holidays to Turkey

4:34pm Friday 30th April 2010 in Holiday Information

When in Rome... or Perhaps Not...

When you are in Rome it's easy to be engulfed in history and culture with its impressive Forum, St Peter's Square, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Coliseum and stunning Panthenon. However the Romans were keen to spread their wings and left their mark on many cities throughout Great Britain, the Middle East, Europe and North Africa. These are just a few of the most fascinating Roman ruins that can still be seen outside of Italy today:

Croatia - Holidays to Croatia are growing in popularity every year and if you are visiting Pula, then you must take time out to see the amazing amphitheatre here. Visitors spend hours wandering around the colossal ruins and underground corridors that once held back beasts waiting to face the Gladiators.

Portugal - In the university town of Coimbra just north of Lisbon is where you will find one of the best preserved Roman Settlements in the whole country. You can still see the ruts in the 13 foot wide roman road left by the chariots many years ago. One of the largest Roman residences ever discovered in the West is just near here, the House of Cantabar shows off some luxury features including richly coloured mosaics, cultured gardens and traditional Roman baths.

France - Located on a trade route that connects Italy with Spain, Arles in France has extensive ruins still visible today. You can watch the bull fighting at the huge Les Arenes amphitheatre here where Gladiators once fought and the fascinating Place du Forum is a hub of activity both day and night.

Tunisia - the huge amphitheatre in El-Jem holds a staggering 30,000 people and still hosts classical concerts today. The nearby El-Jem Museum is a reconstruction of a Roman Villa and is home to hundreds of artefacts.

Turkey - The annual Opera and Ballet Festival is held in the Roman amphitheatre in Aspendos near Antalya and many people time their holidays to Turkey to coincide with this. You can also take a stroll along the adjoining path to the Acropolis with stunning views of the Koprucay River and many other ruins laid out below.

So it seems you may be able to learn just as much about the Romans from following in their footsteps on holidays to Turkey as visiting the capital city itself.