5-Day Sebastopolis Roman Baths Tour from Istanbul by flight
This 5-day archaeological journey from Istanbul takes you to Sebastopolis now named Sulusaray, Tokat — an ancient Roman city renowned for its thermal baths, hypocaust heating system, and healing springs that have been used continuously for more than 2,000 years. Sebastopolis was a Roman-Byzantine spa city, founded in the Hellenistic-Roman period. Named Sebastopolis meaning "City of Augustus" and located in the Pontus region in Tokat province. Built around natural hot springs, where bath culture, medicine, and religion came together in everyday life. Today, the site remains one of the most authentic Roman bath experiences in Turkey, surrounded by the quiet landscapes of rural Anatolia and close to other ancient centers such as Comana Pontica and Zile. The Sebastopolis baths include: Caldarium (hot room), Tepidarium (warm room), Frigidarium (cold room), Hypocaust heating system under floors and natural thermal spring water channels. This makes Sebastopolis a rare example of Roman medical spa architecture in rural Anatolia, not just a city bath complex. Nowadays, its a small rural town with active thermal springs still in use, archaeological excavations ongoing minimal tourism ideal for authentic cultural travel and local spa culture which continues the Roman tradition.
Day 1
Pick up from your hotel in Istanbul for your domestic flight to Tokat airport or Sivas Airport depending on flights. Upon arrival transfer to Sulusaray (Sebastopolis area). Hotel check-in at a Tokat city boutique hotel or local thermal guesthouse near Sulusarary. After check in evening walk in Tokat Old Town with view of Tokat castle, Ottoman wooden houses and historical bazaars. Overnight in Tokat.
Day 2
After breakfast pick up from your hotel for your tour in the Sebastopolis Ancient City and Roman Baths Exploration Highlights: Roman bath ruins (hypocaust system remains), Ancient settlement foundations, Temple fragments & inscriptions and hot spring water channels. Be for a while a soldier and or civilian reaching healing from these baths as part of the old Roman medicine culture. Hot springs were believed to cure diseases. Upon end of the tour return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3
After breakfast pick up from your hotel for your Comana Pontica & Zile Ancient City Tour. Comana Pontica is around to 15-30 kilometers by car. Comana was once called the "little Cappadocia temple city" and rivaled major Roman religious centers. Highlights of Comana Pontica: Temple of Ma (ancient Anatolian goddess), Roman-era religious center, Priest-kings system (unique in Roman Empire). Highlights of Zile Ancient City: Roman fortress remains, famous site of Julius Caesar’s “Veni Vidi Vici” campaign (Battle of Zela nearby) and Underground tunnels and city layers. Upon end of the tour, return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4
After breakfast pick up from your hotel for your Tokat Archaeology & Local Culture Tour. We will visit the Tokat Museum and see the rare Roman coins, the Sebastopolis inscriptions, Byzantine artifacts and Seljuk ceramics. In this tour will experience the traditional copper workshops, Ottoman caravansaray architecture and the local Anatolian couisine. After the tour return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 5
After breakfast, if time allows will visit the Roman Sebasteia (modern Sivas), see the Byzantine city walls, Seljuk medreses and another-Roman era transformation city. Sivas was historically known as Sebasteia, a major Roman provincial capital in Anatolia. As the tour came to its end, transfer to the airport for your domestic flight to Istanbul.
Before reserving the 5-day Sebastopolis tour from Istanbul by flight, keep in mind that this is a multi-day cultural and archaeological journey that includes domestic travel, walking on uneven historic ground, and full-day guided visits. The trip is made for travelers drawn to ancient Roman heritage, with excursions around the wider Tokat area where Sebastopolis is situated. Guests should be ready for early departures, planned group activities, and weather that may vary by season.
What's Included
- Round-trip domestic flights from Istanbul
- Airport transfers
- Pick up and drop off to your hotel on the days of the tours
- 4 nights hotel accommodation in 3 or 4 star boutiques with daily breafast
- Licensed professional guide
- Entrance fees for archaeological sites as per the itinerary
Not Included
- Personal travel insurance
- Meals and drinks. Lunches or dinners are not included giving you the flexibility to explore local restaurants and Anatolian dishes.
- Personal expenses
- Additional hotel services such as laundry or minibar usage
- Entrance fees to optional attractions
- Tip for guide and driver (optional but welcomed)
- Passport or ID for the domestic flights
- Comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven archaeological sites
- Lightweight layered clothing, hat or sunscreen during warmer months
- Small backpack, reusable water bottle, and personal medication
- Camera and power bank
- Some cash in Turkish Lira for local purchases, optional meals, and souvenirs
Ballica Cave Tour. One of the largest and most famous caves in Turkey and part of Ballica Cave Nature Park, a protected area known for its huge chambers and unique stalactite formations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 5-Day Sebastopolis Roman Baths Tour is a cultural and archaeological journey from Istanbul to the ancient city of Sebastopolis Ancient City in Tokat Province. The tour highlights the impressive Roman bath complex, ancient ruins, local history, and the rich cultural heritage of Central Anatolia.
The Sebastopolis Roman Baths lie within the ancient city of Sebastopolis near Sulusaray in Tokat. The site is notable for its Roman era thermal bath structures, mosaics, and archaeological remains.
The excursion spans 5 days and 4 nights, giving travelers time to discover Roman baths, nearby archaeological sites, museums, historic towns, and local cultural highlights at an easy pace.
The baths are among the most remarkable Roman archaeological remains in Central Anatolia. They reveal the significance of thermal culture in the Roman Empire and offer valuable insights into ancient engineering, architecture, and daily life.
Visitors can explore:
- Roman bath remains
- Ancient streets and foundations
- Archaeological excavation areas
- Historical inscriptions
- Thermal water features
- Surrounding landscapes of Central Anatolia
Yes. Archaeological research and excavation activities continue periodically helping historians uncover more structures and artifacts from the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Absolutely. The tour is ideal for travelers interested in Roman history, archaeology, ancient architecture, Byzantine heritage, and lesser-known archaeological destinations in Turkey.
Depending on the itinerary, visitors may also explore unique corners such as:
- Tokat city center
- Tokat Museum
- Ballica Cave
- Tokat Castle
- Historic Ottoman districts and lively bazaars
The best seasons are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November), when temperatures are pleasant for archaeological sightseeing and outdoor exploration.
Yes. The tour is generally suitable for seniors, although some archaeological areas may have uneven terrain. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
The archaeological site is generally accessible all year, though weather and active excavation work may sometimes affect visitor access.
Yes. Private and customized tours can be arranged for individuals, couples, families, educational groups and archaeological interest groups seeking a more personalized experience.
This tour is ideal for:
- Archaeology enthusiasts
- History lovers
- Cultural travelers
- Academic groups
- Roman Empire researchers
- Visitors seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations in Turkey
The distance between Istanbul and Sulusaray in Tokat Province is approximately 800–900 kilometers, making air travel the most convenient option for visitors.
Unlike crowded archaeological places, Sebastopolis gives a quieter and more genuine exploration experience. Its Roman thermal baths, active excavations, and rural Anatolian setting offer a distinct view of Roman life in ancient Anatolia.
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