A very quick detour, these neighboring tourist spots proved worth the effort. Pictures prove more efficient than words to describe the out of this world Cotton Castle, which is really nature having fun. According to our Lonely planet guide book, these unique "travertine shelves, pools, and stalactites were created by the area's warm mineral water, which cools as it cascades over the cliff edge and deposits its calcium". Locally it is believed to having medicinal effects upon submersion into the water.

Hierapolis was created as a sort of spa center where people went for cures. Today it is possible to soak in an antique swimming pool for a 10 Euro fee, of which we choose to pass. The sites we did mange to visit in our short time frame was the Roman theatre which could hold more than 12,000 people and had some marvelous statues along with decorative paneling creating the stage area, and then a short uphill hike to the octagonal shaped temple Martyrum of St. Philip the Apostle which is was built on the site where it is believed Philip was martyred and from this point on the hill amazing views of the surrounding area. Due to the ruins being sprawled out and only limited time we had to leave before we could fully explore the surrounding land with so much ancient litter. Please check out further info here.

October 3rd - 7th
Istanbul

October 8th
City of Selcuk & Ruins of Ephesus with a detour to Virgin Mary's house

October 9th
Hierapolis (Ruins from Roman City) and Pumakkale (Cotton Castle)

October 10th - 15th
Oludeniz, Lycian Way Hike, Olympos Ruins and Chimaera

October 17th - 21st
Cappadocia region

October 21st - 24th
Tokat and Amasya

October 25th - 26th
Amasya and Ankara

Turkey Country Summary