among the corridors and courtyards, once home to affluent Ephesians, you will get a sense of the opulent lifestyle of the day. These houses were occupied by some of the world's richest families, and the elegant details transport you back in time as you admire the striking mosaics and frescoes adorning the walls. Your guide will then lead you down the marble streets of Ephesus where St. Paul, Cleopatra and Alexander the Great once walked. A visit to the Library of Celsus, one of the only remaining examples of a library from the Roman Empire, and the amphitheater that could hold 24,000 spectators, are other highlights of this tour. See cultural conservation in action at the Art Ceramic Centre where traditional pottery methods are still very much alive. Watch a pottery demonstration and then try your hand at painting tiles created by local artisans, both experiences available exclusively for National Geographic travelers. Your tour concludes with a tasting session of regional fruit wines, a local speciality.

Ancient Ephesus tour with pottery-making demonstration

Ephesus brings the past to life. This tour combines the ancient city with a visit to a typical ceramics factory for a glimpse into traditional pottery making. First up, you'll relive the glory days of the Roman Empire as you explore the monuments of Ephesus on a guided tour. Gökhan, one of our expert local guides, says "the archaeological site is so well-preserved that it's easy to imagine you are walking in the footsteps of the toga-clad crowds that gathered and chattered in the streets 2,000 years ago."Crammed with temples, relics and religious statues, you'll walk the marble streets as your guide explains their history. A star attraction is the Insta-perfect Library of Celsus – a feat of classical architecture that once housed the brightest scholars of the day and more than 12,000 scrolls of age-old wisdom. Strolling between the column-lined avenues, you'll peep into crumpled shops and houses en route to the Grand Theatre – a colossal amphitheatre where St Paul once preached. There's a museum here, too, which you'll walk through during your visit. It's digital exhibits are designed to help you imagine what life was like in Ephesus during its heyday. We'll round things off with a visit to a ceramics factory to see how Turkish pottery is made. Marvel at the precision of the master potter – working only by eye – as he decorates and paints traditional pieces. It's one of the best places to snap up some authentic souvenirs and support local livelihoods. Gökhan adds "Cini ceramics are a traditional Turkish art form. Look out for the popular tulip and carnation motifs – the tulip symbolises the unity of God, while the carnation represents nature and renewal."

Full-day guided tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis with lunch

A natural masterpiece combines with ancient ruins for this full day tour. You'll head to Pamukkale – which means 'cotton castle' in Turkish – as well as the adjacent city of Hierapolis. Both are UNESCO-listed, so it's a two-for-one deal on Turkey's historical gems. Muzaffer, one of our local guides, says, ‘Pamukkale is like something out of a fairytale – a spectacle of terraces formed over thousands of years that look like a cascading snowy waterfall. Legend has it, the hot thermal springs here have healing properties'.On arrival, you'll stop by the Pam Hotel for a spot of lunch, before soaking in their thermal pools. Next, prepare for a sight to behold, Pamukkale's natural springs solidified into chalk-white stalactites and cliffs long ago, resulting in a winter-like wonderland of petrified tiers and pools. People have bathed here for thousands of years, including Roman emperors. Follow in their footsteps and bathe in one of the thermal pools or simply make your way to the top and drink in the magnificent views.Next up is the ancient spa town of Hierapolis. You'll have free time to explore its well-preserved ruins, including ancient streets and an epic 13,000-seat theatre. What's more, for every sale of this experience, there's a donation to the TUI Care Foundation.

Ancient Ephesus guided tour with House of the Virgin Mary

The hills around Kuşadası are home to two of Turkey's most popular historical sites – the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. You'll be whisked through centuries of history at Ephesus, see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and visit an important pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos – all in one afternoon. Esra, one of our expert local guides, says, "The Library of Celsus is one of the most impressive landmarks of Ephesus. It once held over 12,000 scrolls and was the third-largest library in the ancient world."Kick off with a drive into the sun-soaked hills to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. According to popular belief, St John the Evangelist brought Mary to Ephesus after the crucifixion of Jesus, and she lived here until her death. Next, it's time to head to the ancient city of Ephesus, where a journey through history awaits. Your guide will lead you around the sprawling archaeological site and point out its highlights while regaling you with fascinating historic tales of this once-powerful city. While you're here, you'll also walk through the museum, where digital exhibits help to bring the place to life by showcasing what Ephesus could've looked like in its heyday. You'll stroll down marble-paved streets where mosaics and frescoes still decorate the walls of ancient Roman houses, gaze at the Temples of Artemis and Hadrian, and be blown away by the Library of Celsus. Esra says "I love to imagine the Great Theatre filled with 25,000 spectators. They would come to watch gladiator clashes, political rallies and performances in this theatre, a hub of city life. You can almost hear the roar of the crowd."

Sites & Bites: Sirince tour, St John’s Basilica and Turkish meze

History fans and foodies, listen up! This guided tour to Sirince is all about getting to grips with the area's main landmarks, as well as sampling some of the local cuisine. This activity ticks off everything from castles and temples to meze and ice-cream. Plus, you'll have a guide with you throughout the trip, so expect lots of insider info and stories on top of the sightseeing and food tasting.You'll be picked up from your hotel and driven to your first stop, St John's Basilica in Selcuk. On the way, you'll get a glimpse of other big-name attractions in this part of Turkey, including the Temple of Artemis and Isa Bey Mosque. You might have a chance to hop off the coach and snap some pics. If not, you'll get a good look at them from the window as you drive by. Your guide will be on board, too, and they'll share stories and info related to everything you'll see. After some time to look around the exterior of the basilica, you'll wind your way through countryside lanes to Sirince.When you arrive in the village, you'll sit down for breakfast. You'll have a chance to try some authentic Turkish meze dishes, like stuffed vine leaves, gozleme pancakes and bazlama round bread. Then, it's time for a guided walk through the city. Your guide will tell you what life's like here, and they'll point out all the leading landmarks. It's a laidback walk, so you'll have plenty of time to shop for souvenirs, as well, and you'll also be treated to some ice-cream. After your walk, you'll wrap things up at the restaurant you had breakfast in for a fruit wine-tasting.

Pamukkale sunrise hot air balloon ride and Hierapolis tour

The terraced, vanilla-white pools of Pamukkale, one of Turkey's most recognisable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a looker from any angle on the ground. But, they hardly come close to the views of the area from above. That's what this guided outing is all about, seeing Pamukkale in all its glory with a bird's-eye view from a hot air balloon. Aydin, one of our local guides says "the thermal springs at Pamukkale are spread across four square miles, so it can be really tricky on the ground seeing them in one go. When you're up in a hot air balloon, you get to see every inch of them."Your hot air balloon ride is scheduled at sunrise, to make sure you get the most dramatic view of Pamukkale possible – be prepared for a very early start to the day. The early wake-up call is well worth it, though, because the pools really sparkle and shine when the morning light hits them. You'll be in the air for about 45 minutes, so there's plenty of time to take in the view and snap some pictures while you're soaring. When you come back down, you'll head to a restaurant for a buffet breakfast. When you're fuelled up, you'll head with your guide to the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis, whose ruins now serve as an open-air museum. Artifacts have been found here that date back to the Iron Age over 3,000 years ago, but it's most famous for its Greco-Roman remnants, including what's left of the Temple of Apollo, a 15,000-seater amphitheatre and one of the largest necropolises in Turkey. After your visit, you'll stop for lunch before driving back to your accommodation.

Private Pamukkale and Hierapolis guided tour

A natural masterpiece combines with an ancient one on this private tour. Discover Pamukkale and Hierapolis, bathing in calcium-rich waters before journeying back in time to one of the world's oldest health spas.First up is in Pamukkale, which means Cotton Castle. It's a spectacle of terraces formed over thousands of years that look like a cascading snowy waterfall but are filled with calcium carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. On arrival, you'll have lunch at the Pam Hotel and hit its thermal pools there before heading to the thermal pools of Pamukkale.The waters have always been said to bring health benefits, which is why the Romans built the nearby spa town of Hierapolis. You'll enjoy a guided tour of its ancient streets, a 13,000-seat theatre and, of course, thermal baths. A dip is extra but well worth forking out for the experience of bathing in an oasis scattered with Roman ruins.

Private tour of Ancient Ephesus with pottery demonstration

Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world. So well-preserved that it's not difficult to imagine the roar of the crowd at the Great Theatre, or the hubbub of the busy main street in its heyday 2,000 years ago. Defne, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis – Ephesus was a beacon of power and wealth at that time. It was also an important hub of trade, culture and religion. It's influence spread far and wide, and it played a particularly important part in the story of early Christianity.'You'll step back in time as you travel through sun-soaked hills and olive groves to explore Ephesus with your private guide. This extensive archaeological site encompasses marble-paved streets, mosaics in ancient Roman houses and epoch-defining buildings such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Great Theatre. Your personal guide will explain the historical context and point out the most interesting features as you roam the site.After your tour, we'll round things off with a visit to a ceramics factory to see how Turkish pottery is made. The Seljuks, who ruled much of Anatolia in the 11th century, are credited with bringing the art of pottery to Turkey from Central Asia. Marvel at the precision of the master potter – working only by eye – as he decorates and paints traditional pieces. It's one of the best places to snap up some authentic souvenirs and support local livelihoods.

Izmir city tour and aquarium visit

Thanks to its sweeping harbour, seafront eateries and palm-lined pier, Izmir is known for its beautiful waterfront. This full-day guided tour takes you through the top sights of Turkey's third-largest city. Take a ferry ride across the bay, visit Izmir's aquarium, and meander through the markets. You'll kick your sightseeing off with the historic clock tower at Konak Square, a beloved symbol of Izmir, made from white marble. Our expert local guide, Ahmet, says "the clock tower isn't just a timekeeper, it's a storyteller narrating tales of Izmir's past."Next up, you'll wander over to Kizlaragasi Hani, a lively marketplace buzzing with local vendors and artisans. There's time for you to get a good look at the stalls here, which are packed with goods, from handmade crafts to traditional Turkish delight. Then, head over to Hisar Mosque, one of the city's oldest and largest. You'll learn about its history, importance and religious practices. You'll also get the chance to quietly appreciate its peaceful interior.Afterwards, meander through the colourful Kemeralti Bazaar, where you can haggle for souvenirs or just take in its vibrant atmosphere. Finally, hop on a ferry from Konak to Karsiyaka harbour – you can get a good look at Izmir's skyline from here. Round the tour off at Westpark Mall. Izmir's biggest retail outlet boasts an aquarium, too. Entry is included, so you can choose to spend the afternoon in the shops or seeing shoals of exotic fish, sharks, stingrays and more.