Ancient
Lycia in the footsteps of Alexander the Great
 Caunos
From Ekincik, hire a local riverboat for an excursion to the 6th Century
B.C. site of Caunos. This is an extensive site and there is much to
see including a series of 4th Century B.C. rock tombs in the cliffs,
their facades carved in the form of miniature Greek temples. The other
structures include a church, Roman bath complex, an amphitheater and
nymphaion.
 Gemiler
Island
Excavations have only just begun in this Byzantine site and a team of
Japanese archaeologists have recently identified at least five different
churches. This settlement was an important religious center in the 4th
Century A.D. The most important ruins are of a basilica linked to a
church by a long covered walkway. Snorkeling here is particularly good
and submerged stone foundations of ancient quays and walls of buildings
can easily be seen as the water is crystal clear.
Patara,
Xanthos, Letoon
From the village of Kalkan your captain will arrange an excursion to
the Lycian sites of Patara, Xanthos and Letoon.
The monuments at Xanthos include a Roman Theatre, an arched gateway
dedicated to Vespasian (A.D. 75) and two unique standing tombs, the
best recorded (known as the "Harpy Tomb") from 5th Century
B.C. ...The
French archaeological institute has been excavating here at Letoon for
the past thirty years. Patara was the principal Lycian port and provincial
capitol during Vespasian's reign. Lots to see, including Roman baths,
a colonnade, council house, Christian basilica, granary and a temple
tomb.
Kekova,
Simena
Drop anchor opposite the ancient city of Teimussa. The water is very
warm for swimming and the scenery spectacular. There are countless Lycian
Sarcophagi randomly scattered along the beach. Visit the Ancient City
of Simena, just above the village. There is a beautiful medieval castle
with a small theater built inside and the remains of an ancient temple
have been found in the castle's foundation.
 Myra
and the Church of St. Nicholas
From the Port of Finike, arrange a minibus to visit the 4th Century
B.C. site of Myra and the Church of St. Nicholas. From Myra, you can
hike to well preserved rock tombs cut into the hillside. On the plain
below these tombs lies a large Roman amphitheater. After a lunch in
Myra at a traditional Turkish restaurant, visit the church dedicated
to St. Nicholas.
Mount
Olympus
Sail to the spectacular Bay of Ceneviz. Mount Olympus together with
its ancient site lies not more than two miles away.
 Phaselis
The ancient city of Phaselis has three ports. Drop anchor in the Western
bay. A short dinghy ride will take you to the site. The remaining buildings
we can see are Hellenistic and Roman in origin. There is a theater,
aqueduct, bath and gymnasium complex. Alongside the main street is a
fountain and the Gate of Hadrian.
Antalya
Moor in the ancient port situated just under the Ottoman defense walls
of the main city. This is the oldest port of Antalya and the cobbled
streets leading up to the modern city are lined with beautifully restored
Ottoman houses. From Antalya there are five important sites to visit
and one of the most important museums in the whole of Turkey... Not
to be missed!
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