Pamukkale and Ephesus Heritage Escape
Discover a 2 days Pamukkale and Ephesus Heritage Escape from Istanbul by flight with private guide. Visit Pamukkale travertines, Hierapolis Ancient City, Cleopatra Swimming Pool, Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, and Temple of Artemis in one complete route.
Highlights
- Pamukkale Travertines, one of the world's most distinctive thermal-calcium terrace formations
- Hierapolis Ancient City and Cleopatra Pool area, combining Roman healing culture with unique landscape
- Ephesus Ancient City, a major biblical-classical urban complex in western Anatolia
- House of Virgin Mary and St. John Basilica, two key pilgrimage landmarks in the Selcuk-Ephesus region
Pamukkale and Ephesus Heritage Escape
Discover a 2 days Pamukkale and Ephesus Heritage Escape from Istanbul by flight with private guide. Visit Pamukkale travertines, Hierapolis Ancient City, Cleopatra Swimming Pool, Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, and Temple of Artemis in one complete route.
Itinerary
This itinerary is designed as a complete Pamukkale and Ephesus tour for travelers who want thermal landscapes and biblical archaeology in two days. Departing from Istanbul, the route combines Denizli highlights with Selcuk's iconic heritage points in one practical schedule. Guests searching an Istanbul to Pamukkale and Ephesus private tour can follow this plan because every destination is clearly listed. Day one focuses on Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and Cleopatra Swimming Pool in a coherent sequence. Day two continues with Ephesus Ancient City, House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, and Temple of Artemis.
Day one includes Pamukkale travertines, Hierapolis Ancient City, and Cleopatra Swimming Pool as core highlights. This setup is ideal for visitors looking for a Pamukkale Hierapolis Cleopatra Pool experience with balanced natural and historical depth. Pamukkale offers the world-famous white calcium terraces and a strong visual landscape. Hierapolis adds ancient healing-center context and archaeological perspective to the route. Cleopatra Pool completes the day with the thermal-water stop that many guests prioritize.
Day two includes Ephesus Ancient City, the House of Virgin Mary, Basilica of St. John, and the Temple of Artemis exactly as listed. This segment suits travelers searching an Ephesus biblical sites private guide with coherent narrative flow. Ephesus provides the archaeological backbone through major streets and monumental remains. The House of Virgin Mary and St. John Basilica add spiritual and pilgrimage relevance, while Artemis adds classical heritage context. The package concludes as a dependable 2 days Pamukkale Ephesus cultural journey from Istanbul.
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Day 1
Pamukkale and Hierapolis Route
D
Pickup in Istanbul and transfer to departure airport.
Day one starts with private transfer for Denizli-bound domestic flight.
Flight from Istanbul to DenizliDomestic flight segment to Denizli Cardak Airport.
Flight connection enables same-day Pamukkale route.
Pamukkale TravertinesWalk on white calcium terraces of Pamukkale.
Pamukkale travertines are among the world's most distinctive natural-thermal formations.
Pamukkale Travertines look almost unreal when you first see them, with white mineral terraces cascading down the hillside like frozen clouds. As you walk through the area, the contrast between bright stone, shallow thermal pools, and wide valley views creates one of the most memorable natural scenes in Turkey. The nickname Cotton Castle makes immediate sense once the formations appear in front of you. Even travelers who have seen many famous landmarks are often surprised by how striking Pamukkale feels in person.
This is a place to enjoy slowly rather than rush through, because the beauty changes with the light and with every shift in perspective. The warm water, the smooth surfaces, and the open sky give the visit a calm rhythm that feels very different from a museum or city monument. It is also one of those rare destinations where photography is easy, but simply standing still for a moment can be even better. Seen together with nearby Hierapolis, the travertines become more than a natural wonder and start to feel like part of a complete travel experience.
Hierapolis Ancient CityGuided exploration of Hierapolis remains.
Hierapolis combines sacred thermal culture with theatre, necropolis, and Roman urban layers.
Hierapolis Ancient City rises above Pamukkale like the stone memory of an ancient healing world. The city was built around thermal waters, and as you explore its streets, gates, baths, necropolis, and theatre, you can feel how strongly health, belief, and urban life were connected here. The ruins are broad and open, giving the site a powerful sense of scale. It is the kind of place where the landscape and the archaeology constantly speak to each other.
What makes Hierapolis especially rewarding is that it does not offer only one highlight, but a full historical setting to move through step by step. One moment you are looking at a monumental theatre, and the next you are imagining pilgrims, patients, and traders arriving in a famous spa city of the ancient world. The nearby thermal formations make the experience feel even more distinctive, because the natural wonder and the ancient settlement belong to the same story. For travelers who enjoy ruins with atmosphere, Hierapolis feels expansive, layered, and surprisingly vivid.
Cleopatra Pool AreaFree time around thermal pool zone (optional swim).
Cleopatra Pool area is known for warm mineral waters and submerged ancient fragments.
Cleopatra Pool Area combines thermal relaxation with a strong sense of antiquity. The warm mineral water, ancient stone fragments, and open setting create an experience that feels part spa, part archaeological encounter, and part scenic pause within the wider Pamukkale and Hierapolis landscape. Even if you do not swim, the atmosphere of the area is distinctive and easy to enjoy. It feels softer, slower, and more leisure-oriented than the surrounding ruins.
For many travelers, the appeal of this stop comes from the unusual chance to be close to thermal water and ancient remains at the same time. The pool area invites you to pause, cool your pace, and appreciate how deeply the region's identity has always been shaped by healing springs. After walking through terraces and ruins, the setting can feel especially rewarding. Cleopatra Pool works well as a refreshing change of rhythm within a day full of major historical sights.
Lunch Break in PamukkaleMidday meal break during route (not included).
Lunch break is scheduled and paid directly by guests.
Lunch Break in Pamukkale gives you the perfect excuse to taste the flavors of Denizli while resting between terraces, ruins, and thermal stops. The local table combines the herb-rich habits of the Aegean with stronger inland specialties, so lunch here can be both fresh and deeply satisfying. After a morning in the sun and on stone paths, this kind of regional meal feels especially welcome. It is a stop where local food can add real character to the route instead of being just a practical break.
If you see it on the menu, Denizli kebab is the classic dish to try, known for slow-roasted lamb and a very local style of serving. You can also look for vegetable plates, black-eyed pea salads, herb dishes, and regional touches built around thyme and sage, which are strongly associated with the area. For something sweet afterward, semolina helva with ice cream is a very fitting finish. A good lunch in Pamukkale should leave you rested, well fed, and ready for the next historical or thermal stop.
Transfer to Pamukkale HotelShort transfer to overnight hotel in Pamukkale region.
Evening transfer concludes day-one thermal heritage program.
Pamukkale Hotel Check-in and DinnerOvernight stay with included dinner.
Day one concludes with accommodation and dinner included in Pamukkale.
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Day 2
Ephesus Biblical Route (Selcuk)
B
Start day-two route toward Selcuk after breakfast.
Morning departure begins Ephesus biblical circuit.
Transfer to SelcukRoad transfer from Denizli/Pamukkale to Selcuk region.
Overland segment links thermal basin with Ephesus pilgrimage area.
House of Virgin MaryVisit pilgrimage site on Bulbul Mountain.
House of Virgin Mary is one of the region's most important Christian pilgrimage destinations.
House of Virgin Mary offers a very different atmosphere from the larger archaeological sites around Ephesus. Reached through pine-covered hills, the sanctuary feels quiet, intimate, and reflective, with a mood that encourages visitors to lower their voices and simply take in the setting. For many travelers, the power of the place comes from this sense of calm as much as from its religious meaning. Whether you arrive for spiritual reasons or cultural curiosity, the stop often leaves a lasting impression.
This site is respected by both Christian and Muslim visitors, which gives it a rare interfaith significance in the region. You will notice small acts of devotion everywhere, from candles and prayers to the stillness people keep around the chapel. Instead of treating it as a checklist stop, it is worth pausing for a few quiet minutes to absorb the landscape and the emotion of the place. House of Virgin Mary is best experienced with respect, patience, and an openness to its deeply personal atmosphere.
Ephesus Ancient CityGuided exploration of Ephesus monumental core.
Ephesus preserves an exceptional Roman urban plan with strong biblical associations.
Ephesus Ancient City feels less like a ruin and more like a grand city waiting for its crowds to return. As you walk along the marble streets, the scale of the place becomes immediately clear through the Library of Celsus, the Great Theatre, and the long ceremonial avenues that once connected civic life, trade, and belief. Every corner reveals how powerful and sophisticated this Roman metropolis once was. It is easy to picture philosophers, merchants, and pilgrims moving through the same urban scene that now unfolds in front of you.
Give yourself time to slow down here, because Ephesus rewards careful attention rather than a rushed photo stop. Look at the carved details, the worn paving stones, and the way the city opens toward the theatre to understand how daily life was staged in public view. This is also one of the most evocative places in the region for travelers interested in early Christianity as well as classical history. By the end of the visit, Ephesus usually feels like one of the rare archaeological sites that is both monumental and deeply human.
Celsus Library and Great Theatre AxisFocus on iconic avenue and theatre sections.
Celsus facade and Great Theatre form Ephesus's best-known architectural sequence.
Celsus Library and Great Theatre Axis captures the most iconic visual sequence in ancient Ephesus. This stretch of the city brings together two of its most memorable monuments and the urban space that connects them, making it easy to feel the drama, ambition, and public life that once defined the metropolis. The library facade draws the eye immediately, while the theatre expands the scale of the experience into something civic and monumental. It is one of the clearest moments in the site where Ephesus feels fully alive again.
What makes this axis special is the way movement through the city becomes part of the story. You are not looking at isolated landmarks, but following a route where architecture, ceremony, and crowd life would once have unfolded in public view. That makes the area especially powerful for travelers who want the emotional highlight of Ephesus, not only its historical importance. The Celsus and Theatre axis is often the image of Ephesus that stays in memory longest.
St. John BasilicaVisit basilica complex on Ayasuluk Hill.
St. John Basilica marks one of the principal apostolic pilgrimage points in western Anatolia.
St. John Basilica stands on Ayasuluk Hill with a quiet authority that feels very different from the grandeur of nearby Ephesus. The site is closely tied to the tradition of Saint John the Apostle, and that association gives the ruins a strong spiritual weight even before you begin to look at the architecture itself. From the hill, the setting opens outward across Selcuk and the surrounding landscape, which adds to the reflective mood of the visit. It is a place where faith, memory, and history come together very naturally.
Instead of expecting a crowded or theatrical monument, it helps to experience the basilica as a pilgrimage site shaped by centuries of devotion. The surviving remains still suggest the scale and significance the complex once held in the early Christian world. Because the atmosphere is often calmer than at larger headline sites, many travelers find the stop surprisingly moving. St. John Basilica rewards a slower visit and a more thoughtful kind of attention.
Temple of Artemis AreaStop at remains of Artemis sanctuary zone.
Temple of Artemis site reflects one of antiquity's celebrated sacred complexes.
Temple of Artemis Area is a quiet stop with an extraordinary historical echo. This landscape once held one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and although only modest remains are visible today, the significance of the sanctuary is far greater than the surviving stones might suggest at first glance. Standing here invites you to think beyond what remains and imagine the scale, prestige, and sacred role the temple once had in the ancient world. That contrast between past fame and present stillness gives the place a special mood.
The site also gains meaning from its relationship to nearby Ephesus and the wider Selcuk region. Rather than offering dramatic ruins alone, it gives historical perspective on how religion, power, and urban life once connected across this landscape. Travelers who pause long enough usually find the stop more moving than they expected, precisely because it asks for imagination. Temple of Artemis Area is best approached as a place of memory, scale, and reflection rather than spectacle.
Lunch Break in SelcukMidday meal break during route (not included).
Lunch break is scheduled and paid directly by guests.
Lunch Break in Selcuk is a good chance to slow down after the monumental scale of Ephesus and enjoy the softer, fresher character of the Aegean table. In this part of western Türkiye, lunch often means olive oil dishes, seasonal herbs, light mezes, village-style vegetables, and simple grilled favorites served without unnecessary heaviness. After a long archaeological walk, that style of cooking usually feels exactly right. The atmosphere is less formal and more about fresh ingredients, good bread, and a relaxed midday pause.
If you want to eat like the region itself, look for zeytinyağlı dishes, artichokes in olive oil, stuffed zucchini flowers, herb-based mezes, and a well-cooked local grilled meat or köfte option. Selcuk is close to the fertile Aegean countryside, so greens, olive oil, and balanced flavors tend to define the meal more than rich sauces do. This is the kind of lunch that refreshes you rather than slows you down before the afternoon route. A simple table here can become one of the most satisfying food memories of the day.
Transfer to Izmir AirportDrive to airport for return flight.
Transfer aligns with Istanbul-bound domestic evening flight.
Flight from Izmir to IstanbulDomestic return flight to Istanbul.
Air return completes the two-day Pamukkale and Ephesus route.
Istanbul Drop-offFinal drop-off at hotel or meeting point.
Services conclude at original Istanbul drop-off location.
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Informations
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What's Included
- 1 night accommodation with breakfast and dinner (4-star or special-class boutique category)
- Private deluxe A/C VIP vehicle for all ground transfers and tours
- Pickup from your hotel or meeting point
- 4 airport transfers as listed in itinerary
- Drop-off to your hotel or meeting point
- Parking fees for listed route locations
- Private professional licensed tour guide
- Private tour operation only for your group
- Local taxes
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What's Excluded
- Museum and site admission fees
- Personal expenses
- Lunches and beverages
- Domestic flight tickets unless explicitly added to booking
- Gratuities for guide and driver
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Entrance Fees
- Entrance fees are not included and are paid directly on site according to current official rates.
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Travel Tips
- Bring comfortable walking shoes
- swimwear
- towel
- sun protection
- and seasonal layers for archaeological walks and thermal-pool surroundings.
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Note
- This itinerary includes domestic flights and overland transfer from Denizli to Selcuk/Izmir; timing may vary based on traffic and site operating hours.
Your Peace of Mind Options
Cancellation Policy
A transparent overview of applicable fees.
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You can create a reminder for yourself for this tour. We will send you a reminder e-mail/sms about this tour on the date you specify.
FAQs
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What does the 2 Days Pamukkale and Ephesus Heritage Tour include?
- Private tour operation only for your group
- Private professional licensed tour guide
- Private deluxe A/C VIP vehicle for all ground transfers and tours
- Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or meeting point
- 4 airport transfers as listed in the itinerary
- Parking fees for listed route locations and local taxes
- 1 night accommodation with breakfast and dinner (4-star or special-class boutique category)
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Are domestic flight tickets included on this 2-day route?
- No. Domestic flight tickets are excluded unless explicitly added to your booking
- This itinerary is planned with flights and multiple airports for timing efficiency
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What is covered on Day 1 (Pamukkale and Hierapolis route)?
- Flight from Istanbul to Denizli
- Pamukkale travertines
- Hierapolis Ancient City
- Cleopatra Pool area (optional)
- Overnight in Pamukkale region with dinner
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What is covered on Day 2 (Ephesus biblical route in Selcuk)?
- Transfer to Selcuk
- Ephesus Ancient City including the Celsus Library and Great Theatre axis
- House of Virgin Mary
- Temple of Artemis area
- St. John Basilica
- Transfer to Izmir Airport and flight back to Istanbul
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Is Cleopatra Pool included?
- No. Cleopatra Pool entry is typically an optional extra ticket
- Availability depends on site conditions and opening status
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Is this a private tour?
- Yes. It is operated privately for your group with a private guide and VIP vehicle
- Pace can be adjusted within the operational route
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Are entrance fees included?
- No. Museum and site admission fees are excluded
- Please plan budget for Pamukkale-Hierapolis and Ephesus area tickets
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Are lunches and beverages included?
- No. Lunches and beverages are excluded
- Hotel breakfast and dinner are included for the overnight stay
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Will there be long transfers between regions?
- Yes. Day 2 includes an overland transfer from Denizli region to Selcuk and then to Izmir Airport
- Timing can vary based on traffic and site operating hours
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What is not included in the price?
- Museum and site admission fees
- Lunches and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Domestic flight tickets unless explicitly added to booking
- Gratuities for guide and driver
General FAQs
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What currency is used in Turkey?
Turkey uses the Turkish Lira (TRY).
- Cards are widely accepted in cities and tourist areas, but cash is still useful for small purchases.
- ATMs are common. Exchange offices and banks are also available.
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Can I pay by credit card in Turkey?
In most restaurants, hotels, and shops you can pay by card.
- For markets, small shops, taxis, and tips, carrying some cash is recommended.
- Let your bank know you are traveling to avoid card blocks.
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Is Turkey safe for tourists?
Turkey is generally safe for visitors, especially in main tourist areas.
- As in any destination, watch out for pickpockets in crowded places.
- Use licensed taxis/transport where possible and keep valuables secure.
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What should I wear when visiting mosques in Turkey?
Dress modestly when entering mosques.
- Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Women may be asked to cover their hair.
- Shoes are usually removed at the entrance.
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Do I need a visa to visit Turkey?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality.
- Please check the latest rules from official sources (consulate/embassy or the official e-visa portal) before travel.
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What is the best time to visit Turkey?
Spring and autumn are popular because temperatures are usually milder.
- Summer can be hot on the coast and inland.
- Winter is quieter and can be great for cities and some regions.
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Will English be enough in Turkey?
Turkish is the official language. In tourist areas, English is commonly spoken.
- Learning a few basic Turkish words is appreciated and can help outside major areas.
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What power plug is used in Turkey?
Turkey typically uses Type C and Type F plugs (220V, 50Hz).
- If your devices use a different plug type, bring a travel adapter.
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Is tap water safe to drink in Turkey?
In many places, visitors prefer bottled water.
- Hotels and restaurants usually provide bottled water easily.
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Is tipping expected in Turkey?
Tipping is common and appreciated for good service.
- In restaurants, rounding up or leaving a small amount is typical.
- For guides and drivers, tips are at your discretion based on satisfaction.
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Do I need to carry my passport in Turkey?
We recommend keeping your passport safely in your hotel and carrying a copy (photo or printed) when out.
- Some venues may request an ID; your guide can advise for your route.
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Do museums and sites have weekly closure days in Turkey?
Opening hours can change by season and some venues may have weekly closure days.
- We recommend checking the latest opening hours close to your travel date.
- Starting earlier in the day helps to avoid crowds at popular sites.
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What are the emergency numbers in Turkey?
Dial 112 for emergencies (medical, police, fire and other urgent situations).
- 112 is a unified emergency line in Turkey.
- If you do not speak Turkish, try English and share your location clearly.
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How do I get from airports to the city in Turkey?
Options depend on the city, but common choices are:
- Official airport taxi
- Airport shuttles/buses
- Metro/train (available in some cities)
- Pre-booked private transfers
If you arrive late at night or with luggage, a pre-booked transfer can be the easiest option.
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Are taxis and ride-hailing apps reliable in Turkey?
Use licensed taxis and make sure the meter is used (unless a fixed airport fare is confirmed).
- In some cities, taxi-hailing apps can help you find a taxi more easily.
- If possible, keep small cash and ask for a receipt when needed.
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How do I buy a SIM/eSIM in Turkey?
You can buy SIM/eSIM options from mobile operators and official stores.
- Bring your passport for registration.
- For longer stays, foreign phones may require device registration (IMEI) to keep working on local networks.
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What are typical opening hours in Turkey?
Opening hours vary by city and season.
- Many shops and malls stay open late, especially in tourist areas.
- Some museums may close earlier and may have weekly closure days.
- During national or religious holidays, hours can change.
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How do pharmacies work in Turkey (duty pharmacy)?
Pharmacies are called Eczane. Outside normal hours, there is usually a rotating on-duty pharmacy (Nöbetçi Eczane).
- Regular pharmacies typically post the on-duty pharmacy information on the door/window.
- Your hotel reception can also help you find the nearest one.
Let's Customize Your Trip!
Prepare your own tour plan!
Good to Know
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Good to know: confirm flight inclusion when booking
- Flights are excluded unless explicitly added
- Check your confirmation for the exact option details
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Good to know: Pamukkale surfaces can be slippery
- Travertines can be wet and smooth
- Move carefully and use stable footwear
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Good to know: Ephesus is a large open-air site
- Walking distances are long and surfaces can be uneven
- Sun protection and water improve comfort
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Good to know: plan cash for tickets and lunches
- Entrance fees are excluded
- Lunches and beverages are excluded
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Good to know: Day 2 is packed, start early
- Multiple major sites plus an airport transfer are included
- Early timing improves comfort and pacing
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