Excursions

     Ephesus

     Ephesus is the best-preserved ancient site in the world. During its long history, which extends back into the third Millennium before Christ, Ephesus one of the most important centers of Antiquity, has always played significant role in science, culture and arts. The prominent role of Ephesus in the Ancient world.

     The largest temple of the cult of Artemis (Diana) which developed out of the traditions of the Anatolian Mother Goddess Kybele, is also located in Ephesus. This temple numbers among seven wonders of the world.

     Excavation on the superb terrace houses in Ephesus has recently been completed. They now open to the public for the very first time, separate extra admission applies. See how wealthy Romans once lived in splendour.

     Also you will visit the Museum of Ephesus in Selcuk town and see the original discoveries from Ephesus. After the Museum you will visit the House of St. Mary which is located on the top of the Nightingale mountain. It is believed to be the last home of the Virgin Mary. It is one of the World Famous places of Pilgrimage.

     Pamukkale

     Pamukkale is known as 8th wonder of the world by Turkish people, The water (35 C) which is flowing down the cliff of Pamukkale has turned the area into as white as cotton color, and carved this fantastic formation of stalactites and basins. It is the largest and finest example of elaborate calcium formation, which dominates the landscape miles around.

     Calcium salts are deposited on the hillside and harden to form saucer-shaped and dazzling white pools of varying dimensions. According to ancient tradition, the waters within are said to be advantageous in treating maladies and attract people from all over the world. The calceous waters rise from the ground at a temperature of 35 degrees Celsius. In this wonderland is an abundance of hot springs which are recommended for the treatment of heart diseases, circulatory problems, high blood pressure, nervous disorders, rheumatism, eye and skin diseases, nervous and physical exhaustion, digestive maladies and nutritional disorders.

     As you approach the site of PAMUKKALE / HIERAPOLIS from Denizli, a long white smudge along the hills to the north suggests a landslide or open cast mine. Getting closer, this resolves into the edge of a plateau, more than 100m higher than the level of the river valley and absolutely smothered in white travertine terraces. Some are shaped like water lilies, other like shell - bathtubs with stalagmite feet, with simplest ones resembling bleached rice terraces out of an oriental engraving. The Turks have dubbed this geological fairyland Pamukkale, or "cotton castle".

     The ruins of Hierapolis are the other main attraction.
The city was founded in 190 B.C. by Eumenes II, king of Pergamon. In the 2nd and 3rd centuries, it reached the height of its development as a Roman thermal bath center. Hierapolis has such extensive ruins which is suggested : the city walls, the octagonal Martyrium of St. Philip, the 2nd center theater, Temple of Apollo, basilica then the necropolis which covers 2 km. and contains some of the best examples of tomb styles ; it is one of the best-preserved cemeteries in all of Anatolia. The East Bath is in archaeology museum housing many of the remains from Hierapolis.

     Just outside Pamukkale are the Red Springs, the boiling waters of which have emerged from thousands of feet below the Earth's surface to form ribbons of deep red, blue and yellow on the surrounding rocks.

     Dalyan Caunos

     Once a busy harbour town, ancient Caunos is near a beautiful 6 km long Turtle beach with the sea on one side and a lake on the other. It is the breeding ground of the near-extinct Caretta-Caretta turtles. The historical harbour city of Caunos is famous for its Lykian tombs. Climb up to enjoy the fabulous view from the acropolis over the entire region, stretching out to the sea.

     Caunos used to be one of the most important towns of the antique era. The inhabitants of Caunos fought for independence until the victory of Xerxes against Persians. An important harbour and trade city, Caunos once was located right by the sea. In a course of time, the coasts enlarged 3 km towards the sea and the harbour started to turn into a marsh in the 1st century A.C. Today what is left on this magnificent harbour is a small lake. There are remains of a Roman bathhouse, early Byzantine church, a library, and amphitheatre. All remains are in excellent state and have been preserved for the generations yet to come!

     The lake of Koycegiz is ideal for the small boat rides with a passage through narrow aisles. The nature is beautiful and inviting.

     Dalyan City

     Dalyan is a small farming and fishing town built opposite the ancient Caunos, on the east bank of the river. Dalya means a "fishing net" which proves how important fishing is in the region. Basses and the grey mullets swim into Koycegiz lake to lay eggs. They get caught on their way back to the sea by using tightened fish net between two banks of the river. Near the ancient Caunos there is a small fishing factory. Fishing in Dalyan is managed and controlled by a cooperative.

     Koycegiz lake located 3 miles away, which flows into Dalyan river running to delta 6 km further. A labyrinth consisting of small streams, flows over 1 m high rush wall and reaches the lagoon. A very narrow, long sandy shore splits the lagoon and the sea.

     Beautiful 6 km long Turtle beach, with the sea on one side and a lake on the other, is the breeding ground of the near-extinct Caretta-Caretta turtles. The historical harbour city of Caunos is famous for its tombs stands near the beach. Caunos used to be one of the most important towns of the antique era. According to Herodot, Caunos people were neither Karians nor Lykians, but the inhabitants of this region. The city appeared in history about 500 B.C. and was conquered by Persians with their leader Harpagos.

     Fethiye & Kaya Village

     Although the foundation of the village is believed to date back very long in history, it is not known when people started to settle there. The existence of the rock tombs dating back to the third and fourth centuries B.C. is an evidence that his village was occupied during those times. There are remains in the village from the Greek settlement that lived there under the Ottoman dominion. Two great churches among them are worth seeing. Kaya village is located 7 km out of Fethiye resort.

     The wonderful nature of Fethiye resort can be reached 150 km away from Marmaris which is about two and a half hours by coach. See the tombs of the LYKIAN kings, the most remarkable of them "amynthas" dating back to 400b.c. OLUDENIZ, translated "Dead Sea" is a magnificent, secluded bay with clear waters and golden sand. A piece of paradise found on earth!

     Rhodes Island

     Rhodes is an outstanding island in the East of Mediterranean the largest one of Dodecanesus, an island rich in its beauty and famous for its history. Four large historic towns still testify its ancient glory with their ruins. Ialysos, Camirus, Lindos, Rhodes itself where buildings dating back to the Byzantium and the middle ages link that distant age of prosperity in the life of today.

     Philosophers, mathematicians, athletes, poets and sculptors, already well-known in the age of Homer, lived in this flowery island. Some of the most admirable works of art that matchless period, you can see even today in the very surroundings of their creation. Rhodes, owing its name to the rose, the sacred flower of Apollo, the god of the sun, appears in the tradition as the nymph of this god.

     Quite flowery under the bright blue sky, still bathed by the same emerald sea, it always looks like a nymph. That ideal island successfully combining the tradition with beauty and always fascinating with it's charms.

     During the tourist season, there are ferry and hydrofoil from Marmaris to Rhodes every day, the journey takes about 50 minutes.

     Kos Island

     One of the main gates to Greece from Turkey. The land of Hypocrites the father of medicine.

     Kos is full of interesting archeological monuments from different periods but it is also a modern town. Open spaces, green parks, blue sea and sizzling night life.

     Most important sites in Kos island: The Ancient Stadium, the Vespesian latrine and the Roman Baths, the ancient Acropolis, the ancient Odeon, the ancient theatre, the site of Asklepieien and the medieval castle which dominates the harbour entrance.

     During the tourist season, there are ferries and hydrofoils from Bodrum to Kos every day, the journey takes about half an hour.

     Scuba Diving

     Discover the depths of the cleanest waters of the Mediterranean, join scuba diving tours in Marmaris, which will take you to the magic of deep seas with the professional diving instructors all licensed and experienced (BSAC, CMAS, PADI, DIWA, SSI, IDC courses available). The crystal clear waters of the Aegean and Mediterranean attracts all types of marine life with its warm, calm seas making this area ideal from both newly certified divers and more experienced divers looking for something different.

     One day Scuba Diving day is designed for complete beginners and available to everyone! It is fun and easy approach, making this a day out to remember and in fact for many this day is the best of their holiday!

     Rafting

     If you can swim, (not so necessary actually!) and if your heart is strong enough, if you are not pregnant, and if you don't have asthma, join a White Water Rafting tour on Dalaman River which is only 90 minutes to Marmaris. Don't miss this tour, if you want to fight with the strong bubbles, paddling down the river (sometimes falling and capsizing!), and if you don't mind getting wet. The distance is 12 km and the lunch is given on the shore, nearly midway. If you are brave enough, you must choose the inflatable kayaks for two, and if you are not, you'll travel on a big raft with a guide. The tour is completely safe, No one injured (as yet!). Don't forget to smile to the cameras on the hardest rapids with the helmets, life jackets, and the paddles in your hands.

     Dalaman River
     In the past called Indos, Dalaman River has its source within Kocas Mountain located nearby Dirmil. It runs into the sea some 8 km south of Ortaca after its course through a narrow and deep valley where two of its branches, one coming from Göktepe and the other from Yaylacik Mountains, being part of the Western Taurus Mountains merge together. Its total length is : 229 km. It takes place between the rivers that attract the largest number of tourists as far as rafting is concerned. Dalaman River situated within Mugla province borders amongst Köycegiz and Dalaman is offering you R2 (difficulty rate : 3+) and R3 (difficulty rate : 3-4+) level course services. The river increases the adrenaline of the participants to the rafting activity through its rapid and exciting course track.

     Dalaman Upper River, which courses through a scenic gorge, is laced with Class I-III rapids that offer easy to moderate summer whitewater -- but still plenty of excitement -- for kids as young as 6. On a hot summer day, join the rafting team to cool down in the waters of fast mountain river near Dalaman. The rafting routes are specially designed for the different levels of rafting experience or none at all. You can be rafting by yourself or together with your friends in the larger boats. Usually there is a break for lunch since the trip program is for all afternoon.

     You are advised to take two sets of clothes, sun cream, sun cap, camera and money for extras.

     Jeep Safari

     A relaxing but rough and ready day for the more adventurous.

     Travel the rugged paths inland to explore the unexplored! Feel like getting down to it and dusty and dirty? Don your scruffy shorts and prepare for the ride of your life.
 
     The convoy of 15 vehicles, with 45 passengers, sets off early in the morning as the sun's rays are beginning to light the surrounding hills with the background sound of bells as the flocks of sheep are brought back to the fold. The route takes in 6 bays and covers about 200 km during the course of the day before returning to the starting point in the evening. Your experienced driver will lead the convoy of jeeps inland to enable you to capture some pure unspoilt scenery on film. Taking the trails not too well worn and taking you to places off the beaten track… as well as a chance to explore the local Jami (or Mosque).

     The safari really goes through an exciting route of winding roads, a few narrow unsurfaced roads where 2 vehicles cannot easily pass each other. The road passes through dense pine forests, the trees soaring up 20 meters. Road hazards include flocks of sheep and traditionally dressed village women. Every 2 or 3 kilometers groups of beehives can be seen: Marmaris is renowned for its pine honey.

     After the "dirty & dusty" trail the refreshing dip in the local waterfall hidden amongst the trees is well worth the walk up the hill - as you jump into the crystal cool waters of 'Salale' feel the grime just wash away.

     Paraglading

     Climbing to the Mount Babadag (1400 - 1700m.) with the jeeps, you'll prepare for the flight which will take about 30 - 45 minutes. The qualified staff and the pilots will take the care of you and you'll be flying with a pilot tied with you to the parachute. You don't have to be experienced , just enjoy the scenery and take photos of the unbelievable beauty and charm of world famous Oludeniz Beach and Lagoon. Then you will land on the white sand of Oludeniz Beach. This will probably be your life's most unforgettable experience. Oludeniz will charm you with this magic too... (If you are lucky, you'll be here during the international sky contests!)

     The best area for paragliding is in Oludeniz, Blue Lagoon, which is 150 km away from Marmaris and 20 km out of Fethiye. You can travel by public transport as the buses depart every hour from Marmaris bus station to Fethiye. The bus ride from Marmaris to Fethiye takes about 3 1/2 hours one way. Then take a dolmus from Fethiye to Oludeniz. Most paragliding companies are located on the beach of Oludeniz.

     Turkish Night

     Turkish Night is brought to let you experience Turkish culture and traditions. The program begins with live Turkish music, followed by a little flavour of the Ottoman Emperor beautiful Turkish Belly dancer reminiscent of the "Harem Girls" would dance for the Sultan's pleasure. The highlight of the evening is "Folklore Group" who will dance a typical Turkish "Village wedding", surely a much shorter version as the celebration would normally last several days. Time between 20.00-24.00

     Village Tour

     This tour will give you an idea of a typical life style in a Turkish village. We recommend you join this tour to find out more about Turkish people. You will also have a pleasant walk under old majestic trees, leading you to a water mill and a little waterfall where you can swim in cool waters after a hot day. After having lunch in the village you will have a swimming

     break, and our program will continue with a visit to a large mosque.

     Hamam

     Owing to the emphasis placed on cleanliness in Turkish society, there have been public bathhouses ("hamam") in Turkey since medieval times. There are separate baths for men and women, or, when there is only one bathhouse in the town, different days or times of day are allocated for men and women. After entering the "hamam" and leaving one's clothes in a cubicle, one proceeds wrapped in a towel ("pestamal") to the "göbektasi", a large heated stone where one perspires and is rubbed down by a bath attendant. If the heat proves too much, one can retire to a cooler room for a while. This method of bathing is most refreshing and many of the old marble baths are very interesting, architecturally.


     Hint: visit Hamam in the beginning of your vacation to scrub away the tiredness and old skin cells to be ready for a relaxing holiday!

     Like the harem, this Roman and Byzantine tradition was adopted and then perfected by the Selcuk Turks, for whom the public bath took on an important role. It was not merely a place where believers could fulfill the Islamic precept of cleanliness. It was a place in which to mingle, socialize and gossip. Women would proceed from their harem to the hamam with great ceremony, accompanied by servants heavily-laden with delicacies to tide the ladies over the hours they would spend lounging in the steam. The young women used this opportunity to show off their ornately embroidered towels and ivory inlaid slippers, not to mention their youthful figures, while older women would spot potential wives for their sons. Men would discuss the latest court scandal or talk business and politics. Contrary to popular ideas, hamams have always been either permanently designated for one of the sexes, or have a separate schedule for men and women.


     Muğla

     Mugla is a typical Anatolian town with a population of 30,000 and situated 56 km away from Marmaris. Mugla is the capital of Mugla province, where Marmaris and other resorts are located. The market is held every Thursday and is quite original indeed. There you will find fresh vegetables and fruits, all kinds of spices and groceries. Likewise, producers coming from various parts of the countryside offer a striking cross-section of the Anatolian life. A visit to the original Mugla houses will add spice to your outing!

     Turunç

     Turunc fishing village with its coarse sandy beach lies just outside Marmaris bay. It has hotels of all classes and small open restaurants offering fish and chicken dishes.

     The easiest and most enjoyable way to reach Turunc is by one of the many small boats plying between here and Marmaris. Alternatively the twisting road from Icmeler over the pine-clad hills offers a super vista just before dropping down 500 meters into the village.

     Paradise Island

     This island to the south of Marmaris, linked to the mainland by a causeway, was known as Nimera in ancient times and the remains of a monastery can still be seen. The island offers scenic beauty, fine beaches and views across the bay to Marmaris itself and its phosphorescent rocks in the caves reflect the blue of the sea, giving it its alternative name, Blue Cave.

     On the south of the island lies Aquarium Bay, a lunch stop for many of the boat trips and much loved by photographers for the unspoiled natural beauty and the unbelievable range of blues in the sea.

     Ciftlik - Bayır

     Accessible by road from Icmeler, this village is famous for its clean natural beach and small restaurants. There is also a 4 star tourism center. The road is often used for jeep safaris, so many people prefer to enjoy the 2-hour sail from Marmaris, returning to their hotels with the same boat in the evening.

     Cleopatra's Island

     It is known as Cleopatra's Island, a unique paradise with its garden sands on Roman ruins, located in the Gulf of Gokova. The area is enveloped in green hills and is presently protected by a conversation order thus keeping the remains from any damage. To reach the island there is a 12 km drive through pinewoods and farmland to the shores of a small bay where you will be met by Turkish wooden fishing boats that provide the 20-minute boat ride out to the island. You will spend dreamy hours swimming in crystal clear turquoise water or take a walk inland to discover the small Roman amphitheater, towers and a church. People say that the soft white sand was brought all the way from Egypt for Anthony and Cleopatra's honeymoon pleasures. This special carbon based sand is very precious and must be conserved so please shake out your pockets and shoes before leaving the beautiful beach.

     Günnücek Picnic Site

     Now known as Ataturk Park, this seaside forest of liquidamper trees is a preservation area to the west of Marmaris on the road to Paradise Island. At weekends the native folk come here to enjoy the clear seawater.

     Note: An admission fee is charged

     İçmeler

     A very green and cosy atmosphere of Icmeler resort, at the western end of Marmaris bay, is for a truly relaxing holiday. Named for its famous springs whose water was said to be good for the digestive system. Icmeler lies 10 kilometers from Marmaris at the western and of the bay. Five star hotels now back its noted beach, while the older residential area nestles under the hills at the back of the town.

     Every morning there is a flow of people from Marmaris to Icmeler, drawn by the fine beaches and modern discos attract a similar flow every evening.

     Marmaris Castle

     According to the historian Herodotus, there has been a castle in Marmaris since 3000B.C. Long after this, during the Hellenistic Age, Alexander the Great invaded Caria 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 realized the strategic value of the castle and repaired several of 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 Suleyman in 1522 when he invaded Rhodes. Since 1979 restoration work has been continuing at the castle in order to restore it to near its original condition. Under the auspices of the Ministry of Culture the castle has been converted into a museum. There are 7 galleries, the largest of which is used as an exhibition hall and the courtyard is decorated with seasonal flowers. In addition to the permanent displays, cultural and artistic activities are offered.

     For a visit of the Ottoman Marmaris remains start at the Caravanserai, an inn built in 1545, which includes seven small rooms and one large room. From Caravanserai walk up the stairs to the castle of Suleyman the Magnificent and visit the many galleries within, including a gallery of archeological findings. Enjoy Marmaris Bay views from one of the castle walls before making your way down the narrow winding streets of "Tepe Mahalesi" (Hill District) to view traditional local architecture.