INTRO
Every Day
Lake District & Sagalassos Ancient City
Discover the “ Lake District “ of Turkey. Enjoy the stunning nature in the Taurus Mountains , explore the fascinating city of Sagalassos and visit the rose gardens and the lavender fields of Isparta in the harvest time. This is a historical tour combined with nature and harvesting activities.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Take the TK direct flight at 14:25 arriving to Isparta at 15:30. Your local guide will meet you at the Airport and if you are visiting during the month of May or June , you will be taken directly to Rose Gardens of Isparta to experience the Rose Harvest Time in Isparta. Located in the Mediterranean region's hinterlands, Isparta is one of those beautiful provinces with fields of roses and lavender fields as far as the eye can see. Although the techniques used in producing the roses and the methods for extracting rose oil have changed with advancing technology, Isparta's rose harvest has not changed much since the 19th century, since the rose gardens in the city are not conducive with machinery. Hence, the rose harvest in Isparta has become a ceremony that attracts thousands of domestic and international tourists.
If you are visiting in during the end of June and beginning of July or August then you will be in for the lavender harvesting time. Even though France’s Provence region is the first thing that pops into mind when thinking about lavender , the village of Kuyucak in Isparta has fairytale lavender fields with the smell of the purple flower.
Depending on your tour travel date you will either be visiting Isparta Rose Gardens or Lavender fields of Kuyucak or both.
After the harvesting drive to Burdur Aglasun and check into Sagalassos Lodge & Spa which is located up in the mountains in a beautiful location just five minutes’ drive to Sagalassos Ancient City.
Dinner and overnight in Sagalassos Lodge Hotel
Day 2 – After breakfast in the hotel visit Sagalassos Ancient City which is one of the best preserved ancient Roman cities of Turkey but at the same time one of the best-kept secrets. Far from a busy tourist destination here you will find some of the complete ancient structures that are over 1000 years old. As you walk through the ancient city , you will be amazed about the elaborate structures of the city and how it was built with such aesthetics and understanding of the urban life . Beautiful Antoine Fountain, Theatre , Heroon, Upper and Lower Agoras , Roman Bath, Doric Temple , the Apollo of Karlios Temple and rock tombs will be among the things you will be seeing in this beautiful ancient city.
After Sagalassos visit you will drive to Lake Salda. After a scenic drive of hour and a half you will arrive to one of the deepest lakes in the country with a depth of 184 meters, Lake Salda is literally a natural wonder with its blue and white tones , often compared to Maldives.
Overnight in Sagalassos Lodge
Day 3 – After breakfast check out of the hotel and drive to Burdur. First stop will be at Burdur Archaeological Museum. This small museum will surprise you with its amazing collection of ancient art. Continue to Lake Egirdir and have lunch break on the shores of this beautiful Lake and then transfer to Isparta Airport to take the 16:20 flight back to Istanbul .
