Excursions and activities in Side

Antalya Old Town tour with Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall visit

Thundering over the cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea, the Karpuzkaldiran waterfall is a sight to behold. This leisurely tour will take you to snap the falls before heading into Antalya's old town for a guided walk and some free time to explore.

Half-day guided tour of Side with Temple of Apollo visit

Ancient Side has hardly changed since its days as a getaway for legendary lovers Antony and Cleopatra. Uncover one of southern Turkey's best-kept secrets with this tour. You'll get to snap photos by the Temple of Apollo, discover the huge Roman theatre and explore modern Side, too. As Muzaffer, one of our guides, says, ‘You'll walk all over history. On the way to the Temple of Apollo, there are glass walkways over ancient Roman streets.'Side's location on a compact little headland is as romantic as it gets. Our expert local guide will give you the lowdown on the long history of this once-busy Roman port. You'll see the marketplace where slaves were traded, the Byzantine hospital and the Vespasian Gate. Then you'll head inside either the ancient theatre, which is a sight to behold – it seated up to 20,000 spectators – or the former bathhouse, which is now a museum with a small but impressive collection of the artefacts dug up here.But one of the most-photographed spots is the Temple of Apollo. Legend says that this second-century seafront shrine was a gift from Antony to Cleopatra. And just beside it is the Temple of Athena – zoom in on the frieze of Medusa heads. Once you've explored the ruins, there'll be free time in modern Side to buy a sizzling kebab at one of the street stalls, or haggle for bargains in the backstreet bazaars. What's more, for your convenience, this is a small group tour to help you follow the guide better and avoid agglomerations.

Adults-only Gulet cruise with lunch, drinks and optional transfers from Side

This relaxing boat trip serves-up all the little luxuries that make being on holiday so special. Set sail from Side aboard this adults-only cruise for a day of sun, sea and snoozing. What's more, there's an open bar stocked with local drinks, lunch, and plenty of chances to refresh yourself with a swim in the open water.

Antalya airport Lounge and fast track service from Side area

A more relaxed way to round off your holiday. Booking the VIP airport service and lounge ensures that you'll be greeted at the airport and then fast-tracked through check-in, hand luggage security and passport control. Make your wait at the airport more comfortable and convenient. The service includes meet and greet on arrival and access to the terminal through a special entrance with accompaniment to the VIP lounge. You'll then have use of a dedicated X-ray machine and be fast-tracked through a special passport control cabin. Also included is use of the VIP lounge for up to two hours, with complimentary coffee, tea, water, soft drinks and snacks. And you'll also have free access to TV, Wi-Fi and the press.

Deluxe Turkish bath at Demirhan Hammam in Side

If you want a top-notch tan whilst trying something new, then a trip to a hammam or Turkish bath is definitely for you. Hammams have existed in Turkey since ancient times, providing locals with a way to relax and freshen up. They're also brilliant for exfoliating your skin so you're more likely to develop a lasting tan.

Manavgat Market & Waterfall Tour with Riverboat Cruise

Sightseeing and a relaxing river cruise – there's something for everyone on this full day tour, exploring Manavgat bazaar and the beautiful surrounding area. Visit Manavgat Falls and enjoy a riverboat cruise.Everything begins at the Manavgat Falls on the River Manavgat. They're known as the ‘Little Falls' as their fast-flowing waters crash down a ridge into a bubbly, foaming fresh-water pool. Next, you can grab a bargain at a multi-brand outlet store, before heading inland for Manavgat's open air bazaar for more retail therapy. You'll hop onboard a riverboat cruise along the Manavgat next. Sit back and relax in the sunshine as you sail past reed beds and sandy beaches. After lunch on board, you'll moor at a beach, where the sea and the river meet. A perfect swimming opportunity ends this jam-packed day out.

Antalya Aquarium with Shuttle

Antalya Aquarium is an award-winning attraction and it's easy to see why. It boasts an amazing array of species as well as the longest aquarium tunnel on the planet. What's more, there's a Snow World and the Fear Trophy experience – a themed exhibition housing some of the world's most dangerous creatures.

Full-day winter tour of Alanya with cable car, castle and cave visits

A tale of two cities, Alanya is a true mix of the old and the new. It's a bustling resort that's home to a medieval castle and picturesque old town, where you'll have free time to explore. To top it off, there are visits to the Damlatas Caves and a shop where gourds are crafted into decorative lamps. Our expert local guide, Aylin, says “this tour factors in lots of different topics, so everyone will find something to catch their attention regardless of their interests. Plus, Turkish culture's on show almost the entire time, so you'll be like an expert on Turkey by the end of the tour.”With this winter tour, you'll start the day at the Damlatas Caves. Filled with stalagmites and stalactites, the cylindrical chamber within is said to cure asthma – that's not a cue to leave your inhaler at home, though. Next up is Seljuk Castle. Topping a headland jutting into the Mediterranean, it was built in the 13th century on the remnants of Roman and Byzantine castles. You'll glide up in a cable car and to check out its watchtower-studded battlements and peer through the holes from where hot oil was poured onto enemies when they were trying to invade the area.Then, you'll continue on to a craft shop where gourds are carefully carved into lamps, with great results. After lunch, the afternoon is yours. Go shopping in Alanya bazaar, relax in a café, or go for a stroll on the gulet-crammed harbour or promenade before it's time to head back to your accommodation.

Gulet cruise with lunch and optional transfers along the Turkish coast from Side

This excursion combines history with relaxation. Kick off with a guided tour of ancient Side – its classical links include none other than Alexander the Great. See the ruins of Vespasian Gate, Temple of Apollo and the theatre. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean, its location is one of the prettiest among Turkey's archaeological sites. Bring your swimwear and a towel and get ready to live the life on board the yacht. Your captain will drop anchor from time to time so that you can take a dip in the water. Lunch will be served on board and all locally branded drinks are included.

Alanya Castle and cave summer tour with lunch, boat trip and optional cable car

It's not just pristine beaches and azure waters that make Alanya so special. The city is packed with historic monuments and natural attractions. You'll tour Alanya Castle by foot and boat, delve into the depths of Dim Cave and have lunch on the banks of the River Dim.

Manavgat Quad Safari Tour

Want to feel the wind in your face and the blood pumping though your veins? This Taurus Mountains quad safari is the ultimate trip to take you into the wild and is an off-road experience like no other.

Adults-only sunset gulet cruise with dinner from Side

Set sail on this luxurious adults-only cruise for a laid-back evening as the sun sinks below the horizon. Departing from Side Harbour, you'll hop aboard a traditional Turkish gulet boat and head out into the Mediterranean, before gliding along the scenic Manavgat River.With plenty of space on deck and your own guaranteed sunbed, you're free to unwind, visit the bar for a drink and soak up the coastal scenery surrounding you. The captain will also make a couple of swim stops along the way, so you can enjoy a cooling dip beneath the setting sun.With the sky painted gold, a freshly prepared dinner will be served onboard by the professional crew as you sail. After dinner, there's more time to kick back, sip a chilled drink and relax under the evening sky – the perfect way to wrap up a memorable night at sea before returning to port.