KUŞADASI- THE HOUSE of V.MARY-EPHESUS-TERRACE HOUSES- EPHESUS MUSEUM-St. JOHN BASILICA – SİRİNCE VİLLAGE –  KUŞADASI                 60 KM

After breakfast ,you’ll drive to Selcuk ,first you’ll visit the house of V.Mary. The House of Virgin Mary beautifully situated in the solmissos Mountain and built in II Century,place for pilgrimage The house of V.Mary is considered by the Vatican to be final resting place of the Virgin Mary.

After the visit the house of V.Mary arrive to Ancient Ephesus, the UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven churches of Apocalypse. walk on the remarkably preserved wide marble streets,flanked by colomns,temples and fountains. We look at all the famous highlights like the Celsus Library,the Odeon magnificent temple of Hadrian, Great Theater for 25000 capacity of spectators which is still used for performances and special events today

You’ll see ın the Ephesus ancıent site the Terrace houses

Ephesus terrace houses are located on the hill, opposite the Hadrian Temple. Also called as "the houses of rich", important for the reason give us information about family life during the Roman period. They were built according to the Hippodamian plan of the city in which roads transected each other at right angels.

There are six residential units on three terraces at the lower end of the slope of the Bulbul Mountain. The oldest building dates back into the 1C BC and continued in use as residence until the 7C AD.

The restoration of the two of the houses have been finished and can be visited today.

You’ll have Lunch in Selcuk ,before you visit the museum of Ephesus

The museum of Ephesus, unlike most of other museums, is not designed according to the chronological order but the galleries are filled with artifacts according to a theme.

Galleries include:

1- Sculptures from the fountains

2- Finds from the Terrace Houses

3-Coins

4-Ephesus through the Ages

5-Courtyard with column capitals and tombs

6- Hall of Mother Goddess cult

7- Hall of Ephesus Artemis

8- Hall of Imperial Cult

9-Museum Shop and Cafe

Before visiting these galleries, one should not miss the 3D simulation video of ancient Ephesus where visitors can visualize the setting of the ancient city and may have an idea about how the buildings used to look like. The video can be watched in three languages; Turkish, English and German and it lasts 10 minutes. The video room is the first room before the fountain statues gallery.

Some of the most remarkable artifacts in the museum are the Ephesus Artemis statue, Priapos statue, the head of Socrates, the Egyptian priest, the Eros with rabbit and the oldest piece – a stamp- found in Cukurici Mound- dating back to 6200 BC.

Our next stop the Basilica of St.John.This site is the burial place of St.John,the writer of the gospel of the same name and the disciple who brought the Vırgın Mary to Ephesus.Built to the shape of a cross it has six large domes.The Byzantine Emperor Justinian and his wife Theodora had the church built over the site of the grave.In the Byzantine period the entrance in the walls had embossed friezes which showed the pursuit of Achilles and for this reason is known as the ‘’Takip kapısı’’(Pursuit Gate). From the courtyard of the church there is a wonderful panorama of the temple of Artemis İsa Bey Mosque and the Aegean at Pamucak.

Then drive to Sirince Village ; It is a beautiful hill town only 8 km east of Selcuk, near Ephesus, in the Aegean hinterland south of İzmir It's famous for its olive oil, fruit wines, other natural products, and its atmospheric boutique hotels. A dozen small restaurants cater to day-trippers, hotel guests, and locals alike.

In the 19th century ,it was a Greek town with 1800 houses,famous for its fig production,especially for export.Population Exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923 ,result of the departure of the Greeks were settled by emigrants from the village.There are two Greek churges in the quarter.In Şirince no house blocks the vıew of the other.

Some say the Orthodox Christian Greeks who lived here during the Ottoman Empire were famed for the excellence of their wine. The Muslim Turks who moved here from Thessaloniki in 1924 re-started wine-making using local fruits, including apple, apricot, banana, blackberry, blueberry, cranberry, mulberry (black, and white), mandarin orange, melon, orange, peach, quince, sour (Morello) cherry and strawberry. You can taste the results and judge for yourself when you visit. They sell red, white and rosé, dry and sweet. A few local producers have switched from the local vines, which in fact produce table grapes, to Turkey's better wine grapes such as Narince.

You’ll drive back in the evening to the hotel in Kuşadası

BOAT TOUR                  20 KM

Today you’ll start to visit the bays of Kusadası by boat depending od the weather conditions.

The boat trip will start app. At 10:00 and finisched app. At 16:00 o’clock.you’ll have lunch on the boat .you’ll visit app 4 bays with swimming breaks.

You’ll set yourself free to enjoy some of the area’s most beautiful and spectacular beaches. This full day boat trip excursion is an ideal activity for all as it combines a relaxing setting, excitement, adventure and spots of unparalleled natural beauty. In addition, this Boat Trip forms the perfect opportunity to get away from the crowds and swim into refreshing, crystal clear waters and visit some unspoiled and breath-taking beaches.

You’ll have lunch on the boat

End of the tour you drive back to the hotel in Kusadası

KUSADASI- THE ANCIENT CITY STRATONIKEIA AND LAGINA-  BOZÜYÜK (GÜZELKÖY) MARMARİS                      250 KM

Today you’ll drive to Marmaris,you’ll visit on the way first the ancient city of Stratonikeia and ‘’Lagina Hekate’’.

Ancient city of Stratonikeia, the city of retired gladiators, a member of UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Lists.

Stratonikeia Ancient City, located in Eskihisar neighborhood of Yatağan, on the roadside at the 7th km of Yatağan – Milas highway. In the ancient city of Stratonikeia, the remains of nearly 3 thousand years whole have preserved with the settlement texture since ancient times. A Hellenistic parliament building and an Ottoman-era mansion stand on both sides of the stone paved road. All of the ancient buildings can reached by stone paved roads of the Ottoman and Republican eras. Apart from the ancient period temples and churches, mosques, bath buildings from the Roman and Principalities, fountains from different periods, and roads from the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and Republic periods, as well as village squares from the Ottoman and Republic periods were taken under protection in the ancient city. In this respect, Stratonikeia has a different settlement and urban texture.

You are going to visit the sanctuary of Stratonikeia named as ‘’Lagina Hekate’’

The sacred area of Lagina ,which is an important cult center of Carians ,is the religious center,and Stratonikeia,which is 11 km away from here,is the political center of the region.As we learn from the inscriptions still present Lagina and on the walls of Stratonikeia bouleuterion,these two cities are connected to each other by a sacred road.

Then you’ll have Lunch at the tradıtıonal local restaurant in the village of Bozüyük (Güzelköy)

After you had your Lunch, drive to Marmaris.

End of the day you arrive to the hotel in Marmaris

MARMARİS- MARMARIS CASTLE & ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM – KNIDOS ANCIENT - CITY-MARMARİS                    200 KM

Marmaris Castle and the Archaelogy museum is the only huge historic landmark and the only museum in Marmaris. It is believed that Marmaris Castle was first built by the Ionians (1044 BC) and later on repaired during the era of the Alexander the Great.

The Castle was rebuilt and widened by Suleyman the Magnificent during his campaign for the Greek island of Rhodes in 1522. Suleyman the Magnificent used the castle as a military base for his troops. During World War I, the castle was cannon fired by the French Fleet and had a huge damage.

Till 1970s, the castle has been an accommodation area. There are 18 houses, a fountain and an arc inside the castle area. Finally, the castle was restored during the years 1980-1990 and the site now serves as an archaeology museum since 1991.

The museum has seven indoor areas;

Two of them are organized as an archaeology lounge.

One of them is organized as an ethnography lounge.Remaining areas are used as art galleries and storage.

Archaeology Lounge;

You’ll see; Amphoras belonging to the Helenistic, Roman and Byzantium era.

Earthenware,glassware works, coins and ornaments from the diggings of Knidos, Hisaronu and Burgaz regions.

Ethnography Lounge ;

You’ll see; weaving works, carpets, furniture, copper kitchen pieces, Weapons and ornament belonging to the Ottoman era.

Then drive to Datça, you’ll have lunch on the way to Datca ,you’ll arrive the ancient city of Knidos.

The 2600-year-old ancient city has colonnaded harbour Street,agora,two ancient theaters and two harbours.Knidos is one of the strategic points in the ancient period,and is the gateway to the Aegean at the intersection of the Aegean and the Mediterranean.

Knidos ancient city is one of the treasures in Turkey.Knidos is known for being a very important trade,culture and art center in ancient times.The wine was exported from here to Athens .Astronomer,mathematician and philosopher Eudoxus ,sculptor Praxiteles ,doctor Euryphon ,famous painter Polynotos and Sostratos,architect of the Lighthouse of Alexandria in Egyp ,one of the 7 wonders of the World,lived in Knidos

End of the day you drive back to the hotel in Marmaris

MARMARİS – DALYAN (MUD BATHS – KAUNOS ANCIENT CITY-IZTUZU  BEACH ) – MARMARİS                         175 KM

Today you’ll visit first Dalyan mud bath .Mud bath is said to be good for rheumatism,lower back pain, and sciatica. Also, sulfur in the mud bath is effective against the wrinkles and stretching your skin. For this reason, Dalyan mud bath, beauty mud or beauty bath is also called. According to the rumors, the Egyptian queen Cleopatra also made a mud bath in Dalyan and even owed its beauty to these baths.

After entering the facility, you enter the pool where there are natural muds. After entering the pool because of the amount of sulfur inside the pool, it’s beginning to smell like rotten eggs. By removing some amount of mud from the bottom, such as cream, you should not leave a gap on you. After you have found your place in the mud, including your face, you should rest yourself in the sun for a while, you should let the mud dry on.

You feel that your muddy body you are releasing to the sun begins to stretch slowly. After about 30 to 40 minutes, you arrive at the shower room where you can reach the staircase and take a shower under the flowing cold water. After being washed thoroughly, enter the pool where the thermal water pool is located. Thermal water having a temperature of 39 degrees; having sulfur, fluoride and radioactive gases. Therefore, thermal waters; from rheumatism to nervous diseases, joint and lime disorders, kidney diseases are said to be good for many diseases.

After the visit of mud baths ,you’ll continue by boat to visit ‘’ the hidden paradise Dalyan ‘’ . you arrive 20 minutes to the ancient city of Kaunos.

Ancient City of Kaunos near Dalyan, Turkey is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the area. Kaunos was an ancient city founded in the 9th century BC, and it was quite important by 400 BC. It was located on the border between Lycia and Caria, and the city's culture had characteristics of both empires. The city was once an important trading post on the sea, though today it is set back a few miles from the sea since the coastline has moved over the centuries. The receding coastline, attacks from various tribes, and a malaria epidemic led to the decline of Kaunos, and the city was abandoned by the 15th century. The ruins include a well preserved theater, parts of the old city walls, and an acropolis. There's also a basilica, Roman baths, two Hellenistic temples and four Roman temples. From the acropolis, you can enjoy a gorgeous view of the ancient city. The theater could hold 5,000 people and is still occasionally used for events. Nearby you can also see Lycian tombs in the rocks above the Dalyan River.

End of the visit of the ancient city Kaunos you’ll have Lunch by the river at the local restaurant and continue by boat to the İztuzu beach

This begins extending vertically from the bottom of the mountain to the sea, yellow sand beach of Dalyan Delta, which close the mouth of gold and thin. The crystal clear sea İztuzu which Sigma has a coastal beaches, velvety taste are left under your feet as you walk.

İztuzu beach is a 4.5 km long Mediterranean beach near Dalyan town of Ortaca district of Muğla Province. The beach is one of the rare beaches between sea water and fresh water. The beach is also called "Turtle Beach" because Caretta caretta lay their eggs. The areas where the eggs are marked are regularly marked so as not to damage the eggs by the swimmers on the beach. According to the decision taken in 1988, the beach is closed between 20:00-08:00 in order not to disturb the turtles and it is forbidden to make noise or light around it. There is also a treatment center on the beach where injured turtles are treated.

End of the day you arrive to the hotel in Marmaris

MARMARİS – THE ANCIENT CITY OF GERGA AND ALINDA - DİDİM              280 KM

Today you’ll drive to Didim.You’ll visit first the ancient city of Gerga 

The city, which is founded at Deliktaş village in Çine District of Aydın, lies 13 km. northern-west of the ancient city of Alabanda. There are some traces showing that the history of the city goes back to the Archaic Period. The ruins in the city belong to the Archaic Period and Roman Period. Gerga is an important place that reflects the Karia culture. The city may be characterized  as a place providing protection, due to the fact that it is a city, which is built in the mountains. The rampart walls are in typical Karia style.

It is stated in the sources that the name of Gerga can refer to a city and as well as to a God. The most important building is the one which still remains standing and which has the features of a temple. It was built of big stones and there is writing on the triangullar front top of the building. It is estimated that the huge statue, which has fallen to the lower side of the building, belonged to Kybele. The sources and the people living in the region state that this statue remained standing untill 20 - 30 years ago.

After the visit of the ancient city of Gerga ,you’ll have lunch in Çine

Then you’ll visit the ancient city of Alinda .

Alinda is one of the important Karia cities, and was founded at Karpuzlu village in Çine District of Aydın Province. When Ada, the daughter of Hekatomnos, had been driven away by her brother Pixadaros from Halikarnassos, she went to Alinda in B.C. 340 and made this city her capital. The most important structure still remaining intact in Alinda is the agora. A theatre lies at the southern-west side of the acropolis. There are the foundations of two tempels at the acropolis. Karia style tombs between Karpuzlu houses are the indicate that the  Alinda necropolis lay on the southern side of the city.

End of the tour you arrive to the hotel in Didim

DİDİM-DİDYMA ANCIENT CITY -MILETOS ANCIENT CITY AND MUSEUM-  PRIENE ANCIENT CITY -THE VILLAGE OF DOMATIA-DİDİM                      90 KM

Today you’ll see the ancient cities of Dıdyma,Mıletos , Priene and the village of Domatia.

After Breakfast ,you move towards Didim.We go to the Temple of Apollo,which is considered to be the largest and most magnificent temple by the ancient geographer Strabon.the temple ,which is famous as one of the most important prophecy centers of the ancient World,is surrounded by 124 columns on a platform that is climbed by steps on all four sides.The temple was destroyed in 494 BC by the Persian army attacking Miletus.Its reconstruction begins with Alexander the Great’s liberation of the region from Persian rule.The construction of MS. The magnificent temple ,which lasted until the middle of the 2nd century,was not fully finished.The temple ,which took its current from during its reconstruction ,is approximately 109 x51 meters .Located in the middle of the building ,the 53x21 m.’’Sella Sanctuary ‘’ in size is worth seeing

Then you will see the ancient city of Miletos .You’ll visit by informing our guide,it was seaside port city when it was first established ,but today it is 10 km from sea.The first settlements in the ancient city of Milet started in the middle of 2000 BC,continued with the Mycenaean colony ,and then re-established by the Ions.It is one of the four important city ports of the Ionians. Milet Ruins is known for its grid plan applied in the foundation of the city That’s why the city is very well organized .the ancient city of Miletus acquired its autonomy in 38 BC thanks to the special interest of the roman emperors and reached the metropolitan level among other Ionian cities.After listening to our guide,we also took our photo shoots ,drive to the museum of Milet.

Milet Museum exhibition areas; It consists of two main parts: the garden display and the indoor display.In the garden display ,lion sculptures ,inscriptions ,tomb steles, sarcophagi,architectural elements and column heads,which are the city of Miletus ,are exhibited

Closed exhibition area is located in the administarive building of the museum.The finds of the Ancient City of Miletus,Priene Ancient City and the Temple of Apollo in didim are exhibited in an area of approximately 600 m2.Belonging to the ancient city of Milet ; There are animation of the Minoan Period (20-15 centuries BC) Kitchen,Minoan Period finds,Zeytintepe Archaic Aphrodite Sanctuary finds,Gacartepe Tomb finds.Findings of the sacred road Miletus Ancient City to the Temple of Apollo in didim and the votive objects of the Temple of Apollo are located in the exhibition hall. The Miletus Museum is a technically ,visually and scientifically exemplary museum

You’ll have Lunch nearby Karina Golf.

Then you’ll continue to the historical greek village of Domatia (Doganbey) and Karina bay.The old village of Doğanbey ,formerly Domatia village,BC.It has a history extending from the 7th century to the present .In the immediate vicinity are Karina,where there are old customs buildings,ancient settlements Thebes and Lade Island.It is known that the Domatians come from Samos ,Chios,Dodecanese and Cyprus .In the past ,houses were built in a large forest as seperate rooms ,each with large courtyards and these rooms were called Domatia in greek.When the settlement developed a little more and the village was formed ,this name also became the name of the village.

The Greek houses in Domatia have been restored with the condition of staying true to the original.This place aimed to preserve the historical texture in time and became a village where the natüre-loving wealty people lived.Architectural wonder stone houses leaning on the mountain also have a seaview.The streets are cobblestone,the gardens are well -maintained After strolling through the streets of our charming village ,we take lots of photos and then drive to the local restaurant for Lunch.After lunchtime you’ll drive to the ancient city of Priene

The ancient city of Priene is one of the important ancient cities established on the southern slope of Samsun Mountain,15 km southwest of Söke district.370 m.Establishment on a steep rock at a heıght has provided an advantage in resisting attacks.In addition ,its being in a high place allows the city to be seen from different directions.the first information about Priene ,who is considered to be a member of the Ionian League like Miletus,is BC.It is found in ancient sourches in the middle of the 7th century.

The ancient city of Priene,known as the Pompei of Anatolia,is in the Priene section,especially the finds of its rich houses.In the interior showcases,coins from various periods,ornaments,glass fragrance bottles ,bronze items and figurines,terracotta items,and the Ilyas bey Mosque from the Menteseogulları Principality period are among the Works on display.In addition,tomb steles from the Archaic period and an unfinished scuplture group are in the exhibition space.The Miletus Museum is a technically ,visually and scientifically exemplary museum

DİDİM- EUROMOS ANCİENT CİTY, MILAS HEKATOMNOS MAUSELEUM & GÜMÜŞKESEN MONUMENT-IASOS ANCIENT CITY- DİDİM                              140 KM

Today you’ll drive to the ancient city of Euromos.

Euromos ruins, located just off the Söke-Milas road, are frequently overlooked by travelers who do not realize that an olive grove hides one of the best preserved ancient temples in Asia Minor. Meanwhile, if you just turn off the road as indicated by a signpost, you will see a magnificent view of the ancient temple of Zeus. More inquisitive tourists can also find the remains of an ancient theater, city walls, and an agora.

The city, located in the region known as Caria, was known from the 5th century BC as Cyramos (Hyramos). During the reign of King Mausolus of Halicarnassus (the 4th century BC) the city was subordinated to Milas and lost its independence. At the same time, its name was changed to Euromos (meaning 'Strong'), which resulted from the program of Caria Hellenization implemented by Mausolus.

In Roman times, Euromos was granted the status of an autonomous city, but soon afterward it was completely abandoned. The most probable reason was the Antonine Plague that broke out in the western part of Asia Minor in 166 AD. The scholars suspect it to have been either smallpox or measles. In subsequent years, an epidemic spread throughout the entire territory of the Roman Empire, and within 20 years decimated its population.

Next stop is the Mausoleum of Satrap Hekatomnos, pointed as the discovery of the  century in the archaeological world, was built at a position dominating the ancient Mylasa  city and can be seen from any point of the settlement.

The Mausoleum is the predecessor of Halicarnassus Maussolleion, accepted as one of the  seven wonders of the ancient world, and is included in Temporary World Heritage List of UNESCO.

You’ll have Lunch before the visit of the ancient city of Iasos.

Then you’ll visit the ancient city of Iasos.In Iasos archaic city that is located in Kıyıkışlacık Village at a distance of 26 km to the District centre. Roman monumental grave that is one of the biggest buildings of the archaic city and that is known as Balıkpazarı .

Iasos (or Iassos depending on the source) is over 4.000 years old, according to archaeological finds. It was a wealthy little town, with an income generated mostly from the flourishing fishing trade, which still thrives up until the present day. The Carian settlement was a colony of Argos and was founded with the help of Miletus. As a member of the Delian League, Iasos got caught up into the Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC).

From remains dating back to the Bronze Age to a wealth of ceramics with Minoan influence, and then, of course, bigger structures such as the Bouleuterion, The Customs  Building, or the Mausoleum, now home to the Iasos Museum.

End of the tour you’ll drive back to the hotel in Didim.

TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT OF IZMIR    150 KM