Wednesday, May 23

Road Map of Antakya / Tarsus Region

Still in southeastern Anatolia, today we  travel west from Adiyaman trough Adana.  Along the way we may stop to visit Kahramanmaras, now famous for its ice cream and at one time the capital of the Hittite kingdom of Gurgum.

Nearby Zeugma (Belkis), founded as a city 2300 years ago, was an important crossing point at the Euphrates and later became a key military post for the Romans.  Excavations of Roman mosaics and other relics have recently recommenced at the site.

Our primary stop will be at Tarsus, the birthplace of the Apostle Paul.  Not much remains of the ancient city of Paul's day.  But we will view an excavated area of the old city and a well that has been named for Paul.

Tarsus is also home to the Cleopatra Gate through which Mark Antony and Cleopatra passed when they came to the city.Its archeological remains also include bronze weapons, a Hittite temple, the Ottoman Ulu Cami, and the Kubat Pasa theological school.  Streams, waterfalls and shade trees at the Tarsus Falls on the outskirts of town along with the Karaburcak Park and its groves of eucalyptus trees make Tarsus a good place for some relaxation. 

This hotel is likely to have a pool and give us some time in the afternon for some outdoor recreation.

Overnight: Mersin (Içel), near Tarsus