valerieg

I am taking an early AM flight to Denizili to tour Pamukkale/Heriopolis then drive to Aphrodesias to see the site and then on to Sirince to stay 2 nights and see Ephesus. I am considering a private tour to do all this but it is really expensive at 375 Euro for the day. Wondering whether the stop at Aphrodesias is worth it and whether we will even have enough time for it (requires doing a private tour). If we dont stop there we could do a group tour at Pamukkale/Heriopolis and get a transfer directly to Sirince for less that half of that price. Please advise. Thanks.
Valerie

kja

> Wondering whether the stop at Aphrodesias is worth it and whether we will even have enough time for it (requires doing a private tour).

I'm also not sure whether you would have time, but I don't understand why you think it would require a private tour - I visited on my own just a few months ago.

And you can visit Pamukkale and Hieropolis on your own, too.

Dee_Dee

Is there a reason you aren't considering driving & touring on your own? Are you worried about driving in this part of Turkey? I was there solo in 2007 (first trip to Turkey) and was leary of driving on my own. If I went back (and I'd love to), I wouldn't hesitate renting a car. The roads and signage are excellent and the Turks I met were incredibly friendly and helpful. You can do your itinerary in a day if your arrive early enough. It will be a busy day for sure. I didn't visit Aphrodesias so I can't comment on it's value. But, I loved Pamukkale and Hieropolis. With trips to 32 countries (and counting), swimming among the Roman ruins continues to be one of my all time favorite memories. The ruins there are not extensive and won't take a huge chunk of time to visit. I based in Selcuk for 5 nights & used public transportation & 1 tour (Pamukkale & Hieropolis) to visit various places in the area including Sirince. Sirince is just lovely. I enjoyed it. But, knowing what I know, I don't think I'd stay there as dining & lodging options are limited. I might recommend staying in Selcuk instead. And, staying in Selcuk makes getting to Ephusus first thing in the morning when it opens very easy. I would recommend starting in the south gate near the library so you can enjoy it before the hoards arrive. Also, I sooooo disliked the tour experience to Pamukkale & Hieropolis. As with many tours in Turkey, you're taken to carpet & other shops to buy things which really cuts down on the time left to enjoy the historic sites. I would never, ever take a tour again. With the ease of driving in this part of Turkey and the information available on-line, I think self touring is the way to go.

Michael

The ruins is Aphrodisias are more compact and "intact" in that the town seemed to have died with the Roman period unlike Hieropolis. But all major ruins are in the process of excavation, stabilisation, and even reconstruction.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/mksfca/...th/4209374560/

valerieg

Thanks for your replies. Dee Dee, yes a little leary about driving since its quite a long distance and we will have our luggage and will be a bit nervous leaving it in a car while we are touring. I may consider seeing what it would cost to just have a driver who takes care of the driving and can keep an eye on our things and just do our own thing at the sites. Any other input appreciated. Kja...did you drive on your own?

Michael

If you drive, it might make more sense to go to Izmir, pick up a car there and drive to Selçuk and stay there as a base. Visiting Aphrodisias and Hieropolis in one day would make it a very long day, but it is possible, and it would eliminate the fears of stolen luggage.

kja

> Kja...did you drive on your own?

Yes. And as Dee_Dee said, I found the roads and signage quite good and driving very easy. (But I do recommend being an alert and defensive driver!) And I agree with both Dee_Dee and Michael - Selcuk is an excellent base for Ephesus.

valerieg

Ive already booked a small hotel in Sirince and will do a small group tour for Ephesus. We are flying from Istanbul to Denizli to arrive there at about 730AM. We could rent a car there and drive on our own or get a driver to take us which I will look into with the travel agent I am dealing with (Reliable Tours).