Day Trips in Istanbul

Istanbul Day Trips offer a rare glimpse into ancient Greek myths and the ruins of the Roman Empire.

Ephesus

There is plenty to see in this best preserved of Roman cities in the Mediterranean. In fact, the ruins here are in better shape than those in Rome itself.

Must –see attractions here include the Temple of the Goddess Rome and of Divine Caesar, the Gate of Heracles, and the Hillside Houses which were once home to the wealthy of ancient Ephesus.

The town of Selçuk at the foot of Ayasoluk Hill, lies 3 km from the archeological site of Ephesus. Above it towers a Byzantine-Ottoman fortress. The St. John Basilica where the saint is said to be buried, and Isa Bey Mosque on the slopes are also worth visiting.

On the way from the archeological site to Selçuk (a 30-minute walk down a lane shaded with trees), you can stop by at the ruins of 1 of the 7 wonders of the world – the Temple of Artemis.

If you drive down from Istanbul to Ephesus, you can visit legendary Troy and Pergamum as well as other interesting places. Ephesus is 545 km from Istanbul – a bus journey of about 10 hours.

Pergamum

The acropolis rising 1300 feet above the lower city on the plains of the Caicus River is a magnificent sight. An ancient open-air theater that seated 10,000 people sits on the edge of the acropolis. The fourth century Aesclepium, dedicated to the worship of Aesclepius, the god of healing, was considered as one of the wonders of the world in ancient times.

Also see the Serapeum, dedicated to Serapis, an ancient Egyptian god of the underworld. Pergamum is 250 km from Istanbul.

Çanakkale

Another great addition to your list of Istanbul Day Trips, scenic Çanakkale, 310 km from Istanbul, is steeped in myth. The war of Troy immortalized in “The Iliad” was fought here. One of the attractions here is the replica of the mythical Trojan Horse employed in the war.

Visit the village of Behramkale where you’ll find the famous sixth century B.C. Temple of Athena. From the top of the acropolis, the view of the Gulf of Edremit is unforgettable. The ruins of Assos around the acropolis are worth seeing.

Troy

The archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann, brought Troy to the attention of the world. As a boy, he had been fascinated by the story of “The Iliad” written by Homer, and believed that the place actually existed. Excavations are still going on these ruins and have yielded 9 levels – from early Bronze Age to the Hellenistic and Roman era.

Troy is known as Hisarlik today and is about 340 km from Istanbul. The best way to get to Troy is from Çanakkale.

Contributors
February 02, 2010 change by schitti

World66 rating:	[rate it]
url:	www.venividitravel.com
email:	info@venividitravel.com

World66 rating:	[rate it]
tel:	+90 212 458 9779
url:	www.venividitravel.com
address:	Binbirdirek Mah. Klodfarer Cad. No:3/52 4th Floor 34122 Istanbul, Turkey
email:	info@venividitravel.com

World66 rating:	[rate it]
tel:	+90 2124582191
url:	www.onenationtravel.net
address:	Klodfarer cad binbirdirek mah altaniş merkezi no:3/36 sultanahmet
email:	info@onenationtravel.net

Day Trips in Istanbul

Nearby Day Trips Guides

Destinations in Istanbul