Travel for Life

Different Types of Private Ephesus Tours

2012-03-12T08:51:00.000-07:00

When people visit Ephesus, which is the ancient city and the commercial centre of Antolia, they prefer going for private tours. There are also the options of Ephesus Shore Excursions. This is also amazing part of th e journey, when the excursions start from one of the ports, and one can witness the amazing beauties.

Private Ephesus Tours are preferred by many who wish to go adventurous places individually rather than going in crowds. A number of tourism companies allow different private tours to the tourists. There are different companies, and each of them have different tour packages. For instance, one tour package would be a half day one, covering the Basilica of St John, while the other would cover the House of Virgin Mary.

There are the full day tours as well as the half day tours. These tourism organizations, provide private tourist guides, who speak english for the facilitation of the tourists. Their vehicles are luxurious airconditioned ones. Some tours cover a larger part of the ancient city, while others cover lesser part. The time would also vary. There are the full day tours that last for 7 to 8 hours, and there are those that last to 3 to 4 hours. They have a pickup facility from the port or the hotel, and drop the tourist to a hotel for ease and convenience.

All the different private tour packages are different from one another. However, all of them guarantee a luxurious trip round the city. The guide is there to answer the questions of different tourists and explain to them the importance of each site they visit. The most interesting part of the private tours is that one can go round, and see the ancient temples and churches with their own ease, without the worry of the public bus going away , if they were late, since they have their private vehicles.

Kusadasi, Top Holiday Resort in Turkey

2011-08-23T04:28:00.000-07:00

Kusadasi is one of the most swollen resort towns on the southern Aegean Coast, overflowing with shiploads of tourists in summer who enlarge the year-round population several times over. Once a small fishing village, today the busy town is packed with curios and carpet shops; its proximity to the ruins of Ephesus making it an ideal base for Aegean cruise ships. You can take Ephesus Tours to visit the Ancient Ephesus City.

Despite the frenzied tourism, Kusadasi is situated amid splendid coastal scenery and several significant archaeological sites, including the three well-preserved Ionian settlements of Miletus, Priene and Didyma. There are plenty of good hotels and restaurants, and ferries link it with the nearby Greek islands of Samos and Mykonos.

The Grand Bazaar in Kusadasi, near the harbour, is one of Turkey’s largest shopping treasure troves, crammed with 1,000 or more stores and stalls open seven days a week from 9am until midnight. Bargaining for a variety of attractive items, like leather jackets, sandals, carpets and hand-made jewellery, is a fun experience, usually accompanied by a glass of tea. Despite the traditional trading atmosphere, most merchants accept credit cards, travellers cheques and even foreign currency for purchases.

All budgets and all tastes are amply catered for among Kusadasi’s dozens of restaurants, cafes and lokantas. Most visitors opt for sampling Turkish cuisine or enjoying the sumptuous seafood on offer, but there are numerous alternatives from curry to Chinese and burgers. Acknowledged as one of the best seafood restaurants is the Cinar Fish Restaurant, where guests can watch their meal prepared in the open kitchen and dine with a view of the sea.

Nights in Kusadasi throb with action, particularly along the town’s pulsating Bar Street in the old town centre, lined with pubs and clubs. One of the hottest spots is the huge open air disco, Ecstasy Bar, featuring top European DJs. Jimmy’s Irish Bar at the start of Bar Street is a favourite gathering place for young Brits.

Those looking for something more sedate will find cabaret bars, Turkish folk taverns, or cosy jazz clubs tucked away. Activities: Kusadasi’s clean, sandy beaches are a major drawcard for visitors, whether simply for sunbathing and swimming, or for indulging in a myriad of watersports that are on offer through local operators at the numerous ‘beach clubs’. The turquoise Aegean waters are particularly popular for scuba diving and snorkelling.

What Do The Turks Think Of British People?

2011-07-18T09:12:00.000-07:00

We spend a lot of time with British company where inevitably, the main topic of discussion turns to what we think of the Turks. On the last such occasion, I was beginning to get bored of this repetitive conversation and my mind started to wonder to the opposite end of the spectrum. What do the Turks really think of us Brits? Are we obnoxious? Are we two sandwiches short of a picnic? Are we friendly, happy-go-lucky people who spread joy everywhere we go?

With this in mind, I set out to complete my own mini survey. Some of the answers were really not suitable for a family blog and went straight in the bin. However there were three answers that were repeated time and time again and here they are

The Turks Think the Brits….

1: Drink too much alcohol.

The Turks are fascinated by our marvelous ability to drink copious amounts of the demon’s drink and still be standing. They also confessed that after a while, we begin to sound like a reject from the Toshiba robot factory and they really cannot understand a word we are saying.

Most of the Turks fully admitted that if they consumed half of what we did, their head would be permanently over the toilet bowl for the rest of the night. They are also unsure of why we want to spend all our money on something that will just come out of the opposite end twenty minutes later. Far from criticizing us for our drinking habits, they actually love it as it provides them with a wage at the end of the week.

2: British Girls are Easy.

Brothel owners must have been up in arms on the day that British girls landed on the shores of Turkey. Apparently we are a bit too eager to stare at the heavens while spreading them. The Turkish men love it because it gives them a chance to practice being a red hot stallion before they finally wed the woman that will produce heirs to their blood line.

In one such conversation, I failed miserably at trying to explain the difference in cultures between English girls and Turkish girls. Therefore I reverted to pointing out the irony in what had just been said. Surely, if the girls are easy for giving it up so quickly then the boys must be easy for taking it. I was met with a confused look, then the penny dropped and he walked off while scowling. Not sure if I won that one or made an enemy for life.

3: We Have Impeccable Manners

To all those who moan that the future generations of Britain are rude and obnoxious individuals, I hope you are reading this because the Turks think we rock when it comes to saying “please” and “thank you”. We constantly say thank you for everything. We go into restaurants, pay for food and say thank you to the waiter. We buy a newspaper from the local shop and say “thank you”.

The Turks really don’t understand how we can be giving out so much love for such little things, but they like it. Interesting enough, all the people who said this worked in tourism. Every one of them also said that if their boss made them work with Turkish people only, they would leave. Obviously our parents taught us well!

The Home Improvement Stores Rebound Back

2011-07-12T07:10:00.000-07:00

The home improvement often makes reference to construction projects that change the structure of a home. It can even include improvements to gardens, lawns, and external structures like garages and gazebos. The main aim of the project may be comfort, maintenance & repair, additional space, energy saving, or safety and preparedness. However, according to analysts the home improvement stores rebound back to save costs and sell to the growing number of remodeling projects. Thursday, shares of the Home Depot and Lowe’s company rose sharply. The UBS investment research suggested that undervalued stocks with recover quickly then the remaining declining construction and housing industries.

The shares will be supported by the stock buybacks. According to Jefferies Co. analysts the foreclosure sales are upsetting the home builders and housing market with little incentive to construct new dwellings. The fear of poor demand sparked substantial decline for Lowe and Co shares. Still, residential renovation activity has risen considerably by 15%. Necessary repairs and remodeling sales for home depot and low’s is weak still, the home improvement stores rebound back. Both the companies struggled badly and this season as fiery weather led Americans to delay landscaping and gardening projects. The traders dumped industry, shares. The cut-rate sale pushed prices of the shares to bargain.

Furthermore, the home improvement stores rebound back even in volatile housing market place conditions. The new construction and remodeling is also weak. The UBS analysts stated despite of unpredictable housing conditions, demand for home renovation has a positive and encouraging outlook. Still, the traders undervalued shared feeling that Home Depot and Lowe’s could bounce back quicker than the big housing industry. Low’s has employed many new executives and is on track to purchase more than half of the outstanding shares.

The analysts stated that this year, Lowe’s aims to invest in $2.4 billion value of shares. The analytic even noted that earnings for per share rise by a value of each $100 million shares of the company. The home improvement stores rebound back due to strong, organized and detailed plan of action. The UBS analysts praised both the company’s plan of action for expanding margins of profit and raising values of the share. Meanwhile, the home depot is deriving benefit from a modernized supply chain. The new system is playing a vital role in improving the profit margin of the home depot by 0.4% higher than the estimated value. The home depot is even re-buying shares to rise per share earnings.

Discover Spectacular Things to Do in Turkey

2011-04-27T05:25:00.000-07:00

Turkey is easily one of the most popular summer holiday destinations for Purple Travelers. Its combination of stunning beaches, quaint seaside resorts, ethnic cuisine, and rock-bottom prices, make Turkey the destination of choice for British holidaymakers. If you’re thinking of travelling to Turkey this summer, or have already planned to return, we’ve come up with some of the most spectacular things to do while you’re there.

1. Pamukkale Thermal Pools

If you do only one excursion during your stay in the Bodrum Peninsula, this is definitely it. This rare formation of thermal pools high in the mountainous region is said to heal asthma, rheumatism, and even skin and eye conditions. In case that’s not enough to convince you, the stunning views and the photos you’ll be able to bring back home should certainly do it.

2. Gulet Cruise

The best way to experience everything the Turkish coast has to offer is by taking a Gulet Cruise, also known as the Blue Cruise. Starting in the port of Bodrum and travelling as far as Antalya, these cruises will take you through stunning bays, busy ports, ancient cities, and secluded coves. A little research in advance is well worth it, as these cruises are different and may stop in different places of interest. Keep your eyes out for those stopping at Kaputas Cove and Patara Beach.

3. Ruins of Ephesus

One of the most-visited archeological sites in Turkey, the ancient ruins are certainly a sight to see if you’re staying near Kusadasi.Ephesus was home to one of the original 7 Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, and still is a significant point of culture, religion, and history.

4. Mamure Kalesi

This castle fortress located on the southernmost tip of Turkey, is a magnificent sight. Home to the Romans, Crusaders, and Ottomans throughout the centuries, it stands as though it was livable just last week. Although it’s about 5 hours from the nearest tourist resort of Alanya, it is the ideal getaway for a swim at sunset.

Of course, there are many other sights to see in Turkey that we didn’t go into more detail about and are sure to be a memorable experience on your trip. Definitely go to one of the many Turkish markets in your resort, or the Turkish Nargile (Water Pipe) Bars. There are many archeological sites and castles scattered throughout the coastal region worth visiting. If you’re still deciding on where to go in Turkey, do some research on what you want to see before you book and stay in the area with the most places of interest to you. A good place to start is Trip Advisor’s Thing to Do in Turkey page. Have you been to see these, or any other sites, yourself? If so, please post your feedback and your suggestions for our readers!

Source:Purple Travel

Visit the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul Turkey

2011-04-27T05:13:00.000-07:00

There are hundreds of Byzantine cisterns underneath Istanbul. They are remnants of when Istanbul was Constantinople.

The Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıç) is the largest of all of them. It lies beneath the Stoa Basilica. The Stoa Basilica is a grand Byzantine public square. It is also called the Sunken Palace Cistern (Yerebatan Saray Sarnıçı).

The Basilica Cistern is as impressive as it is massive. It measures 138 meters long and 64.6 meters wide. It covers almost 1000 square meters. This is around 2.4 acres. Its capacity is 80,000 cubic meters. That is over 21 million US gallons. The Basilica also contains 336 marble columns.

The Yerebatan is the location of a scene in the James Bond movie From Russian with Love. Bond rows a small boat through a maze of marble columns. This scene was shot on location at the Basilica Cistern.

Justinian built the Basilica Cistern after 532. The Yerbatan stored water for the Great Palace and its nearby structures. Petrus Gyllius rediscovered the Basilica when he came to Constantinople to discover Byzantine monuments. Curiously, Gyllius noticed that locals got their water by lowering buckets through holes in the floors of their homes. He searched for an entrance, found one, and the rest is Turkey history.

The Ottomans used the Basilica to supply Topkapi Palace with water.

In the 1990s, the city added walkways and atmospheric lighting. Visitors can also sit and enjoy soft mood music, drinks, and snacks, at the Basilica’s cafe.

The Basilica Cistern is at the northeastern end of the Hippodrome in Sultanahmet Square. It is off Divan Yolu and across the street from Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia). The Cistern entrance is on Yerebatan Caddesi and the exit is on Alemdar Caddesi.

A typical visit lasts about 30 minutes to an hour. It is open from 0900 to 1730 every day. Entrance cost is TL10.

Turkish History: Visit the Ataturk Museum

2011-04-27T04:49:00.000-07:00

The Ataturk museum is the place where the first steps to resurrect the Turkish nation took place. It was home base to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk for a brief time in Turkey.

Mustafa Kemal Ataturk stayed at the building between 1918 and 1919. Mustafa Kemal drafted his plans to build a modern Turkish Republic at this place. He did this with the help of his solider and civilian staff. The building’s first floor was a staff room and dining room. The 2nd floor was for meeting, with bedrooms, and contained an office. On the third floor, Zubeybe Hanim (Ataturk’s mother) and Makbule (his sister) resided. The city municipality purchased the Ataturk building in 1928 and converted it to a museum in 1942.

The museum displays a large amount of significant items and Ataturk’s personal belongings. This includes some of his clothes, uniforms, handwritten letters, documents, medals, and his souvenirs. It also contains pictures of his life as a soldier and civilian. The museum also displays his Marshall uniform and clothes he wore during the Sivas Congress. These clothes and uniforms are some of the most important items in the museum. The Sivas Congress was an assembly of the Turkish National Movement. The congress at Sivas made a large number of vital decisions fundamental to shaping the future policy conducted in the frame of the Turkish War of Independence.

Some other interesting items include cigar boxes, writing sets, and a wooden radio. The wooden radio was a gift from US President Roosevelt. There are also original works of art. The original pieces displayed in the museum include the watercolor paintings of V. Pisani. The paintings illustrate the Turkish War of Independence.

Cruise Up the Istanbul Bosphorus, Turkey

2011-04-27T04:40:00.000-07:00

Take a tour-cruise up the Istanbul Bosphorus in Turkey. You can take a traditional Istanbul ferryboat or a faster, smaller TurYol. A tour-cruise can take as little as 1.5 hours.

You typically leave from the Eminonu ferryboat docks. The docks are on the Golden Horn between Galata Bridge and Sirkeci Station. You then head north toward the Black Sea.

You’ll see six Ottoman palaces, the Southern Bosphorus, and the Northern Bosphorus. The Southern Bosphorus runs from the Golden Horn and city center to the Bosphorus Bridge. The Northern Bosphorus runs from the Bosphorus Bridge to the Black Sea.

Southern Istanbul Bosphorus

The most impressive sights on a tour-cruise are along the Bosphorus’ southern shores. The closest sights to the city are the Topkapi Palace, the Maiden’s Tower, Dolmabahce Palace, Ciragan Palace, Yildiz Park & Palace, and Selimiye Barracks (where Florence Nightingale revolutionized nursing). You will also see the village of Ortakoy. It is the home of the chicest art boutiques and cafes in the Istanbul area. Plus, you’ll see the Ottoman baroque style Mecidiye Mosque and of course, the Bosphorus Bridge.

Northern Bosphorus in Istanbul

Just past the Bosporus Bridge you’ll see Rumeli Hisari (the mighty Fortress of Europe, the beautiful bay in the town of Bebek, Bosphorus University, Arnavutkoy (home of pretty Ottoman yalis. Yalis are wooden seaside mansions), the Kuleli Naval Academy, the village of Cengelkoy, and Beylerbeyi Palace.

The Fatih Bridge goes across the Bosphorus also. Just north of it is Kucuksu Kasri (a rococo palace), Anadolu Hisari (the Fortress of Anatolia), the Hidiv Kasri (Art Noveau style villa built for the Khedive of Egypt in 1900), Tarabya (a restaurant village), Sariyer (known for its fish market and seafood restaurants), and the town of Buyukdere (home of the Sadberk Hanim Museum).

The dock farthest north on the European shore of the Bosphorus is Rumeli Kavagi. The final dock on most cruise tours is the Anadolu Kavagi. It is around 10 Km south of the Black Sea. Most tours end in Anadolu Kavagi.

11 Recommended Books to Read About Turkey

2011-04-25T02:10:00.001-07:00

I love finding new books to read about life, culture, history, food or travel in Turkey. Here are a few books I recommend to read about Turkey!

The Yogurt Man Cometh

by Kevin Revolinski

These are the stories of an English teacher who lived in Turkey for one year. This book is a fun read full of adventure and surprises.

Sultan’s Kitchen: A Turkish Cookbook

by Ozcan Ozan

If you’ve fallen in love with Turkish food like I have, this Turkish cookbook has wonderful recipes, ingredients you can actually find in your local grocery story and gorgeous photographs of the different Turkish dishes.

Lonely Planet Turkey

by James Bainbridge

Lonely Planet provides a comprehensive guide of things to do, where to go and places to stay in Turkey. Check this book out before you come to tour Turkey.

#4
Biblical Turkey: A Guide to Jewish & Christian Sites to Asia Minor

by Mark Wilson

Mark Wilson, a Turkey scholar and researcher, provides in-depth guides to biblical sites in Turkey. A must read for history lovers.

#5
Strolling Through Istanbul: A Classic Guide to the City

by Hilary Sumner-Boyd and John Freely

This book takes you through Istanbul on foot with historical information on major sites as well as hidden jewels in this magical city.

#6
Crescent & Star: Turkey Between Two Worlds

by Stephen Kinzer

A reflection on Modern Turkey and how it is the crossroads between Europe and Asia and where it is headed in the future.

#7
Snow or My Name is Red

by Orhan Pamuk

Orhan Pamuk has written many novels and was Turkey’s first citizen to be awarded the Noble Peace Prize. Snow and My Name is Red are classics and I would recommend reading at least one novel from this Turkish novelist.

#8
Ancient Turkey: A Traveller’s History

by Seton Lloyd

This book approaches Turkey’s ancient history through a traveller’s eyes looking back at pre-historic times to the Christian period. This is a great book to read before or during your trip to Turkey.

#9
Ataturk: The Biography of the Founder of Modern Turkey

by Andrew Mango

With very few books in English written about the life of Ataturk, Andrew Mango has researched and written a detailed portrait of the influential life of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the creator of modern day Turkey.

#10
Turkish Art & Architecture: From the Seljuks to the Ottomans

by Giovanni Curatola

A wonderful historical view of architecture first introduced by the Seljuks to the domed mosques created by the Ottomans along with a history of the ceramics, carpets and other decorative arts in Turkey.

#11
Tales From the Harem: Foreign Women in Modern Turkey

by Anastasia M. Ashman and Jennifer Eaton Gokmen

A collection of stories of women travelers and expats sharing their experiences in Turkey. This is a favorite!

Do you have any books that you've enjoyed reading about Turkey?! I'm always looking for something new!

Historical Sites to see in Turkey | Antalya

2011-04-25T00:22:00.000-07:00

Antalya or very ancient Anatolia is one of the most fantastic holiday destinations on the Mediterranean in Turkey. Not only can you bask in the sun and delight in the pure beaches and the views of the regal Taurus Mountains, there are many outstanding past sites you can visit that encapsulate all that the area has to offer.

Here are a few suggestions of the best past sites to visit while in the Antalya province:

ASPENDOS

Aspendos has one the best preserved Roman Theaters in Turkey. The acting was built by Marcus Aurelius and dates back to 155 A.D. The acting is still used today for performances. Every mid-July to mid-August, you can delight in the Aspendos Opera & Ballet Festival. You can go early and explore the ruins of the city and then step back in time and delight in a dramatic performance in the very ancient acting. It is an incredible experience you will not not dredge up.

KEKOVA/SIMENA

Kekova is the area of the very ancient Lycian city, Simena, which is to a degree submerged underwater due to an tremor in the 2nd century A.D. You can take a boat trip or if you want a modest more adventure, you can kayak through the clear turquoise water to view the dug in city, then head over to the village of Kale and explore the very ancient castle which was the Crusaders outpost of the Knights of St. John. It is prohibited to swim through the ruins of the dug in city, but there are areas designated to snorkel and swim in the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

TERMESSOS

Hike about 30 summary up to the ruins of Termessos, located about 1000 meters up in the Taurus Mountains of Anatolia. Delight in spectacular views from the acting where you can see Antalya and the Mediterranean Sea on a clear day. Explore the city ruins of Hadrian’s Triumphal Arch, the gymnasium, the agora, cisterns and perfectly decked sarcophagi scattered throughout the site. Termessos is best known for being one of the cities that Alexander the Fantastic could not defeat in 333 BC due to its dense location on top of the mountain. This is truly and extraordinary site.

PERGE

Perge, founded nearly 1000 BC is located about 9 miles east of Antalya. Very ancient Perge was one of the most fantastic and richest cities of very ancient Pamphylia. The Advocate Paul was recorded twice in the Bible in the book of Acts to have gone through Perge. Perge is legendary for its Temple of Artemis as well as its well preserved site.

PHASAELIS

Phasaelis is an very ancient Lycian city that dates back to 700 BC. Delight in a day exploring the small very ancient city and then take a swim in the blue waters of the Mediterranean. Are you looking to take a day trip by boat from Antalya? You can book a boat tour that will stop in the harbor of Phasaelis where you can jump in the sea, delight in the pebble beach and a day of cool.

ANTALYA MUSEUM

The award attractive Antalya Museum boasts of having all of the most vital artifacts from the past sites in the Anatolian province. It is one of Turkey’s leading museums and illuminates the rich history of Mediterranean province.

Whether you are a history buff or just interested in considering a few sites in the Anatolian Province while you are on holiday, you can visit these favorite past sites and learn a fantastic deal about the rich heritage of this land and delight in physically while you are at it.

Why Travel to Turkey ?

2011-04-21T00:51:00.000-07:00

First; Turkey is, friendly, beautiful, culturally rich and good value for money. It's modern enough to be comfortable yet traditional enough to be interesting.

Turkey is one of the world's top 10 travel destinations, welcoming more than 23 million visitors every year.

Culture & Art: Turkey's history of human habitation goes back 25,000 years. Some of the earliest-known human communities are here. Hittites, Phrygians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Seljuks, Mongols, Ottomans and others have all left their works of art and culture in what is now the Turkish homeland. Modern Turkey has all this—and more mobile phones than you've ever seen in one place before.

Special-Interest Activities: With nearly 8400 km (5200 mi) of coastline, water sports and yachting are big favorites. Hiking, white-water rafting, mountain-climbing and bicycling are all important, and growing, as is skiing. My favorite of all is hot-air ballooning.

Cuisine: Turkish food is now world-famous, and rightly so. The abundance of its fields, farms, orchards, flocks and fishing boats is exceptional, and Turkish chefs take full advantage of this bounty. Everyone comments on how good the food is. Then there's Turkish tea....

Good Times: Sit at a long table in a meyhane (taverna) in Istanbul, Kusadasi , Bodrum, Antalya, order a glass of beer, wine or pungent rakı and join in the songs and stories. Turks revel in good food, good friends, good times, and good nightlife.

For stories of life and travel in Turkey, read the excerpts from my travel memoir Bright Sun, Strong Tea.

PERGAMUM ( Bergama ) Pergamon

2011-04-19T13:26:00.000-07:00

After visiting the Brandenburg Gate,a visitor to Berlin would think of visiting the Pergamum Museu.During this visit,s/he would watch the masterpiece of the Hellnistic Age the temple of Zeus with awe.Taking advantage of the weakness of the Ottoman Empire towards the end of the 19 th century,the German archaeologists carried the the temple to Germany.This temple gives us an idea how beautiful Pergamum was once upon a time.

A.Focus of History

Pergamum is located on the fertile plains watered by the Selinus river, therefore many civilizations have settled here since the ancient times.Having been ruled by the Lydian and Persian,Pergamum was taken over by Alexander the Great in 334 B.C. After Alexander's death,one of his generals,Lysimachus controlled Pergamum and much of the Aegean region. After Lysimachus'death, it became the center of a kingdom under Philetairos.Ruled by the kings Attale and Eumene,it was the governing city for all of Western Anotalia.According to the will of King Attalus III,Pergamum becamea part of the Roman Empire after his death in the second half of the 2 nd century B.C.The city experienced its golden age until the end of the 3 rd century A.D. Especially after parchment paper was invented in this city,a library was built containig200,000 volumes and Pergamum became a cultural center of the Roman Empire ,on a par with Alexandria.

All about Kusadasi Turkey

2011-04-16T07:08:00.000-07:00

Kuşadası is one of Turkey's largest and most cosmopolitan resorts and a stopping off point for the big cruise-liners. It is a good all round resort, offering great beaches, excellent shopping and some serious nightlife. Kuşadası literally means 'Bird Island' and takes its name from the tiny islet known as Güvercin Adası or Pigeon Island, which is attached to the mainland by a causeway and boasts a 14th century Genoese fort. There are a number of sandy beaches in the area. Kadınlar Plajı or 'Ladies Beach' is central but can get crowded so it is wiser in high season to head a little further out of the centre where the beaches are just as sandy but offer more space. Kaleiçi is the old centre of the town and is a popular shopping and entertainment area. The Ottoman Kervansaray or traveler's inn is now in private hands but is an impressive building and a landmark in the town centre. Today's travelers can find comfort in a full range of accommodation in all categories and of all sizes.

Kuşadası's setting also makes it a good base for those wanting to visit Ephesus which is only approximately 30 minutes' drive away.

It is also surrounded by some of Turkey's most beautiful national park including the Kalamaki National Park, which lies on the Dilek Peninsula, approx. 30 kms to the south. Dense pine trees cover the mountains which plunge dramatically down to beaches and crystal-clear sea. Some of Turkey's rarest wild animals can be found here including the Anatolian cheetah and wild horses. Sundays are often busy with local visitors. Another stunning spot in the vicinity is Lake Bafa which is approx, 80 kms south east of Kuşadası.

Asklepion, Bergama (Pergamum)

2011-04-07T03:57:00.001-07:00

The Asklepion in Pergamum gained in prominence under the Romans in the 2nd century AD, but a sacred site existed here as early as the 4th century BC.

Many of the treatments employed at Pergamum, in complement with a sacred source of water that was later discovered as having radioactive properties, have been used for centuries and are once again finding modern application.

The treatments included psychotherapy, massage, herbal remedies, mud and bathing treatments, the interpretation of dreams, and the drinking of water.

Quite unlike modern hospitals, everybody who was anybody was dying to get in to the Asklepion: patients included Hadrian, Marcus Aurelius, and Caracalla.

But then again, the Asklepion was more like a modern spa than a hospital: therapy included mud baths, music concerts, and doses of water from the sacred fountain.

Hours of therapy also probed the meaning of the previous night's dreams, as patients believed dreams recounted a visit by the god Asklepios, who held the key to curing illness.

Medical insignia at the Asklepion.

Photo © Galen Frysinger.

Galen, the influential physician and philosopher who was born in Pergamum in 129 AD, trained and then later became an attendant to the gladiators here.

What to See

Access to the Asklepeion is via the Sacred Way, which at 807m (2,690 ft.) long and colonnaded, originally connected the Asklepeion with the Acropolis. The sacred way becomes the stately Via Tecta near the entrance to the site and leads to a courtyard and fallen Propylaeum, or Monumental Gate.

Columns of the library. Photo: arròsalforn.

Don't miss the focus of the first courtyard, an altar inscribed with the emblem of modern medicine, the serpent. To the right of the courtyard is the Emperor's Room, which was also used as a library.

Photo: Stuart Yeates.

The circular domed Temple of Asklepios, with a diameter of 23m (78 ft.), recalls the Pantheon in Rome, which was completed only 20 years earlier.

Reachable through an underground tunnel is what is traditionally called the Temple of Telesphorus, which served as both the treatment rooms and the sleeping chambers, an indication that sleep was integral in the actual healing process.

At various spots in the center of the complex are a total of three pools and fountains, used for bathing, drinking, and various other forms of treatment.

The northern colonnade, with 17 columns still in place, leads from the library to the restored theater, set into the slope of the hill. The theater hosts classical plays during the annual Bergama Festival. The semicircular Roman Theatre flanks the colonnaded promenade on the northwest corner of the site.

Pergamum Archaeological Museum

2011-04-07T03:50:00.000-07:00

The Archaeological Museum in Bergama contains just a fraction of the artifacts from the ancient city of Pergamum, as most of it was taken away by German archaeologists and is now displayed in the Pergamon Museum in Berlin.

Still, there are enough artifacts to make a visit here worthwhile. Among the most notable objects are a statue of Hadrian taken from the Asklepion library, a second-century stone horse from the Altar of Zeus, and the oldest statue in the museum: a 4th-century-BC kuros.

There is also a faithful replica of the original Altar of Zeus, which is now displayed in Berlin. An ethnographic wing exhibits a collection of objects, costumes, and textiles from the surrounding region.

Quick Facts

Names: Pergamum Archaeological Museum; Arkeoloji Müzesi

Location:Pergamum, Turkey

Faith:Museum

Category:Museums

Visitor Information

Address: Cumhuriyet Cad. 10, Bergama, Turkey

Coordinates: 39.116568° N, 27.175316° E View in Google Maps

Lodging: View hotels near this location

Phone: 0232/631-2883

Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8:30am-noon and 1-5pm

Cost: 5 TL

Religious Attractions in Pergamum

2011-04-07T03:48:00.000-07:00

Built on a conical hill rising 1,000 feet above the surrounding valley, Pergamum (also spelled Pergamon, from the Greek for "citadel") was an important capital city in ancient times. Its modern successor is the Turkish city of Bergama. A lack of modern accommodations means that Bergama is often a very quick stop, if visitors bother to come at all. But it is worth a long stop, for Bergama is home to two of the country's most celebrated archaeological sites: Pergamum's acropolis and Asklepion are both listed among the top 100 historical sites on the Mediterranean.

Most of the buildings and monuments in Pergamum date to the time of Eumenes II (197-159 BC), including the famed library, the terrace of the spectacularly sited hillside theater, the main palace, the Altar of Zeus, and the propylaeum of the Temple of Athena. In the early Christian era, Pergamum's church was a major center of Christianity and was one of the Seven Churches of Revelation (Rev. 2:12-17).

The ancient Pergamum ( Pergamon ) is composed of three main parts: the Acropolis, whose main function was social and cultural as much as it was sacred; the Lower City, realm of the lower classes; and the Asklepion, one of the earliest medical centers on record.

Private Villa Holidays

2011-03-31T03:29:00.000-07:00

When you and your relatives wish to rent sensational vacation accommodation then luxurious villa vacations can be definitely the most brilliant manner to spend your family trip. You and your partner will in no time discover from the minute you organise your holiday to your last second in the great holiday rental you and your folks will never have had such a wonderful vacation.

Your family can stay in a large luxury holiday villa in most places in Europe and many people like to go on holiday to the Canary Islands and take a large vacation house as their picturesque vacation villa. Villa vacations in Spain you will remember for ever. You and your children will be pleasingly surprised with so many great things to see and do.

Renting private holiday accommodation will provide you and your folks several of the great things and independence that booking into a hotel does not. You can decide when you feel like to go out to have a meal and choose if you have a romantic meal in a Pizza restaurant or if you want to cook local seafood back in your holiday property.

A fast look on the internet will show you a lot of the rentals that you could book for a relaxing rest in a villa. Booking a villa for your break is far more satisfying than the insanity of a hotel. One great thing is you can put out of your mind your relations being on top of each other in one small room with multiple beds. You can also not worry about being quiet when your kids go to bed.

Modern holiday villas are designed to have lots of bedrooms and can be anywhere from two bedrooms and so may sleep anywhere from three people to five or in a number of cases more. All you and your kids have to do is imagine what special items you could require your beautiful holiday property to have. You may rent various of these big homes with outdoor heated pools and some also can have beautiful gardens.

Simply decide if you want be next to the ocean. Envisage getting up every morning to fabulous views over the ocean and hear the sound of the sea splashing onto the seashore every morning. Savour the lovely views from the windows of your vacation villa and then spend an hour before eating going for a dip in the hot clear blue ocean. Spend hours playing with your children on the seashore and show them how to snorkel in the warm summer weather.

That’s the outstanding thing about a foreign holiday with your family staying in self catering accommodation, you possibly could start to unwind and spend some quality time with your kids. Maybe have a short energetic stroll in the countryside and see the delightful landscapesand then returning to your rental for a sleep in the hot afternoon sunshine.

A number of villas possibly could have games rooms and several even have TV rooms and you might also find plasma 32in televisions in lots of of the bedrooms. That’s why leasing a villa with your relatives makes such a tremendous vacation and you will never tire of gorgeous locations to go to see and have a number of special things to do to keep your friends occupied all of the time.

If you are looking for astounding villa holidays for your holiday accommodation in Europe try out the holiday rental price comparison site CompareAway for the most amazing deals on the internet.

Thomas Cook

2011-03-31T03:27:00.000-07:00

Travel agent told a Coventry woman she would have to fork out an extra £210 for her summer holiday because her best friend’s shock death meant their hotel room would not be full.

Every year Linda Fagan, 43, and Michelle McCamphill, 43, would holiday with family and friends and in 2011 they booked to spend a fortnight in the Turkish resort of Kusadasi.

But in November, Michelle died suddenly leaving Linda, of Thomas Sharp Road, Canley, in a state of shock.

Before Michelle’s funeral, Linda went to see staff at the Cannon Park branch of Thomas Cook.

They said that because Michelle would not be travelling with them their hotel room would not be full and Linda, as the lead member on the booking, would have to pay an extra £210 occupancy fee.

Linda wrote two letters to Thomas Cook, explaining the situation, but received only a phone call back from customer services stating that because neither Linda or Michelle had travel insurance she would have to pay.

Turkey Holidays

2011-03-31T03:25:00.000-07:00

British Families looking to jet off to Turkey next summer will have more options from Exeter Airport, a specialist Turkish holiday company has revealed.

Holidays4U has launched a new family holiday option to the popular Turkish summer resort of Dalaman. With the new holiday option in place for summer 2011, Exeter Airport will again serve three Turkish airports during the summer.

In addition to their low cost Kusadasi holidays, Holidays4U with their Onur Air flights have introduced a new range featuring four and five star accommodation, ‘Inspired Turkey’.

Commenting on the new flights Jamie Christon, Exeter Airport’s managing director Jamie Christon said, ‘These extra flights from a new operator are again demonstrating the industry’s belief in departures from a regional airport and save south west travellers the trouble of leaving from an airport further afield.’

Turkey continues to be a summer holiday hotspot for British families looking for a holiday escape, the new flights and newly introduced ‘Inspired’ holidays will give holidaymakers even more option in Turkey.

Self catering Holidays

2011-03-31T03:23:00.000-07:00

Self catering holidays have become very popular with holiday makers going on a family holiday. By choosing the self catering option helps to keep down the cost of the holiday and allows holiday makers to choose exactly what sort of meals that they want to eat. This is important when going on a holiday with children because younger children may want to eat at different times to adults. In self catering accommodation you can eat at what ever time is most convenient for you.

By staying in self catering accommodation gives you the option to eat out at local restaurants or to cook back at your self catering accommodation. Some nights you may choose to sample the local cuisine and wine at a local restaurant and other nights you may want to have a cheaper meal. You can also try out local recipes by buying locally grown produce at a local market and then take the food home to prepare it for your own meal. By staying in self catering accommodation gives you the opportunity to sample food that they may well not have tried before. You can do self catering Holidays in Turkey.

Another great thing about going on a self catering holiday is the terrific choice of properties available to choose from. You may choose to go self catering on Kusadasi holiday and stay in a relatively small and modest property. However if there is a large group of you going on a self catering holiday you are able to select a self catering property which is much larger. This can be great fun as everybody can have a go at cooking and if you do not want to eat in you can try some local restaurants.

If however your budget is much larger there are some luxurious self catering holidays. You can take your pick from many stunning self catering properties and have a holiday of a lifetime. Some of these more expensive self catering holidays have some superb kitchens full of all of the latest mod cons and gadgets. It is not uncommon for the more expensive self catering holidays to have kitchens full of granite and marble with big American fridge freezers and coffee making machines.

With the growth of the self catering holiday it is now possible to stay self catering in most countries in the world. By staying self catering you are able to experience a holiday that truly allows you to connect to the local culture. You can also get a real flavour of local food and ingredients and the more adventurous cooks will flourish on a self catering holiday.

Self catering holidays also give you a degree of freedom and independence that cannot be experienced on other types of vacation. You can eat meals at whatever time that you like when you choose to go self catering. Not only that, but you can eat as cheaply or as extravagantly as you want on a self catering holiday. It is no wonder that so many families are now choosing to go on self catering holidays to so many different countries around the world.

Popular Places to Visit

2011-03-31T03:21:00.000-07:00

Historical Sites to visit around Kusadasi
Ephesus
Ephesus, once the most important commercial center of the western Anatolia, is one of the highlights of Turkey that awaits the exploring tourists.
The city was established as a port on the mouth of the river Cayster and was one of the foremost cities of the world for its being on a strategic trade route in Anatolia. The city itself and the ruins are all on the sides of a fertile valley.The extensive ruins including the theatre, library or gymnasium create the special atmosphere of Ephesus, and appeal to every visitors.
Temple of Artemis
Artemision temple is known as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient world. It has been built in the areas of Ephesus on a flat area which has over the centuries turned into a swamp. Today one can only see the ruins of the foundations of this marvelous construction of the Hellenistic Age, entirely made of marble and full of sculptured columns capitals and shafts. The statue of many-breasted Artemision was the symbol of the temple but also of abundance, hunting and wild life.
House of Virgin Mary
Located on the top of the “Bulbul” mountain 9 km ahead of Ephesus, the shrine of Virgin Mary enjoys a marvelous atmosphere hidden in the green. It is the place where Mary may have spent her last days. Indeed, she may have come in the area together with Saint John, who spent several years in the area to spread Christianity. Mary preferred this remote place rather than living in crowded place. The house is a typical Roman architectural example, entirely made of stones.
Seven Sleepers
The burial churches built in a natural cave on the skirt of Mount Pion (PanaYlr), to the north of Ephesus, are known as Seven Sleepers’ Grotto. The legend of Seven Sleepers in the Christian tradition is as follows: Probably in the reign of Emperor Decius (250 – 253), seven young Christian men fled from the forced participation in the pagan cults and hid in a cave. Having slept for 200 years, they woke up in the reign of Theodosius II (408-450). Their names were Maximian, Malchus, Martinian, Dionysius, John, Serapion and Constantine.
St. John
It is believed that the evangelist St. John had spent his last years in the region around Ephesus and buried in the southern slope of Ayosolug Hill. Three hundred years after the death of Saint Paul, a small chapel was constructed over the grave in the 4th century. The church was changed into a marvelous basilica during the region of Emperor Justinian ( 527 -565 AD). The monumental basilica was in the shape of a cross and was covered with six domes. Its construction, being of stone and brick, is an extremely rare find amongst the architecture of its time.
Aphrodisias
Aphrodisias enjoys both an unbelievable historical richness and a beautiful natural scenery where all green tones from poplar to olive trees are present. The city was famous not only as a philosophy and medicine center but above all as a school of sculpture: the masterpieces realized there have been spread all over the Roman Empire and found back in the most popular temples such as in Didyma.
Didyma
As a logical continuation, after Priene and Miletos, one goes to Didyma, a famous temple for its oracles. This temple dedicated to Apollo was the richest and biggest of the Ionian temples on Anatolian soil. It was to cover such a vast area, that its construction lasted more than 150-200 years and yet it was planned to be without ceiling.
Pergamum
After the death of Alexander the Great, one of his generals who is called Lysimachus chose Pergamum as the depository for his wealth. He placed nine thousand talents of gold in Pergamum under the guardianship of Philetaerus who was his lieutenant. After the death of Lysimachus, Philetaerus took advantage of this wealth and founded the independent dynasty of Attalid Kings which later became the center of Hellenistic civilization.

Kusadasi News

2011-03-31T03:18:00.000-07:00

Kusadasi News is the only online community portal you will ever need in Kusadasi Turkey. We are here 24/7 to provide you with all the information possible you require about your local area. Covering the five towns region ( Ephesus, Selcuk, Kusadasi, Soke and Ladys Beach ) we aim to bring you local news of events, activities and sports along with a full directory of local businesses in the area. We will also provide useful information such as local weekly cinema listings, bus timetables, links to courses available in the area and details of libraries, dentists and local shops etc.

Kusadasi News will also offer information for days out around the Kusadasi, Selcuk and Soke area via the Outings section. A day at Ephesus will be included as will sailing and other water sports and beach sports.. There will also be details for local museums and parks for which entry is free enabling cost effective days out for the family.

A forum will be available to allow registered users to discuss issues and views relating to their local area and to talk about topics that interest them such as what they have seen at the cinema recently or their hobbies and interests. Users will have the ability to reply to the forum and discuss thier reactions to the topics discussed. Kusadasi News forum will only be available to users who register and it will be monitered at all times by Kusadasi webmasters.

The Kusadasi photo gallery will feature photo’s of events, celebrations and the local landscape. The public may also submit their own photograph’s if they wish to share them with everyone, we would be very interested in historical photo’s of Kusadasi, Ephesus, Selcuk and Virgin Mary`s House. All photo’s will be reviewed by Kusadasi News before publishing and we cannot guarantee all pictures will be published due to limited space and legal issues.

Kusadasi News will provide advertising opportunities for local businesses who wish to promote their companies or products on our webpage, there are chargable and free of charge options available depending on details and catagories. Users will have the ability to pay their fee via paypal the most secure online payment service.

All the business advertisements submitted will be reviewed by Kusadasi News before being published and we will not accept advertisements for adult or gambling services.

Kusadasi News value any feedback or views you may have regarding our website and if you are interested in submitting an article maybe about you, your local sports team or a special event feel free to contact us via our contact us section and we will do our best to publish the article for you. If you are interested in writing a regular column please get in touch with your information and any idea’s you have via our contact us section.

Kusadasi local teams and clubs will have the opportunity to submit articles that will interest the community and their supporters by registering with Kusadasi via the link on the homepage, this will allow registered users to submit articles and access the forum 24/7.

One feature you can take advantage of free of charge is submitting a link to your own website this will allow users to be directed to your homepage when they click on the link allowing you to promote your business or hobby to other users.