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Published: October 8th 2010
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Hadrian's Gate
Entrance to the Old City of Antalya. Also, a long way from Hadrian's Wall. Back to Turkey again. Third time in 8 years, so it must be good. This time the justification is twofold, firstly, the Honeymoon on account of not going away immediately after the wedding. Secondly, to get some warm weather. Also, we didn't make it quite as far as Antalya when we last came to the Turquoise Coast in May 2008, and in 2002 on The Big Drive Home (from the UAE) I bypassed the place as it was too large and intimidating for me to drive into. So it's an area that we like and having already been close on two previous occasions it's unfinished business.
Having got ourselves a good package deal including flights, transfers and a two week stay at an hotel in Antalya, the plan is to use the hotel as a base for seeing around the Antalya region and then head off along the Turquoise Coast to Kas where we really enjoyed ourselves last time.
Tuesday 5th October, the flight out from Birmingham went really well as we decided to upgrade our seats to the Exit row and consequently were very comfortable. Because we arrived 45 minutes early, at 2.10 am, the transport to the hotel wasn't
waiting for us so we lost the 45 minutes we had gained on the flight. No worries though as it was a mild clear night and it was quite pleasant standing around outside the airport. When the transport did arrive it took half an hour to get to our hotel. Bed at around 4am local time and we didn't get up until sometime around midday on Wednesday.
Wednesday, 6th October, we got directions to the Old City: "50 meters to the end of the lane, cross the road and you're there". Even I could manage that. So off to the Old City we went and down to the sea front which is spectacular (see photos) mainly on account the view across the Gulf of Antalya to the mountains which rise almost straight up out of the sea to 2,400 meters (7,400 feet). Had an excellent lunch overlooking the sea, followed by a spectacular demonstration by the Turkish Navy in the Bay and then more exploration of the very charming and ancient Old City. Then back to the Oscar Hotel, which is something of an enigma: having a narrow frontage on a scruffy lane but opening out onto a beautiful large
Turkish Navy in Antalya Bay
Practising something violent and reassuring the taxpayers that their money is being well spent. And impressing any watching foreigners. courtyard shaded with orange trees. Nice modern room too.
Next day, Thursday, we took off around the Bay on the tram to visit the Antalya Museum which is brilliant. Followed by lunch at a restaurant right on top of the sheer 100 foot high cliffs; again watching the Turkish Navy going through its paces out in the Bay. On the way back to the Hotel we booked a taxi to take us to Termessos the next day.
Friday, 8th October, the taxi arrived on time to take us to the ancient ruined city of Termessos up in the mountains behind Antalya. Much cooler than the previous two days but still good. Termessos is over 3,000 feet up in the mountains......for no apparent reason as it's in an arid, very steep valley but the buildings, what was left of them, were spectacular and it seemed inconceivable that anyone could have built such large buildings in such an inaccessible place. Alexander the Great tried to storm the place but failed and it's easy to see why. Mind you, the value of a mountain top city with no wealth or valuable resources didn't strike as a particularly desirable target. Anyway we had a
The Harbour
Antalya Old City good time.
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Colin Butters
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Trust the Turks.....
... to lock up a Greek god. Actually you must visit the old town at Ferryside one day. Perched overlooking a natural mudflat, it has views towards the British MoD establishment which launches missiles out to sea. And a fish restaurant to die for.... er, I think somebody actually did.!!