Tag Archives: Turkey

Turkey

Excursions Turkey, Musement

Phaselis, Mt Tahtali & Yörük Park

If you’d like an insight into Antalya’s past and present, then this full day tour will tick all the boxes. You’ve got history at the ancient ruins of Phaselis, panoramic views with a ride on the Olympos Aerial Tram and local traditions at Yoruk Park, an open air folkloric museum.

After pick-up from your hotel, you’ll travel to the ancient Greek and Roman city of Phaselis, located on the Lycia coastline. Walk among the ruins of shops and the main street while glimpsing into its former life as an important commercial port. From here, you’ll spot the Bey Mountains National Park in the distance – your next destination.

You’ll ride through the clouds to the summit of Tahtali Mountain on one of the longest cable-car rides in the world. At the top – 2,365m above sea level – you’ll have plenty of time to soak up 360-degree panoramas from the viewing platforms. And once you’re back on lower ground, you’ll head to Yoruk Park for a taster of Turkish nomadic culture.

Phaselis, Mt Tahtali & Yörük Park

Manavgat Family Adventure Tour

Mountain roads and villages are the stars of this great family-orientated excursion. Start off with a visit to an orange grove. Then grab a bargain in a Turkish textile shop. For lunch there’s a barbecue on a TUI-exclusive island before a cruise down the River Manavgat.

It’s a tangy start to the day at the orange garden, where you’ll be able to enjoy a glass of freshly squeezed juice. Next up is a visit to a textile shop, where you’ll be tempted to grab a bargain. We rev up the action next with a couple of hours’ off-roading the highlands. Prepare yourself for some wild scenery.

For lunch, you’ll be served a specially prepared barbecue on a beautiful island and there’s a children’s playground to keep the little ones entertained. To round off the day, we’ll go on a catamaran cruise on the green waters of the Manavgat River. This off-road and catamaran combination is offered only by TUI.

Manavgat Family Adventure Tour

Perge & Aspendos Tour

 

You’ll travel back in time to the days of togas and chariots with this half-day excursion to the ancient sites of Perga and Aspendos. Among the attractions you’ll discover is perhaps the best-preserved Roman theatre of all.

First on the history hitlist is the classical city of Perga. This once-bustling Roman port was founded around 1300 BC and the first stop for St Paul on his missionary journeys around the Mediterranean. Take a guided tour, stepping through the triumphal Roman gate to admire the ruined temples, marketplace and fountains. On the column-lined main street, you can even see the grooves in the flagstones created by chariot wheels. There’s also a 12,000-seater stadium and the remnants of a Bronze Age acropolis.

Next, we go to Aspendos to see one of the best-preserved theatres from antiquity. Built 2,000 years ago into a steep hillside and big enough for 15,000 spectators, its perfect acoustics mean that it’s still used for operas and concerts today.

Perge & Aspendos Tour

Pamukkale and Lake Salda

Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish – and you’ll see why as soon as you set eyes upon its magical landscape. Heading deep into the Anatolian countryside, you’ll also visit Hierapolis, Lake Salda and Cleopatra’s Pool. This is one of our TUI Collection excursions, which give you a local flavour of the destination while showcasing its unique, authentic and responsible values.

Leaving Antalya early in the morning, you’ll arrive at Lake Salda Lake after a few hours’ scenic drive. It’s been compared to the Maldives for its long beaches and multi-toned blue waters. You’ll have free time to wander around and savour the beauty of the location

You’ll then head to Pamukkale for lunch. Afterwards, catch a peek of the bright white terraces before exploring the ruins of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then let off steam with a dip in Cleopatra’s Ancient Pool, where you swim among ancient ruins, before dinner in a forest restaurant on the way back.

Pamukkale and Lake Salda

Monster Off-Road, Jet Boat & Rafting

If there’s ever a trip out that combines all the thrills and spills you’d want, then this is it. You’ll ride through a nature park in a Monster Truck, whizz over Koprulu Canyon in a jet boat and supercharge the afternoon with some white water rafting. Even the transfer from the hotel is ramped up a level.

Calling all adrenaline junkies, this Antalya tour comes with a twist. You’ll travel off-road to the base camp from where the unrelenting action is about to be released. Climb into a Monster Truck and set off on a sightseeing safari – but not quite as you know it. You’ll experience nature, but this time bumping over the land in a thrilling experience.

Before lunch, there’s the small matter of getting over the Koprulu Canyon, so a jet boat comes to your rescue. Glide past amazing rock formations and enter the canyon in this supercharged machine. Your last adventure will be white water rafting, when you’ll get to freshen up in the midst of the gentle rapids.

Monster Off-Road, Jet Boat & Rafting

Alanya Evening Safari with Dinner

For a taste of the high life Turkish style, it’s hard to beat this blockbuster evening excursion. It’s a greatest hits of Alanya’s best bits. A cable car ride to Alanya Castle to catch the sunset, a dinner of regional dishes and a bit of off-roading are all on the menu tonight.

You’ll get straight into the action by hopping onto the Alanya Castle cable car. Once at the top, we’ll amble around, taking in the scenery from this vantage point 250 metres above the Med. After a treat from Mother Nature in the form of sunset, we’ll zip down to Meazza gourmet restaurant by way of Alanya harbour. See chefs at work and savour regional delicacies such as kuymak, a cornmeal and melted cheese dish from the Black Sea coast, and halva made from semolina. Delish.

And there’s more. After dinner, we’ll go off-road, heading to the Alanya View Terrace up above the city for a glass of wine. Drink in the views of the city lights shimmering off the Med – a great way to end an amazing evening.

Alanya Evening Safari with Dinner

Alanya shopping half-day

Nothing offers an authentic slice of Turkish life like a local market. Soak up the sights and sounds of Alanya’s spice and fish markets, its bustling bazaar and a jewellery centre on this afternoon shopping tour.

First up is a trip to Alanya’s fragrant spice and fish market. Here, you’ll be wowed by the mind-boggling range of spices on offer and by the quality of the seafood – plucked from local waters on the very morning.

Net a bargain in famous Turkish gold jewellery at a traditional gold centre, whose quality and low prices attract visitors from all over Europe. Do some haggling for all manner of souvenirs and artisanal craft items at the bazaar before winding things down a bit with some free time exploring Alanya’s charming Old Town at your own pace.

Alanya shopping half-day

Pirates of Antalya

Pirate Tim and Calypso the Parrot need your help to find their lost treasure. But first you need to be fully trained in all the skills you need to become a TUI Pirate.

You’ll join our crew in search of the booty, and along the way everyone will get into the pirate spirit with some help from the pirate team on the boat. There’ll be lots of fun activities for everyone to join in on.

For our little pirate crew, there’ll be face painting and lots of pirate-themed games to play and for the older pirate crew, there’ll be some pirate challenges to join in with. And no pirate adventure would be complete without a treasure map and clues to follow. There’ll be swashbuckling fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Pirates of Antalya

Side by night

All Roman ruins and great sea views, the peninsula town of Side is one of the must-sees in this corner of Turkey. What makes it doubly appealing is that its archaeological relics are randomly scattered around the old town.

An evening visit is the ideal way to combine some sightseeing and dinner. By arriving during the early evening you can check out Side’s showpiece – the Temple of Apollo. Perched on the end of the peninsula, it’s said that Antony and Cleopatra held love trysts under its shining white columns. And you’ll see it at the best time of day – sunset. When the sun has dropped below the horizon, you’ll have some free time on your own to look round.

Check out the other ruins or delve into the old town whose grid-like streets are stuffed with stone houses, shops and bazaars. After this, you’ll end your evening at a harbour-side restaurant where you can tuck into an included two-course dinner.

Side by night

Blue Cruise Alanya

A boat trip that offers the best of both worlds – a tranquil start with a party atmosphere later on. This cruise along the Alanya coast is the perfect escape from the bustling resorts and when you’re fully recharged, get ready to dance along to your favourite top hits.

As you sail out of the harbour, sit back, relax and listen to the waves as you glide out to sea. You can chill out on the main deck and soak up the sun with a drink in hand and, when the captain drops anchor, jump in for a refreshing swim. A fresh and tasty lunch is served on board and, with all local drinks included, you can keep the cocktails coming.

In the afternoon there’ll be a couple more swim stops – bring a snorkel and mask to really make the most of the clear waters. Then it’s time to party. Banging tunes and lots of foam make for a full-on boat party atmosphere so you can dance and sing all the way back to dry land.

Blue Cruise Alanya

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turkey

Excursions in Turkey, Musement

Kusadasi Daytrip

This daytrip to Kusadasi offers you the chance to discover of the most famous resorts on Turkey’s Aegean coast. As well as enticing beaches, you’ll find castles, mosques and shopping opportunities to tempt your curiosity. We’ll pick you up from your hotel and drop you off in centre, where you’ll be free to do as you choose.

Kusadasi is a handy 90-minute drive north of Altinkum. Stroll around the harbour or drop into a café for a cup of caffeine-rich Turkish coffee. Up on the hills surrounding the town, you’ll spot plenty of colourful homes. While the Byzantine castle on Pigeon Island is a must-visit. It was recently renovated and is reached by a 200m-log causeway. The fresh produce-scented market and the historic Kaleiçi mosque are also worth checking out.

Popular beaches such as Uzun and Ladies are great spots for relaxing. And you’ll be spoilt for choice with places to eat. A relaxing and unhurried day out suitable for all ages.

Kusadasi Daytrip

Turkish Bath – from Altinkum

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.

And on this trip, you’ll visit one of the best local baths. Change into your swimwear in a cubicle, wrap yourself in a towel and step into the marble-tiled hamam or steam room. Then, sit on a heated marble bench and let the warm steam open your pores and ease the toxins from your skin.

Next, you’ll lie on a warm stone slab for a body scrub. And after that, you’re treated to a massage in warm, soapy bubbles. Once you’ve cooled off, you’ll come away feeling utterly refreshed. There’s an optional oil massage available for an extra charge, too.

Turkish Bath – from Altinkum

Ephesus & Sirince

The ancient world and old ways come to life during this excursion 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.

You’ll travel into sun-soaked hills and olive groves to discover one of the best preserved archaeological sites in the world. Wander down marble-paved streets of Ephesus, gaze at mosaics and fresco-adorned ancient Roman houses and admire impressive historical buildings, including the famous Library of Celsus, the baths, Temple of Hadrian, the grand theatre and more.

It’s a little less ancient but a sense of yesteryear permeates in Sirince. Here you’ll have lunch at a typical restaurant before enjoying some free time to stroll along its cobbled streets. On the way back to your hotel, you’ll stop at a ceramic centre and Turkish delight emporium.

Ephesus & Sirince

Saturday Market

Turkey is nothing short of a shopper’s paradise. So what better way to spend a morning than searching for souvenirs, trinkets and treasures in a bustling street bazaar.

Picked up from your hotel, you’ll be dropped into the beating heart of any Turkish town – the bazaar. Wander round the rows of shaded stalls and for the best price you can barter for, you’ll find everything from exotic fruits, vegetables and spices, to knock-off footy strips and designer fakes.

You’ll pass tables laden with tempting foodstuffs. Stands piled with soft-knit pashminas and bejewelled slippers. And rack after rack of soft leather bags, brightly painted pots and gleaming brass ornaments. You name it you’ll probably find it here – just make sure you haggle to get the best deals. Whatever you do, don’t leave without buying a box of sugar-dusted Turkish Delight. These sticky sweets are an exotic taste of Turkey and a great take-home treat.

Saturday Market

Dalyan Discovery

Winding river cruises, mud baths, ancient tombs and a sea turtle sanctuary – this exclusive Dalyan excursion is a nature-lover’s delight. Sailing on an eco-friendly boat, you’ll explore the Dalyan River’s teal-blue waters flanked by classical tombs. You might even spy turtles as you drift by the sand bank nicknamed ‘Turtle Beach’. This is one of our TUI Collection excursions, which give you a local flavour of the destination while showcasing its unique, authentic and responsible values.

The star attraction of this trip is a visit to a riverbank that also doubles as a mud bath packed with minerals. Something of a celebrity haunt, Sting, Dustin Hoffman and David Bowie have all been spotted here – and you’ll also be able to cake yourself in the healing mud. After lunch, we’ll cruise the river, gliding under the Lycian tombs. These were carved in the form of Ionic temples into the sheer cliffs some 2,500 years ago.

Iztuzu beach is the icing on the cake. This long, sandy strand is protected nesting ground for endangered loggerhead turtle. You’ll also have about an hour of free time for swimming, sunbathing or wandering the mountain-backed beach

Dalyan Discovery

Scuba Diving – from Altinkum

Colourful sea life and good visibility make Turkey’s waters ideal for scuba diving. The seas here teem with tiny fish and there’s a good chance of spotting creatures like parrotfish, octopus and even stingrays. So why not zip on a wetsuit and give it a try?

This trial-size taster lets you sample the scuba experience without tying yourself down to a longer course. First, you’ll head to the dive school where after a tuition session from a PADI-certified instructor, you’ll don your air tanks and descend into the waters.

With your instructor showing the way, you’ll swim round rocky ledges, over swaying sea grass and through clouds of exotic-looking fish. What’s more, you can hand-feed the fish and get the chance to have your photo taken underwater.

Scuba Diving – from Altinkum

Family Cruise

This boat trip is a family affair. Run by a family, for families, you’ll enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Aegean coast, lunch on-board and plenty of time to swim, snorkel and top up your tan. A great day on the waves.

When you’re all onboard, your captain will raise the anchor ready for a day of bay-hopping along the coast. As you cruise out to sea you’ll be given a fruit juice to drink on deck. There’s a bar, too, so you can buy extra wines or beers to sip as you sail.

Swim stops will break up your day of sailing. You’ll pull up in the water several times, so you can snorkel and swim in view of the Altinkum coast. There are bays here that are so private they don’t even have names. Lunch will be served onboard. It’ll be a buffet and barbecue affair, so the kids can refuel after so much scrambling in and out of the water. You’ll spend the entire day like this, before returning back to the port just before tea time.

Family Cruise

Blue Cruise

Ready to relax? Then escape the hustle and bustle and head out into the Aegean on this relaxing cruise. You’ll spend the day gliding along the coastline around Altinkum, passing sandy beaches, seaside resorts and hideaway bays. What’s more, you’ll enjoy a welcome drink and a tasdty lunch on-board.

Set sail into the Aegean and you can soak up the views as you stretch out on deck to work on your tan. With the sea breezes keeping you cool and warm sunshine drenching your body, it’s an enjoyable way to catch the rays. Every now and then, your captain will steer a course for the prettiest spots and drop anchor. Dive into the clear waters for a swim or grab your snorkel and take a closer look at the underwater world.

You’ll also be treated to a complimentary soft drink along the way and an onboard lunch. Tuck in as your boat bobs gently on the waves and finish up with more tanning time as you sail back to port. Bliss.

Blue Cruise

Dalyan and Kaunos check out

If you’re booked on an evening flight back home, then this is a great way enjoy your last hours in Turkey. Highlights include a Dalyan riverboat cruise, the ruins of ancient Kaunos and Iztuzu beach. This is one of our TUI Collection excursions, which give you a local flavour of the destination while showcasing its unique, authentic and responsible values.

First up is an eco-friendly cruise to ancient Kaunos – the views from the theatre are dramatic. Part of the Dalyan riverbank also doubles as a mud bath packed with minerals. It’s something of a celebrity haunt – Sting, Dustin Hoffman and David Bowie have all been spotted here.

Iztuzu beach is the icing on the cake. On this long, sandy strand, you’ll have free time for swimming or sunbathing. And then it’s on to have dinner and freshen up before transfer to the airport.

Dalyan and Kaunos check out

Bargains & Bays

Famous for its exotic bazaars, Turkey knows a thing or two about shopping. Stalls brim with Ali Baba slippers, shelves creak with colourful rugs and vendors haggle over spices. So if you’re anything of a shopaholic, you’ll love this trip.

First up is a Turkish Delight factory, where you’ll see how this famous sugar-dusted sweet is made. Next stop is Fethiye weekly market. Join the crowds foraging through the stalls and you’ll find everything from Turkish pottery and soft leather to clothes and accessories. You’ll also get the opportunity to visit the Fethiye Gold Centre to bag some artistic Turkish gold jewellery.

With your shopping spree over, it’s then time for something more relaxing. Jump on a boat and enjoy the views as you glide gently around the 12 islands in Fethiye bay. Call at a hidden bay, watch for dolphins and maybe take a swim in the sea before returning to the harbour and driving back to your resort.

Bargains & Bays

Fethiye by Night

Daytime in Turkey can be scorching, so this tour saves the exploring for the evening, when things have cooled down a bit. What’s more, you’ll do it in two ways – along the coast by boat and through the town on foot.

Kick off with a sunset cruise – heading away from the harbour, you’ll sail past tiny islands and hidden coves as the sun melts below the horizon.

Back in town, you’ll have time to meander through the cobbled streets of Fethiye’s old town, where you’ll find lots of little shops and stalls, plus plenty of dinner spots serving Turkish specialities and fresh seafood.

Fethiye by Night

Kayakoy Discovery

This tour shines the spotlight on Kayakoy, one of the best-preserved ghost villages in Turkey, and the Butterfly Valley hamlet of Faralya. Expect landscapes of deep gorges, pine forests and fruit orchards. This is one of our TUI Collection excursions, which give you a local flavour of the destination while showcasing its unique, authentic and responsible values.

We kick off with a drive to Faralya. It’s locally known as the ‘village on the cliffs of the Butterfly Valley’, which says everything you need to know about its location. The mosque’s minaret is a great selfie backdrop. Then it’s on to the star of the show – Kayakoy.

Draped over a hillside, its was abandoned by Greeks, fleeing war in the 1920s. Meander through silent streets that once rang with voices. Peek into roofless stone houses as your guide explains their tiered designs, and the tiny chapels and little school. And see the empty basilica, with its faded frescos and mosaics. Eerie yet fascinating. There’s also a farm visit, too.

Kayakoy Discovery

Glamour Cabaret Show and Dinner

For a night out that’s got style mixed with plenty of glitz and glam, then this is an opportunity that’ll get you straight into the holiday mood. Your evening includes a tasty dinner of chicken and chips as well as non-stop entertainment, music and dance. Don’t miss this fun family show.

The night-time Glamour cabaret show is bound to liven up your holiday in Fethiye. You can opt to either have your transport to and from the venue all sorted, or for the ticket-only option. Either way, you’re in for a fun and fiercely good evening – with plenty of sequins thrown in for good measure.

You’ll start off in the restaurant where your dinner will be served – a lip-smacking meal of chicken and chips – before the glamorous lot will come out, all dressed to the nines and ready to impress. Expect comedy, dancing, singing and plenty of hilarity.

Glamour Cabaret Show and Dinner

Up and Down

This roller coaster of a tour gives you new perspectives on the treasures around Fethiye. You’ll zoom up Mt Babadağ, explore the ghost village of Kayaköy and enjoy free time on pine-fringed Gemiler Beach. And in between, you’ll catch sight of some epic landscapes and activities.

The fun kicks off with an exhilarating drive up to the summit of Mt Babadağ, just shy of 2,000m. Take in the views and watch over countless paragliders taking off and flying over the Blue Lagoon below. Next, you’ll journey through a forest to Kayaköy ‘ghost town’. Refuel with lunch at a restaurant, surrounded by views of hundreds of abandoned homes scattered over a hillside. There’ll be free time to wander through eerily quiet streets, which once rang loud with voices.

After a day of discovery, wind down to the secluded Gemiler beach. Here, you can relax, take a dip or enjoy a drink at the beachside cafe. There’s also the chance to take an optional speedboat ride.

Up and Down

VIP Blue Cruise

This VIP adults-only day at sea gives you the perfect excuse to unwind. The boat doesn’t hold many guests so the day feels really exclusive. You’ll visit four bays along the Aegean coast – each with its own charm.

As you sail out of Fethiye harbour, you can spread out on the deck as you sail across the Aegean Sea. Your captain will drop anchor at various secluded bays along the way and it’s up to you whether you jump in or carry on soaking up the sun.

When we reach the second bay, the crew will prepare a freshly cooked lunch. Plus there’s unlimited water, beer, wine and soft drinks included, too. You’ll round off this relaxing day at sea with visits to two more bays in the afternoon and with a break for tea and coffee.

VIP Blue Cruise

VIP Dalaman Airport Service & Lounge

  • Greeting on arrival
  • Fast track through check-in, security and passport control
  • Complimentary snacks, drinks and Wi-Fi
  • Use of the comfortable VIP lounge
  • Access to smoking area available

VIP Dalaman Airport Service & Lounge

Scuba Diving

Fancy taking the plunge and discovering Turkey’s underwater world? Then this scuba diving trip off Fethiye is ideal. It caters for complete beginners, seasoned pros and everyone in between.

You’ll get to go on two dives in the waters off Fethiye. There are reefs, tunnels and shipwrecks to explore. Depending on conditions and your experience, your instructors will chose the best location for the dives.

Discover exotic marine life, feed the fish, and explore this colourful world in warm, crystal-clear waters. If diving isn’t for you, you can still join your partner but simply spend the day sunbathing, swimming or snorkelling.

Scuba Diving

Off-road Safari

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 4×4 safari through mountains and past villages before enjoying the chance to go river tubing on the Xanthos. This is the stuff of legend.

Your first stop is Incirköy. Set on a high plateau, the village’s Ottoman-style houses epitomise old Turkey. After trundling through fruit groves, you’ll enjoy a barbecue lunch by the Xanthos. Tuck into fresh trout or chicken, and then take a dip or sunbathe beside the cascading waters.

In the afternoon, you’ll have the option of going river tubing – waters permitting – for a small extra charge. After being briefed and donning a life jacket, you’ll settle on a rubber ring to float down the river for a couple of miles. If you’re a landlubber, you can stay in the 4×4, meeting the rafters further downstream. And you’ll also have the chance to bathe in some natural mud pools before setting off home.

Off-road Safari

Hidden Lake & Check Out

Why not squeeze the last bit of fun from your holiday if you have an evening flight. You’ll enjoy a boat trip through the canyons of the Secret Valley and then have four hours to relax by a lake and have lunch. We’ll then take you to a hotel to freshen up before transfer to the airport.

After pick-up from your hotel, we’ll head to the coastal village of Gocek. Check out the marina and the setting in a bay sheltered by pine-clad headlands. There’s a scenic drive to the green-fringed Secret Valley next. Here, you’ll hop onto a traditional wooden boat for a relaxing boat trip. Glide on sparkling sapphire waters hemmed in by cliff walls before dropping anchor near a small sandy bay squirrelled among the trees.

You’ll have a few hours to relax, explore and swim in the clear waters of the lake. Lunch in a restaurant is included, too. Then, in the early afternoon, we’ll head to a 4* hotel where you can freshen up before transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Hidden Lake & Check Out

Rhodes

Rhodes is almost a stone’s throw from Turkey and with its whitewashed villages and rich medieval castles, makes for a great daytrip. From Fethiye harbour, you’ll ride a hydrofoil to Rhodes town, the capital, and have the day to explore its history-steeped streets.

The town is packed with attraction – with its picturesque harbour, new town and walled old quarter built by the Knights of St John. Tick through sights including the Street of the Knights, the vast Palace of the Grand Masters and 15th century Hospital of the Knights. Once you’re done with history, explore the cobbled passageways – they’re filled with fountains, churches and shops selling local handicrafts and delicacies. Or head for the new town’s pavement cafés and chic boutiques.

And don’t miss Mandraki harbour. Home to luxury yachts and waterfront cafés, it was once home to the legendary Colossus of Rhodes – one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Rhodes

Sea & Shore Explorer

This excursion is all about having fun and relaxing. It combines a half-day off the beaten track safari to some of Turkey’s unspoilt villages and a half-day cruise around the beautiful bays and islands. The chance to explore on land and offshore all in the same day.

Zooming through the countryside in a 4×4 on off-road tracks, the authentic Turkey will unfold as you leave the busy resorts of the coast behind and discover villages, such as Uzumlu, where life goes on at a much more tranquil pace. The ruins of ancient Cadianda also come into view.

Then, around lunchtime, you’ll head to the coast, to set sail around the surrounding islands, inlets and secluded bays. The anchor will drop during the afternoon for a few swimming and snorkelling stops in the clear blue waters. It’s all about relaxation, so why not snooze the afternoon away or lose yourself in the beautiful scenery or in a good book.

Sea & Shore Explorer

Turkish Bath

If you’ve never tried a hammam or Turkish bath before you’re in for a bit of a surprise. It leaves you feeling incredibly clean and gets your skin in great condition for a lasting tan. And this is your chance to give it a go.

First things first, we’ll drive you to a traditional bath centre. Once you’re here you’ll change into your swimwear in a cubicle and head for the hammam – essentially a steam room – wrapped in a towel. Relax into the warm steam as it softens your skin and eases out the toxins.

Next, you’ll lie on a heated marble slab where you’ll be given an exfoliating body scrub and a massage in olive oil soap. Once you’ve had time to cool off, you’ll leave feeling wonderfully fresh and relaxed. There are optional oil massages available for an extra charge, too.

Turkish Bath

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turkey

Excursions in Turkey, by Musement

Pamukkale and Lake Salda

Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’ in Turkish – and you’ll see why as soon as you set eyes upon its magical landscape. Heading deep into the Anatolian countryside, you’ll also visit Hierapolis, Lake Salda and Cleopatra’s Pool. This is one of our TUI Collection excursions, which give you a local flavour of the destination while showcasing its unique, authentic and responsible values.

Leaving Antalya early in the morning, you’ll arrive at Lake Salda Lake after a few hours’ scenic drive. It’s been compared to the Maldives for its long beaches and multi-toned blue waters. You’ll have free time to wander around and savour the beauty of the location

You’ll then head to Pamukkale for lunch. Afterwards, catch a peek of the bright white terraces before exploring the ruins of Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then let off steam with a dip in Cleopatra’s Ancient Pool, where you swim among ancient ruins, before dinner in a forest restaurant on the way back.

Pamukkale and Lake Salda

Off Road Safari

How about leaving the sands of your resort behind for the day and instead go for a spin on dirt tracks? This off-road adventure will take you deep into the heart of the real Turkey, exploring places you didn’t know existed high up in the beautiful Taurus Mountains.

Travelling in off-road vehicles with your experienced guide, you’ll drive into the hills above the coast, feeling the air get cooler as you go. You’ll journey along jaw-dropping mountain roads and through rural villages where time seems to have stopped still.

Bumping along winding roads on and adrenaline adventure, you’ll discover the heart of this enchanting region – the stunning views, untouched nature and the real beauty of the area. It’s the drive of your life.

Off Road Safari

Monster Off-Road, Jet Boat & Rafting

If there’s ever a trip out that combines all the thrills and spills you’d want, then this is it. You’ll ride through a nature park in a Monster Truck, whizz over Koprulu Canyon in a jet boat and supercharge the afternoon with some white water rafting. Even the transfer from the hotel is ramped up a level.

Calling all adrenaline junkies, this Antalya tour comes with a twist. You’ll travel off-road to the base camp from where the unrelenting action is about to be released. Climb into a Monster Truck and set off on a sightseeing safari – but not quite as you know it. You’ll experience nature, but this time bumping over the land in a thrilling experience.

Before lunch, there’s the small matter of getting over the Koprulu Canyon, so a jet boat comes to your rescue. Glide past amazing rock formations and enter the canyon in this supercharged machine. Your last adventure will be white water rafting, when you’ll get to freshen up in the midst of the gentle rapids.

Monster Off-Road, Jet Boat & Rafting

Alanya Evening Safari with Dinner

For a taste of the high life Turkish style, it’s hard to beat this blockbuster evening excursion. It’s a greatest hits of Alanya’s best bits. A cable car ride to Alanya Castle to catch the sunset, a dinner of regional dishes and a bit of off-roading are all on the menu tonight.

You’ll get straight into the action by hopping onto the Alanya Castle cable car. Once at the top, we’ll amble around, taking in the scenery from this vantage point 250 metres above the Med. After a treat from Mother Nature in the form of sunset, we’ll zip down to Meazza gourmet restaurant by way of Alanya harbour. See chefs at work and savour regional delicacies such as kuymak, a cornmeal and melted cheese dish from the Black Sea coast, and halva made from semolina. Delish.

And there’s more. After dinner, we’ll go off-road, heading to the Alanya View Terrace up above the city for a glass of wine. Drink in the views of the city lights shimmering off the Med – a great way to end an amazing evening.

Alanya Evening Safari with Dinner

Pirates of Antalya

Pirate Tim and Calypso the Parrot need your help to find their lost treasure. But first you need to be fully trained in all the skills you need to become a TUI Pirate.

You’ll join our crew in search of the booty, and along the way everyone will get into the pirate spirit with some help from the pirate team on the boat. There’ll be lots of fun activities for everyone to join in on.

For our little pirate crew, there’ll be face painting and lots of pirate-themed games to play and for the older pirate crew, there’ll be some pirate challenges to join in with. And no pirate adventure would be complete without a treasure map and clues to follow. There’ll be swashbuckling fun for the whole family to enjoy.

Pirates of Antalya

Side by night

All Roman ruins and great sea views, the peninsula town of Side is one of the must-sees in this corner of Turkey. What makes it doubly appealing is that its archaeological relics are randomly scattered around the old town.

An evening visit is the ideal way to combine some sightseeing and dinner. By arriving during the early evening you can check out Side’s showpiece – the Temple of Apollo. Perched on the end of the peninsula, it’s said that Antony and Cleopatra held love trysts under its shining white columns. And you’ll see it at the best time of day – sunset. When the sun has dropped below the horizon, you’ll have some free time on your own to look round.

Check out the other ruins or delve into the old town whose grid-like streets are stuffed with stone houses, shops and bazaars. After this, you’ll end your evening at a harbour-side restaurant where you can tuck into an included two-course dinner.

Side by night

Blue Cruise Alanya

A boat trip that offers the best of both worlds – a tranquil start with a party atmosphere later on. This cruise along the Alanya coast is the perfect escape from the bustling resorts and when you’re fully recharged, get ready to dance along to your favourite top hits.

As you sail out of the harbour, sit back, relax and listen to the waves as you glide out to sea. You can chill out on the main deck and soak up the sun with a drink in hand and, when the captain drops anchor, jump in for a refreshing swim. A fresh and tasty lunch is served on board and, with all local drinks included, you can keep the cocktails coming.

In the afternoon there’ll be a couple more swim stops – bring a snorkel and mask to really make the most of the clear waters. Then it’s time to party. Banging tunes and lots of foam make for a full-on boat party atmosphere so you can dance and sing all the way back to dry land.

Blue Cruise Alanya