Page Text Content
Thomson Destinations
Highlights
Turkish Bath No Turkish tradition is more fun or relaxing than a Turkish bath. Wrap yourself in a sarong, then lay back and relax on a heated marble slab; enjoy an invigorating body loofah scrub and get covered head to toe in warm bubbles. This is the ideal way to prepare yourself for that perfect tan and put your body and mind straight into the holiday mood. Ephesus/Pamukkale Follow in the footsteps of Anthony and Cleopatra and visit one of the best attractions in Turkey, Pammukkale. In-between the unique white Cotton Castles, cascading springs collect to form natural thermal pools, known since ancient times for their therapeutic properties. After an overnight stop, head on to the marble city of Ephesus. Today regarded as the best preserved classical city in the East Mediterranean, Ephesus was once a Wonder of the Ancient World.
Aegean Coast
Sightseeing
Bodrum Considered by many to be Turkeys most exciting and vibrant holiday escape, Bodrum is characterised by low-rise whitewashed houses, a pretty yacht marina and a majestic castle. A lively and cosmopolitan town, there are countless bars and restaurants serving traditional and international cuisine and an extensive bazaar. The local dolmus buses make getting about easy, cheap and fun. St Peters Castle Standing sentinel over the piercing blue waters of Bodrums twin bays is the castle of St Peter. Founded in 1402, the fortress was established by the Knights Hospitallers of St John to assist the crusaders and protect the frontiers of Christendom. However, in 1522 they were forced to evacuate the site owing to the capture of their headquarters in Rhodes by the Ottoman Turks. Within the castle there were separate towers for the English, Italian, German and French batallions and the English turret has been restored in a Medieval style, replete with suits of armours and coats of arms. The slightly macabre but fascinating dungeons also deserve a look and are made all the more ghoulish with their spine-tingling mock scenes and sound effects.
Beaches...
Kusadasi has its fair share of sandy shores and Tusan Beach and Ladies Beach are particularly popular in the summer months. Bodrum, meanwhile, has no beach of its own although the Gumbet Peninsula is only a short journey away by dolmus. Here youll find a host of enticing sands, including the beaches of Bitez, Ortakent and Gumbet, the latter of which is particularly popular with young crowds and watersports enthusiasts.
Ephesus After Pompeii, Ephesus is the best-preserved Classical city around the Mediterranean and one of Turkeys most visited sites. A strategic coastal gateway to the East, Ephesus was one of the largest cities in the Roman Empire and was made the capital of Asia Minor. Ornamented with magnificent marble buildings and shrines, it was home to the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Legend has it that St John settled here with the Virgin Mary during the final years of her life and St Paul preached in the city for three years, as recorded in Acts 19:27. Ephesus today gives you a real feeling for what life was like in Roman times. Of particular note is the Great Theatre. During its heyday it could hold up to 25,000 people and is still used as a venue for performances and concerts. Climb up to the top of the tiered seats for a superb view out across Ephesus. Another must see is the Library of Celsus. Dating back to 110 AD, its two storey façade features rows of elegant porticoes supported by white marble columns. Turkish Baths No trip to Turkey would be complete without sampling the pleasures of a Turkish bath. Wrap yourself in a sarong and lay back and relax on a heated marble slab before enjoying an invigorating body loofah scrub - the perfect way to escape from the stresses and strains of everyday life. Camel-Wrestling If you really want to live like a local, head down to the rather bizarre spectacle that is camel-wrestling. During the rutting season, camel-wrestling draws large crowds from across Turkeys Aegean region eager to see male camels in elaborate saddles wrestle and butt one another in an arena for precedence in a herd for mating. Often the two bull camels will lean against one another, locking legs until one of them gives in and runs away or topples over in a dromedarys version of wrestling.
Call 0871 230 5151
Charges apply, see page 107
Sky digital 637 " Visit your travel agent
85
|
inbro