Akseki

source: akseki.gov.tr

Located in the forested and very rocky western Taurus mountains in the province of Antalya lies a beautiful town well known for its snowdrop flowers which blossom through the snow showing the early signs of spring.

Akseki - the oldest district in the province after Alanya, has a history which dates back to the Roman era. The town was used to be known as Marla (Marulya or Marulia) within Turkey’s Mediterranean region before it was conquered by the Seljuk Turks and the Ottoman Empire along with the other towns in the area. Due to its rich architectural heritage, Akseki became a member of the Norwich-based European Association of Historic Towns and Regions. This small historic town has been continually inhabited until today with a population of about 3,441 (according to 2010 census).

Phaselis

Located between the Bey Mountains and the forests of Olympos National Park, this ancient Lycian city is famous with the sun-seekers for its clear blue waters and sandy beaches.

Phaselis has three harbours - the Northern Harbour, the Battle Harbour, and the Protected (Sun) Harbour which made the area into a popular stopping off point for yachts. Phaselis and the other ancient towns around the shore can also be easily accessed from the sea by daily yacht tours. The remains that can still be seen in some areas within Phaselis are the scattered ruins of old public places such as the Roman baths, agoras, aqueducts, theaters and an acropolis.

There are also ruins of shops and stores scattered along the sides of the 24-metre-wide ancient street (see photo above) which runs through the middle of the city.

Perge

Situated just about 18 kms from Antalya on the southwestern Mediterranean coast of Turkey, the ancient city known as Perge (Perga) can easily be recognized by its age-old lofty towers, theatre, and old baths flanking around its city gate. 

Perge - one of Pamphylia's foremost cities was founded on a wide plain between two hills just a few kilometers away from the Kestros (Aksu) river. This ancient city was also visited by St. Paul during his missionary journeys. Perge was one of the richest and most beautiful cities during the Hellenistic period and was also known for the famous temple of the Anatolian goddess called the Temple of Artemis.

Aspendos

Situated just about 50 km east of Antalya is Aspendos which once was an ancient Greco-Roman city more popularly known for having the best preserved and stunning theater of antiquity - the Aspendos Theater. 

Built during 162 A.D, this 15,000 seater ancient theater has been well-preserved throughout thousands of years and has become one of the most visited and attractive historical sites to visit in Turkey. 

Until today, the Aspendos Theater of Antalya still hosts some of the province’s major festivals, concerts and other events every year such as the Aspendos International Opera and Ballet Festival usually held in the months of June and July.

Aspendos is also one of the earliest cities to mint coins. It began issuing coinage around 500 B.C

Pamukkale

Turkey's Cotton Castle, a breathtaking natural wonder.

The cascading snowy white limestones and natural springs of thermal water in this famous world heritage site known as Pamukkale is undeniably one of Turkey’s most spectacular and breathtaking sights. 

Pamukkale, which literaly means "cotton castle" in Turkish is one of the world’s natural wonders.  Located in the inner Aegean region of Turkey in the province of Denizli, the city is rich with natural hot springs, travertines, and stunning terraces of carbonate minerals left by the flowing water.

Kusadasi

Turkey's Bird Island

Known as one of the most attractive tourist spots in the Aegean Region of Turkey, Kusadası which literally means “bird island” is a resort town which boasts many of its sun-kissed sandy beaches, clear blue waters, authentic seafood and kebab restaurants, active nightlife, and other forms of recreation and entertainment for holidaymakers.

Istanbul

The only city in the world connecting two continents.

With Istanbul’s thousand year old past, it’s not surprising for one to easily lose himself with this megacity’s grandiose history. Constantinople, the centre of the Byzantine Empire which lasted for over a thousand years is the city which we now call Istanbul - the capital of the great Ottoman Empire for almost 500 years.

Cappadocia

The Land of Fairy Chimneys & Ancient Underground Cities

For those who love to explore the earth’s natural beauty unfolded by stunning rock formations, ancient underground cities and dwellings, subterranean churches, and other worldly rock formations which include the mystical Fairy Chimneys, then you shouldn't miss to visit Cappadocia.

Bodrum

A favorite holiday destination for yachting enthusiasts.

In the southwestern Aegean Region of Turkey lies a beautiful port town in the province of Muğla known as Bodrum.  Formerly known as Halicarnassus in ancient Greek or Halikarnas in Turkish, Bodrum is a very popular resort and a favorite holiday destination in Turkey for yachting enthusiasts.  It has a Mediterranean climate with usually hot, humid summers and mild winters.

Antalya

The Turkish Riviera

Popularly known for having the cleanest, most beautiful resorts and stunning beaches along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, Antalya is also a thriving modern city set on high cliffs and rugged mountains highlighted by the richness of its history and ancient past.