Day 1
Disembark from the ship and start two-day overland
tour, which will take you to Dalyan, Pamukkale
& Aphrodisias.
The first attraction of the program will be a
day tour of Dalyan, one of the most interesting
places in South Aegean part of Turkey. Modern
town of Dalyan is located on the east bank of
Dalyan Cayi (River) and the ancient Carian city
of Caunos lies on the western bank. The Dalyan
Cayi is the stream that meanders down to the sea
from Köyceğiz Lake a short distance inland. You
will embark the local for a cruise on Dalyan River.
You will have a photo stop on the way at rock
tombs continue to Ancient City of Caunos, which
spreads over two mountain ridges. Formerly on
the sea, its position as a great trading city
in ancient times was deleteriously affected by
silting and malaria. It is now in a reedy delta
2 km. from the sea.
Medieval city walls, an amphitheater, a basilica,
Roman thermal baths are among the places to be
seen in the city.
See also Iztuzu Beach, natural growing area of
Caretta Caretta turtles.
Re-embark the local boat in order to go to the
restaurant, where a simple lunch of local specialties
and fresh fish will take place.
Following lunch, depart for Pamukkale.
Arrive at Pamukkale and check-in to the hotel.
The Turkish name Pamukkale (Cotton Castle) refers
to the ruins of a 11 & 12 C fortress which
has only survived in fragments by the world famous
stalactite terraces falling over 300 ft. from
the plateau of the ancient town, and which shine
from the steep cliffs far down into the plain
of the Cürüksu, a tributary of the Meander. They
are formed by the warm springs, at a temperature
of 33 C and containing calcium bicarbonate.
If you wish, you will have chance of seeing the
sunset on the cliffs of Pamukkale.
Dinner and overnight will take place at your
hotel in Pamukkale.
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Day 2
After having breakfast taken at the hotel, depart
for a full day tour of the area. The first visit
of the tour will take place at Hierapolis Antique
City. The earliest literary references to Hierapolis
– its Roman name – are from the 2nd C BC, raising
the question of whether the hot springs developed
about that time due, perhaps, to an unrecorded
earthquake. In Roman times, it was a fashionable
spa; the springs attracted the people for their
curative powers. The large Roman Bath is now part
of the Museum of Hierapolis. Temple of Apollo,
a large necropolis, basilical church and Martyrium
of St. Phillip are among the ruins to be seen
during the visit.
 Then
continue to Aphrodisias, one of the most beautiful
antique sites in Asia Minor. Temples, a bishop’s
palace, an amphitheater, a huge stadium, baths,
a council chamber, and above all of these spectacular
finds, a great quantity of beautiful statuary
distinguish Aphrodisias as one of the most attractive
ancient cities in Anatolia. The earliest finds
go back to about 5800 BC. During the Roman Period
there was a major school of sculptors at Aphrodisias
producing masterpieces white, blue & gray
marble that were sent throughout the Roman world.
A modern, airy museum at Aphrodisisasis a fitting
tribute to the work of Professor Kenan Erim who
conducted the excavations here from 1969 until
his death in 1990. As a tribute to him, he was
buried next to the Tetrapylion, the monumental
gateway to the Temple to Aphrodite.
Following the visit, lunch will take place at
a local restaurant, which is located very close
to the antique site.
Continue to Bodrum by taking old Cine way, which
offers nice panoramic view of the natural wonders
of the region.
Arrival at Bodrum and embark the ship. |
