KUSADASI
Kusadasi, which means "bird island" in Turkish, is set in a superb gulf in the Aegean region of Turkey and is known for its turquoise sparkling water of the Aegean Sea, broad sandy beaches, bright sun and large marina with a capacity for 600 boats. A glorious ancient city stands beside it, Ephesus with millions of visitors from tours each year. The town is only 80 kilometers (50 miles) from Adnan Menderes Airport in Izmir. Numerous holiday villages and hotels line its shores and hundred of restaurants serves food from all around the world and, of course, Turkish Cuisine, which is one of the largest cuisines of the world. There are also many hostels, discos, bars, cafeterias, pubs and "Turkish Nights"; all those to cater holiday-makers.
Kusadasi has retained a certain earthiness to it and inexpensive meals and pensions can still be found in town. Many shops do a brisk trade with passengers from hundreds of cruise ships that dock for a day or two, allowing enough time for a trip to Ephesus and a shopping expedition.
The tiny Güvercin Adasi (Pigeon Island) is connected to the mainland in the town center with a causeway. Its romantic setting includes a well-maintained flower garden which surrounds the restored 14th-15th century fortress housing a cafeteria.
Beaches close to town tend to get quite crowded during summer. If you prefer more serenity, head for Dilek Peninsula National Park, about 28 kilometers (17 miles) from Kusadasi. It is also possible to get to Greek island Samos by regular daily ferries.
Lately, many foreigners have bought property in and around Kusadasi for their holidays or for the retirement. It became a popular area especially for the British and Irish nationals.
BODRUM
Bodrum is a district and a port city in Muğla province,in the southwestern Aegean Region of Turkey.It is located on the southern coast of Bodrum Peninsula,at a point that checks the entry into the Gulf of Gökova,and is also the center of eponymous district.The city was called Halicarnassus of Caria in ancient times and was famous for housing the Mausoleum of Mausolus,one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.Bodrum Castle,built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 15th century,overlooks the harbour and the marina.The castle grounds include a Museum of Underwater Archaelogy and hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year.
Bodrum is one of the first places that comes to mind during the summer and autumn holidays. You can find below the list of some popular holiday destinations around Bodrum peninsula.
FETHİYE
Modern Fethiye is located on the site of the ancient city of Telmessos, the ruins of which can be seen in the city, e.g. the Hellenistic theatre by the main quay.
A Lycian legend explains the source of the name Telmessos as follows: The god Apollo falls in love with the youngest daughter of the King of Phoenicia, Agenor. He disguises himself as a small dog and thus, gains the love of the shy, withdrawn daughter. After he reappears as a handsome man, they have a son, who they name 'Telmessos' (the land of lights).]
The city became part of the Persian Empire after the invasion of the Persian general Harpagos in 547 BC, along with other Lycian and Carian cities. Telmessos then joined the Attic-Delos Union (Delian League) established in mid-5th century BC. and, although it later left the union and became an independent city, it continued its relations with the union until the 4th century BC.
Very little is known of the city during the Byzantine times. Surviving buildings attest to considerable prosperity during late Antiquity, but most were abandoned in the 7th–8th centuries due to the Arab-Byzantine Wars. The city was fortified in the 8th century, and appears as "Telmissos or Anastasioupolis" ca. 800. By the 10th century, the ancient name was forgotten and it became known as Makre or Makri , from the name of the island at the entrance to the harbour. There are signs of renewed prosperity in the 12-13th centuries: the city walls were enlarged, a report from 1106 names Makre a centre for perfume production, and geographical works from the 13th century describe the city as a commercial centre. The area fell to the Turks in the late 12th or early 13th century.
Telmessos was ruled by the Anatolian beylik of Menteşe starting in 1284, under the name Beskaza.It became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1424, and was called Meğri until 1934.
The town grew considerably in the 19th century, and had a large Greek population at that time. Following the population exchange between Greece and Turkey, the Greeks of Makri were sent to Greece where they founded the town of Nea Makri (New Makri) in Greece. The town was resettled with Turks from Greece. At nearby Kayaköy, formerly Levissi, the abandoned Greek Orthodox church is still standing.
Fethiye is one of Turkey's well-known tourist centres and is especially popular during the summer.
Fethiye is also home to the Tomb of Amyntas, a large tomb built in 350 BC by the Lycians.
Some of the other historical sites worth visiting are: Kadyanda (Cadyanda) Ancient City, Kayaköy- old Greek town, Afkule, Gemiler and Aya Nikola. Most popular touristic towns of Fethiye are: Ölüdeniz, Calis Beach area, Hisaronu and Ovacik.
The island Kızılada in the Gulf of Fethiye, which is 4 miles (6.4 km) off the city, is a popular stopover for boat tours. Alternatively, there are great diving sites Afkule being one of the most famous. The Kızılada Lighthouse on the island houses a seafood restaurant and a hostel with nine rooms.
ITINARERY
1st DAY : ARRIVAL TO IZMIR TRANSFER TO THE HOTEL IN KUSADASI 80 KM
2nd DAY : KUSADASI-V.MARY-EPHESUS ANCIENT CITY-TERRACE HOUSES- EPHESUS MUSEUM- St. JOHN BASILICA-SIRINCE VILLAGE- KUSADASI 60 KM
3rd DAY : KUSADASI- THE ANCIENT CITY of TEOS- VELVET CASTLE -AGORA GRAND BAZAAR (KEMERALTI )- HISTORICAL ELEVATOR-KUSADASI 230 KM
4th DAY : KUSADASI- DOMATIA VILLAGE-THE ANCIENT CITIES of PRIENE & MILETOS and MUSEUM-BODRUM 175 KM
5th DAY : BODRUM- BODRUM CASTLE AND ARCHEOLOGİCAL UNDERGROUND WATER MUSEUM -MAUSELEUM AT HALICARNASSUS, EUROMOS ANCİENT CİTY,
MILAS HEKATOMNOS MAUSELEUM AND GÜMÜŞKESEN MONUMENT-IASOS ANCIENT CITY-BODRUM 160 KM
6th DAY : BODRUM- THE ANCIENT CITY OF STRATONIKEIA-LAGINA – GUZELKÖY-BODRUM 190 KM
7th DAY : BODRUM- AKYAKA- ÖLÜDENİZ - FETHİYE 270 KM
8th DAY : FETHİYE -THE ANCIENT CITIES of LETOON & XANTHOS & TLOS -SAKLIKENT- YAKAPARK-TELMESSOS-KAYAKÖY-FETHIYE 165 KM
9th DAY : FETHIYE – DALYAN (MUD BATHS -KAUNOS ANCIENT CITY -IZTUZU BEACH )-FETHIYE 120 KM
10th DAY : TRANSFER TO THE AIRPORT OF DALAMAN 45 KM
TOTAL : 1495 KM
Upon your arrival to İzmir and transfer to Kusadası 80 KM
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
KUSADASI- THE ANCIENT CITY of TEOS- VELVET CASTLE -AGORA GRAND BAZAAR (KEMERALTI )- DARIO MORENO HOUSE & HISTORICAL ELEVATOR-KUSADASI 230 KM
Today you’ll drive to the ancient city of Teos , which gives life to Seferihisar and its surroundings and is the most important stop for traveling in time in the region, is 3 km from Sigacik. The ancient city, whose history goes back to the 2000s BC, is one of the 12 Ionian cities. Being the largest port city of its time, Teos is also known as the city of artists. The fact that the first actor’s union in history was established in Teos in the 3rd century BC strengthens the place of this city in the field of art. The ancient city, where excavations continue, deserves a visit of at least half a day.
You’ll have lunch at the local restaurant
Then you arrive to the Velvet Castle(Kadifekale) .Kadifekale is a fortress located in the city of İzmir in Turkey.The Castle ,which is the acropolis of ancient Smyrna ,is located on Pagos Hill with an altitude of 186 meters overlooking the İzmir Bay
After the visitof Velvet castle (Kadifekale) drive to Agora.Agora located in Namazgah district of İzmir remained from Rome Period (AD the 2nd century) and it was built according to Hippodamos city plan, on three floors, close to the centre. İzmir agora is the one which is the biggest and best protected of the Ion agoras.
End of the visit of Agora you will arrive to the Grand bazaar (Kemeraltı Market) .It is an old bazaar that was established back in the 17th century, located along the curve of historic Anafartalar Street. Today, Kemeralti is easily one of the most favorite venues for shopping not only for locals but also for tourists. The plethora of shops offer local handcrafts, jewelry, pottery, clothes as well as many other valuable goods.
Synagogue Street (Havra Sokagi) is a very popular tourist attraction in Kemeraltı , Izmir as it used to be one of the most popular places for locals to buy their fruit, vegetables, meat and other products. While not quite the same, Synagogue is still a very popular market. The name of the street derived from the high volume of synagogues formerly built on the street.
Kizlaragasi Han Bazaar is one of the most popular Izmir attractions. Located in a grand covered pavilion, Kizlaragasi is absolutely fantastic and a must-visit. The market combines the traditional open air Turkish bazaar along with a wide number of shopping selections.
End of the Kemeraltı tour you are going to see the historic Clock Tower,It was designed by M.Raymond Pere and built in 1901 to commemorate the 25th year of the reign of Sultan Abdulhamıd II.The Tower’s green and pink marble columns were brought from Marseilles.
İzmir Clock Tower is a historic clock tower located at the Konak Square in Konak district of İzmir. The tower, at a height of 25 meters, features four fountains, which are placed around the base in a circular pattern, and the columns are inspired by North African themes
Then you will visit Konak (Yalı) Mosque is located in Konak Square. The religious structure was built in the 18th century by Ayse Hanim – the pasha’s daughter. Architecturally, Konak (Yalı) Mosque is a very beautiful octagonal structure composed in a classical ottoman style of stone and bricks. Konak also features some amazing ornaments inside as well as outside, a single dome and a minaret. It is located near Saat Kulesi (Clock Tower), a very popular local attraction.
End of the Kemeraltı bazaar , you’ll drive to visit Dario Moreno House.It is the famous home of the well known singer, compositor, and "man of art". The house is located on one of the most beautiful little streets of Izmir (also bears singer's name). It's a classic example of the architecture from the early 20th century and a great tourist destination.
End of the Darıo Moreno Street there is historical Elevator (Turkish for "Asansör") is a building in İzmir's Karataş quarter, within the boundaries of the metropolitan district of Konak. It was built in 1907 as a work of public service by a wealthy Jewish banker and trader of that period, Nesim Levi Bayraklıoğlu, in order to ease passage from the narrow coastline of Karataş to the hillside, the elevator within the building serving to carry people and goods through the steep cliff between the two parts of the quarter. You can drink here coffe,tea or some drinks with a view of bay of İzmir.In time, the small street that led to the building also came to be known under the same name, Asansör Street (Asansör Sokağı). In the 1940s, one of the residents of the street was the singer Dario Moreno, who was to attain fame later. It was recently restored and since then, became one of the landmarks of İzmir. The street was renamed Dario Moreno Street in memory of the singer.
End of the tour you drive back to the hotel in Kusadası
KUSADASI- DOMATIA VILLAGE-PRIENE-MILETOS ANCIENT CITY AND MUSEUM- BODRUM 180 KM
You’ll drive 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.
Then 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
Next stop is 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 at the local restaurant nearby Karina Golf.
End of the day you arrive to the hotel in Bodrum
BODRUM- BODRUM CASTLE AND ARCHEOLOGİCAL UNDERGROUND WATER MUSEUM -MAUSELEUM AT HALICARNASSUS, EUROMOS ANCİENT CİTY, MILAS HEKATOMNOS MAUSELEUM AND GÜMÜŞKESEN MONUMENT-IASOS ANCIENT CITY-BODRUM 160 KM
First you’ll visit Bodrum Castle(St.John castle) .Bodrum Castle was builted by Saint Jean Knights in 1406-1522. When they were building this castle, they used the stones from Bodrum Mausoleion. There are French, Italian, British, Germany, Spanish towers. When Turks attached Rhodes island in 1522, Saint Jean Knights was started to leave here in 5 january 1523. The castle was using for prison in 1895. Here is bombed by English and French millitary in first world war, in 1915.
The castle grounds include a Museum of Underwater Archaelogy and hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year.
The first underwater scientific excavations in the world took place at Turkish coasts in the 1960’s and the Castle was arranged, in 1964, as Bodrum Museum in order to ensure the protection and preservation of the findings. Due to its rich underwater collection that includes artefacts from 14th century B.C. to 16th century A.D., in 1981 the name of the museum was changed to Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum. Bodrum Underwater Archaeology Museum received the European Museum of the Year Award in 1995.
You will see the world's oldest known shipwrecks Uluburun , a hall of recovered glassware and the Carian Princess exhibition which evokes the last days of the ancient greatness of Halicarnassus. Glass Wreck Hall, Late Bronze Age Shipwrecks, The Carian Princess Hall and the amphoras . In ancient times amphoras were used for transporting and storing Olive Oil and wine
Next explore the site one of the seven wonders of the ancient world , The Mauseloum was built by Artemisia, the sister and the wife of King Mausolos, B.C. 355.The mauseloum was destroyed in an earthquake; and the ruins were used in building of the Halikarnassus Castle
Then we drive to Milas to the ancient city of Euromos where we visit the Temple of Zeus.
It's one of the best preserved classical designed temples in the country and dates back to the 6th century BC.
Then you’ll drive to Milas to the ancient city of Euromos where we visit the Temple of Zeus. It's one of the best preserved classical designed temples in the country and dates back to the 6th century BC.
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.
Finally you 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 day you drive back to the hotel in Bodrum
BODRUM- THE ANCIENT CITY OF STRATONIKEIA-LAGINA -BODRUM 190 KM
Today you’ll drive to 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 Bodrum.
End of the day you arrive to the hotel in Bodrum
BODRUM- AKYAKA -ÖLÜDENİZ-FETHIYE 270 KM
You’ll drive first to the little cute aegean town ‘’Akyaka’’on the way to Fethiye.This little 25-minute trip in this exquisite stretch of Akyaka town will perhaps be the most beatiful boat tour you will ever do in your life.You can take colorfull photos in the forest where many different bird species live.
Cold water flows from the mountains into this river. You can easily see salmon trout and other fish swimming next to your boat because of the crystal clear water. Your guide inform you everything about the wild life in this area .
You’ll have lunch at the local restaurant in Akyaka.
After lunch you’ll drive to Ölüdeniz.
You’ll arrive to ‘’Ölüdeniz beach ‘’ afternoon
‘’Ölüdeniz’’, named the “dead sea” in Turkish due to its calmness, Ölüdeniz is one of Turkey’s most popular – and overwhelmingly most frequently photographed – beaches,thanks to its spectacular setting along a gorgeous blue lagoon.
Beachgoers flock to two separate areas here: a long, wide strip of open beach facing the Mediterranean, known as Belcekız; and the more sheltered shoreline of the Blue Lagoon, which is inside the boundaries of a protected natural park (entrance fee) and has a dramatic backdrop of mountain scenery behind it – Babadağ, one of Turkey’s top destinations for paragliding.
End of the day you arrive to the hotel in Fethiye
FETHİYE -THE ANCIENT CITIES of LETOON & XANTHOS -SAKLIKENT-YAKAPARK-TLOS ANCIENT CITY -TELMESSOS-KAYAKÖY-FETHIYE 165 KM
Today ,you’ll start to visit the ancient city of Letoon.
You’ll drive to the ancient city of Letoon.It is estimated that the ancient city of Letoon,located in Kumluova Quarter of Seydikemer,was established in the seventh century BC.Letoon was the religious center of Lycia in the Ancient Age.The temples of Leto,Apollo and Artemis in this sanctuary are of great historical importance.
The ancient city ,which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List with the date of 09.12.1988 and number 484,is on the Lycian walking route.
Your next stop is the ancient city of Xanthos.The ancient city of Xanthos,located in Kaş,Antalya,which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List,was used as the most important administrative center of the Lycian civilization and as the capital in the 2nd century B.C.It is seen that the pillar tombstones and rock tombs of the Lycian era have reached today.
In some ancient cities,you can only see the traces of a single civilization,but here you have the opportunity to see all cultural elements from the roman,Archaic and Byzantine periods , in Xanthos.This is the most important factor that distinguishes Xanthos from other ancient cities.
After the visit of the ancient city of Xanthos ,you’ll drive to Saklıkent Canyon and national park.
Saklıkent Canyon,located on the Antalya border of Seydikemer district,is a natural wonder tourism center in the literal sense of the word.It is estimated that the canyon was formed by geological cracking thousands of years ago.The length of the canyon is about 18 km and its height varies between 200 and 600 meters.At some points ,it is almost impossible to see the sky from here,as the range of rocks narrows to 2 meters.At Saklıkent Canyon,you are first greeted by Eşen Stream flowing with a wonderful glow.By walking on the wooden ladder laid on the iron pier ,you reach the immaculate spring gustin from under the rocks .
You’ll have lunch at ‘’YAKAPARK ‘’
After the Lunch you’ll drive to the ancient city of Tlos.
The ancient city of Tlos is the Unesco World Heritage Temporary List and is one of the oldest settlements in the geography known as the Lycia Regşon.the acropolis at the entrance of the ancient city ,which is recorded as Dlawa in hittite documents in the 14th century BC and as Tlawa in the Lycian inscriptions,greatly impresses those who see it with its dominant appearance.
At the foot of the acropolis are several rows of seats ,stadiums,baths,theaters and remains of churges.The most important structure of Tlos standing is its theater.However,the stadium is also of great importance.Tlos is also known as the sports city of Lycia.Tlos is the shining star of the region in terms of archeology,culture ,religion and economy in the historical process.It bears the traces of the settlement that continued uninterruptedly from the Neolitic period to the Iron Age.Even in the written sourches of the Hittites,(Anal,Annual) Tlos is mentioned as the country.Tlos , an important center in terms of Christian history,is one of the most important episcopal centers of Lycia.This religious significance continued until the 12th century.
Then you’ll drive to visit Telmessos .(Roman Theater)
Overlooking the main road that runs along the Fethiye harbour is Fethiye Roman Theater (also known as Telmessos Theatre, from the city's name in classical times). Built into a hillside, the semicircular theater, occasionally described as an amphitheater, was constructed in the Hellenistic (Greek) style and could once hold some 5,000 to 6,000 spectators. During the Roman period, in approximately the 2nd century AD, a stage building was added, and Fethiye's theater remained in use until about the 7th century. Unfortunately, after an earthquake struck the town in 1957, many pieces of masonry were removed from the theater by local residents for use in rebuilding, and even after excavation by archaeologists in the 1990s the site remained in a poor state of preservation. Fethiye theater is currently undergoing an ambitious restoration, after which it is expected to host open-air performances again – just as in ancient times.
Next stop is a fantastic place where natüre meets history,‘’Kayaköy’’ Ghost village. (ancient Karmylassos).Kayaköy is an eerie ghost town of 4000-odd abandoned stone houses and other structures that once made up the Greek town of Levissi. Today this timeless village, set in a lush valley with some vineyards nearby, forms a memorial to Turkish-Greek peace and cooperation.
End of the tour you arrive to the hotel in Fethiye
FETHİYE - DALYAN (MUD BATHS-KAUNOS ANCIENT CITY-IZTUZU BEACH ) - FETHİYE 120 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 Fethiye
THE GUIDE MAY CHANGE THE ROUTE FOR THE VENUES
THE CAPACITY OF THE TOUR MAXIMUM 12 PAX
MUSEUM CLOSED ON MONDAYS İN TURKEY
For Children, those younger than 4 year old are free of charge, between 5 and 9 year old are charged with the half price, children beginning from 10 year/old are charged with the adult price. Therefore, please inform us about the children’s ages.
Children need to have ID card or Passport for visiting the ancient cities and museums
Important
• There is no shop visit and shopping in the content of the tour.If the whole group demands and confirm and there is enough time ,the shop can be visited
• Comfortable walking shoes, comfortable clothing, a hat, sunscreen and insect repellents are recommended. Guests should watch their step at all times in order to avoid accidents.
• Guests must be able to walk approximately 0.5 miles over uneven and cobblestone surfaces in ruins.
• Temperatures can reach extreme highs during summer months; We recommend that you have a lot of water and use suitable sunscream while on the tour.
Write the first comment