DAILY TOURS

In addition to the conference social activities (welcome party, gala dinner, entertainment shows and soft animations at the venue hotel), the following social program and tours are on demand with payment. Supermag Inc. is the Official Organization Support & Handling Company of ICSM. For details of the daily tours and pre/post conference tours please see information below.

Tour Option 1

Ephesus, Artemis, Virgin Mary House including Lunch

Ephesus in Selcuk is about 155 km away from the Venue Hotel.

It is one of the must-see tourist attractions in the region of Izmir. You will be traveling back to ancient Greek and Roman times as you explore the ruins of UNESCO-listed Ephesus, make a pilgrimage to the House of Virgin Mary and view the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, cited as one of the Seven Wonders of the ancient World.

Ephesus, which was one of the twelve Ion cities, developed as a result of a union of Ionian immigrants with the natives living near the temple of Kybele. Afterwards, the spectacular temple built for this goddess who then took the name of the Greek Goddess Artemis. Like the other Ionian cities, Ephesos was ruled by Lydia, Persia, Macedonia and lastly by the Roman rulers. This city was one of the most popular cities of the ancient world and was given a special attention by many Hellenistic kings. For instance it is known that Lysimakhos built this city and gave it his wife Arsinoe’s name, and that the king of Pergamon Attalos II, enlarged the port. Because the Romans made Ephesus the capital of the Asian State, the city became one of the biggest settlements in Anatolia. The city was an important centre for Christianity at this time.

The House of the Virgin Mary (or Meryem Ana Evi in Turkish) is a place where, according to the beliefs of many people Mary, the mother of Jesus, spent the last years of her life. She was supposed to arrive at Ephesus together with St. John and lived there in the years 37-45 BC until her Assumption (according to Catholic doctrine) or Dormition (according to Orthodox belief). For many years, there have been two differing accounts of Mary’s death and final resting place within the Christian community: Some historians say “Dormito Hietosoymitana” meaning, “She died in Jerusalem where Jesus was born and died.”  Further information may be found just click.

This private day tour includes round-trip transport from the Venue Hotel, lunch, and admission fees, plus a guided walking tour of Ephesus, including the Great Theater, Odeon, Celsius library and an optional visit to the Terrace Houses. All entrance fees and lunch included in the tour price flexibility to customize your itinerary to your own preferences round-trip transport with hotel or port pickup provided.

Total trip time 9-10 hours including travel by private bus.

Please contact our back office.

Tour Option 2

HIERAPOLIS (PAMUKKALE) TOUR

One of Turkey’s most famous natural wonders, the pure white travertine terraces of Pamukkale (“Cotton Castle” in English) cascade down the slope looking like an out-of-place snowfield amid the green landscape. Although the travertines are themselves a highlight of a Turkey trip, the vast and rambling ruins of Roman Hierapolis, an ancient spa town, lie on the top of this calcite hill, providing another reason to visit.

Pamukkale (Cotton Castle): A magical and spectacular natural site unique in the world situated by the ruins of sacred Hierapolis ancient city; Pamukkale is a fairyland of dazzling white pertified castles. Calcium rich thermal spring waters at a temperature of 35 C running of the plateau’s edge for millions of years, have created the fantastic formation of stalactities, cataracts and basins. Relax in the hot springs that have been used since Roman times for their therapeutic powers or swim in the modern pools filled with warm, soothing thermal waters.

For the best photographs, come at dusk when the travertines glow as the sun sinks below the horizon. It is 250 km away from the Venue Hotel.

This is a full day tour from Bodrum and you may explore the natural hot springs and spa city of Hierapolis/Pamukkale. You may like to learn formation of the travertine terraces and dip in the hot springs waters of ancient pool.

Total trip time 10-12 hours including travel by private bus.

Please contact our back office.

Tour Option 3

BODRUM CASTLE – MAUSOLEUM – AMPHITHEATRE AND UNDERWATER ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM – CITY TOUR

Just behind the Castle of St. Peter is Bodrum’s most interesting area. The narrow pedestrian alleyways here are lined with vine-draped, whitewashed, and stone-cut cottages that look like they fell off a postcard. Much of Bodrum has been modernized, so this is one of the few parts of town where you can still get a feel for the fishing village it once was before tourism moved in. It’s an incredibly charming place for a late afternoon wander, and heaven for photographers. There are plenty of cute boutiques and cafés in this area if you need to sit down and relax after strolling.

If you’re looking for some retail therapy, Bodrum has it all. The modern bazaar area is an upmarket take on an original Turkish market, with proper shops rather than stalls. It offers less room for bargaining but what it loses in authenticity, it makes up for in choice. There’s everything here, from gorgeous Turkish and Central Asian textiles and colorful local pottery to a bling-fest of gold shops and snazzy beachwear. A lazy afternoon meandering between the shops after a morning of sunbathing is what Bodrum is all about.

St Peter’s Castle

Elegantly standing guard on the shore, this well-preserved castle is an essential stop for those keen to bask in a beautiful monument to Turkey’s past. Within there are many artifacts found in the local area. The castle’s tall tower looks out over the horizon and offers excellent views of the land and sea. It would be our particular recommendation to schedule your visit for later in the afternoon, not only for the cooler weather but to witness a breathtaking sunset from the tower.
One place of Bodrum that no visitor to this great city should miss is the famous Bodrum Castle, which overlooks the harbor and the international marina. This castle was constructed by the Knights of Rhodes in the 15th century during the crusades of the middle ages, and it was given the name The Castle of St. Petrus, or Petronium.
Another great blue sea view from the top of Bodrum Castle Occupying over 30.000 square feet at its base, construction of this castle took years to complete. The castle was built partly from the left remains of the mausoleum of Mausolus which had collapsed as the result of an earthquake. The huge exterior walls were designed in the early 15th century by the German architect Heinrich Schlegelholt and were strengthened by five towers known usually as the English tower, the Italian tower, the German tower, the French tower and the Snake tower. The French tower of the castle is thought to be the earliest one with the others being added during the following century. After the French Tower The Italian tower was built in 1436 by Italian architect Angelo Mascettola. The final parts of the castle were erected in the time of Pierre d’Abusson between 1476 and 1593, with the English tower being added at around 1480. Towers of the St. Peters Castle, Bodrum The walls of the Bodrum castle contain the nearly 250 coats of arms and armorial bearings of many of the knights that served there. Captured in 1522 by the Ottomans during the reign of Kanuni Sultan Suleyman, the church on the castle was converted into a mosque.
Bodrum Castle has a square-like plan. The castle’s dimensions are 590 x 606 feet (180×185 m), and it’s highest point is 155.8 feet (47.5 m) above sea level. The entrance of the castle is through the first door situated in the northwestern corner. There are 7 doors before you reach the inner castle. The northern and western sides are double-walled. The thick walled structure with a sloping roof at the west side is a cannon blockhouse. All the towers and various places in the Castle of Bodrum have been converted into exhibition halls for the Underwater Archaeology Museum.
The Bodrum Castle is open to the public and it houses Bodrum’s remarkable Museum of Underwater Archaeology and also hosts several Turkish cultural festivals throughout the year.

Bodrum Museum of Underwater Archaeology

An adjoining feature of the Castle of St. Peter, the Museum of Underwater Archaeology is a fascinating and unique attraction for this coastal region. Naturally, in a country as historically rich as Turkey, archaeological exploration is fruitful both on land and sea. This is your opportunity to see some of the many preserved relics that have been uncovered from beneath the waves and evoking a beautiful and noble civilization, lost to the past.
Amphitheater Tour

Seating capacity about 13.000 spectators the theater dates to the region of Mausolus but with modifications added by the Romans. the site provides an unequalled view of the city with rock tombs above. The theater of ancient Halicarnassus has recently been excavated and also restored. This nature oriented theatre is one of the oldest theaters in Anatolia.

Mausoleum

It doesn’t look like much these days — you may need to put your imagination hat on — but this pile of ancient marble and rubble was once one of the seven wonders of the ancient world. The Mausoleum of Mausolus was built in Halicarnassus (Bodrum’s ancient name) by the architect Pytheos as the final resting place of King Mausolus (376-353 BC). When finished, the impressive towering structure measured 46 meters high and was decorated with magnificent friezes by the most celebrated Greek sculptors of the day.
Despite damage by earthquakes over the centuries, it was only finally destroyed by the Knights Hospitallers, who used its stones to build the Castle of St. Peter. The modern day site, in a peaceful garden setting, is worthy of a look if only just to say you’ve seen one of the seven ancient wonders. There’s also a helpful scale model of the original mausoleum on site.
Myndos Gate (Myndos Kapisi)

One for the supreme history fiends on a hunt for the remnants of Halicarnassus, this gate is the last remaining chunk of King Mausolus’ once sturdy fortress walls, which wrapped around the ancient city for seven kilometers. For tourists who enjoy a bit of poking about, plenty of small ruins are nearby, including a scattering of tombs and mosaic fragments left in situ, as well as the sparse remnants of a 4th-century BC moat. None of these remains in themselves have a wow-factor, but combined they make an interesting hour or so of exploring.

Total trip time 7 – 8  hours including travel by private bus.

Please contact our back office.

Tour Option 4

DALYAN – IZTUZU BEACH TOUR

Visit Dalyan a beautiful rural unspoilt town. Explore the surrounding areas including the spectacular Iztuzu Beach, the last nesting area for the Caretta caretta.

This tour will bring you on a unique journey through Dalyan and the surrounding areas. Dalyan is a uniquely beautiful small town unspoiled by buildings. The Iztuzu Beach which is located 7kilometers away is accessible by a 45 minute boat trip. The beach is famed as one of the last nesting areas for the Caretta caretta Sea Turtles. Between May and September, the female turtles come to the beach to lay their eggs, care for them and finally take their young to sea.

The tour will take you on a 15-minute boat trip to the sulpher baths which is a unique and rewarding experience. The mud at the baths contains sulpher and other elements which are beneficial to your skin and make you feel refreshed and revitalized. There is a small spa here where you can relax and be pampered.

The next stop is Caunos, the ancient city located near modern Dalyan. Caunos was founded in the 9th Century BC. Once a Mediterranean city port, it now lies several kilometers from the sea, due to silt build up from the Dalyan River. Caunos is famous for its rock-cut tombs. These tombs were graves for the kings and gentry of the city. As the pagans believed in resurrection, they placed food, money, jewellery and other valuables at the entrance of the tombs. Unfortunately, due to grave robbing, these items do not remain today.

See theseswonderful historical sights and allow our guides to bring you back in time with their knowledge and stories of the past.

Please contact our back office.

Tour Option 5

INCIRLIIN CAVE TOUR

Mugla Natural Heritage Board has declared Incirliin Cave a 1st-degree heritage site. Excavations are ongoing, and archeologists have found human remains, and pieces of ceramic dating back to prehistoric times. Guided tours inside the cave are due to start very soon however the viewing tower and guides are very informative, and the historical value is priceless.

Ongoing excavations at the İncirliin Cave in the southwestern Turkish province of Muğla’s Milas district have unearthed human bones and ceramic pieces dating back to the prehistoric and ancient ages.The cave, which has been declared a first degree archaeological site by the Muğla Cultural and Natural Heritage Preservation Board, is located in Milas’ Gökçeler neighborhood. 345-meter long cave was home to huge stalactites, stalagmites, and stalactite pools.

Please contact our back office.

Tour Option 6

MYLASA, EUROMOS, HERAKLEIA AND IASSOS TOURS

Mylasa

Milas, once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Caria, is a pleasant Aegean town which boasts a miniature replica of the grand, original Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

King Mausolus was king of Caria (377-353 BC), perhaps its greatest king. He ordered a splendid, gigantic tomb built for himself in Halicarnassus (Bodrum). Today little remains of the tomb, but the marble Gümüşkesentemple in Milas is thought to be a small-scale replica of the Mausoleum, the grand tomb that gave its name to all grand tombs since.

Perhaps more important for today’s visitors, Milas is a noted carpet-making center and has a fairly busy airport which serves Bodrum as well (map).

If you come to buy Turkish carpets, have a look at the Gümüşkesen, and also the Baltalı Kapı (Gate with Axe), a Roman gate in the city walls. Also visit some of the town’s 14th-century mosques, built when Milas was capital of the Menteşe emirate. These include the Great Mosque (Ulu Cami, 1378), the Mosque of Orhan Bey(1330), and the Firuz Bey Mosque (1394).

Up in the hills north of Milas is the ancient city of Labranda.

Euromos

The city, located in the region known as Caria, was known from the 5th century BC as Cyramos (Hyramos). During the reign of King Mausolus of Halicarnassus (the 4th century BC) the city was subordinated to Milas and lost its independence. At the same time, its name was changed to Euromos (meaning ‘Strong’), which resulted from the program of Caria Hellenization implemented by Mausolus.

In Roman times, Euromos was granted the status of an autonomous city, but soon afterward it was completely abandoned. The most probable reason was the Antonine Plague that broke out in the western part of Asia Minor in 166 AD. The scholars suspect it to have been either smallpox or measles. In subsequent years, an epidemic spread throughout the entire territory of the Roman Empire, and within 20 years decimated its population.

Hereclia

Heraclia, which was located at the head of the gulf never, became an important city it was far from the popular trade road running from Ephesus to Didyma – Miletus and Priene. These mystic mountains are an excellent area for ambitious hiking and trekking tours. Since 700 A.D hermits and monks have left their marks on these remote mountain slopes. Byzantine monasteries and hermit caves are a favourite destination for study trips.

The Kapikiri Village is built on the ruins of the ancient city Heraclia, the present houses in many cases resting directly on the ancient foundations. Stones from surrounding ruins where used to build the new houses, walls , streets and property demarcations. Heraclia Although it was located in Ionia, Heraclia was a Carian city in character and its history was formed by the events of Caria.

Iasos

Iasos that you reach through this beautiful road is located on a peninsula in the Kıyıkışlacık Village of Milas. Important structures that belong to the ancient city are on this peninsula. According to the finds of the excavations in Iasos, the oldest settlement in the city is dated to late 3000s AD. You should visit the Fish Market Museum, where a certain part of the finds of regular excavations in Iasosancient city, which were done by the Italian Archeology Commission since 1960, are exhibited.

The mole tower at the mouth of the harbor is a Medieval Age structure. The other tower across it was destroyed. In the past, a chain was stretched across the 52 meters wide entrance gap between the two lighthouses to control the sea traffic. It is still possible to reach the lighthouse by walking on the shore and passing through the stones of the mole that are still above the sea level. The harbor in the center of the village is a rare kind of natural harbor-bay; there is a peninsula that is covered with olive trees on one side and there is another peninsula, in which the Iasos ancient city resides on the other side. The most important reason for building the Iasos here was probably the presence of such a sheltered, natural harbor.

Please contact our back office.