Xpress Tours in Turkey

So many natural features combine to give the area around Fethiye its special appeal. The pristine turquoise water, innumerable tiny picturesque coves, the lush Mediterranean vegetation all set against the dramatic backdrop of the Taurus Mountains. Olive trees dot the countryside and the sweet smelling incense trees are particular to the Fetiye region. Balsam obtained from the incense trees has pharmaceutical and cosmetic value and is also used as incense in mosques and churches.

In ancient times Fethiye was a prominent city dedicated to the god Apollo and was the centre of prophesy. Existing monuments from the Hellenistic and Roman periods bear witness to a rich and highly cultured city life. Ancient ruins include rock tombs, Lycian type sarcophagi, a Roman theatre and a medieval castle built by the Knights of Rhodes.

Besides the historical and natural beauties Fethiye is also an important shopping centre. Paspatur is the old city area with its Ottoman mosque and historical Turkish bath. In this area there are numerous shops selling various leather, gold and silver jewellery, textiles, carpets and souvenirs. Every Tuesday there is a bustling authentic local market ( the largest in the area). Besides stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables you can also find numerous samples of textiles, souvenirs etc. Bargains galore!

Kaya Köy or the Ghost Village was recently the setting of the Louis de Bernier book ‘Birds without Wings’. This once thriving Greek settlement, of some 20,000 people, was abandoned as the result of the population Exchange between Greece and Turkey. Now, the houses, churches and school are silent, the streets deserted. The Kaya Valley is one of the most beautiful and poignant sights in the whole of south west Turkey. Surrounded by craggy peaks and mountains covered in pine forests the fertile plateau is crowned by the hauntingly beautiful Greek village of Kaya. This fasinating place has a truely unique atmosphere.

Ölü Deniz famed for its stunning long sandy beach and lagoon is probably the most photographed beach in Turkey.