Ephesus & Sirince Guided Tour from Altinkum
Follow timeworn paths trodden by the ancients during this tour of 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. We'll tour the site with a guide, then visit the pretty mountain village of Sirince. Gökhan, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The Library of Celsus was built as a mausoleum to Tiberius Julius Celsus Polemaeanus, and could hold 12,000 scrolls. Austrian archaeologists restored it in the 1970s to its current state, and it is easy to imagine scholars studying here.'This tour takes you into sun-soaked hills clad with olive groves to discover one of the most extensive and complete archaeological sites in the world. On arrival at Ephesus, you'll follow marble-paved streets to 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. With your guide to explain the historical context, you'll get more from your visit.After a thorough exploration of Ephesus, we'll make our way to charming Sirince. It's a little less ancient, but a sense of yesteryear permeates in this mountainside village. Here, you'll have lunch at a typical restaurant before enjoying some free time to stroll along its cobbled streets. Browse the local shops for a souvenir, sip a genuine Turkish coffee in a café, or seek out the local fruit wine – the pomegranate is a popular one.
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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.
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Dalyan River Tour by Boat with Lunch
Surround yourself with natural beauty on a relaxing river cruise from Dalyan. One of Turkey's most pristine beaches is the destination, with stops at the mud baths and a riverside restaurant en route. Ceren, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Due to the presence of endangered Loggerhead turtles nesting here, Iztuzu Beach is also known as Turtle Beach. The beach was all set to be developed with new resorts in the 1980s, but luckily conservation was prioritised and instead it remains a sanctuary for the endangered turtles. It's a magical spot with very little human interference.' First, we'll meander down the River Dalyan on an eco-friendly boat – which doesn't harm marine life – and have fun smoothing on the anti-ageing clay at the mud baths. Great for glowing skin, 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 cruising across the river for a freshly prepared lunch of local dishes. Adding a little history and culture to the mix, you'll continue on the riverboat past Lycian Rock Tombs carved into the cliffs, dating back to 400BC. At the point where the river widens into a lagoon, you'll have the chance to spot birdlife before docking at Iztuzu Beach. The 4km sweep of golden sand divides the river from the sea, a natural oasis which is 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 river cruise to Dalyan.
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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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