DAILY APHRODISIAS BY FLIGHT

day 1

Early morning pick up from hotel. Transfer to airport in Istanbul

Flight to Aphrodisias  . Pick up from airport and continue to: 

Aphrodisias was a small city in Caria, Asia Minor. It is located near the modern village of Geyre, Turkey, about 230 km from İzmir. 

Aphrodisias was named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of Love, who had here her unique cult image, the Aphrodite of Aphrodisias. According to the Suda, before being known as Aphrodisias, the city had three previous names: Lelegon Polis, Megale Polis, and Ninoë, The city was later renamed Stauropolis in the Christian era. 

The city was built near a marble quarry which was extensively exploited in the Hellenistic and Roman periods, and sculptors in marble from Aphrodisias became famous in the Roman world. Many examples of statuary have been unearthed in Aphrodisias, and some representations of the Aphrodite of Aphrodisias also survive from other parts of the Roman world, as far afield as Portugal. 

The Temple of Aphrodite was and still is a focal point of the town, but the character of the building was altered when it became a Christian basilica. The Aphrodisian sculptors became renowned and the school of sculpture was very productive; much of their work can be seen around the site and in the museum. Many full-length statues were discovered in the region of the agora, and trial and unfinished pieces pointing to a true school are in evidence. Sarcophagi were recovered in various locations, most frequently decorated with designs consisting of garland and columns. Pilasters have been, found showing what are described as "peopled scrolls" with figures of people, birds and animals entwined in acanthus leaves. The sculptors benefitted from a plentiful supply of marble close at hand.

Tour including ; 

The Tetrapylon – a beautiful gateway which greeted pilgrims when they approached the temple of Aphrodite 

The Stadium – which is one of the best preserved in the world and was especially designed for athletic events which Aphrodisias hosted in Roman times 

The Temple of Aphrodite  - which was later turned into a Christian Basilica 

The Bouleuterion (council chambers) which resembles a small theatre and was used for musical concerts as well as council meetings 

The North Agora – the public square 

The Hadrian Baths 

The Theatre - dating back to 27 BC and later modified by the Romans for galdiatorial combat 

The Sebasteion – the temple of Emperors , famous for its life-size bas-reliefs 

We conclude the tour with a visit to the Aphrodisias Museum which displays some of Aphrodisias’ famous marble sculptures as well as the statue of Aphrodite that stood in the temple . 

End of tour, transfer to airport . Flight to Istanbul. After arriving transfer to Hotel .