Upon arrival at Kusadasi port or hotel, your private guide will be waiting for you with a personalized sign. You'll then embark on a 45-minute drive into the Turkish countryside (to Priene ancient city).

First visit will be Priene, a former harbor city that was once a bustling hub of trade and commerce until silt from the Meander River filled in its bay and cut off its livelihood. Today, the site sits nearly 10 miles away from the sea but retains its glory through its stunning examples of Hellenistic art and architecture. The city was laid out on a grid plan system, with all streets at right angles to one another. You'll be awed by the spectacular cliff of Mt. Mycale, which looms over the site and adds to the ambiance of the ancient city.

Next, you'll explore Miletus, an ancient city that once stood at the mouth of the Meander River near the present-day Akkoy. It was a highly prosperous city that founded many colonies and was one of the largest cities in Anatolia. Miletus was also the home of renowned philosophers such as Anaximander, Anaximenes, and Thales, as well as the town planner Hippodamus and architect Isidorus. Its prominent position on trade routes made it the most important port in the area and the most active member of the twelve cities of the Ionian Confederation. Throughout its history, Miletus was controlled by various powers, including Persians, Romans, and Seljuk Turks.

Our next destination will be Didyma, a sanctuary dedicated to Apollo that was famous as a prophecy center and linked to Miletus by a sacred road. The name Didyma means "twins," and some legends associate it with the birth of Apollo and Artemis to Zeus and Leto. Our visit to Didyma will offer us a glimpse into the religious and cultural practices of the ancient world and the fascinating myths that shaped them.

After stopping for lunch (which is not included in the tour package), you'll continue on to your last destination of the day: Didyma. The name "Didyma" means "twins," and according to legend, it was where Zeus and Leto met to give birth to their twins, Apollo and Artemis. In ancient times, Didyma was a renowned prophecy center dedicated to Apollo and was similar in importance to the oracle at Delphi in Greece. Although it was not a city, it was connected to Miletus by a sacred road that stretched 12 miles. Today, the impressive standing columns at the site are sure to awe even the most well-traveled visitors. At the end of this captivating tour, you'll return to the Kusadasi pier.

E-mail: info@turkeyshoreexcursions.com
Phone: +90 212 240 20 10
Address: Cumhuriyet cad. no 87 Şişli - Istanbul