Gocek 12 island cruise

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.

Kayakoy ghost town tour with Mount Babadag cable car

From an abandoned hillside village to the summit of Mount Babadağ, there's a variety of views on this tour. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time exploring Kayaköy, one of the best-preserved ghost villages in Turkey. Elif, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘There are close to one thousand deserted stone houses as well as churches and chapels, even a bakery. At one point there was a plan to convert the whole village into a tourist resort, but thankfully this historic place has been preserved.'We'll start off the tour in Kayaköy, which was abandoned by Greeks fleeing war in the 1920s. Now, their ghosts flit between the empty homes as you wander through silent streets that once rang with voices. Peek into roofless stone dwellings as your guide explains their tiered designs, and discover tiny chapels and a little school. Elif says, ‘The layout of the houses and the way they were lined up was to ensure none blocked another's view.' You'll also see the empty basilica, with its faded frescoes and mosaics. Eerie yet fascinating.Next up, we'll head to the foot of Mount Babadağ to hop on a cable car almost to the top. Enjoy eye-popping panoramic views over Fethiye and the coast below as you glide up to the top station below the summit. If you want to reach the very top, there is a chairlift available. The peak is popular with paragliders, so there's a good chance you'll see them drifting in the skyline. It's a feast for the eyes.

Tour of Oludeniz Beach, Babadag cable car and ghost town Kayakoy

The area around Fethiye is packed with intriguing sites and areas of outstanding natural beauty. On this full day tour, you'll visit the eerie ghost town of Kayakoy, ride the Babadag cable car and have time to relax and swim at Oludeniz's famous Blue Lagoon. Elif, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘From the top of Mount Babadag, you can see a beautiful stretch of the Turquoise Coast, including the curving beach and lagoon at Oludeniz, which you've just visited. Watch the paragliders gliding down to land near the beach.'You'll start the morning heading straight to Oludeniz. It's a small resort best known for the two-kilometre-long curl of beach that shelters the Blue Lagoon. Basking on the warm sand, your toughest decision is whether to paddle in the bay or the calmer, shallower lagoon. Next, you'll ride the Babadag cable car for stunning views from the mountaintop. You'll have time to get something to eat at the top, after which you'll head back down to Kayakoy, one of the best-preserved ghost villages in Turkey.Wander silent streets that bristled with life before the population abandoned them over a century ago. Peek into the tiers of roofless houses, see the little school, and visit the basilica – still decorated with old frescos. Elif says, ‘There are close to 1,000 deserted stone houses in Kayakoy, as well as churches and chapels, even a bakery. The Greek villagers who lived here – and called it Leivissi – were forced to flee after WWI, and no one replaced them.'

Legends of Lycia Tour with Tlos, Patara and local lunch

This full day tour shows off two of the region's most important archaeological sites in all their glory. There's also free time at a fantastic beach and a tasty local lunch near Gizlikent waterfall to look forward to. Leyla, one of our expert local guides, says, "Ancient Tlos is home to some fine examples of the rock-hewn tombs we see around this area, always carved high up to bury people closer to the Gods. I also love spending time at Patara - one of the most beautiful beaches in this part of Turkey."You'll head to Ancient Tlos first. Boasting relics that stretch from the Lycian to Ottoman periods, it's a great place to explore. Leyla says, ‘It is not known exactly how long ago Tlos was founded, but the discovery of a bronze hatchet dating from over 3,000 years ago gives you an idea.' Located on a sloping hillside, it's a compact site but contains a remarkable number of ruins including rock-cut Lycian tombs, a theatre, Roman baths and much more to admire. After, you'll visit Gizlikent Şelalesi waterfall for some free time and lunch at a nearby restaurant.It's on to ancient Patara next, to explore the ruined city which dates back to the 8th century BCE. It was once an important harbour for the Lycian League, playing a significant role in politics and trade. Notable for being the birthplace of St. Nicholas – better known as Father Christmas – Patara features well-preserved ruins like the Triumphal Arch and Bouleuterion, offering insights into the past. After your visit, head to the golden sands of Patara beach for some time to relax.

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.

Dalyan River cruise check-out tour

If you're booked on a late-night flight back home, then this is a great way to enjoy your last day in Turkey. Highlights include a scenic Dalyan riverboat cruise, an anti-ageing mud bath and a riverside lunch. There's also free time to relax on Iztuzu Beach. You'll have a chance to freshen up and refuel before your flight in a nearby no-frills hotel, too. Ceren, one of our expert local guides, says "Iztuzu Beach – AKA Turtle Beach – is a magical spot where nature rules. The beach was all set to be developed with new resorts in the 1980s, but instead some areas are protected as a sanctuary for nesting Loggerhead turtles, an endangered species."Glide down the River Dalyan on a specially designed boat which doesn't harm marine life, heading for the mud baths. Smooth on the anti-ageing clay and have a dip in the warm sulphur pool. After lunch of local specialities at a riverside restaurant, jump back on your river boat to sail past the Lycian Rock Tombs dating to 400BC. It's off to Iztuzu Beach next, where you'll be surrounded by natural beauty. There's free time for swimming or sunbathing on this long, sandy strand. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a turtle or two – they're often spotted in the area. Finally, we'll head back to a local no-frills hotel for a chance to freshen up. You won't go hungry either, thanks to the buffet dinner you can tuck into. And, what's more, you'll have the use of a hotel room right up until the transfer to the airport.

Fethiye boat cruise with lunch and transfers

Fancy sailing out of Fethiye and exploring the surrounding area on a traditional Turkish gulet boat? Now you can. Your transfer will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Fethiye's harbour, where your boat will be waiting. Once on board, you'll set sail for a relaxing full day on the water. You'll drop anchor in a few of the area's best swimming spots throughout the day, as well as stop for lunch. When you get back to Fethiye, your transfer return you to your hotel.

Fethiye 4x4 safari tour to Saklıkent Gorge and Gizlikent Waterfall

The River Xanthos area has been the scene of action since ancient times – and the fun just keeps on coming with this excursion. You'll go on an open-top 4x4 safari through mountains and past villages before enjoying the chance to bathe in mud pools. This is the stuff of legend.Climb aboard your 4x4 and you'll start with a drive through the village of Zorlar. The village's Ottoman-style houses epitomise old Turkey. After trundling through fruit groves and getting wet 'n' wild with a water fight, you'll enjoy lunch at Gizlikent waterfall. Tuck into a host of tasty dishes with a backdrop of the waterfall.In the afternoon, there's an optional visit — for a small fee — to Saklıkent Gorge. Here, you can pay to do river tubing – settle on a rubber ring and float down the river for a couple of kilometres. If you're a landlubber, you can stay in the 4x4, meeting the rafters further downstream. And you'll also have the chance to bathe in some natural mud pools or play more water games, in which you'll get to squirt your family and friends with a blaster.

Gocek 12 island cruise

This Aegean island cruise is all about family fun. Sail along Turkey's western shores and top up your tan on deck, ready to refresh yourself at any one of our four swim stops. And in between swim breaks, kids can take part in some colouring and puzzles with the friendly crew. To top it all, there'll be a tasty Turkish lunch served onboard, too.Cast off from shore, and you can spread out on the spacious decks – the perfect catalyst to get you in the mood for the relaxing day ahead. Sit back and soak up the scenery as you catch a few rays, and you'll see Mt Babadağ on the horizon – the highest point in Fethiye.With several stops along the way, you can explore the shores of Yassica Adasi island, or cool off with a swim at no less than three beautiful bays. And when you've worked up an appetite, there's a tasty Turkish lunch to enjoy followed by more time to unwind.