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Aphrodisias and Kuşadası

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  Day 11: Ancient Aphrodisias and Kuşadası Tue, May 05, 2026 We'll work our way west toward Turkey's Aegean Coast, where ancient Greek colonists settled 2,500 years ago. Freed from the "establishment" norms of Athens, these communities thrived as centers of learning and creativity - and wealth. This morning, we'll tour the ancient site of Aphrodisias, which, under Greek and Roman rule alike, prospered as a center for the arts. After lunch together we'll continue on to the lively harbor city of Kuşadası. The Roman Theatre of this site, both from the front and inside.  Random sites  The following 5 pictures are from …..The Temple of Aphrodite was begun in the late first century BC by C. Julius Zoilos, a leading citizen. In the first century AD, the surrounding lonic columns were erected by several local families. The temple was then enclosed in an elaborate colonnaded court or sanctuary area, in the second century AD. Around AD 500, the temple was converted ...

Wonderland of Pamukkale

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  Day 10: Wonderland of Pamukkale Mon, May 04, 2026 This morning we'll take off for the amazing weekly farmers market in the town of Korkuteli, where you can assemble your own delicious picnic lunch. We'll then drive to the hilltop overlooking Pamukkale, where we'll get oriented to its spectacularly calcified cliffs and the impressive ruins of Hierapolis, where ancient Greeks and Romans considered the thermal springs sacred. During your free time, you'll even have a chance to take a quick dip in a natural spring pool amid the remains of Roman columns. After dinner together, we'll attend a religious performance by the followers of Mevlana Rumi, better known as Whirling Dervishes. First we stopped at a farmers market and we were supposed to buy something for 100TL.  I ended up spending 150TL, but I didn’t know how to bargain. Most people in Turkey do not buy produce at a store. They weekly go to the farmers market.  In the town of çavdır. The weather wasn’t so wond...