BODRUM
Bodrum is the ancient city of Halikarnassos (1200 BC), birthplace of Herodotus and site of the Mausoleum of King Mausolus (350 BC), reckoned to be one of the Seven Wonders of the world. According to historic sources, it was established by Dorians, lived under Karian, Lykian, Persian, Macedonian, Egyptian and Roman sovereignties, and was captured by the 'Rhodes Knights' in 189 B.C. The city came under Ottoman domination when Kanuni the Magnificent in 1522, captured the city along with the Island of Rhodes. An impressive medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes, the imposing Castle of the Knights of St. John, guards the entrance to Bodrum's dazzling blue bay, in which the Aegean and the Mediterranean Seas meet, and where the picturesque historic Harbour is home to elegant yachts and gullets. The beautifully preserved Antique Theatre nearby will also delight you.

Bodrum is less than a two hour drive from Virgin Mary's house near Selçuk where she arrived accompanied by St. John, and the city of Ephesus where St. Paul once preached to the Ephesians. Ephesus where another of the Seven Wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis, stood is now restored to mirror its classic splendour. Bodrum is a friendly place just to stroll. A walk down the winding alleys past the typical white houses takes you past artisans who still craft according to traditions centuries old. The old Castle houses the world-famous Marine Archeology Museum displaying a unique collection of vestiges dating from 2000 BC, and the oldest known shipwreck.

MARMARIS

Surrounded by pine-clad hills, Marmaris is located on the site of ancient Phykos of which nothing at all remains since the modern town sits atop the ruins. There are however numerous examples of Ottoman architecture from the reign of Süleyman the Magnificent since Marmaris was taken by him as part of his campaign against the island of Rhodes nearby. Among the buildings that may be seen are the castle built in 1521; a caravanserai built in 1545; Tashan, also built in the 16th century; and the Mosque of Ibrahim Agha, dated 1789.

Marmaris is deservedly better known for its natural beauty: the lace-like coastline is embellished with coves and inlets where one may go swimming, diving, or fishing. The sheltered bay is excellent for windsurfing. Accommodations, restaurants, and cafes are plentiful and tours are available to coves like Içmeler, Kumlubük, Turunç, and Kadirga. Nearby is a sea cavern called Fosforlu (Phosphorescent). The forests of fragrant storax trees around Marmaris offer tempting picnic spots. Marmaris is a calling place on the Blue Voyage and boats may be hired here to go to Bodrum and Fethiye. Boat tours are also available to the nearby ruins of ancient Caunos. Good highway connections make it easy to visit more distant places like Knidos, Pamukkale, Aphrodisias, and even Ephesos. The Marmaris marina is amply provided with everything a yachtsman might need.

FETHIYE

Heavily forested region that offers occasional glimpses of the sea and an islet or two basking in total seclusion. The Gulf of Göcek and its friendly marina is one of the Mediterranean's best sailing spots. Dotted with islands and indented with many coves, its land and seascapes are irresistible. The ruins of Arymaxa, an ancient city at the southern tip of the gulf, lie at the edge of the azure waters. Opposite, on Tersane Island, stand Byzantine ruins, including those of the ancient shipyards.

The popular resort Fethiye, 135 km southeast of Marmaris, boasts an important marina at the head of a beautiful bay strewn with islands. A hill crowned by the ruins of the crusader fortress built by the Knights of Rhodes overlooks the little port. Above the town, (called Telmessos in antiquity), numerous Lycian rock tombs, reproducing the facades ancient buildings, were cut into the cliff face. The Tomb of Amyntas, which probably dates from the fourth century B.C. is the most remarkable.

ANTALYA