Ephesus, known as one of the most fascinating archeological sites in the world, was a large port and trading center at the crossroads of important trade routes, such as the Kind road and the Silk road. The amphtetre is very good shape and every summer live concersts are allowed, in 1995 Diano Ross gave a live concert without a microphone.
As the most visited antic site of Turkey, Ephesus is the gate to Turkey’s presentation to the world. Every year millions of visitors come to Ephesus for its marvelous and mystical atmosphere. Huge granite columns are witnesses of the city’s former magnificence and many worth-seeing sites are surrounding it : the Artemision, one the Seven Wonders, the Saint-John’s church, the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, the Shrine of Virgin Mary, the Mosque of Isabey and the archeological museum of Selcuk.
Originally Ephesus was a harbor city but due to the Menderes alluviums over the centuries, the site is now remoted from sea for about 5-6 kms. Excavation works in Ephesus started about 129 years ago and there is no doubt that these will go on for many years together with restoration works : each piece brought to daylight gives new clues to archeologists about more objects to be discovered or mysteries to be solved.
Pamukkale
The petrified waterfalls/travertine are a beautiful sight and along with the 12000 seat Roman theater of Hierapolis these should not be missed.
Another lesser known site, but one that holds a considerable significance Biblically is Laodikya, just 10 minutes from Pamukkale on the Denizli road. It's mentioned in the Bible as one of the 7 Churches of the Revelations and even though it hasn't been reconstructed as much as the more famous sites like Ephesus, is a great place to experience the Roman history without the crowds.
Karahyit, the red spring is also 5 minutes from Pamukkale, not as big as the calcium outcrop, but worth a look
Kaklik caves are like a small version of Pamukkale... but in a cave, underground and are about 30 minutes from Pamukkale.
Cappadoccia
the Hellenistic kingdom of Cappadocia once encompassed a much greater area, the name now refers to the region east of Konya that is defined by Aksaray to the west, Kayseri to the east, Nigde to the south and Kirsehir to the north.
The usual focus ison the underground cities of Kaymakli and Derinkuyu as well as the rock formations and Byzantine churches found within the triangular area bounded by Avanos, Nevsehir and Urgup.
For those who take the time to explore the less traveled byways, Cappadocia is a land of discovery. Away from Goreme, Zelve and the major tourist sites, there are partially excavated Hittite centers, cavetowns and hundreds of churches that are rarely seen, gorges to explore and some of the most vivid, pastoral scenes to be captured in all of Turkey.
Istanbul
A city that gives you a complete journey through the senses of sight and sound, taste and smell. The old Istanbul of cobbled streets, glittering palaces and ancient monuments; married to a modern Istanbul of delicious restaurants, bustling bazaars and friendly people.
The 'Old City' has the Byzantine Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque, famous for its delicate blue ceramic tiles, and Sancta Sophia. This church - turned mosque - turned museum takes the breath away with the sheer architectural size of its interior and magnificent dome and the spectacular Topkapi Palace. Built on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, this huge complex commands views of the Sea of Marmara, the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. It was the seat of government for the Ottoman Empire for many centuries.
A must would be the aromatic Spice Bazaar, where the smells of cinnamon, cloves and thyme, rise from hundreds of colorful muslin bags at every store-front. Take the ferryboat for a relaxing cruise along the shores of the legendary Bosphorus, the natural gateway that divides Asia and Europe. As you travel you will see numerous summer palaces and palatial homes will pass by on either side.
Visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, built by master architect Sinan during the reign of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, the Lawgiver. The finale to an Istanbul tour should be Grand Bazaar which is a most attractive shopping center and the biggest "souk" in the world with nearly 4000 shops of antiques, jewelry, gold, carpets and leather apparel.
Patmos Monastery
Built in 1088 by a group of soldier-clerics, known as the "Blessed Khristodhoulos", who went to the Byzantine Emperor, Alexios Komnenos to ask to be titled the island of Patmos, so that they could build a monastery for Saint John the Devine/Theologian and Mary (the name of the mother of the Emperor).
The threat of piracy meant that the outside of the monastery was made a fortress, which has never been breached. To futher confuse the pirates the insıde of the monastery is a maze of courtyards and passages. The town that has grown around the monastery is a labyrinth layout also for protection.
The buildings of the town in some ways resemble those of the Cyclade Islands, such as Paros and Mykonos, but further examination of the styles show that they have a more Italian styling and stick out more from the surrounding rock.
Athens
A wonderfully cosmopolitan city full of culture and history. The combination of modern and classical sights means that whislt touring the city you will see the striking contrast to the remains of its glorious past.
See the "Tomb of the Unknown Soldier", in front of the Parliament House on Constitution Square (Syntagma Square); the Panathenian Stadium, which is the site of the first modern Olympic Games, in 1896; the vistas of the Presidential Palace (formerly the Royal Palace); along Panepistimiou Avenue you'll fınd St. Denis Roman Catholic Cathedral, the National Library, the Academy University and Omonia Square.
In contrast to this modern side of Athens you can visit the ancient; the Roman Temple of Olympian Zeus and the crowning glory of Athens past, the Acropolis, with its many monuments, which include the Parthenon, the Propylaea, the Temple of Athena Nike and Erechtheion with its Porch of Maidens, not forgetting the Acropolis museum.
Accommodation
Ephesus
Patmos Monastery