This 10 day tour, starts from Kuşadası, Turkey, and ends at Antalya, Turkey. It focusses on ancient history visiting some of Turkeys most fasmous acheological sites including 3 UNESCO sites (Ephesus, Pamukkale and Aphrodisias) and the sites of two of the seven wonders of the ancient world (Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and The Temple of Artemis).
Welcome to Kusadasi. Free day for you to chill or explore the city centre.
Pick up from your hotel in Kusadasi at 9 a.m., then immerse yourself in history with a guided tour of one of the world's Seven Ancient Wonders, the site of the Temple of Artemis, and the ancient city of Ephesus. Feel the mystical atmosphere of the city and stadium where chariot and horse races used to take place. You will also have the opportunity to try some Turkish handicrafts and visit Sirince, a former Greek village on the top of a mountain known for its fruit wines and tastings. After your visit to Sirince, you will return to your hotel.
After breakfast, we depart to explore Pamukkale, stopping along the way to admire a display of locally handcrafted leather goods, on our way to the magnificent white calcium terraces known as Travertines. Our next stop will be the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis, which was built on hot springs in classical Phrygia. Then we'll go to the Cleopatra Pool to swim among ancient columns in the hot springs that were famous during the Roman period for their theapeutic powers.
We go from Pamukkale for Aphrodisias, an ancient city dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of 'Beauty, Love, and Fertility', and also known for its school of sculpture. We see the stadium, which is Anatolia's best preserved, the Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon, the theatre, and the Museum. After that, we'll travel to Bodrum.
In Bodrum, today is a free day. You may choose to go to Bodrum Castle, which was built in honor of St. Peter by the Knights of Rhodes or the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus, one of the ancient world's seven marvels, which Artemisia, Queen of Caria, built as a funerary monument after her brother and husband Mausolos died. The word 'Mausoleum' is derived from this location. Alternatively, you may choose to spend the day at one of the numerous surrounding beaches.
Our first stop today is Koycegiz, a lakeside village whose unique setting has been maintained as a nature and wildlife refuge. Explore the local markets, which are known for their citrus fruits, or grab a bite to eat at one of the lakefront eateries. It's only a short distance to the opposite side of the lake and the town of Dalyan from here. Optionally, take a boat ride along the Dalyan River, passing the ancient Kaunos tombs cut into the cliff face. The Dalyan Delta is a protected loggerhead turtle (Caretta Caretta) nesting place and a natural protection reserve. Finally, there are the Sultaniye mud baths, which are enjoyable, refreshing, and undoubtedly a terrific photo opportunity.
Free day in Fethiye. We suggest wandering around the town, relaxing at the famous Oludeniz beach or taking an optional trip to Saklikent Gorge.
We're going to Kayakoy, the desolate Greek town today in the morning which looks fantastic especially in the morning light. We then go to Antalya, a popular tourist destination. We'll go on a walking tour of Antalya's old town, also known as "Kaleiçi." We'll go to Hadrian's Gate, the Ancient Harbour, and the Suna-Inan Kiraç Kaleiçi Museum, which features a Greek Orthodox Church in its garden.
A full day trip to Perge, Aspendos, and Side's ancient remains. The Roman Theatre at Aspendos, which seats 15,000 people, was built in the second century. With its Temple of Apollo and ancient ruins, Side is one of Turkey's outstanding classical attractions.
After breakfast our tour concludes.