11 days in Bodrum District, Kusadasi & Izmir Province Itinerary

Elegant Bodrum is a district and port city, watched over by its 15th-century seaside castle and is home to the Mausoleum of Mausolus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Formerly a simple fishing village, the town flourished after writer Kabaağaçlı put the city on the map: exiled here in 1925, he adopted the pen name, "The Fisherman of Halicarnassus"--an allusion to the city's name in aniquity. Today this seaside vacation spot charms visitors with a glittering marina, flower-filled cafes, palm-lined promenades, and a host of seafood restaurants. The serene simplicity that caught Kabaağaçlı's eye has since attracted other artists, giving Bodrum a sophistication that sets it apart from other coastal towns.

İzmir Province represents a land where undulating mountains fading into the indigo sky serve as a backdrop to lush green vineyards. Its abudance of ancient ruins and location on the Aegean coast make this Mediterranean province a prime holiday destination. The province boasts a fascinating history, having been ceded to the Greeks following World War I, only to be later reclaimed in the Turkish War of Independence. The coastal towns, ancient cities, warm climate, and superb local fish and herb cuisine are among the delights of this vacation spot.