Extraordinary Turkey … the land at the center between East and West cultures. Ephesus is one of Turkey’s major sightseeing attractions. This vast and beautiful Greco-Roman city was once home to 250,000 people, and the glorious monuments that remain point to it being a vibrant and rich metropolis. Supposedly founded by the Ionian prince Androclus in the 10th century BC, Ephesus was not only a center of trade but a great pilgrimage center, with the Temple of Artemis built in worship of the mother goddess. During the Roman era, the city continued to dazzle, and it was only after the Goths destroyed the city in AD 263 that its importance began to wane. Don’t miss the mammoth library (3rd largest in the ancient world), the well-preserved theater, and the Temple of Hadrian.
Olu Deniz is a small village located on the south west coast on the Aegean Sea. It has a secluded sandy bay at the mouth of Olu Deniz, on a blue lagoon. This beach is famous for its shades of turquoise and remains one of the most photographed beaches on the Mediterranean. Olu Deniz is also regarded as one of the best places in the world to paraglide due to its unique panoramic views.
The top sightseeing drawcard for Eastern Turkey, Mount Nemrut’s summit funerary mound is scattered with the broken remnants of once mammoth statues, which guarded it. This weird and lonely place has to be one of Turkey’s most peculiar archaeological sites. The giant stone heads of long-forgotten gods stare out from the summit, casting an eerie atmosphere over the barren mountaintop. The time to come is at sunrise, so you can watch the statues as they loom out of the dark.
Among the best preserved Roman theatres anywhere in the world, this charming ancient construction remains a hugely popular tourist attraction. With a host of tour options available from the myriad of Antalya hotels, visitors to Aspendos can see this famous theatre along with a number of other Roman remains. Still able to seat up to 15,000 people it also plays host to an annual summer festival.
Most Ephesus excursions will take you The Isa Bey Mosque, constructed by the locals in the 14th century has a spectacular marble portal which your Ephesus tour guide will be happy to show you. Also, a visit to the Basilica of St John is a must along with a walk around the Ephesus Archaeological Museum where you will see unique works of art including the Statue of Artemis. Ephesus Kusadasi Turkey Tours are very popular as you get to see the lovely coastal town of Kusadasi while enjoying your Ephesus day tour. Marble street is a great place to take some pictures as the view looking down on Ephesus is spectacular. More details on Ephesus private tours.
At 67 meters (219 feet) high, the Galata Tower rules over the Istanbul skyline, offering great views of the old city and its surroundings. The medieval stone tower, known as the Tower of Christ, was the tallest building in Istanbul when it was built in 1348. It still stands tall over Istanbul today. The tower has been modified over the centuries, at one time being used as an observation tower to spot fires. Today, its upper reaches include a cafe, restaurant and a night club, both reached by elevator in the nine-story building, where one can find the stunning vistas.