Efes (Ephesus)
A visit to Efes (Ephesus) - once the, commercial center of the ancient world - is a highlight of any visit to Turkey. The city, whose wealth and patronage supported its splendid architectural program, was dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Her enormous temple, once considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and rebuilt several times, dates in its latest form from the third century B.C. The ruins also include a theatre, gymnasium, agora and baths, as well as the Library of Celsius. (more…)

Inland from the Aegean sea, the fertile soil has endured the passage of many important early civilisations. Today the remains of these cultures can still be seen in the countryside as well as in the cities, towns and villages. The more recent legacy of Ottoman rule is apparent in the well-preserved, traditional, domestic Turkish architecture, and Ottoman mosques. Leisure-resorts have been built around the region’s hot springs, and can accommodate those seeking the thermal springs’ pleasurable and beneficial effects. (more…)

Foça
The ancient Phocaea, Foça once formed part of the lonian Federation. Today it is a modern, lively holiday town on two deep bays. The pleasant accommodations, clean beaches and inviting restaurants make it an attractive holiday spot. Those seeking the perfect tan can find it on the natural rock terraces of Siren Islands.

Bergama
Bergama (Pergamon), once a great center of culture, survives as one of Turkey’s finest archaeological sites. In the Acropolis, on a hill above the modern town, are the remains of the celebrated library, a steep and impressive theatre, the temples of Trajan and Dionysus, the monumental altar of Zeus, the sanctuary of Demeter, a gymnasium laid out on three terraces and the Agora. The Asclepion, located to the southwest of the lower city, was a sanctuary dedicated to the god of health, Asclepios. In town, visit the Archaeological and Ethnographical Museum; nearby, is the site of a temple dedicated to Serapis, becoming one of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse, and subsequently converted by the Byzantines into a basilica. (more…)

Pamukkale - Hieropolis
Pamukkale is one of the major stops of most of the tours covering Turkey. The site has been declared as “World Cultural Inheritage” by the UNESCO. Pamukkale owes its reputation to the spectacular natural site, a fairyland of white travertines and its thermal springs. The hot springs have been used since Roman times as a cure. Today, the pools on the travertines are closed to swimming to preserve the site, but you can swim in mineral waters in most of the hotels and motels in the area.
Hierapolis is a big ancient city inhabited by many civilizations including Greeks and Romans. The site has a well restored theater, collonated street, hot spring pools among others. (more…)

Miletos-Priene-Dydima
These ancient sites are located about 1 hour driving distance from Kusadasi and can all be visited in one day. The most impressive is Miletos, whose theater is the first eye catching monument in the region. Climbing at the top rows you will see a nice view of the overall site and how it is laid over the plain. Like many other harbour cities in the region this site is many kilometers inland now. This is due to the soil filled by the debris brought by the river. Priene is located on top of a hill and is also a large site and gives a nice view of the fertile plains down below.
Dydima, is the smallest of the three, and has a marvellous temple whose picture is decorating many travel brochures. (more…)

Troy
The legendary city of Troy is located near the modern city of Canakkale, on the northearnmost part of the city.
The first inhabitants, Mediterraneans, of the legendary city of Troy dwelled in this tiny town. Their ancient culture which was western and unrelated to Central Anatolia will leave a remarkable presence in the Bronze Age . This village on top of a hill, overlooking the blue of the Eagean Sea has been the target of the people from the other coast of the sea. Troy is the scene of the mythical Trojan wars, the first multinational war. And it will be conquered many times, destroyed by earthquakes and rebuilt throughout milleniums. (more…)

Many would agree that the coastal region of the Aegean has some of the most stunning views in the country and, in the words of Heredotus, “have the most beautiful sky and the best climate in the world.” The bays peninsulas, and golden beaches stretchthe length of coastline and this region was also the venue of countless mythological events. There are remains of ancient cities including Troy, immortalised by Homer, and Pergamum, the art and cultural centre and capital of one of the most powerfulkingdoms at the time. (more…)