Why You Should Visit West Turkey?
Ottoman Delights and Ancient Roman temples, green mosques and Roman theatres adorn this eight-night itinerary. This route heads south from Istanbul to the former Ottoman capital, Bursa, and ends near Selçuk, the base for visiting Ephesus, the ancient terminus of the Silk Trade Routes. There are many places we had to exclude that you may choose to visit.
Author & Photographer: George Mitchell
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West Turkey Itinerary Map
The West Aegean Itinerary is an 9 day trip between Istanbul and Pamukkale but you easily spend much more time here. This is part 2 of an 18-day West Turkey road trip. Part 1 was the Best of Istanbul Itinerary and Part 3 is the Turquoise Coast Itinerary. The West Turkey itinerary is the best choice if you are travelling in late winter or spring as it is much warmer than northern or central Turkey.
Bursa 2 nights
5. Green Mosque & Tomb 4Σ
It is really Yeşil Türbe (Green Tomb) opposite the mosque that blew us away and is the must-see with its unbelievable shades of green. Do not miss it!
6. Cumalikizik & Bursa
– Ottoman Delights 2Σ
In the morning we visited a small, old Ottoman village (do not expect incredible architecture like the wealthier Safranbolu). It was pleasant walk in the off-season when there were very few tourists. In the afternoon, we walked through the old walled district of Bursa with nice views from the ramparts near the Türbe.
Bergama 2 nights
7. Precipitous Acropolis 2Σ
We loved the spectacular setting and the precipitous Pergamum Theatre. If you have a fear of heights do not walk down the stairs to your seat.
Selçuk 3 nights
8. Serene Greek Şirince 1Σ
This old Greek town is famous for white-washed houses, wine, et al. The walking was very pleasant as cars are not allowed. We spent the afternoon of our arrival day here.
9. All Roads Lead to Ephesus 5Σ
This is the top archaeological site of Turkey but overrun with tourists. We spent all day here: actually it is busiest from the opening until lunch then much less people the rest of the day.
11. Priene, Miletus, and Didyma 2Σ
We visited three ancient ruins in one day, but they are described in three separate posts:
a. Priene and the Modern World,
b. Miletus and its Roman Theatre, and
c. Didyma and the God Apollo.
These sites are close together but require a car or a tour. We spent all day and did not have enough time to visit Lake Bafu.
12. Afrodisias Aphrodisiac 5Σ
If you have a car, you can visit nearby Afrodisias, on the way to Pamukkale. However, it is very difficult to get to by dolmuş. Rent a car or take a tour. It is one of the nicest archaeological sites in Turkey with some actual buildings still standing or reconstructed! Its’ fairly compact size gives a very good idea what an Ancient Roman city looked like. It needs a half day.
Pamukkale – 2 nights
The first day was spent on Afrodisias and travel time to Pamukkale. So we really had only one full day here.
13. Pamukkale Terraces 1Σ
Notice we gave only 1Σ. Only a few places in Turkey were disappointing. The Pamukkale Terraces were very disheartening with hardly any water in the “thermal pools”. They are not worth the price of admission.
Most of the water goes into pools that visitors can walk into. I am sure this appeals to many tourists but it is not what a thermal area should look like. If you want to see superb thermal areas go to Whakarewarewa (Rotorua), Orakei Korako (New Zealand) or Yellowstone National Park (USA).
14. Hierapolis Ruins 3Σ
However, the Pamukkale admission also includes the Hierapolis Ruins, which were a pleasant surprise. The theatre made the price of admission worthwhile.
Where else can I go in this region?
Do you have more time? The following is a list of other places we had considered during our trip planning but had to leave out due to the lack of time.
- İznik: walled city where the famous historical tiles come from
- Assos: view from acropolis towards Lesbos, GR
- Ayvalık: splendid viewpoint of sea with wind-swept pine forest, apricots
- Foça: lovely & charming seaside place
- Alaçatı: tiny Aegean village
- Bafa Gölü: West side of lake superb for birds (5sp); one of the best natural areas: lake is dotted with islands and flanked by rugged mountains
- Kapikiri: dramatic setting on Bafa Gölü; Besparmak Dagi; Herakleia: old ruins
- Gümüşlük: sunken city walls of ancient Myndos
- Datça Peninsula: azure coves and scattered ruins
- Hisarönü Peninsula: spectacular, raw pine-clad coast; Selimiye
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