Things to do in Marmaris

Dalyan riverboat tour with lunch and Iztuzu Beach visit

Surrounding yourself with natural beauty on a river cruise from Dalyan is a great way to unwind. One of Turkey's most pristine beaches is the destination, with stops at mud baths and a riverside restaurant en route. Ceren, one of our local guides, says, "Iztuzu Beach is also known as Turtle Beach because endangered loggerhead turtles nest here. It's a magical spot with very little human interference. The beach was all set to be developed with new resorts in the 1980s, but luckily conservation was prioritised."Sail down the Dalyan River on an eco-friendly boat – which doesn't harm marine life – and have fun smoothing on the anti-ageing clay at the mud baths. It's great for glowing skin, and it's believed that Cleopatra visited for a pampering soak in the mineral-rich liquid mud. Finish with a dip in the warm sulphur pool before gliding across the river for a freshly prepared lunch of local dishes. You'll then add a little history and culture to the mix, as you continue on the riverboat past Lycian Rock Tombs – dating back to 400BC – carved into the cliffs.As the river widens into a lagoon, you'll have the chance to spot birdlife before docking at Iztuzu Beach. This four-kilometre-long sweep of golden sand divides the river from the sea, a natural oasis that's a true haven for wildlife. Sheltered by mountains, the beach shelves gently into a calm bay, where an afternoon of pure relaxation beckons. Round off your day with the return relaxing river cruise to Dalyan.What is the itinerary for this experience? The itinerary for this experience is...- 7:45am to 8:30am – pick-up from your hotel - 8:30am to 9:30am – travel to Dalyan - 9:45am to 10:00am – river boat ride to mud baths and sulphur pool - 10:00am to 11:30am – free time at the mud baths - 11:30am to 11:45am – another short boat ride back to the other side of the river - 11:45am to 12:45pm – lunch at Paradise Restaurant (drinks cost extra)- 12:45pm to 1:45pm – river boat ride to Turtle Beach - 1:45pm to 3:00pm – free time at Turtle Beach - 3:00pm to 3:45pm – river boat ride back to Dalyan - 5:15pm to 5:30pm – arrive back at your accommodation Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day

Marmaris adults-only Turkish gulet cruise with lunch and optional transfers

If your idea of a perfect day is to simply unwind, then this adults-only cruise on a traditional gulet boat is for you. With plenty of time to swim and sunbathe, it's the definition of a relaxing day on the waves. Haluk, one of our expert local guides, says "gulets are wooden schooners that have been used for fishing and sponging around the Mediterranean since ancient times. But since the 1970s, they've become a popular way to show holidaymakers around the bays of the Aegean coast."We'll set sail from Marmaris on one of these handsome wooden yachts, searching for the secret stretches of coast only accessible by boat. Sun, sea, swimming and snoozing are the order of the day on this gulet cruise. There's ample time to swim and snorkel – with at least four stops – as your captain drops anchor in the many hidden bays along this crinkle-cut coastline. Between stops, sit back and admire the view of this impressive, wild and green shore gliding by. Haluk says "the coast and headlands to the east of Marmaris town are a national park, so look out for wildlife."What's more, with a maximum of just 35 guests, you're guaranteed a sunlounger to soak up the sun. Your crew will serve your freshly prepared lunch of local specialities on board. There's tea, coffee and soft drinks included all day, while a bar service is available for any other drinks you might fancy. With a strict no-music policy on board, nothing will disturb your enjoyment of this fabulous day out.

Day trip to Greek island of Rhodes from Marmaris Harbour

You can add another stamp to your passport on this day trip. You'll trade Turkey for Greece, as you make the short hop across the Aegean Sea to the island of Rhodes.After a catamaran cruise, you'll arrive in Rhodes town. Here, you can explore the capital's pretty harbour, walled old quarter and upmarket New Town. You'll spend the morning ticking off sights like the charming Street of the Knights and the huge Palace of the Grand Masters. Make your way along the maze of cobbled streets, where you'll be surrounded by fountains, medieval churches and shops selling handmade goods and Greek delicacies. Speaking of food, you'll have a choice of hidden bistros or bustling waterfront bars for lunch.Later, you can head to Mandraki harbour. It was once home to the Colossus of Rhodes – a 30-metre-tall statue, ranked as a Wonder of the Ancient World.

Marmaris 4x4 sunset safari with beach barbecue

Sunset on a secluded beach is one of those moments that makes being on holiday so special. Why not add to the magic with this exclusive experience? On this adults-only 4x4 safari, there's a visit to Bördübet for the chance to see a spectacular sunset followed by a beachside barbecue complete with live music. Yusuf, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Travelling off-road over country trails across to these quiet bays at sunset is a special experience, and the beaches are usually deserted. Lounge by the campfire while we prepare your meal – it's what holidays are all about.'Riding in an open-topped vehicle, you'll feel the wind in your hair as you follow the edge-clinging tracks that pass by ancient villages and offer grandstand views over the Bozburun peninsula. The beauty of a 4x4 tour is that you can reach areas that are impossible to get to by car, so you'll likely have the bay to yourselves.Head down to the coast, and you'll arrive at Bördübet where you can get comfortable for the blazing sunset over the Aegean. After watching nature's nightly show, it's on to Hisarönü, where your driver-guides set up all the necessaries for a barbecue on the beach. As they do, you can choose to relax on the sand or take a dip in the sea. Then, when the stars come out, there's a tasty dinner, live music and an opportunity to dance the night away. Far from light pollution, you'll be able to see the stars really clearly once the sun goes down.

Marmaris Shopping Trip & Sunset Gulet Cruise

This is the gold standard of shopping trips. After an afternoon browsing the retail delights of Marmaris, you'll get to top of the experience with a sunset cruise and dinner on a traditional gulet sailboat. And with visits to a gold workshop, textile shop and a Turkish delight factory, this trip is a world-beater.After pick-up, you'll head to the renowned Gold Centre in Marmaris. High-carat items at great prices are its stock-in-trade. While there, let the expert jewellers impress you, but remember to haggle to secure the best price – it's part of the experience. And if shopping's not on your agenda, just give them a polite no. There's a visit to a local Turkish delight shop next. Peruse the great range of sugar-dusted treats before heading to a textile shop in the Grand Bazaar. Check out an array of clothing, bags and footwear, and test your bartering skills.You'll then enjoy some free time in the city centre before boarding your impeccably maintained traditional gulet sailboat for a sunset cruise, with dinner and a swim stop – a lovely way to end your evening Marmaris shopping excursion.

Marmaris Armutalan Turkish Bath

If you're planning on getting a golden glow while you're in Turkey a hammam, or Turkish bath will get things off to a flying start. Experience a traditional hammam along with an aromatherapy massage as a finishing touch which will leave your skin in perfect condition for a lasting tan.Everything starts when we whisk you to one of the best local bath centres. Here, you'll change into your swimwear and sit in the steam-filled hammam room feeling the warm air soften your skin and open your pores.After that you'll stretch out on a warm marble slab for a body scrub to remove any dead skin cells and helping to prevent peeling, before being lathered in soft, soapy bubbles. Then it's time for a special extra – a relaxing massage in Turkish aromatherapy oils carried out in the spa centre of the hammam. To round off the experience, you'll also have a face mask and steam room visit included when you book with us. Plus, you can try the experience shower here, which is designed to give you a full-body sensory experience that's incredibly relaxing. You'll come away feeling wonderfully refreshed and ready for a fabulous tan.

Marmaris Aquarium boat cruise with lunch and drinks

Want to leave land behind and head out on the water? This full-day cruise is just what you're looking for. You'll be picked up at your hotel in the morning and taken to the harbour, where you'll board your boat and set sail. Throughout the day, you'll have three opportunities to go for a dip – the boat will stop in some scenic swimming spots – and explore the village of Turunc during some free time. Throughout this outing, you'll also be treated to lunch, plus soft drinks are included.

Dalyan riverboat tour with market and Turtle Beach visit

You'll seamlessly flow from modern Turkish culture to nature and ancient history on this full-day tour of Dalyan. Your day takes a relaxed pace, much like the slow-flowing river, with time at a local market, a riverboat cruise and an afternoon at one of Turkeys most pristine beaches.First up, you'll head to Daylan's weekly market for a true taste of the local hustle and bustle. You'll find everything from Turkish carpets to Turkish delight, as well as ceramics and piles of spices – all under the shade of colourful awnings. Be bold and give your bartering skills a try – don't worry, vendors here expect and enjoy a good haggle. After the market, you'll head for a meal at a waterside restaurant, or if you don't choose the option with lunch included, there's free time in town for you to grab a bite for yourself before you board the riverboat.Take a quick history lesson as your guide points out the Lycian rock tombs that line your path to the sea. They were carved into the cliffs in around 400BC, but you can still see a lot of the intricate craftsmanship as you glide by. The river widens into a lagoon where 180 species of bird make their home, before you dock at Iztuzu Beach – also known as Turtle Beach after the loggerheads who nest here. The four-kilometre sweep of sand divides the river from the sea and is your playground for the afternoon. Swim, sunbathe and relax before your return boat trip to Dalyan.

Marmaris Buggy Safari

Inject your holiday with a healthy dose of adrenaline on this cross-country buggy adventure. Driving your own off-road vehicle, you'll zoom down dusty tracks and trails to discover all the best bits of Turkey's most untamed terrain.

Ancient Ephesus tour with Virgin Mary House visit and lunch

It's home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, and holds layers of history from the Bronze Age, Classical Greek and Roman times. On this full-day tour to the beautifully preserved site of the ancient city of Ephesus, it's easy to imagine the toga-clad crowds that filled the streets 2,000 years ago. One of our local expert guides, Ahmet, says, "my favourite spot in Ephesus is the Library of Celsus. Its soaring columns still radiate a sense of grandeur, offering a glimpse into what was once one of the greatest libraries of the Roman world – home to more than 12,000 scrolls.”When you arrive, you'll wander down marble-paved streets, gaze at mosaics in ancient Roman houses and see the once imposing buildings of the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Grand Theatre. As well gaining a wealth of knowledge from the museum there, your guide will explain the historical context and point out the most interesting features. After this, it's time for a buffet lunch at a nearby restaurant – the perfect chance to refuel before the next stop.Round things off with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a modest chapel with hundreds of years of history. The foundations date back to the 1st-century, when St John the Apostle supposedly carried Mary to her final resting place, here in the hills of Mount Koressos. Whether you follow any faith or none, there's an undeniable spirituality to this place that makes it a great spot for some quiet reflection at the end of your trip.

Half-day Marmaris 4x4 Off-road Safari Tour

This off-road safari is dynamite. Enjoy a half-day of sightseeing, add a military-style convoy of 4x4s, and top it all off with swims in special locations – think a natural plunge pool under a secret waterfall and a secluded pine-fringed beach. A perfect mix if ever there was one.Once you're strapped in, the adventure begins with a drive through the pine-cloaked countryside, towards sleepy villages and secluded bays. Pass traditionally dressed locals riding on donkeys as you climb through the mountains and drive through some of the region's time-warp villages and a forest that's been restored after a devastating wildfire.Next, stop by Kızkumu beach, a secluded pebble beach in a sheltered cove, for a well-deserved dip in the sea. Finally, there's a stop in a forest to enjoy a dip in the natural plunge pool of a pretty waterfall. It's a photogenic spot, and offers a great chance to cool down in the summer months and muck around with a water fight.

Full-day Dalyan riverboat check-out tour with Iztuzu Beach visit

If your return flight departs late in the evening, then this is a great way to make the most of your last day in Turkey. There's lots to look forward to, including a scenic Dalyan riverboat cruise, an anti-ageing mud bath and a riverside lunch. You'll also have some free time on Iztuzu beach, renowned for its turtle sanctuary. At the end of the day, you'll be able to freshen up and refuel before your flight in a nearby no-frills hotel. Ceren, one of our expert local guides, says, 'Nature rules at Iztuzu Beach, aka Turtle beach. A magical spot with a dramatic setting, new resorts were planned here in the 1980s, but these were scrapped and instead some areas of the 4km long beach are protected for nesting Loggerhead turtles.'Cruise down the River Dalyan on an eco-boat designed to minimise impact on wildlife, heading for the mud baths. Treat your skin with the anti-ageing clay and have a dip in the warm sulphur pool. After a tasty lunch of freshly prepared local specialities at a riverside restaurant, rejoin your river boat to sail past the rock-hewn Lycian Tombs dating to 400BC. Next, we'll set sail for Iztuzu beach, a haven of natural beauty. There's free time for swimming, sunbathing and enjoying the unblemished surroundings. Finally, we'll head back to a local no-frills hotel for a chance to freshen up. You won't go hungry either, with a buffet dinner to tuck into. And what's more, you'll have the use of a hotel room right up until the transfer to the airport.