The city is located in the River Menderes valley and it has a temperate climate for the majority of the year. The ancient ruins of Lycian society and a Roman theater strewn over the mountains spark a sense of adventure as your imagination runs wild of what life must have once looked like among the stone structures and columns. A cascading waterfall in the background runs into a gentle river that waters the butterflies’ native habitat, the chaste trees. The vibrant city has become a celebrity hot spot for a getaway away from prying eyes. On the outskirts of Novorossiysk you will find picturesque landscapes, with views of the North Caucasus Mountains that expand further than the eye can see. People have been coming to bathe in Pamukkale’s thermal pools every year for the last thousand years. Although the trees and nature continue to grow around the remains of these structures, they have not been lost to time. An old Roman bridge closes the gap between Amasra and a rocky island, making it more remote than most other tourist attractions. But all paths wind their way through the city, giving you plenty of corners to explore and discover away from crowded areas. Straddling the Bosphorous Strait, the narrow passage that joins the Black Sea and the Marmara Sea, Istanbul has connected trade and culture between Europe and Asia for millennia. Beyond the shores and making your way to town, whitewashed houses in the Greek style decorated with vibrant foliage line the narrow, cobblestone streets. On its southside lies a high mountain range covered in lush forest, locking it away from the Anatolian Plateau. Try a dip in the sacred pool, where you can swim amongst Roman columns, pillars, and remains of buildings and sculptures. Your post reminded me of great memories from a few years ago. If you want to see more than one place and you have a couple days to spare, this is the tour for you. For a true journey to the past, you must go where the western Anatolia and the Aegean converge: Pergamon. But they also do car hire. Along the seaside village you will find an array of restaurants with the fresh catch of the day. Hiring a private taxi is another option worth exploring. Start in Odessa, Ukraine and sail for 7 days heading into Russia before arriving in Istanbul, Turkey. Grand architecture at Europe Square in this district brings to front of mind the question: What is Batumi’s story? It’s quicker (by an hour) with your own transport. These pools look incredible, as do the Cleopatra ones. Nothing invokes that feeling more than the ruins of the Library of Celsus, an ancient Roman site where its namesake is buried in a crypt beneath it. Visit the Roman ruins and the Hierapolis museum to trace the thousands of years of history found here. There is no better sendoff than that. ©Atlas Ocean Voyages 2020. $78.48 per adult. Structures crafted from shining marble give these baths a classic look and feel with contemporary amenities, bringing together the best of both past and present. I’d definitely be staying the night to watch the sunset too, bet it’s magical! MAX SHORE: 24-Night Comprehensive Anatolia and Holy Land, MAX SHORE: 24-Night Hidden Histories and Pamukkale Hot Springs, Aug 04    Odessa, Ukraine    Depart: 8:00PM, Aug 06    Novorossiysk, Russia   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 6:00PM, Aug 07    Sochi, Russia   Arrive: 7:00AM OVERNIGHT, Aug 08    Sochi, Russia    Depart: 9:00PM, Aug 09    Batumi, Georgia   Arrive: 7:30AM Depart: 5:00PM, Aug 10    Sinop, Turkey   Arrive: 2:00PM Depart: 10:00PM, Aug 11    Amasra, Turkey   Arrive: 9:00AM Depart: 5:00PM, Aug 12    Istanbul, Turkey   Arrive: 9:00AM OVERNIGHT, Aug 14    Istanbul, Turkey    Depart: 6:00PM, Aug 15    Kepez, Turkey   Arrive: 7:00AM Depart: 8:00PM, Aug 16    Bozcaada, Turkey   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 6:00PM, Aug 17    Dikili, Turkey   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 6:00PM, Aug 18    Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 11:45AM, Aug 19    Patmos, Greece   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 10:00PM, Aug 20    Bodrum, Turkey   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 6:00PM, Aug 21    Marmaris, Turkey   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 6:00PM, Aug 22    Fethiye, Turkey   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 6:00PM, Aug 23    Kekova Island & Demre, Turkey   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 6:00PM, Aug 24    Paphos, Cyprus   Arrive: 8:00AM Depart: 5:00PM, Aug 25    Masada (Ashdod), Israel   Arrive: 9:00AM OVERNIGHT, Aug 26    Masada (Ashdod), Israel    Depart: 8:00PM, Aug 27    Jerusalem (Haifa), Israel   Arrive: 9:00AM OVERNIGHT. From Troy to Gallipoli, Turkey beckons the curious to explore its deepest reaches. Yes, the area has been popular for thousands of years thanks to the warm temperatures of the natural mineral waters. Further into the backstreets and side paths of Bodrum, you pass between the iconic Greek style houses adorned by brightly colored flowers and lush foliage. At the Gallipoli Campaign Historic Site you will find monuments and memorials that honor the Allied defeat. Don’t even get close to the hottest springs! Pamukkale & Salda Lake - Entrance and Lunch inclusive. Along the seaside promenade lies a feast for the eyes as well as the sun sparkles on top of the water. All Rights Reserved. Throughout its history, many empires have ruled in Turkey. Atop Mount Carmel, the view gives way to a sprawling, modern city complete with skyscrapers and contemporary constructs. We haven’t yet tried Expedia but if their support service is the same as they usually provide then we’d highly recommend trying them out. More info. Located centrally in Turkey it is a short plane or train ride The Black Sea port town of Amasra, located in the ancient region of Paghlagonia, holds centuries of artifacts and history to satiate the most curious of minds. Dishes like bichki (bull fish) and Black Sea mussels in white wine, cream, and herbs entice you with their delectable aromas and mouthwatering flavors. Your email address will not be published. The land of myth and legend no longer resides in history as archaeologists have brought to life Troy’s storied past, made accessible to the present. Quisque rutrum. From its sunbathing corners shaded by olive groves to gourmet cuisine and a lively night life, Bodrum has been deemed the St. Tropez of Turkey. From catacombs to sunny beaches, Odessa holds an array of environments that appeal to any type of explorer. More info. While a mud bath might sound counterintuitive, there is something about the activity that brings you back to childhood, playing in the dirt without a care in the world. Some of the most beautiful architecture in Istanbul is found in the mosques. Deribasovskaya Street exudes a carnival vibe, brimming with shops and restaurants that bring a colorful energy to the city. Our first destination was about 5 kilometres away, a natural hot spring pool in the village of Karahayit. A walk among the palm trees of the Arboretum will make you believe you have somehow been transported to a tropical paradise. No problem. Between stony shores and dotted green hills remnants of a former Lycian society give visitors a glimpse into the world’s first democratic federation. 12 by bus and 4 hours by bus and flight combination. Sochi is alive and vibrant, rich in history, art, and culture. For those who stay for the night, the sunset was amazing. … Pamukkale Hot Springs and Hierapolis Ancient City from Alanya. The tomb of Saint Nicholas, most famously associated with Santa Claus, in the ancient city has become a popular pilgrimage for many travelers. Along the coast of the small village Kapisuyu lies a relatively remote beach where the pristine scenery of Turkey abounds. Pamukkale is located in the South West of Turkey, directly east of Kusadasi, southeast of Izmir, northwest of Antalya and south of Istanbul. Delve into lesser known sites of Sardes, Aphrodisias, Hierapolis and Sagalassos. From here, those filled with wanderlust can venture to the likes of Troy and Gallipoli. $80.00 per adult. If you’d prefer to stay on board between sailings and call World Navigator your home while in Istanbul, that’s a good choice, too. In recent times, it has become known as the Mini Las Vegas of the Black Sea. Rocky coastlines lead to lush vineyards, of which cover one-third of the island, where fun-loving travelers can tour the wineries and wine cellars. Log into your account in just a few simple steps. Hierapolis-Pamukkale is considered a site of outstanding universal value by the UNESCO foundation. Located in the heart of the Marmaris town center, many visitors stop for a few minutes to catch the show. 22 reviews. Is Pamukkale a UNESCO World Heritage site? I loved my trip to Pamukkale. The former ancient city of Telmessos transformed into Fethiye holds thousands of years of rich history and culture. Out in the quiet desert of the Mitzpe Ramon nature reserve, a deep blue-black sky filled with twinkling stars surrounds you with a sense of wonder. That’s because Sochi is the only city in Russia where you experience five climate zones. Founded by Russian empress Catherine the Great, the relatively new city contains modern history of its establishment dating back to the 14th century.