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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.
Mugla
 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!
Turunc
 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 - Bayir
 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.
Gunnucek 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
Icmeler
 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.
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