Priene

Priene, now known as Güllübahçe, was an ancient city of Ionia situated some 20 km from Söke. The ruins of Priene present one of the most striking examples of the grid type of town-planning associated with the name of Hippodamos. The plan of Priene was based on that of Athens and, as the ancient town is located on a slope at the foot of a great cliff of rock, the grid plan is displayed in all its magnificence. Temples and other buildings were constructed on terraces in front of the cliff. No one who visits this little city can fail to be impressed by the landscape and the whole surrounding atmosphere. In spring it fills anyone who views it with the joy of life. The ruins of this city include the gigantic columns of the temple dedicated to Athena, remains of a city wall, an almost intact Hellenistic theater with decorated seats for the VIPs. Priene was also the birthplace of Archelaus, the famous sculptor who, in the 3rd century B.C., adorned the city with his artistic creations and went on to work in Pergamon towards 240 B.C. Wonder around and enjoy the atmosphere of this special site cradled under the shade of the mountain among pine trees.

Didyme

Although situated in the middle of a modern town the temple of Apollo still preserves its mystery. It was one of the largest temples of the ancient world and rivaled the Apollo temple of Delphi. People were visiting the sanctuary and the oracle from all over the ancient world. Admire the gigantic columns which still remain a mystery of construction and wonder at the column which fell in slices during a disastrous earthquake. At the entrance of the site are two large heads of Medusa which must have impressed the visitors in antiquity as much as they impress the visitors today.

Pamukkale and Hierapolis

Visit one of mother natures wonders: Pamukkale which means Cotton Castle in Turkish. The cotton- or rather snow-white calcified basins steeping down the mountainside are a beautiful view from below and from 600 m above you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the Turkish country side. The thermal waters of Pamukkale have therapeutic powers and you should not miss a bath in the Cleopatra pool and let your thoughts and worries trickle away with the waters.
The therapeutic waters were well-known also in antiquity and you should definitely visit the wonderful ruins of the ancient city of Hierapolis just walking minutes away from the pools. You can walk into the ancient city through the gate and enjoy the street and see the remains of the disastrous earthquake which destroyed the city. Visit the theater where in ancient times the patients enjoyed performances and in the museum you can see sculptures which once adorned the theater. The museum also contains small finds that have been excavated by the Italian team of archaeologists in the city of Hierapolis. Many public and private buildings have been excavated and are worth visiting. Hierapolis’ cemetery is very large and many beautiful tombs have been built there. The views and the setting of this site make it one of the most impressive sites of Turkey. 

Bergama

These are two names for the same city, ancient and modern. But they have more in common than baucoup name. The modern city is based on farming it Eredita of its former sister. The archaeological sites of Pergamon are vast and impressive! But do not forget to visit the old Greek houses we can see next to the ruins millennia. The small river that flows through the city has a special charm.
The mythology that told us about after Achilles killed Hector Andromake became the slave of Neptolème son of Achilles and had three children. The child in the name of the founder of Pergamum fu the city.
Pergamon had a glorious past: Lysimachia, the general genius of Alessandro the Great expanded the city, which fu expanded even more during the reign of Eumenes II writer. He embellished the city of monuments, public buildings and beautiful sculptures. His famous library was the rival of Alexandria in Egypt.

Visit the Temple of Athena, the theater, the altar of Zeus, the temple dedicated to Demetra, the gym and do not forget to visit the Asclepion which is the largest construction site.

Miletos

According to mythology the hero would Miletus founded the city only after killing the giant Asterius son of Anax. In addition the region of Miletus was originally known as the 'Anactaria'. It was one of the major cities on the Meander River and an important center of philosophy and science, and it gave origin to many ancient philosophers such as Thales, Anaximander and Anaximenes. The New Testament speaks of Miletus where St. Paul met the old man of the church of Ephesus before his capture and journey to Rome for his trial. The site is very large with a huge theater that has been repaired and enlarge over the centuries. Climb to the top of the theater and immagine the ancient city. Go to the Roman baths and admire the fountains water jet. Also visit the Selcuk Moschee with her beautiful dome and windows decorated with arabesques.

Aphrodisias

Aphrodisias in the Roman era, especially with Aphrodithe worship an ancient city famed for its flourishing today with a very well-preserved monumental structures is one of Turkey's most important archaeological places.
Next revs on the mound in the theater, BC A prehistoric settlement dating back to 5000. BC 6. century, a small village of Aphrodisias. First Aphrodithe temple was also during this period. This view BC 2. century with the founding of the city's grid plan has changed. During this period, the city, around 15,000 people lived in an area of approximately one kilometer.
M.Ö.1. century, the Roman Emperor Augustus, Aphrodisias was under personal protection. Today the surviving monuments of it was done within the next 2 centuries. The temple is surrounded by two square columns between the theater and around the planned (Tiberius Portikosu and Agora). Stadium is the best preserved of the ancient world took place at the northern end of the city. Anno Domini 3. Aphrodisias in Caria in the late Roman Empire became the capital of the State of the century. Anno Domini 4th century walls of the city and turned around. Anno Domini 6. century onwards began to lose importance and become prosperous. Temple Aphrodithe converted church. Returning from a small town in the city 12 century, completely abandoned.
In 1961, excavations were initiated by the University of New York, are continuing today.