Marmaris beachfront watersports

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 4km-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.

Dalyan at dusk tour with dinner and riverboat cruise

If you like the sound of riverside scenery and ancient tombs, then this tour ticks all the boxes. You'll explore the Dalyan Delta, starting with Dalyan's old town, followed by a barbecue dinner and an evening boat trip. Elif, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Lycian Rock Tombs are elaborate burial chambers that were carved into the cliffs over two millennia ago by the Lycians to honour members of the ruling class. They are dramatically lit in the evening – it's a really atmospheric experience.'First up, you'll have a couple of hours to explore Dalyan's historic town centre under the twinkle of dusk. It's home to a variety of shops, cafés, and historical sites, and known for its traditional Turkish architecture, with Ottoman influences from the 16th-century. Look out for the intricately decorated Dalyan mosque – and the friendly locals.After your free time in town, it's time for dinner. You'll tuck into a Turkish barbecue at a riverside restaurant where you can relax and enjoy the locally sourced, freshly prepared food. And to round off the evening, you'll enjoy a tranquil boat ride along the Dalyan River to see the famous Lycian tombs carved into the rock face. These tombs date back to the 4th century BC – so they're almost 2,500 years old – and show influences of Anatolian, Greek and Persian designs.

Marmaris adults-only boat cruise with lunch

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.

4x4 safari and boat cruise in Marmaris with onboard lunch

Fun and relaxation is the name of the game of this tour. It combines a half-day off-road safari to unspoiled villages and a half-day boat trip around bays and islands. Highlights include Yeşilbelde and Karaca villages plus a cruise in the Gokova Gulf, with a visit to Tavsan Island.

Ancient Ephesus tour with ceramics centre and lunch

The ancient world comes to life during this excursion to Ephesus. The classical Greek city of Ephesus was the location of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis. Gökhan, one of our expert local guides, says, "It's easy to imagine you're walking in the footsteps of the toga-clad crowds that chattered in the streets 2,000 years ago – the archaeological site of Ephesus is so well-preserved, you'll feel like you stepped back in time."You'll travel into sun-soaked hills and olive groves to discover one of the most extensive and complete archaeological sites in the world. On arrival at Ephesus, you'll wander down marble-paved streets, gaze at mosaics in ancient Roman houses and admire epoch-defining buildings such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Grand Theatre. Your guide will explain the historical context and point out the most interesting features. You'll also walk through the museum here, too, which is filled with digital exhibits that're designed to help reimagine what Ephesus looked like back during its golden years. After this, it's time for a buffet lunch at a nearby restaurant – the perfect chance to refuel before the next stop.You'll round things off with a visit to a ceramics factory to see how Turkish pottery is made. Marvel at the precision of the master potter – working only by eye – as he decorates and paints traditional pieces. It's one of the best places to snap up some authentic souvenirs and support local livelihoods.

Full-day Pamukkale and ancient Hierapolis tour

Pamukkale means 'cotton castle' in Turkish – and you'll soon see why as you set eyes upon this magical landscape. You'll also visit the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis. Both are UNESCO-listed, so it's a two-in-one deal of Turkish historical gems.

Full-day Dalyan river cruise check-out tour to Turtle Beach

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.

Family-friendly gulet boat cruise from Marmaris

Destination: Relaxation. If your ideal day involves watching the scenery drift by while spending quality time with your loved ones, then this gulet yacht cruise fits the bill. Designed with families in mind, you'll spend the day at sea with no less than four swim stops, lunch, drinks and activities for the little ones included. Haluk, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Traditional wooden schooners called gulets have been used for fishing and sponging around the Mediterranean since ancient times. Nowadays, they've become a popular way to show holidaymakers around the bays of the Aegean coast.'Sun, sea, swimming and fun are the order of the day on this family cruise. There's plenty of time for swimming and snorkelling, as your captain will drop anchor a minimum of four times in the hidden bays and sheltered coves along this dazzling coastline. And if you join us on a Monday, you'll be treated to some free time to explore the resort of Turunç.When you've worked up an appetite, a freshly prepared lunch will be served up on deck by the crew, alongside water and soft drinks at no extra charge. For any other extras, there's a bar on board, too. While you're busy relaxing and soaking up the scenery, the kids won't get bored either – there'll be activities and games to keep them busy between swim stops. It's a memorable family day out with sun-splashed holiday vibes written all over it.

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 Horse Riding Safari

Bring out your inner Texas cowboy in Turkey. Saddle up for the ride of your life on this horse riding adventure in the countryside. Atop your trusty steed, you'll clip-clop your way through forest scenery and streams before heading back to ranch to help feed the farm animals.