Day 1

Arrive at Bodrum airport. Transfer to a hotel in Bodrum. (Or you could be collected from a gulet) Spend the rest of the day exploring the Crusader Castle and museum of underwater archaeology.

Day 2

Drive to Bafa Lake and explore the immediate area, including the remains of ancient Heraklia and Latmos. (Bafa is an inland salt water lake and a haven for birds). Visit Miletos and the extensive ruins including the roman theatre and bath complex. Overnight at Kusadasi.

Day 3

Guided tour of Ephesus, one of the most important cities of the ancient world, with its spectacular theatre, agoras, villas, temples and library, museum and the house of the Virgin Mary. Overnight at Kusadasi.

Day 4

Travel across country to get a taste of village life, to Tire on the edge of the Aydin mountains. This small town still retains the charm and characteristics of old Ottoman days. Then, on to Birgi, with its very old merchant houses dating from the 15th century. Most of the village dates from the 13th century. Overnight in the mountain region at a simple hotel (marvellous scenery and very different from coastal areas.)

Day 5

Drive to Sardis, ancient capital city of Lydia. Ruins of colossal gymnasium, Temple of Artemis and other excavations. Overnight at Pamukkale (Hierapolis).

Day 6

Explore ruins and tombs of Hierapolis and the white calcium deposits left by hot springs over the centuries. Overnight at Pammukkale.

Day 7

Drive to Aphrodisias, a truly wonderful ancient Carian city with the only complete stadium left from the ancient world. A good museum with sculptures from the site plus many other excavations. Overnight stop will depend on your onward programme for the next day.

Day 8

Transfer to Dalaman airport or boat or hotel.