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

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.

Marmaris 4x4 sunset safari with beach barbecue

Sunset on a secluded beach is one of those moments that makes being on holiday so special. Why not add to the magic with this exclusive experience? On this adults-only 4x4 safari, there's a visit to Bördübet for the chance to see a spectacular sunset followed by a beachside barbecue complete with live music. Yusuf, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Travelling off-road over country trails across to these quiet bays at sunset is a special experience, and the beaches are usually deserted. Lounge by the campfire while we prepare your meal – it's what holidays are all about.'Riding in an open-topped vehicle, you'll feel the wind in your hair as you follow the edge-clinging tracks that pass by ancient villages and offer grandstand views over the Bozburun peninsula. The beauty of a 4x4 tour is that you can reach areas that are impossible to get to by car, so you'll likely have the bay to yourselves.Head down to the coast, and you'll arrive at Bördübet where you can get comfortable for the blazing sunset over the Aegean. After watching nature's nightly show, it's on to Hisarönü, where your driver-guides set up all the necessaries for a barbecue on the beach. As they do, you can choose to relax on the sand or take a dip in the sea. Then, when the stars come out, there's a tasty dinner, live music and an opportunity to dance the night away. Far from light pollution, you'll be able to see the stars really clearly once the sun goes down.

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.

Full-day small group ancient Ephesus and Sirince tour with lunch

The ancient world and old ways come to life during this small group tour to Ephesus and Sirince. The Classical Greek city of Ephesus was the location of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis – while time seems to have stood still in the pretty mountain village of Sirince.

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.

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.