
Monument visits in Marmaris
Ancient Ephesus tour with Virgin Mary House visit and lunch
It's home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, and holds layers of history from the Bronze Age, Classical Greek and Roman times. On this full-day tour to the beautifully preserved site of the ancient city of Ephesus, it's easy to imagine the toga-clad crowds that filled the streets 2,000 years ago. One of our local expert guides, Ahmet, says, "my favourite spot in Ephesus is the Library of Celsus. Its soaring columns still radiate a sense of grandeur, offering a glimpse into what was once one of the greatest libraries of the Roman world – home to more than 12,000 scrolls.”When you arrive, you'll wander down marble-paved streets, gaze at mosaics in ancient Roman houses and see the once imposing buildings of the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Grand Theatre. As well gaining a wealth of knowledge from the museum there, your guide will explain the historical context and point out the most interesting features. After this, it's time for a buffet lunch at a nearby restaurant – the perfect chance to refuel before the next stop.Round things off with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a modest chapel with hundreds of years of history. The foundations date back to the 1st-century, when St John the Apostle supposedly carried Mary to her final resting place, here in the hills of Mount Koressos. Whether you follow any faith or none, there's an undeniable spirituality to this place that makes it a great spot for some quiet reflection at the end of your trip.
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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.
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Day Trip to Greek Island of Rhodes from Marmaris Harbour
You can add another stamp to your passport on this day trip. You'll trade Turkey for Greece, as you make the short hop across the Aegean Sea to the island of Rhodes.After a catamaran cruise, you'll arrive in Rhodes town. Here, you can explore the capital's pretty harbour, walled old quarter and upmarket New Town. You'll spend the morning ticking off sights like the charming Street of the Knights and the huge Palace of the Grand Masters. Make your way along the maze of cobbled streets, where you'll be surrounded by fountains, medieval churches and shops selling handmade goods and Greek delicacies. Speaking of food, you'll have a choice of hidden bistros or bustling waterfront bars for lunch.Later, you can head to Mandraki harbour. It was once home to the Colossus of Rhodes – a 30-metre-tall statue, ranked as a Wonder of the Ancient World.
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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.
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Ancient Ephesus tour with ceramics centre and lunch
The ancient world comes to life during this excursion to Ephesus. The classical Greek city of Ephesus was the location of one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis. Gökhan, one of our expert local guides, says, "It's easy to imagine you're walking in the footsteps of the toga-clad crowds that chattered in the streets 2,000 years ago – the archaeological site of Ephesus is so well-preserved, you'll feel like you stepped back in time."You'll travel into sun-soaked hills and olive groves to discover one of the most extensive and complete archaeological sites in the world. On arrival at Ephesus, you'll wander down marble-paved streets, gaze at mosaics in ancient Roman houses and admire epoch-defining buildings such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Grand Theatre. Your guide will explain the historical context and point out the most interesting features. You'll also walk through the museum here, too, which is filled with digital exhibits that're designed to help reimagine what Ephesus looked like back during its golden years. After this, it's time for a buffet lunch at a nearby restaurant – the perfect chance to refuel before the next stop.You'll round things off with a visit to a ceramics factory to see how Turkish pottery is made. Marvel at the precision of the master potter – working only by eye – as he decorates and paints traditional pieces. It's one of the best places to snap up some authentic souvenirs and support local livelihoods.
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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 four-kilometre-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.What is the itinerary for this experience? The itinerary for this experience is...- 7:45am to 8:30am – pick-up from your hotel - 8:30am to 9:30am – travel to Dalyan - 9:45am to 10:00am – river boat ride to mud baths and sulphur pool - 10:00am to 11:30am – free time at the mud baths - 11:30am to 11:45am – another short boat ride back to the other side of the river - 11:45am to 12:45pm – lunch at Paradise Restaurant (drinks cost extra)- 12:45pm to 1:45pm – river boat ride to Turtle Beach - 1:45pm to 3:00pm – free time at Turtle Beach - 3:00pm to 3:45pm – river boat ride back to Dalyan - 5:15pm to 5:30pm – arrive back at your accommodation Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day
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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.
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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.
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