DALYAN

Dalyan means in Turkish enclosure of nets fixed on poles used for catching fish. Some of the most spectacular scenery ever,sail down the Dalyan River,meandering through the maze of reed-covered sandbanks,past meadows,edged with cypress trees and flowers.
See the eerie Lycian Rock Tombs,home to king and queens in 400 BC,carved out of the cliff-face. Carry on towards the natural sulphur mudbaths where you can cover yourself from head to toe in therapeutic mud ( said to take 10 years off you! ) Relax and enjoy a light riverside lunch before discovering the beautiful 7km stretch of the caretta caretta beach.home and breeding ground of the famous loggerhead turtle.
A day filled with magical highlights that will saty in yout memory for many years. Twelve years ago Dalyan was a small fishing village, the discovery of the endangered Caretta Caretta Turtles and the wildlife in the area led to campaign to listed the area for conservation.
Since 1989 Turkey has taken steps towards the the conservation of wildlife. One and most important of protected area is Dalyan. The village has therefore retained its natural charm and beauty. A haven for relaxation that has blossomed to cater for the serious traveller. There are many restaurants in which to try Turkish cuisine, bars and shops. There are few discos out of town, so as not to disturb those of you that wish to retire early. In summary a unique destination full of culture, charm, history and contrasting beauty, excellent cuisine and unforgetable hospitality

	EPHESUS

One of the highlights of any visit to Turkey is Ephesus, the best preserved ancient city Turkey. Ephesus which was established as a port,was used to be the most important commercial centre. It played a great role in the ancient times with its strategic location. Ephesus is located on a very fertile valley. The shrine of Virgin Mary enjoys a marvelous atmosphere hidden in the green. It is the place where Mary may spent her last days. Indeed,she may have come in the area together with Saint John. Who spent several years in the area. The Trip to Ephesus covers the Celcius Library, the Marble Avenue,the Largest Theatre in Turkey (25,000 seat capacity ) which is still used today for concerts and the site of the temple of Artemis which was one of the 7 wonders of the world. Stay overnight in a 4*/5* hotel in Pamukkale with a delicious dinner (open buffet) and Turkish style entertainment. The next day after the breakfaast we visit the Roman city of Hierapolis.Explore the ruins fo the citybaths and Amphitheatre. We than visit the famous natural phenomenon of,Pamukkale ( cotton castle ) with its naturally formed snowwhite terraces and pools cascading down the mountainside. On the way back

EPHESUS is the largest and best-preserved ancient city of the whole Mediterranean, and is the most visited tourist attraction in TURKEY. Situated by a fine harbor of overland trade routes, and beneficiary of the lucrative cults of the ANATOLIAN mother goddess CYCBLE/ARTEMIS, EPHESUS led a charmed life from earliest times. Legends relte that ANDROCULOS, son of king KODRUS of ATHENS had been advised by an oracle to settle at a place indicated by a fish and wild boar.
During the imperial period it was designated the capital of ASIA, and ornamented with magnificent public buildings.
Despite or perhaps because of CHRISTIANITY EPHESUS took root early and quickly.
Saint John the Evangelist arrived in the mid-first century, and Saint Paul spent the years 51-53 AD in the City.

THE CHURCH OF SAINT MARY: constructed between the 2nd and 4th centuries AD. The building, originally a ROMAN WAREHOUSE was the venue ofthe Economics Council in 431 AD.THE ARCADIAN WAY: (currently off-limits while adjacent digs are underway),i so named after the 5th Century BYZANTINE emperor ARCADIUS who renovated it.
THE ANCIENT THEATRE: This is the largest and most impressive, recently and brutally restored to provide additional seating forthe various summer festivals. If you bother to climb past the 20,000 seats of half-modern masonry to the top, you will see the panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.
THE MARBLE STREET: Begins near the base of the theatre and heads almost straight south
THE ANCIENT BROTHEL: Located in the very centre of the Roman city.
THE LIBRARY OF CELCIUS: Originally erected by the consul GAIUS JULIUS AQUILA between 110 & 135 AD, as a memorial to this father CELCIUS POLEMAEANUS still entombed

	PAMUKKALE

Hierapolis is an ancient Roman city and was established as a cure centre Pamukkale is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders in Turkey. The big attraction is a vast white cliff side with scalop-shaped basins of water and forzen waterfalls. It looks as if it’s made out of snow or cloud or balls of cotton.
Built up over thousands of years, mineral deposits carried by the natural hot springs of HIERAPOLIS have resulted in one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. The therapeutic properties and bizarre appearance of the hot spring were known for thousands of years before an actual town was founded herre by one of the PERGAMENE kings during the 2nd Century BC.
After incorporation into the Roman Empire in 129 BC HIERAPOLIS seems to have enjoyed considerable imperial favour, especially after a catastrophic earthquake in 17 & 60 AD. No fewer than three emperors paid personal visits, stimulating local emperor - worship alongside the veneration of APOLLO and his mother LETO, who was venerated in the guise of CYCBLE.
The city was famous for the health-giving properties of its mineral water and hot springs and gained great popularity during the Roman period. The Roman Baths, Domitian Gate, Theatre, Temple of Apollo and Fountain are only some of the ruins to be seen.

	KALKAN

Kas is quaint marina town,where the remains of the ancient town of Antiphellos include a large
sarcophagus on the main street and many rock tombs cut into the cliffs overlooking the town.
Nearby Kalkan is a charming little port town overlooking a bay of sparkling sea.Its cobbled streets
are lined with quaint old buildings festooned with vivid flowers and elegant restaurants,street cafes
and knick-knack shops.Kaputas Beach is gorgeous place to swim and relax on the golden sand.
On south east along the coast last stop is at the fabulous white sandy beach Patara to swim...

Kalkan is one of our favourite places and we're delighted to be able to offer holidays here for the third year running. You may not be familiar with the name - for years it's been a well kept secret among the yachting fraternity and independent travellers looking for the ultimate unspoiled and relaxing hideaway. It's been called a "designer fishing village" and that certainly sums up the visual appeal of Kalkan's maze of winding cobbled streets which rise steeply above the harbour. The old stone harbour. The old stone houses which cling to the hillside have ornate balconies and shady flower-filled courtyards - a photographer's dream! Many have now been tastefully converted into bars and restaurants. Most feature a roof terrace which gives gorgeous views of the sun dipping into the bay and the night time stars. Back in 1989 the mayor and other residents established the Kalkan Foundation to preserve the town's historical and architectural heritage. Locals believe firmly in the "small is beautiful" philosophy so you won't find big hotel's, noisy discos or thundering traffic early or late in the season.

	KAŞ

Kas was originally called Habesos or Habesa in the ancient tongue of Lycia and later was given the name Antiphellos. It is one of the oldest settlements in the region of Lycia. Most of the ancient settlement is now covered by the modern town of Kas. The rock-cut tombs to the north-east of the town date to the 4th century B.C.On a rise between the open sea and the hill, which was probably the acropolis of the ancient city, lies a rock tomb formed like a Doric structure with Doric triglyphs on the facade. Inside the tomb is to be found a frieze of dancing female figures. The acropolis was surrounded by a fortified wall, of which traces are to be seen on the facade facing the island of Meis Kastellorizon. No traces of fortifications are to be seen on the northern or western slopes. To the west of the modern town stands the ancient theater overlooking the sea. This structure possesses a remarkable view. It was constructed of local limestone and today the tribunes and outer walls are still visible although no trace of the skene is left. On the western edge of the acropolis are traces of a temple. Tombs of the Roman period are scattered about the town and along the coast.

	MARMARİS

Travel with us to visit the cosmopolitan resorts of Marmaris and Içmeler. There you may join us at the Aqua-Park ( Entrance excl.) Once in Marmaris you will have plenty to occupy yourselves with. You can sit on the beach whilst inspecting all your bargains and even go for a swim before your return back to Fethiye.

The town of Marmaris is located at the meeting place of the Aegean Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. Marmaris is one of the largest natural harbors in the world surrounded by pine-clad hills.
Situated in the south-west of Turkey, in Mugla province, Marmaris is one of Turkey's biggest holiday resorts. To the north lies the Gulf of Gökova; to the south, the Mediterranean. Datca Peninsula falls to the western side and to the east is the Lake of Köycegiz. The hills running into the sea and the beautiful bays make Marmaris the jewel she is.
The town is 60 kilometers from the provincial capital of Mugla and the mountainous nature of the surrounding countryside means that forestry plays an important part in the area's economy. The town boundaries are enclosed by 65,000 hectares of forest area.

History::
It is not known for certain when Marmaris was founded. However, as Marmaris previously known as Physkos, was part of the Carian Empire in the 6th century BC before she was overrun by the Lydians. Another invasion by the Lydians in 334 BC led to the partition of the Roman Empire ruled by Alexander the Great.
According to the historian Heredotus, the Carians coming from Crete, settled in the area which is now known as the province of Mugla. They also took over the town of Physkos with its natural harbor and used it as a military base and to enhance trade between Rhodes and the other Aegean Islands. The Carian civilization entered a dark period after 300 BC, coming under the reign of the Egyptians, Assyrians, Ionians, and Dorians successively. The Dorians colonized the Carian province and divided the region into 9 cities, two of which were Halicarnassos and Knidos. These two cities later on became an active trade centre and seaport of Anatolia specializing in handicrafts.
In 138 BC Attalos the 3rd King of Pergamon, whose predecessors had ruled Caria for 90 years, ceded Physkos to Rome and the city was ruled from Rhodes by Roman generals. The city became part of the Ottoman Empire in 1425, and the castle was built in 1521 AD for use in a planned assault upon Rhodes. The Ottoman Sultan at the time, Kanuni Sultan Süleyman, changed the name of the town to Mimaras, which then became Marmaris according to historian Evliya Celebi.
A local rumor has it that the reason for the change of name to Mimaras was that Süleyman, on returning from his expedition to Rhodes, disliked the castle and said "Mimar as!", which means "Hang the architect!". Unfortunately there is no evidence to support this amusing story.

Castle::
According to the historian Herodotus, there has been a castle in Marmaris since 3000 BC. During the Hellenistic Age Caria was invaded by Alexander the Great and the castle was besieged. The 600 inhabitants of the town realized that they had no chance against the invading army and burned their valuables in the castle before escaping to the hills with their women and children. The invaders knowing the strategic value of the castle, repaired the destroyed sections to house a few hundred soldiers before the main army returned home.
The 17th century writer Evliya Celebi mentions the castle, which was rebuilt by Kanuni Sultan Süleyman in 1522 when he invaded Rhodes.

Since 1979, renovation work has been continuing at the castle, in order to restore it back to original condition. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture, the castle has been converted into a museum. There are seven galleries, of which the largest is being used as an exhibition hall and the courtyard is decorated with seasonal flowers

	FETHİYE

Fethiye is one of the most popular resorts due to its extreme loveliness. Set on a wide bay, strewn with many islands.

Fethiye is 135 kms southwest of Marmaris and has an outstanding and busy marina. The ancient name of the city is Telmessos and you will see a fortress on the hill overlooking the city which was built by Knights of Rhodes. Fethiye is known for its rock tombs carved into the faces of the cliffs by the Lycians. These are elaborately carved and an especially remarkable; one is the tomb of Amnytas dating from the 4th century BC built in Doric architectural style. It is worth well visiting. Other historical places in the city are the Sarcopaghi and the Fethiye Tower.

The Beach and the Sovalye Island are real the destinations for those who like to enjoy the most beautiful sea. Belcegiz Bay is also good for such a visit and provides natural mountain scenery. The guest houses (pansiyon) here, will give you all the comfort you expect. The bay forms the dreamlike Belcegiz - Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon) known as "a paradise that God granted to Earth", a very fine place with 3 kms of natural beach and crystal blue waters in enchanting surroundings. For camping, Belcegiz Beach is ideal, and for picnicking try the Kidiril Park, for sightseeing the Gemiler Islands with their Byzantine ruins among the pine trees are recommenced. At Koturumsu, a heaven like beauty awaits you, where you may reach only by boat. There are waterfalls flowing across valleys where thousands of butterflies, exhibiting tremendous shades of colors, fly amongst the pine forest bordering of the lovely beach. Some of the other natural attractions are Katranci Bay, Gunluk (Kusuk Kargi) Bay, Oyuktepe, Göcek with its harbor and marina. Lately, parachuting from Baba mountain became one of the most popular sports and it gives magnificent views for people flying over this great beach lagoon.

Around Fethiye, there are important ancient cities of the Lycians. To the southeast of Fethiye lies Xanthos at Kinik village, an important capital of Lycians. Its setting is naturally adorned while Letoon, by Kumluova village and close to Xanthos, is also interesting.Letoon was a cult center during the Lycian period and remains can be seen of temples dedicated to Leto, Artemis and Apollo. Patara by Ovagelmis, Pinara by Minare, Tlos by Doger, Cadianda by Yesil Üzümlü, Sidyma by Dodurga, Karmilassos by Kaya, Pydnai by Kavadere, Araxa by Ören, Lydoe by Kapidag, Lissa and Arsada by Kayadibi, and Daedela by Inlice are other significant sites to visit in the environs of Fethiye. There are also many camping and picnicking facilities around Fethiye.

	KAYAKÖY

The village of Kayakoy (dated to the 15th cent) lies behind the hills of Oludeniz approximately four and a half km away. The Village consists of over three thousand deserted homes and a whole array of establishments that once supported a whole community. This includes five Doctors, Three Pharmacies, One school and ten monasteries. The village was deserted during a population exchange in 1923. Here you will find Churches, one of which has a mural depicting Christfs last supper on an inside wall. The Village can be reached via a walk (signposted) or a Dolmus from the nearby town of Hisarönü..
Kaya or Kayaköy (Karmylassos), Greek people used to live in peace under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. There used to be about 3000 buildings, 5 doctors, 3 pharmacies, 1 school, 2 big churches, more than 10 small monastries. The settling of this village (the Greek settlement) date the 15th century.

	ÖLÜDENİZ

Oludeniz, situated on Turkey`s south-west coast, with it`s pristine white beaches and amazingly blue waters is one of the finest beaches in the world. Known as "the Turquoise Coast", it`s the ideal holiday destination.

Be it diving, rafting, paragliding or simply walking and sunbathing lazily on the beach, Oludeniz has it all!

Oludeniz situated in the heart of Lycia, is the ideal centre for visiting it`s many antique cities. Xanthos, Letoon, Pinara, Tlos, Sdyma, Myra, and many others.

There are arranged excursions to all of these. The many natural wonders in the area attract as much interest as the historical sites.

Ölüdeniz is a small resort village in the Muğla Province on the South West coast of Turkey on the Aegean Sea to the south and the high, steep sided Babadağ Mountain, 14 km south of Fethiye. The town is a beach resort.

Olu Deniz remains one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean. It has a secluded sandy bay at the mouth of Olu Deniz, on a blue lagoon. The lagoon is a national nature reserve and building is strictly prohibited. Olu Deniz is famous for its shades of turquoise and aquamarine, and is an official blue flag beach, and is frequently rated among the top 5 beaches in the world by Travelers and Tourism Journals alike. The resort is also famous for its paragliding opportunities. It is regarded as one of the best places in the world to paraglide due to its unique panoramic views, and the Baba Dag mountains exceptional height.

	XANTHOS

The ancient Lycian city is located near the village of Kinik on a hillside in a gorgious natural site overlooking the Esen river. Xanthos long remained independent until it was taken by the Persians: according to Herodotus, the warriors of Xanthos showed an extreme bravery killing their wives, children and slaves entrenched in the burning citadel. They themselves fought to death . Only a few families that were away, survived. The city was completly burnt down between 475 and 450 BC. During excavations this was confirmed by a thick layer of ash covering the site. Rebuilt and repopulated, Xanthos, along with Pinara, Patara and other cities, surrendered to Alexander the Great. The city, which came to the hands of Antigonus, was claimed by Ptolemy I who took it from him by force in 309 BC.

In 197 BC, Antiochus III , who wanted to take Lycia from the Ptolemies, made an agreement with the Xanthians, declaring the city free and dedicating it to Leto, Apollo and Artemis. After Antiochusf defeat at Magnesia of Sypile, and because of their support to her, Rome gave Xanthos to the Rhodians. Complaining that they were treated like slaves, the Xanthians revolted many times so that Rome finally put an end to the Rhodien domination in 167 BC. During the Roman civil wars of the 1st century BC, the Lycians sided with Caesar against Pompeius. But Caesar was assassinated in Rome by Brutus and Cassius who came to Asia Minor to collect money and recruit soldiers. As the Lycians were reluctant to make any contributions, Brutus attacked Xanthos where the Lycian Leaguef s soldiers were gathered. He demolished the Acropolis and slaughtered the inhabitants. For the second time in their history, in the year 42 BC, the Xanthians underwent mass suicide for their freedom. Marc Antony, hoping to heal the scars left by Brutus, rebuilt their city. In Byzantines times, the city walls were renovated and a monastery was added. The city was deserted, ruined by Arab raids in the 8th century.

Xanthos was discovered in 1838 by Sir Charles Fellows who had all the reliefs and finds of any significance transported to London, on a warship that anchored in Patara.
The Hellenistic walls and gates of the city, the Lycian buildings and monuments, the necropolis with typical Lycian tombs and sarcophagi, the funerary pillars, the Roman theatre, the agora, the Byzantine church with mosaics, the Byzantine monastery,....are among the main vestiges of the archaeological site

	TLOS

As one of the six principal cities of Lycia, Tlos once bore the title of "the very brilliant metropolis of the Lycian nation". It is one of the oldest and largest settlements of Lycia and was inhabited until the 19th century by Turks. Tlos lies on the east side of the Xanthos valley, and is dominated by its acropolis. This rocky outcrop slopes up from the plateau, but ends on the west, north and northeast in almost perpendicular cliffs. On its slope are several Lycian sarcophagi and many temple-type tombs are cut into the face of the acropolis hill. The influence of many cultures upon Tlos has resulted in an interesting collage of structures. "Tomb of Bellerophon" - The most interesting tomb of Tlos, a large temple-type tomb featuring a relief of the legendary (from Greek myth) hero Bellerophon riding Pegasus the winged horse. Punished by the Lycian king Iobates for an improper love affair, Bellerophon was sent to kill the Chimaera, a fire-breathing monster. With the aid of Pegasus, a gift from Athena, Bellerophon slew the monster from the air and then married the king's daughter. From their offspring came the later rulers of Lycia. Today the Chimaera continues to exist as a perpetually-burning fire in eastern Lycia near Olympos. Castle of "Bloody Chief Ali" - Crowning the top of Tlos' acropolis is the castle of this notorious Turkish lord, built upon the foundations of a Lycian fortress. The view from the top is spectacular - it overlooks a lovely valley of fertile fields and orchards with mountains rising in the distance. Byzantine Basilica - Remains of a Roman gymnasium and bath converted into a Byzantine basilica. Inside is the "Yedi Kapi" ( "Seven Gates") - a dramatic set of seven arches overlooking a lush valley.

	LETOON,PINARA,PATARA

Letoon was the sacred cult center of Lycia and its most important sanctuary dedicated to the three national deities of Lycia - Leto and her twin children Apollo and Artemis. Legend has it that Leto was loved by Zeus, but was chased away by jealous Hera until Leto gave birth to her twins on the island of Delos.

Another story gives the birthplace as the source of the Xanthos River. One story tells that shepherds angrily refused to let her drink from a fountain - she turned them into frogs in retaliation.
Still another story says that wolves helped her find the Xanthos River. In gratitude she named the country Lycia: Lykos is Greek for wolf. Letoon was a sanctuary precinct and not actually a city, though it did have a settlement surrounding it. This was the spiritual heart of Lycia, its federal sanctuary and the place of national festivals.

Letoon was the center of pagan cults activity until perhaps the 5th century AD when Lycia was ravaged by Arab attacks and the area started to silt up with sand brought by the Xanthos River. An inscription found at Letoon refers to the establishment of the cult as well as its rules for monthly and annual sacrifices - offenders against this were found guilty before Leto, her children and the Nymphs. The Lycian cult of Leto was one of the many forms of the wide-spread mother-goddess religion which originated in ancient Anatolia and spread throughout the ancient world. It is noteworthy that a woman was allowed to preside over the national assembly that was held each autumn at Letoon - a reminder of the ancient matriarchal customs in Anatolia.

	CADIANDA,ÜZÜMLÜ,ÖREN

Ancient Lycian Cadianda is situated 18 kilometres north -east of Fethiye.

Setting off from Üzümlü, you will not regret the climb about one and half hours by foot on the long steep track through undiscovered terrain to this ancient Lycian city, as you reach the top and are greeted with spectacular views and a chance to explore the ruins of a theatre, stadium, baths, temple and agora.

Cadyanda, 'Kadawanti' in Lycian, was never more than an obscure city. It is mentioned only once in ancient manuscripts, whereas its monuments and inscription go back to the 5th century B.C.

Perched on its hilltop 400 meters above Üzümlü and about 900 meters above the sea, Cadianda was certainly in a commanding situation

	GÖCEK

GÖCEK has long been a desirable destination for both Turkish and foreign yachtsmen, as well as a favorite stopover for jet-setters and celebrities alike. This paradisical village of two-thousand inhabitants is only 20 minutes by car from Dalaman International Airport, which can be reached in under 1 hour from Istanbul.

It is not just world-class yachting that makes Göcek a special place; it is the way the culture and natural surroundings blend in such a serene way. Strict development laws ensure that this very unique setting is protected; and since there is no oversupply of hotels, it is never crowded; majority of visitors are usually sophisticated travellers like yourself.

Set at the north-west end of the Gulf of Fethiye, Gocek is blessed with magnificent scenery. Backed by majestic mountains and substantial pine forests it looks out over the Twelve Islands, which provide shelter for Gocek's almost circular bay that has made the village such a perfect, natural harbor. Lured by such perfection, the yachting community has long made Gocek a favorite, and it is also a popular stop for gullet cruises.
Perhaps this explains Gocek's impressive range of facilities for a place that remains so blissfully unspoiled: there are only a handful of small hotels and pensions, yet all along the wide, landscaped promenade that fringes the quayside, there are plenty of eateries, from simple cafes to excellent restaurants specializing in delicious fresh fish. In the back streets and around the old village square by the mosque, there is a surprising array of interesting craft shops.

	SAKLIKENT

Saklikent is situated near Tauros mountains, between Fethiye and Kas for thousands of years. Situated east of Esençay Valley, Saklikent has not been discovered recently. Villagers living in this region discovered Saklikent almost 20 years ago.

Saklikent Gorge ("Hidden Valley") is the longest and deepest gorge in Turkey - 18 km long and so steep and narrow that the sun does not penetrate the water, leaving it deliciously icy-cold in the summer. Once inside, water-sculpted limestone canyon walls soar above you. Saklikent is a Canyon which is unbelievably beatiful, mystic and fascinating. You can walk one kilometer through water to reach Saklikent.

Remember to dress appropriately - you will get wet, and avoid taking big expensive unwaterproof cameras!

Be sure to bring submersible shoes as you will sometimes be walking in shallow water or mud. Plastic shoes can also be rented River Bar. However, after a while water goes beyond onef s height. There start the caves. You can see the sky occasionaly. You feel yourself on a different planet among high rocks. You donft feel the Mediterraneanfs distresting heat in this Canyon.

A total of 16 caves have been discovered in the rocks, whereas prehistoric man encountered this place and used it for shelter..

There is 700m. difference in height between the entrance and the exit of Saklikent. While walking through Saklikent you generally sink deeply into wet clay. On the way you can take a quick shower under small waterfalls.
But it is impossible to reach to the end of the canyon due to the naturel conditions. At the trials up to today, technical teams could reach to the end of the Canyon by the help of security belts.