Arrive in Izmir and drive to Sardes. Sardes was once capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia and from the seventh to the mid-sixth century BC was the world’s richest city. A good part of its wealth was in gold washed down from the mountains by the river Pactolus, which the Lydians collected in sheep skins spread in the shallows, perhaps a source of the legend of the Golden Fleece. The most famous monument remaining from the ancient Sardis is the Temple of Artemis. Equally impressive are the Roman gymnasium and baths from the second century AD, also shops and a Synagogue complete the complex with the Marble Court in the center. After visiting, transfer to airport and flight back to Istanbul |