Come with us on a journey to explore the places that time forgot. Nestled away thirty minutes from Muglawithin the town of Yatagan is an ancient city. Stratonicea, also known as the city of gladiators.
Once a bustling Carian city, inhabited continuously from the 4thCentury BC to the 20thCentury AD. When excavations began the town became deserted. Except for afew remaining occupants who continued to dwell there, naming the self-made village as Eskihisar.First of all, we will collectyou from your accommodation at 09.00 am. Drivingtowards Mula, we will stopto appreciate the spectacular Sakar Passage viewpoint on Mula mountain. Here you can see Gokova, the Slow Town Akyaka and the plateau below.We will arrive at Stratonicea, the worlds largest marble city, at 11.00am. The ruins within the city are a wonderful historic mix from the Helenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Selcuk and Ottoman Empires. Standing together to showcase Turkish archaeological history at its finest.The construction of Stratonicea was conducted on the basis of a grid plan. Invented by Hippodamus of Miletus. Despite the lack of solid evidence, it is assumed that the main alley led fromthe north to the south. The outgoing streets creating the city grid. Excavations continue, giving a magical experience of history being uncovered before your eyes. This year, 65 Byzantine tombs have already been unearthed.Mugla
Mugla itself is one of the 30 big cities in Turkey holding a population of over 1 million people. However, this frozen city feels ambient and tranquil with amazing sights that areseen around every corner.
Following our time in the city we will visit the Belen Mill for a traditional rustic lunch and to learn the history behind one of Turkey's most famous songs, Ormanci. After which we take the short drive into Mugla itself. Despite its size, Mugla is not a town that attracts tourists so the atmosphere and architecture will be refreshingly different from coastal towns.
Spend your time browsing the famous Mugla Market. There are a huge variety of stalls to discover, with goods ranging from clothes and handbags to locally grown fruits and vegetables. There is the option to visit the mosques and museums within the town should you wish, or simply sit in one of the atmospheric bars and cafes and watch the world go by.
A visit to Arasta is next on the itinerary. A beautiful old fashioned bazaar shaded by ancient vines within the enchanting narrow streets of Muglas old town. Visit the remarkable tin smiths who showcasethe intricate craftsmanship that is involved in the creation of their goods.
Incorporated within this area also is the beautiful Zahide Bazaar. 14 shops proudly showcase the products handmade by the women of the town, offering you the opportunity to purchase something completely authentic and unique.
Our approximate arrival time back in Dalyan is 18.00pm.