Aegean Coast Tours: A Look at Some Pretty Terrific Cultural Experiences

So, you want to go see the Aegean Coast? It’s a really wonderful area shared between Turkey and Greece. It’s soaked in history, has remarkable views, and boasts a blend of cultures that, as a matter of fact, makes for, well, a completely fascinating travel destination. If, that is, you are into gorgeous coastlines paired with historical explorations, then this just might be a vacation that you really love. That said, the question, really, is this: what are some truly exceptional “cultural tours” along the Aegean Coast?

Ephesus and Pamukkale: A Trip into Anatolian History

First, for those searching for an exploration that mixes the ancient with the simply remarkable, you have got to visit Ephesus and Pamukkale. Pamukkale, very known for its dazzling white terraces formed by mineral-rich thermal waters, it feels almost like another planet. Really quite otherworldly. As a matter of fact, the calcium deposits create pools where you could just take a dip (it is allowed in certain spots). Nearby, there are the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Greco-Roman place, built, as a matter of fact, above the hot springs; a great location if, that is, you are into history. Meanwhile, not too far off from Pamukkale is the antique city of Ephesus. Ephesus very features very remarkable ruins, the Library of Celsus among them. Then, you can also explore the Great Theatre, you know, where shows and gladiatorial contests very used to be held. Plus, as a matter of fact, Ephesus presents a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, which very many believe is where Mary spent her last days.

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Delos: Walking in Ancient Footsteps

Then, if your trip lands you closer to the Greek isles, why not make a visit to Delos? As a matter of fact, this little island, located close to Mykonos, carries great mythological and historical importance. Arguably, it’s named as the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis and was considered a place that was really sacred in ancient Greece. The entire island is actually an archeological site! Very full of the remains of temples, statues, and houses. You could take a ferry from Mykonos to get there, and when you do, you can spend hours simply walking around this very ancient location, seeing the Terrace of the Lions and the Temple of Apollo, to name just a few. In a way, because there aren’t any modern settlements, visiting the site feels so much like stepping back, way, way back into the past. As I was saying, tours frequently originate from Mykonos, but you could also maybe find boats leaving from nearby islands.

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Rhodes Old Town: Medieval Meets the Mediterranean

Rhodes is also another terrific place to check out, it being the biggest of the Dodecanese islands, and its Old Town, that is, a UNESCO location, can simply whisk you away. I mean, like you were teleported back to medieval times. Of course, the Knights of St. John left a seriously visible mark here in the 14th century, and you could easily, actually, just get lost meandering its stone streets, seeing its fortifications, and marveling at architecture, you know, the Palace of the Grand Master. Now, aside from the medieval charm of the Old Town, you can check out other spots around the island such as Lindos which very features an acropolis with incredible coastal vistas.

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Assos and Pergamon: North Aegean Treasures

Traveling a bit north on the Turkish Aegean Coast, you will come to Pergamon (Bergama), which, frankly, once was a strong ancient city. Its acropolis, now that I think of it, perched very high on a hill, has the remains of temples and one heck of a library, now that I think about it, that was said, basically, to rival the one in Alexandria. Then, that city is linked to Asklepion. One of antiquity’s important medical places; this might appeal, basically, to those with a medical curiosity. Now, to get away from all that city exploration for a bit, travel to Assos. Which, you know, it is very much a pretty, somewhat unspoiled spot, is where the remains of a Temple of Athena could, maybe, just take your breath away.

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Cappadocia (from the Aegean Coast): A Hot Air Balloon Adventure

And finally, I recommend Cappadocia for the traveler who’s very up for a bit of an excursion, even though Cappadocia is certainly not directly on the Aegean Coast, multiple-day trips usually run from places along the coast. These trips bring you inland to a region really known for its distinct “fairy chimney” rock formations and old underground towns. If you are the kind of person that could get pretty excited by the notion, take an unforgettable dawn hot air balloon ride; it’s more than worth it to see the unusual geological scenery. And tours from the coast normally handle all the logistics like transit and lodging. Usually included are places like Goreme Open Air Museum and Kaymakli Underground City.

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