TERMESSOS

Termessos was a Pisidian city 1600 metres high in the Taurus Mountains, 30 kilometres north of Antalya. The mythical founder of the city is Bellerophon, who killed the Chimaera, but in fact, it was founded by the Solims who are mentioned by Homer in the Iliad. Concealed by pine forests and with a peaceful and untouched appearance, the site has a more distinct and impressive atmosphere than many other ancient cities. Because of its natural and historical riches, it is included today in the Termessos National Park.

History: Alexander the Great surrounded the city in 333 BC, comparing it to an eagle’s nest. Because of the insurmountable natural barriers around the city, even a small force could easily defend it, thus making it the only city Alexander failed to conquer. Termessos became an important ally of Rome in 71 BC., but was abandoned (year unknown) after an earthquake destroyed the aquaduct system and the water supply. From the main road, a steep road leads up to the city, called “King Street”, until the Hellenistic period fortification walls, behind which the old city lies on a flat area. The agora, other official buildings, the theatre, five cisterns are some of the features here. The gymnasium from the 1st century AD. is overgrown by trees today, whereas monumental tombs are carved into the rock, with a necropolis in the lower city.

GÖBEKLITEPE

“Göbeklitepe changes everything” as the oldest temple of the world, dating back to 10.000 BC. It is an archaeological site in Southeastern Turkey, 12 km from the city of Şanlıurfa, first noted in 1963, excavated since 1996. Though 200 pillars in about 20 circles of massive ‘T’-shaped stone pillars (each 6m high, 10 tons) were detected to be the world’s oldest known megaliths, large parts still remain unexcavated. The details of the structure’s function remain a mystery, but it is believed to have been of a social or ritual nature by site discoverer and excavator Klaus Schmidt. The site was abandoned after it was used for about 1000 years, and was designated 2018 as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

At present Göbeklitepe appears to raise more questions for archaeology and prehistory than it answers. It remains unknown how a population large enough existed to construct, augment, and maintain such a substantial complex. The variety of fauna depicted in reliefs – from lions and boars to birds and insects – makes any single explanation problematic. As there is little or no evidence of habitation, and many of the animals pictured are predators, the stones may have been intended to stave of evils through some form of magic representation. Alternatively, they could have served as totems.

NEMRUT MOUNTAIN

After Alexander the Great, smaller Macedonian kingdoms controlled Nemrut Mountain territory, which hosts the temple-tomb built by the King Antiochos I. of Commagene (69-34 B.C.) for himself. This funerary mound of stone chips is surrounded by terraces with giant limestone statues. Inscriptions and relief sculptures record the genealogical links of the dual cultural origin of the Commagene Kingdom. Antiochos, as a descendant of the persian king Darius by his father Mithridates, and a descendant of Alexander by his mother Laodice, probably sought with his semi-legendary ancestry this syncretism of Greek-Persian pantheon. The assimilation of Zeus with Oromasdes (the Iranian god Ahuramazda), and Heracles with Artagnes (the Iranian god Verathragna) finds its artistic equivalent in an intimate mixture of Greek, Persian and Anatolian aesthetics.

In terms of form, materials and design, Mount Nemrut is one of the unique and authentic artistic achievements of the Hellenistic period, with its fascinating monumental sculptures in a spectacular setting. Today, seasonal and daily temperature variations, freezing and thawing cycles, wind, snow accumulation and sun exposure are the greatest threat for Mount Nemrut. The height of the tumulus is now reduced from its estimated original 60 m due to weathering, previous uncontrolled research investigations and climbing by visitors. Within a first degree earthquake zone on the seismically active East Anatolian Fault, the tumulus, statues and stelae are very vulnerable.

PERGE-ASPENDOS-SIDE

Perge ancient city enchants by walking easily through its remnants. After Lydians, Persians and Alexander the Great, the city had its brightest era during the Roman era. Passing the theatre and walking through the hippodrome (second largest after Aphrodisias), the agora, the colonnaded street with a water supply system adjoining the Nymphaeum fountain, one can see several social and cultural buildings. Besides monumental hellenistic and Roman Gates, especially the Roman Bath in the gymnasium gives a good idea what it was like, the heating system still visible. Perge is important for Christians because Saint Paul preached his first sermon here.

Almost 2000 years old, Aspendos Ancient Theatre is the best preserved in the world, where 15,000 people are still hosted in festivals, operas and concerts. Together with the theatre, the aquaducts remind us of legendary architecture.

Side ancient city is a touristic hotspot today, though in history it was a major city, with the biggest slave market. Walk through the streets and enjoy the new and old city with the typical ancient theatre, the Temple of Apollo & Artemis.

The Kurşunlu Waterfall in a Natural Reserve is an oasis to relax after the exhausting historical visits.

ANTALYA OUTDOORS

At the skirts of the Taurus Mountain range, several outdoor activities are possible. Choose one of them or have a day combining two or three of these.

Each of them have their special rules and age restrictions, where you also have to sign a form of accepting all risks. Children may participate at certain age, only when accompanied by their parents.

Rafting: Paddling down Koprucay River, this course leads through a scenic landscape of untouched nature, winding through the mountain slopes. The stage chosen is one of the safest to maneuver the exciting flows and streams, perfectly to match a funs day with friends and family.

Quad-Bike: This outdoor adventure off the beaten track allows you to balance the bike on dusty roads that are less traveled by. Leading through fabulous pine forests and muddy streams, the destination is ideal for both, first timers and the experienced. With a little practice the Quad-Bikes are easy to use.

Off-Road Tour: Safaris into the gorgeous Taurus mountains are great for groups and families to explore the countryside. The mountain routes guide through wildlife and authentic villages with various shades of green. A refreshing swim at a waterfall hidden within the forest gives a wonderful feeling of serenity.

DEMRE-MYRA-KEKOVA

Alongside the Lykian Way a panoramic scenery leads to Demre, passing Phaselis and Olympos.

Ancient Myra, once the capital city of Lycia, hosts the best examples of amazingly ornamented Lycian tombs, cut into the cliff of a rocky hill. On the same slope, a largely restored ancient theatre features genuine relief figures on it’s scene, next to those with animals and grotesque masks laying scattered around.

St Nicholas Church is located in Demre and served as a resting place to the Saint, often referred to as Santa Claus. Since he is considered the protecting patron of many christian families, the museum is frequented by millions of pilgrims in our day.

Kekova Island will be reached by a wonderful boat trip, passing by Simena ancient city. Due to tectonic movements that cause earthquakes, the Sunken City is partially visible under the water, when sailing along its banks.

TURKISH NIGHT LIMITED

After the pick-up in your hotel in the evening, you will be welcomed by the “Mehter”, the ottoman military orchestra, at the boat. After getting your welcome drink, seating places and cold starters, you can choose your menu (grilled fish, chicken, meatballs or vegetarian) and desert. The dinner is accompanied by turkish folkloric dances from different regions. Caucasian and Gypsy dances, a rhythm show, DJ performance, and also the belly dance show, which is a widespread amusement in Turkey, in origin taken over and adapted from the Near East.

*This tour includes the transfer to and back to the pier, a dinner (shared tables of 8-12 people) with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.

TURKISH NIGHT UNLIMITED

After the pick-up in your hotel in the evening, you will be welcomed by the “Mehter”, the ottoman military orchestra, at the boat. After getting your welcome drink, seating places and cold starters, you can choose your menu (grilled fish, chicken, meatballs or vegetarian) and desert. The dinner is accompanied by turkish folkloric dances from different regions. Caucasian and Gypsy dances, a rhythm show, DJ performance, and also the belly dance show, which is a widespread amusement in Turkey, in origin taken over and adapted from the Near East.

*This tour includes the transfer to and back to the pier, a dinner (shared tables of 8-12 people) with unlimited alcoholic drinks.

ISTANBUL NIGHTLIFE

After your pick-up in your hotel in the evening, You start exploring also the side streets of Istanbul with a local. Taksim square and the Istiklal Street surroundings, the fishmarket, Flower Passage, Nevizade Street, where the bars, restaurants, night clubs, discotheques, cafes, shopping streets are located. As in every city, some places are more apparent and easily accessible, than the secret corners, where, as a tourist, one would need time to find and explore safely on his own.

*This tour includes the transfer from/to the hotel. Little surprises about turkish street food, here and there. Again one should know where to eat and where not to eat.

THE TURKISH BATH

The “Hamam” is a combination of Roman and Ottoman baths, including the typical scrubbing and a massage with a pile of soapy bubbles.

Types of the Hamam: Some serve mostly to tourists, some to locals and some to both. Some spas that include a hamam component are another type. At hamams for locals, communication may be hard, but probably they have the best scrubs and massages. In touristic hamams prices will be high and the service will be mediocre. At the spa-type hamams, you’ll pay the most, and your service will be somewhat westernized though quite good.

Different Service Options: From self-service to full-service, you can choose from a menu, with a range of massage options. It includes warming up in a hot room, a very thorough scrub and soaping, and an optional massage. If you choose the self-service option, you’re just buying access to the facilities.

Arriving at the Hamam: Choose your service and pay when you enter. You will be given a pair of sandals and a large piece of thin fabric. Inside, always wear this fabric called peștemal. The dressing room will have a place to put your belongings, usually with a lock. After changing your clothes, you’ll be directed to a warm area to relax and then into a hot area. Minimum 20 minutes needed to prepare and sweat.

Rules and Etiquette: Hamams are social places, where clothes are taken off in public. Large hamams have a men’s section and a women’s section. Smaller hamams have certain times only for men and other times only for women. Mostly, men work for men, women for women.

Men: Remove all your clothes, including underwear. Wrap the peștemal around your waist and wear it until the end. Never take off the peştemal in the hamam.

Women: Remove your clothes, including your bra. Removing underwear is optional. Most women wear their underwear or a bikini bottom. Wrap your torso (from breast to legs) in the peștemal.

The Hamam Service: On a marble platform heated from underneath, called gӧbektașı, the body scrub takes place. Using the abrasive kese, the masseur will, literally, sandpaper your body, from neck to toes, sparing privates. Assuming that the grey sludge coming off your skin is dirt, you’ll be shocked realizing it is mostly your own dead skin. Next comes the turkish wash with a special soaping technique. While holding a pillowcase balloon over you, filled with soapy cream, the masseur will squeeze out all the air, and deposit a whipped cream froth of bubbles all over your body. The masseur will then vigorously wash you with these olive oil soap suds, giving you a massage at the same time. Finally, you’ll be rinsed with bowls of hot and warm water and, if you’re not getting a massage, icy cold water.

The Massage: The massage is optional. It involves Swedish-like deep pressure as well as some Thai-like stretching and bending of your limbs. It’s not a relaxing massage, but you will feel great when it’s done.

Couples Hamams: Separate from women-only and men-only times, couples can experience the hamam together. The masseur will usually be male. Under no circumstance should a woman remove her peștemal if the masseur is male. During a couple’s hamam, a woman will receive less scrubbing and a less dramatic massage than in a women-only facility. The back and belly won’t be scrubbed since the peștemal needs to be kept in place for modesty.

The Recovery: After the massage you can rest in another part of the hamam and can stay as long as you want. When you’re ready you may go directly to the showers. Many hamams have a dry area with lounging beds to relax in, where tea or juice may be served. Your masseur may appear looking for a tip. It’s wise to have cash ready to tip 10% to 20%. Don’t plan on doing anything after the hamam. You will be woozy and exhausted. Go to your hotel room for a good sleep.

Or just Adalar, an archipelago of nine rather small islands in the Sea of Marmara. Evolving from a place of exile for the imperial family and disgraced aristocrats during Byzantine era to the favorite weekend destination of the Ottoman aristocracy, today it has become a popular destination for tourists and Istanbulites, to escape the hectic city life, a perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

Only four islands are open to public: Büyükada, the biggest and most popular, Burgazada, Heybeliada and Kınalıada. If it’s worth sacrificing a day of your short stay in Istanbul is completely based on personal preferences and expectations.

The main feature of any of the Princes’ Islands is the sound of … silence. All motorized private vehicles are banned, making the islands an oasis of peace and quiet. The only sounds you’ll hear are bicycle bells. As the main transportation means on the islands, the typical sounds of horse hoofs cannot be heard anymore, since the horse drawn carriages were replaced by electric driven buggies in 2020.

But that’s not the only feature that makes the Princes’ Islands unique. You’ll find yourself walking through narrow streets flanked by either untouched pine-forests or fine, wooden Victorian-style cottages, and their well maintained courtyards and gardens.

During summer, we recommend you to get there on weekdays rather than weekends, because they are invaded by the townspeople and the tourists. The islands are accessible by ferry from many districts of Istanbul from the European and Asian side.

Find the schedules of the boats by clicking here.

SUFI DERVISHES

Founded by Jalâluddîn Rumi (1207-1273) and performed by Sufi Dervishes of the Mevlevi Order, the Sema ceremony is a spiritual journey to “perfection”, abandoning one’s ego or personal desires, focusing on god. The mystical dance of the dervishes and the music accompanying it is of exquisite beauty and has been declared a UNESCO Heritage of Humanity.

A whirling dervish is in a form of meditation-worship to end in an “ecstatic trance”. His hat and white shirt represent the tombstone and the shroud, and removing the black cloak, one is reborn to the truth of worldly temporariness and Divine love. Holding his arms crosswise represents #1, god’s unity. While whirling, the right arm is directed to the sky, ready to receive god’s beneficence; his left hand is turned toward the earth, conveying god’s spiritual gift to those who are witnessing the ceremony.

The Sufi fraternities follow islamic expression of life, to further one’s “nourishment of the soul”, actually synonymous with “understanding” the cosmos and “attaining higher knowledge”, thus recognizing the Revelation. Mevlâna Jalâluddîn Rumi says, “All loves are a bridge to Divine love”.

In 1925, all sects and convents were dissolved by decree. In 1954, the Turkish government granted the Mevlevi Order a special permission to perform ritual whirling practices for tourists. Today, in order to distinguish the ceremony of whirling dervishes from a touristic attraction, one has to watch it not only with eyes, but with the soul and spirit. While only men have historically been permitted to take part in the ceremony, some communities now allow women to participate.

Photography and children under 6 years of age are not allowed.