Photo Gallery
With our fifth stage of Turkey Journey, we explored the cities of Antalya, Karaman, Mersin, Adana, Hatay, Osmaniye, Kahramanmaraş and Niğde.
Antalya · Ancient Structure
Built in the 2nd century AD, Aspendos is one of the world's best-preserved Roman theatres. With a capacity of 15,000 people and still used today as a live opera and festival venue, this structure is an astonishing testament to ancient engineering with its acoustics and perfect architecture.
Antalya · Natural Wonder
Düden Waterfall, one of Antalya's symbols, is located at a unique spot where waters descending from the Taurus Mountains flow directly into the Mediterranean. We felt the power of nature up close on boat tours conducted beneath the waterfall and through the water curtain gushing from the cliffs.
Hatay · Cultural Treasure
Home to one of the world's richest mosaic collections, Hatay Archaeology Museum is an exceptional treasure comprising thousands of pieces from the Roman and Byzantine periods. It holds one of the most prestigious collections in the archaeological world, with famous mosaics such as 'Lord of the Ocean', 'Afiyet' and 'Gypsy Girl'.
Mersin · Historic Castle
Kızkalesi, built on a small island in the sea off Mersin's Erdemli district, is also famous for its legendary story. This Byzantine sea castle, along with the land castle opposite it, offers one of the most impressive historic seascapes of the Mediterranean.
An unforgettable 7-day journey starting from Antalya covering Karaman, Mersin, Adana, Hatay, Osmaniye, Kahramanmaraş and Niğde.
We began our Mediterranean journey from Antalya, the city of sunshine. We explored Ottoman and Roman-era structures in the narrow stone streets of Kaleiçi. We touched 2,000 years of history passing through Hadrian's Gate. In the afternoon we spent time at the magnificent spot where Düden Waterfall pours into the sea.
We stood before the stage of Aspendos Ancient Theatre, one of the world's best-preserved ancient theatres, and personally tested the perfection of its acoustics. Then walking through the colonnaded streets, nymphaeum and agora of Perge Ancient City, we felt the grandeur of the Roman era.
We spent the morning in Alanya's sea and history-filled atmosphere. We climbed Alanya Castle; from its 13th-century towers we gazed at the endless blue of the Mediterranean. Walking along the shore we saw the Seljuk-era symbol Kızılkule (Red Tower) up close. In the afternoon at Damlataş Cave we marvelled at nature's patience among the stalactites and stalagmites.
We experienced the legendary atmosphere of the Cilician coast in Mersin. We visited Kızkalesi (Maiden's Castle) by rowboat; we understood the legendary princess story better in those waters. We then climbed Silifke Castle and observed the ruins of the ancient city and the Göksu valley.
Our final stop was Hatay, the city of civilisations. We watched in amazement one of the world's greatest mosaic collections at Hatay Archaeology Museum. We experienced a spiritual moment in the cave where Jesus met with his disciples at the historic St. Pierre Church. In the evening we bid farewell to this unforgettable journey tasting Antakya's famous künefe and hummus.
