The Menderes valley The valley of the Menderes River, known to the West as the Meander, has been the cradle of civilizations. Set amidst pines, olives and oleander is the magnificent Bafa Lake. It is a lovely, peaceful place to stay whether in a guest house or camping. To the east of the lake rise the five peaks of the Besparmak Mountains. The ruins of the ancient city of Heraklia are close to the lake while the ruins of Alinda are to be found on the eastern slopes of the Be§parmak Mountains. The valley has witnessed the rise and fall of several great historical cities, notably Priene, Miletos, Didyma, Aphrodisias, and Hierapolis.

Pamukkale, this is a beautiful and spectacular natural site, unique in the world with its fairy-like, dazzling white, petrified cascade. Thermal spring waters laden with calcareous salts running oft the plateau's edge have created this fantastic formation of stalactites, cataracts and basins. The thermal waters have been used since Roman times for their therapeutic powers. Situated on the plateau are both the thermal centre with its motels and thermal pools and the ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis. (more details of Pamukkale and Hierapolis here) Hierapolis Here you should not miss the chance for a swim over the ancient remains in one of the thermal bathes. Aphrodisias The history of this city goes back a long way but the important part of the city was built in the 1st century BC. Some of the richest art finds have come from the excavations of this city which was dedicated to Aphrodite, the goddess of love and fertility. The buildings are handsomely adorned with marble that was carved with skill, producing remarkable temples, monuments, a theatre and baths. Their reputation for the exquisite finesse of their statuary and marble craftsmanship soon spread to other parts of the then known world. It thus became the centre of the greatest sculpturing school of antiquity. A highlight of any visit are the marvellous sculptures now housed in the museum.

Ephesus, an antique jewel The most well-known and most interesting destination however might be Ephesus. A highlight of any visit to Turkey. This antique city gives you the best idea of an earlier towns structure. Buildings like the famous Celsus library, the Hadrian arc, the harbour allee and the Amphi theatre will leave you with an unforgettable impression. These site about 160 km North of Bodrum can be reached in approximately two and a half hours by bus. Excavated carefully by Austrian archaeologists the ruins of Ephesus offer an overwhelming sight and cause by this a revitalization of this former blossoming metropolis. Because of its fantastic coastal position and owing to financial preference of many rulers through several culture epochs , Ephesus was the most important city of Minor Asia. The Greeks founded Ephesus already in the 11. Jh. v. Chr. and very soon it became the center of culture, trade and power. Many historians refer to Ephesus as the starting point of western civilization and occidental thinking. After the fall of the Roman empire the progressive silting was no more stopped. Settling shifted into the neighbouring city Selcuk and today Ephesus is about 5 km far away from the sea.

AKUSTIK TRAVEL & YACHTING
NEYZEN TEVFIK 200 MARINA BODRUM
e-mail:info@travelbodrum.com
TEL: 313 89 64 313 45 23 316 46 04 ~ FAX: 313 92 46

Euromos Just on the side of the highway behind Milas one of the best kept temples of Minor Asia is rising up his 16 columns still into the sky. Only 1969 the international archaeology learned about this place.One assumes that Euromos, like Labranda, in the antiquity was connected with Mylasa, today's Milas.

Iassos and the market in Milas The remains of the antique Roman city Iassos you can visit just on the other side of the Gulf of Guelluek, the fish market here only recently excavated, very often was mentioned in ancient history. And you should visit a typical Turkish weekly market. Milas is only 50 km or in other words 40 minutes away from Bodrum. This is one of the biggest and cheapest markets in this region.

Dalyan and Caunos By the side of the river Dalyan the fishing village Dalyan and next to it Caunos with its rock tombs attracts many tourists. This area is also a nature and wildlife preserve. High on the cliffs above Caunos you can see the unique and magnificently carved Lycian rock tombs. This funeral culture unique in history, was done only by the Lycians. It dates back to 400 B.C and some of them were re-used by the Romans were again-used. There are also hot springs worth an attendance. The Dalyan delta is a natural conversation area and the home for the sea turtles. But of course you can only visit at determined times.

Priene Priene was one of the most active ports of the Ionian Federation. Making the site of particular interest is the system of geometric planning introduced in the 4th century BC by Hippodamos of Miletos.

Didyma Didyma only posseses a single monument, but it is nevertheless a marvellous site. The Temple of Apollo was one of the most sacred places of antiquity. Many times looted and burned, the sanctuary is still impressive and of an elegant beauty. The colossal temple was surrounded by a portico of double colonnades. Not far from the site is the beautiful beach of Altinkum.

Miletos Miletos, like Priene, was a great Ionian port and the native city of several philosophers and sages. The theatre itself justifies a visit. The ruins of the Faustina baths are well preserved and there is an archaeological museum.war.

Village tours Only a few kilometers out of from Bodrum you discover the second face of Turkey. Tranquil life and typical. Turkey pure and a hospitality you will find nowhere else. Watch carpet making the way it is being done many many years ago.