Monster buggy, jet boat, and zipline experience with boat cruise and lunch

Sites & Bites: Turkish delight and meze in Marmaris Old Town

Get ready for a foodie adventure in Marmaris. Kick off your half-day walking food tour at the Ataturk Statue, where your guide will take you through its history. The statue is dedicated to Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, known as the Father of the Turks, because of his role as the founder of the Republic of Turkey in 1923. Wander through the bustling bazaar and check out the historic mosque, followed by some free time – you can choose to head inside the mosque for a look around or begin your free time early. Afterwards, there's time to shop and get a feel for Marmaris' atmosphere, before meeting your guide back at the mosque. Next, you'll take a short uphill walk to Marmaris Castle, where you'll tour this ancient fortress, built in 1044 BC. Plus, up here is a great spot for photos of the whole city. Learn about Turkey's jewellery trade, known for its high-quality craftsmanship, at a local jewellery store. Then, recharge with a traditional Turkish tea or coffee, and sample some lokum – AKA Turkish delight. Finally, you'll wrap up your sightseeing with a walk along the marina, which is decked out with intricate statues and fountains, before ending your journey at a family-run restaurant that's been around for four generations. It's meze on the menu – no Turkish dinner table would be complete without this selection of sharing dishes – although it isn't just about the food, it's also a way to connect with friends and family.

Dalyan at Dusk Tour with Dinner and Riverboat Trip

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 4x4 safari and boat cruise 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.

Dalyan Riverboat Tour with Lunch and Iztuzu Beach

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 River Cruise Check Out Tour

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.

Full-day guided tour to Ephesus and Selcuk Market

Step back in time on this full-day tour visiting the ancient city of Ephesus, followed by a visit to Selcuk's lively weekly market. First up, you'll have a guided tour of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that's known as one of the best-preserved ancient cities in the world. Your guide will bring the city to life, with stories about its history and what life was like when this place was in its prime.Your ticket also includes access to the digital experience museum, where interactive displays, 360-degree projections, and sensory exhibits make ancient Ephesus come alive. Walk through the majestic Temple of Artemis and the Celsus Library, feeling as though you've travelled back in time.After your guided tour, there's a buffet lunch at a traditional Turkish restaurant on the menu, before swinging by Selcuk's bustling market. Here, the stalls are piled high with fresh fruit and veg, handmade crafts and, of course, Turkish delight. Plus, if you really want to get stuck into local life, you can try your hand at bartering for best prices.

Full-day boat cruise from Marmaris in Turkey

Dive into a day of pure relaxation at sea on this full-day tour. Setting sail from Marmaris, you'll spend the day cruising along the Turquoise Coast – with plenty of downtime to work on your tan. Your captain will drop anchor at their favourite bays and islands, where you can dive in for a refreshing dip. Plus, you'll have lunch onboard the boat before you head back to Marmaris – just remember that drinks are available at an extra charge.

Check-out day Akyaka visit including hotel and airport transfer

Squeeze every last drop out of your holiday as you explore the coastal town of Akyaka before heading to the airport for your flight home. After checking out, you'll leave Marmaris behind and head north to Akyaka, a mountain-framed town with clear-blue waters everywhere you look. You'll have plenty of time here to browse for any last souvenirs and soak up the last rays of Mediterranean sunshine, either on the beach or on one of the many boat cruises available up the River Azmak. There's even a pitstop at another hotel for you to shower and change before you're dropped off at the airport for your evening flight home.

Full-day private boat trip from Marmaris

The Marmaris coastline steals the spotlight on this full-day private boat trip. Cruise along this pretty part of the Turkish Riviera, known for its sandy beaches, clear waters and scenic landscapes. You'll cruise by hidden bays and your captain will choose four of the best spots to drop anchor. You can dive into the waters for a refreshing swim, or stretch out on deck and work on your tan, all with Marmaris' mountains as your postcard-worthy backdrop. Plus, there's a tasty onboard lunch included for when you need to recharge – just remember to bring some cash for your drinks.Onboard, there's space for up to eight of your friends and family – ideal if you're celebrating something special or just fancy a well-deserved treat. Your group will have the entire boat to yourselves for that extra touch of luxury. All you have left to do is kick back and relax.

Marmaris Beldibi Turkish bath experience

If your holiday needs a little extra relaxation, then a trip to this traditional Turkish bath is just the ticket. Unwind as you step into the sauna, opening up your pores and preparing for the main event – a massage on a marble slab in a steamy hammam. A 20-minute oil massage is included, plus you can add other treatments, like scrubs and foam massages, too. Then, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, you'll float back to your hotel.