The following information was included in the ILOS TRAVEL LTD, TURKISH COLLECTION brochure 1999.

ILOS TRAVEL LTD as based at 18 Market Square, Horsam, West Sussex, RH12 1EU.

Telephone: 01403 259788 FAX: 01403 211699

"Turkey provides all the ingredients for a perfect holiday, not only sun, azure blue seas and an
excellent cuisine, but as a country that spans two continents and 10,000 years of civilisation, it offers a wealth of cultural experiences. Turkey is a treasure throve of history, fine remnants of a bygone age and magnificent ancient sites such as Ephesus, the Lycean rock tombs of Dalyan, Caunus, Didyma and Miletus to name but a few. The land of the Trojan wars and the exotic Sultans of the Ottoman Empire, Turkey is a magnificent country with warm friendly and extremely hospitable people; incomparable scenery of majestic pine clad mountains, spectacular rushing rivers, sandy beaches and exquisite little coves, often accessible only by sea The countryside is lush with fertile plains of cotton, grain, sesame and tobacco, tended by women wearing the brightly hued traditional costumes of their region.

What is there to do in Turkey?
For the sun lover there is plenty of opportunity to swim and sunbathe and from most resorts there are daily boat trips. Why not Include a visit to a weekly market or a traditional Turkish Bath. For the adventurous, a days kayaking on the Dalaman River (near Akyaka) has you delighting in both the sport and the stunning scenery.
For nature lovers the best time to visit Turkey is springtime. After the heavy winter rains the lush greenery of the south west coast is at its best, the glorious aroma of the pine forests, the colourful wild flowers covering the hill sides and a wealth of plant and animal life conspire to make Turkey a perfect destination.

Part of the pleasure of a foreign holiday is the chance to watch animals and birds in the wild that you would never encounter at home. With its mixture of mountains, forests, rivers, reed beds, marshlands and coastal areas, birds are well catered for! Amongst these are Bee Eaters, Buzzards, Golden Orioles, Yellow Headed Buntings, Rollers and even a Lesser Spotted Eagle. Springtime is always awaited with much enthusiasm by the locals as this is the time when the White Stork returns from wintering in southern Africa and traditionally the presence of an occupied nest is regarded as a sign of good fortune.

Insect and butterfly lovers will be impressed by the beautifully coloured damselflies and dragonflies, butterflies and moths. Invariably any car or bus journey has to come to a halt to allow a tortoise to cross the road, some boat trips in the Bay of Gokova are accompanied by a school of dolphins, and one really lucky lady was escorted on her snorkelling voyage by a Loggerhead Turtle.

For the history enthusiast Turkey is a dream. Whichever resort you select, you will be close to some of the world's greatest archaeological sites and historical monuments. You will enjoy discovering the history of this fascinating country. Some of the better known sites have been extensively excavated and are best enjoyed with the services of a guide, however, there are many smaller sites, often just a few miles from the main road, where, armed with a guide book and the help of the site watchman (and it's very likely that you 'll have the entire site to yourselves) you can delve into the colourful past of these ancient settlements.
If you plan to include some archaeological exploration then it is best to avoid July and August when it can be hot
And after so much activity a little pampering does not go amiss. For the gentlemen a visit to the local barbers shop where you'll be shaved and massaged between endless cups of tea, and for the ladies, a manicure and pedicure are highly recommended

Selcuk and Efes

Aphrodisias and Pamukkale

Aphrodisias
Geyre, the village next to the anchient city of Aphrodisias is difficult to reach by public transport. You can either hire a car or take the tour organised by Mepar Tours, which includes a trip to Pamukkale on the same day.A 1-or 2-hr walk around the beautiful remains of this ancient city, once dedicated to the worship of Aphrodite, goddess of love.

Aphrodisias flourished from the 2ndC BC as a centre of the Aphrodite cult. Pilgrims would come from far and wide to take part in orgies to the goddess at the great Temple of Aphrodite. The cult eventually died out with the coming of Christianity, the temple was converted to a Christian basilica, and in the 6thC the city's name was changed to Stavropolis (City of the Cross). However, it was generally referred to as Caria, also the name of the surrounding region, which is echoed in the name of the neighbouring village, Geyre.
Excavation work is still in progress, and some parts of the site are closed to the public. Note that it is forbidden to take photographs of these active excavations.

The Aphrodisias Mesuem has a wonderful collection of Roman statuary.

Milas and Bodrum

Priene, Miletos and Didyma

Marmaris

TURUNC 10km west of Marmaris. . Beautiful bay backed by a small village and steep mountains which offers a pleasant alternative to the more crowded beaches at Marmaris and neighbouring lcmele.

Datca

Koycegiz and Dalyan

IZTUZU (DALYAN) 90 km south-east of Marmaris and about three quarters of an hour from Akyaka. One of the best beaches in Turkey( 4km long). It can be reached by boat from Marmaris or by mini bus to Dalyan then by boat down the Dalyan river.The boat tour also includes a visit to natural hot sulphur springs where you can wallow in glorious mud which reputedly cures all kinds of skin ailments. the beach is also the breading ground of the Meditterian Loggerhead turtle and has been saved from the commercial development so apparent elsewhere by the combined efforts of Turkish and international Environmentalists

Fethiye

OLU DENIZ 12 km south of Fethiye.
White shingle beach on wooded spit between sea and lagoon
Stunningly beautiful setting beneath steep cliffs, said to be the best paracending site in the Med. Very busy in summer

ALTINKUM 75 km south of Kusadasi.. Beautiful wide, sandy beach with excellent water sports facilities, seafood restaurants and bars.
GUMBET 2 km west of Bodrurn. Pleasant, tree-lined, coarse-sand beach set in calm, sheltered bay Plenty of bars and restaurants, and several wind surfing schools.

TURGUTREIS 20 km west of Bodrum.Lovely 1km white-sand beach by small village with harbour, pensions, restaurants and a few shops. Great views of Greek islands, especially at sunset.

PATARA 50 km northwest of Kas.
8km of fine, white sand, backed by dunes and a ruined city, can be quite windy but well worth the visit. A recent article in the Sunday Times voted it the best beach in the world, but then what does Murdock know? No development; facilities limited to two small restaurants, showers and toilets at south end and some umbrellas.