Aphrodisias, Halicarnassos and the Ceramic Gulf
This is an unusual itinerary which begins in very exciting style with Aphrodisias, one of the best-presented and most stunningly beautiful ancient cities in Turkey. Here, excavations are ongoing and there is plenty of opportunity for discovery and exploration. We will discuss how ancient cities were built and how they functioned. We will also go to the less-frequented sites of Magnesia and Heracleia in the Latmos mountains before proceeding to Bodrum (ancient Halikarnassos) and joining our gulet for a leisurely, peaceful tour of the unspoilt Ceramic Gulf. We will enjoy the warmth of the Spring sunshine and spend our days visiting the many evocative ancient cities that lie along the way.
DAY 1
The hotel Anemon in Aydın where we stay for two nights is just over an hour from Izmir Airport.
DAY 2
A tour of Aphrodisias (A) where we see the best-preserved stadium in Anatolia and many other monumental structures, among them the Tetrapylon, the Temple of Aphrodite and Hadrian’s Baths. All these and an outstanding display of local statuary make Aphrodisias a site to remember. In the late afternoon we move on to Nysa (A/B), in its lovely setting of fields and olive trees.
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DAY 3
For centuries, Magnesia (A) was covered by silt from the Maeander. We see the Temple of Artemis, a magnificent propylon or gateway and other monuments which have been uncovered by archaeologists. Around midday we arrive at a splendid village hostelry from which we explore ancient Heracleia-under-Latmos (A/B). There are substantial city walls built by Lysimachos, one of Alexander’s generals. There are also caves in which early Christians took shelter. We make a short stop at Euromos (A) to see the Temple of Zeus before arriving in Bodrum and boarding our gulet.
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DAY 4
We visit the Mausoleum of Mausolos at Halikarnassos (A), one of the Seven Ancient Wonders and then sail for Çökertme where we spend a quiet night tied up at the rickety jetty.
DAY 5
A full day which takes us to ancient Keramos (A), overlaid by the modern village of Ören, then inland to Milas (A), ancient Mylasa, once the capital of Caria. We visit beautiful Labranda (B), set romantically in the mountains and enjoy a picnic amongst the ruins. We rejoin our gulet at Akbük, near the head of the gulf.
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DAY 6
A short sail brings us to the turquoise waters of Cleopatra’s beach and the ancient site of Kedreai (A/B) where there is a lovely small theatre. We spend the night at TaÅŸbükü or nearby.
DAY 7
An early start for the long sail to Knidos, possibly the most beautiful coastal site in Turkey. Ancient Knidos (A/B/C) had two harbours and the city was built on terraces. We anchor in the commercial harbour from where we can see the ancient city rising up on either side of us. In the late afternoon we tour the main excavated area: the impressive streets, the cisterns, the military harbour, the temples, the theatre and, not least, the tholos where the famous statue of Aphrodite once stood.
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DAY 8
The morning is free for further exploration or just relaxing. There are beautiful walks to the lighthouse, the Sanctuary of Demeter or the necropolis and great views across to the Greek islands. In the afternoon we move on to Palamutbükü. There is an optional excursion to the unexcavated site of Triopium (C) where the games of the cities of the Dorian hexapolis may have taken place.
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DAY 9
We go back to Bodrum and visit the Museum of Underwater Archaeology with its displays of amphorae, glass and other treasures, all housed in the Castle of St Peter, built by the Knights of St John.
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DAY 10
The Airport is 40 minutes from Bodrum habour