Ephesus and Virgin Mary House Guided Tour with Lunch from Didim

Dalyan-joen risteily sisältäen lounaan ja Iztuzun rannan

Luonnonkauneuden ympäröimä jokiristeily Dalyanista on loistava tapa rentoutua. Vierailet yhdellä Turkin koskemattomimmista rannoista ja matkan varrella pysähdyt mutakylvyissä ja lounaalla jokirantaravintolassa. Ceren, yksi paikallisista oppaistamme, kertoo: "Iztuzun ranta tunnetaan myös nimellä Turtle Beach, koska uhanalaiset valekarettikilpikonnat pesivät täällä. Rannalle aiottiin rakentaa uusia hotelleja 1980-luvulla, mutta onneksi suojelu asetettiin etusijalle."Purjehdi Dalyan-jokea pitkin ympäristöystävällisellä veneellä, joka ei vahingoita merielämää, ja levitä ikääntymistä hidastavaa savea ihollesi saapuessasi mutakylpyyn. On sanottu, että jopa Kleopatra kävi hemmottelemassa ihoaan mineraalirikkaassa mudassa. Uppoudu lopuksi lämpimään rikkialtaaseen, ennen kuin risteilet joella ja nautit paikallisista ruokalajeista koostuvan lounaan. Sen jälkeen pääset tutustumaan hieman historiaan ja kulttuuriin, kun seilaat jokilaivalla kallioihin kaiverrettujen lyykialaisten kalliohautojen ohi, jotka ovat peräisin vuodelta 400 eaa.Kun joki laajenee laguuniksi, sinulla on aikaa bongailla lintuja, ennen kuin saavut Iztuzun rannalle. Tämä neljän kilometrin pituinen vuorten suojassa oleva ranta, joka erottaa joen merestä, on todellinen turvapaikka villieläimille. Vietä iltapäivä rannalla rentoutuen ennen paluuristeilyä takaisin Dalyaniin.

Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary tour with lunch in Sirince

Ephesus is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites from the classical era. Highlights include the Celsus Library and the Great Theatre. You'll also discover the House of the Virgin Mary and stop by Sirince for a spot of lunch. Gökhan, one of our local guides, says, ‘During the time of Emperor Tiberius, Ephesus was the most important city in Europe apart from Rome. It was wealthy due to its flourishing commercial activity, home to 250,000 people and culturally very advanced. The site is truly impressive – so much detail remains.'Let your expert your guide transport you back in time, learning about the living past of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the Celsus Library, built with double walls to protect its scrolls from the heat. Peek into houses still decorated with frescoes, and nose around the public baths, brothel and shops. Walk down Marble Street to see the Great Theatre, a spectacular 24,000-seater dug into the hillside, which once rang with the cries of gladiators and the sermons of St Paul. There's a museum at Ephesus, too, which you'll walk through during your visit. It's digital exhibits are designed to show off what Ephesus might've looked like when it was at its peak. Next, we'll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic and Muslim shrine. There's a wishing wall, where you can leave written prayers, and a fountain whose waters are believed by some to have miraculous powers. We'll round off the day in Sirince – a little less ancient but still with a sense of yesteryear. Here, you'll have lunch at a family-run restaurant before tasting the local fruit wine and enjoying free time to stroll along the town's cobbled streets.

Buggy safari tour in Didim, Turkey

Get your heart racing on a two-hour, thrilling buggy safari through the rugged landscapes of Didim. After a quick test drive, you'll be ready to tackle both on-road and off-road trails. Take a breather at the 8th-century BC Apollo Temple, snapping some epic photos before diving back into the action. Opt for a morning or afternoon session with expert instructors leading the way.

Day Trip to Greek Island of Kos from Didim

Hop on a catamaran to sail from Turkey to the Greek island of Kos. Explore the island's capital, Kos town, at your own pace – dip into shops and boutiques, sip a coffee by Hippocrates' legendary plane tree, and snap up sea views from the 15th-century Knights fortress. History buffs can't miss the nearby Asklepieion. For a bit of relaxation, choose from the town's beautiful beaches for summing and sunbathing before your catamaran ride back. Don't forget your passport or ID for border checks between Turkey and Greece.

Didim Quad Safari Tour

Adrenaline seekers will love this quad adventure. After a quick safety briefing, you'll strap in for both on-road and off-road trails and tracks. Spend two hours whizzing through Didim, with a quick break for photos at the Apollo Temple. Choose between a morning or afternoon session, with expert instructors leading the way.

Didim 4x4 Safari Tour

Buckle up for a family-friendly adventure that's as unique as your crew. This 4x4 tour through Didim features water fights, off-road rallies as well as breaks for swimming. Meet the horses at a local ranch, before tucking into a Turkish feast at lunch. The afternoon continues with more water fun and a stop by a beach to wind down. You'll go home with stories that'll be the highlight of dinner conversations.

Pamukkale Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience & Hierapolis Visit

Pamukkale is spectacular seen from the ground – but even better with bird's eye views. See one of Turkey's top natural treasures from above with this hot air balloon experience. You'll need to rise and shine well before sunrise, but it's all worth it. Soar over the cotton-white calcium terraces before touching down to visit the Roman ruins of Hierapolis, too.

Mavisehir Market Night Tour

One of the best shopping experiences on the Aegean coast is also one of its best-kept secrets. The night market at Mavisehir, a lovely resort on the opposite end of the Altinkum peninsula, is not just a great spot to grab a bargain, it's also buzzing with activity. Browse, haggle, taste and maybe even buy.

Kusadasi Shopping Tour from Didim in Turkey

This full-day day trip to Kusadasi shows off one of the most famous resorts on Turkey's Aegean Cost. As well as beaches, this place is home to castles, mosques, and plenty of shopping opportunities. You'll stop at a couple of hotspots, before heading into the centre of Kusadasi in the afternoon for some free time.First up, delve into the world of gold at a gold centre. Here, you'll learn about the benefits of buying gold in Turkey – Turkish goldsmiths are known for their high-quality craftsmanship. Then, you'll have time for a wander around, and maybe even to try your hand at haggling for that perfect piece of jewellery. Your shopping spree continues with a visit to a Turkish delight shop, where you can top up on these famous sweet treats.In the afternoon, you'll head into Kusadasi centre for a nosy around. The harbour is great for a relaxing stroll, or drop into a cafe for a cup of caffeine-rich Turkish coffee. Up on the hills surrounding the town, you'll spot plenty of colourful homes, and the produce-scented market and the historic Kaleiçi Mosque are also worth checking out.

Altinkum Turkish Bath

Relax into your holiday and kick-start your tan with a Turkish bath or hamam. These places have existed in Turkey for centuries and for good reason – they're a serious refresher for the mind, body and soul. They're also great for tanning – exfoliating your skin to help boost your bronzing.