In Xanthos the fine theater is dominated by monumental carved tombs. As you contemplate this fascinating civilization from the theater's bleachers, the spicy aroma of wild sage and mint from nearby fields permeates the air. Over the centuries, the magnificent buildings have been covered by the blowing sand. Turkish archaeologists have been excavating here for the past six years, and they are restoring the city to its former grandeur. If available, the director of the Patara project, Fahri Icik, will show the group his latest discoveries.
Fishing boats fill the harbor of the exquisite village of Kas.
There will be time this afternoon to wander in the sleepy town square before sitting down to tea in one of the shoreside gardens. Hundreds of tombs dot the countryside, many rising from the waters of the coves. Encircled by a tall wall of perfectly carved stone blocks, Aperlae can only be reached from the sea. Once the capital of a confederation of Lycian cities, today the city stands deserted but for the herds of goats wandering among the silent ruins. The island protects a shoreline filled with sheltered anchorages.