Half-day River Dalyan tour with turtle beach visit

Half-day River Dalyan tour with turtle beach visit

Winding its way from Lake Koycegiz to the Agean, the River Dalyan is home to freshwater and loggerhead turtles. And with a little help from our local guide Gökhan, you might get to see both species on this trip. ‘Home to bubbling hot springs and one of Turkey's top beaches – Iztuzu Beach – this place is a paradise on earth,' says Gökhan.

Visit to Ortaca Market and Peloid Mud Baths in Dalyan

Rumour has it Cleopatra used to be a regular at the Dalyan mud baths. On this half-day trip, you'll venture off to Ortaca market for some free time to poke around this open-air bazaar, before getting down and dirty in the natural mud pools and hot springs in Dalyan.You'll start the day with a trip to the local Ortaca market for some typical Turkish shopping. Haggle your way through spice-scented stalls as you munch on fresh fruit, mingle with the locals or find an eye-catching trinket to take home.Then, it's off to the mud baths of Dalyan – these pools of mud are famous for their healing properties. Perfect for families and younger children due to the shallow pools, you'll have some time to revitalise your skin and have fun in the mud. After showering off, you can even have a dip in the natural hot springs, where temperatures can hit 39°C.

Dalyan Discovery Boat Tour with Turtle Beach and Lunch

Wind through the wildlife-rich Dalyan wetlands on a river cruise, pamper your skin at the mud baths and relax on a secluded beach – this is the ultimate Dalyan tour. What's more, you'll pass by ancient rock-hewn tombs and enjoy a riverside lunch, too. Ceren, one of our local guides, says, ‘Turtle Beach is named after the endangered loggerhead turtles that nest here. It's actually called Iztuzu beach, and it's a great example of the local commitment to conservation. In the 1980s, new resorts were planned, but instead it has been kept in its natural state, preserving the turtles' nesting sites.'First on the to-do list is a visit to the anti-ageing mud baths and soothing sulphur pool. Cake on the mud and let it dry in the sun before washing it off to reveal the softening effects. Local legend states that Cleopatra visited these baths to maintain her beauty. Next, it's time to savour a typical lunch at a riverside restaurant, then you'll rejoin the riverboat and glide past cliffs where you can spot ancient Lycian rock tombs dating to 400BC.As you cruise downriver to Iztuzu beach, look out for the abundant bird life that flocks to the area. The river and unblemished, lagoon-backed sandbar beach remain as nature intended, so there's plenty of wildlife to spot. At the beach you'll have free time for swimming, sunbathing or, with a bit of luck, you might even spot a turtle or two. Round off your day with the return river cruise to Dalyan.

Ancient Ephesus and Sirince Small Group 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.

Fethiye Market & Shopping Tour

A shopping trip in Turkey is one of those must-do experiences. And this morning in Fethiye is great for bargain-hunting. You'll call into a shopping centre dedicated to Turkish souvenirs, haggle your way through the local market and stop by a gold complex for a mooch. There's also free time in the town centre.First up is a visit to the Imperial Concept shopping centre. Here you'll find an array of treats to stock up on, from ceramics to the country's most famous export – Turkish delight. Then it's on to Fethiye weekly market to indulge in some more retail therapy. Work your way through the countless stands stacked with exotic spices, leather bags, rugs and ceramics.Next on the shopping spree is Telmessos Gold Centre, a shopping complex devoted to gleaming gold and jewellery. While there, let the expert jewellers impress you, but remember to haggle to secure the best price – it's part of the experience. And if shopping's not on your agenda, just give them a polite no. Snap up some ready-made trinkets or get a special piece made to order. You'll round off in the centre of Fethiye, where you'll have some free time to browse modern shops and boutiques at your own pace.

Marmaris Shopping Trip

If you fancy a full day of shopping, then a day in Marmaris will be just your thing. Big and bustling, its streets and bazaars make it great for bargain-hunting. And once you're here, you'll have several hours to blow a hole in your kitty.Start at a Marmaris Gold Centre, and you can eye up its trays of shiny gold and silver or order a piece to be specially made for you. When the expert jewellers showcase their pieces, don't forget to haggle for the best deal. And if shopping's not on your agenda, just give them a polite no. Then, it's off to a Turkish delight factory where you can add to your shopping haul with a box or two of these sugar-dusted treats.Then, it's off to a textile store where you'll find all the classic 'genuine fakes' that Turkey's famous for. It's the perfect place to practice your barting skills. And if that wasn't enough, we'll then drop you in Marmaris city centre where you'll have a couple of hours to explore.

Pamukkale & 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 at Dusk Tour with Dinner and Riverboat Trip

If you like the sound of riverside scenery and a pristine beach, then this tour ticks all the boxes. You'll explore the Dalyan Delta, starting with Iztuzu Beach and a look around Dalyan 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, while the sun's still warm, you'll visit a turtle rescue centre, then enjoy some free time at peaceful Iztuzu Beach, where loggerhead turtles come to nest every year. Then you'll 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 the traditional Turkish architecture – look out for the intricately decorated Dalyan mosque –and 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.

Secret Valley Boat Tour

It's only a short trip inland from Sarıgerme to the Secret Valley, but it feels like a world away. This small group tour will see you boating through the valley's stunning canyons and enjoying a swim on a lake from a secluded spot with loungers.Drive through amazing mountainous scenery before boarding on to a traditional wooden river craft. Cruise lazily along the placid waters of the Secret Valley's reservoir, soaking up the views to a soundtrack of tweeting birds.When it's time to take a break, we'll stop at a sheltered spot on the edge of the lake. Soak up some sunshine and cool off with a swim to work up an appetite for a typical local lunch. In the afternoon, you'll have another hour to sunbathe or take a dip in the lake before hopping back on the boat to glide back to the harbour.

Gocek 12 Island Family 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 games and activities 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, or get involved in a game with the crew.