Sightseeing & traditions in Altinkum-Didim

Altinkum-Didim - Half-day Miletos tour and Temple of Apollo visit

Up for a Turkish adventure? This half-day tour takes you to two of Turkey's most iconic sites, blending centuries of ancient history with a splash of local culture. You'll enjoy guided insights at both stops and still have time to mingle around the shops, snap a few pics and pick up a souvenir or two. You'll start off at Miletos, once a thriving port city and centre of philosophy and science in the ancient world. You'll wander through the ruins, including a massive Greco-Roman theatre, Roman baths and what's left of agora – where the locals used to trade. Your guide will bring its history to life by sharing stories and insights along the way. Next up, you'll head to the Temple of Apollo in Didymia, the fourth largest temple in the Greek world, which remains one of the best-preserved examples of Hellenistic architecture. Whether you get a good look from the outside or pay a small fee to explore the inner sanctum, its scale and atmosphere are well worth experiencing.With plenty of shops and cafes nearby the temple, you'll have time to grab a coffee, sample some Turkish sweets and browse homemade crafts after a morning of sightseeing.

Altinkum-Didim - Altinkum Turkish Bath

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.

Altinkum-Didim - Altinkum scuba diving

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?

Bodrum - Full-day Pamukkale and Hierapolis tour with thermal pool stop

One of Mother Nature's masterpieces, Pamukkale, which translates as Cotton Castle, is a spectacle of water-filled terraces that've been slowly sculpted over thousands of years. You'll head out from Bodrum to check out this UNESCO World Heritage Site and explore the ancient ruins of Hierapolis. Mehmet, one of our local expert guides, says, “people travelled for weeks to bathe in the waters of Pamukkale, believing they brought strength, clarity and even a bit of luck. The same springs that drew ancient travellers are still flowing today, shaping the terraces day by day. The landscape never stops evolving.”You'll arrive at Pamukkale with time to explore at your own pace, taking in the mountainside terraces where natural springs have solidified into snowy-white stalactites, ripples and cliffs. Just above the terraces sit the ruins of Hierapolis, an ancient Roman spa city that once drew visitors from across the empire. Its grand theatre, necropolis and old bathhouses are spread across the plateau, giving you plenty to explore beyond the white pools below.Pick-up will be in the early morning so that you can set off in time to reach Pamukkale for early afternoon, with a comfort break in the town of Mugla along the way. After your visit to the terraces and ruins, you'll stop to recharge at the Pam Thermal Hotel. There's a lunch included, too, and there's even time for a dip in the hotel's thermal pool if you fancy it – the perfect way to wrap up a day spent checking out one of Turkey's most iconic natural wonders.

Altinkum-Didim - Buggy safari tour in Didim, Turkey

Get your heart racing on a two-hour, thrilling buggy safari through the rugged landscapes of Didim. After a quick test drive, you'll be ready to tackle both on-road and off-road trails. Take a breather at the 8th-century BC Apollo Temple, snapping some epic photos before diving back into the action. Opt for a morning or afternoon session with expert instructors leading the way.

Altinkum-Didim - Didim Quad Safari Tour

Adrenaline seekers will love this quad adventure. After a quick safety briefing, you'll strap in for both on-road and off-road trails and tracks. Spend two hours whizzing through Didim, with a quick break for photos at the Apollo Temple. Choose between a morning or afternoon session, with expert instructors leading the way.

Altinkum-Didim - Didim 4x4 Safari Tour

Buckle up for a family-friendly adventure that's as unique as your crew. This 4x4 tour through Didim features water fights, off-road rallies as well as breaks for swimming. Meet the horses at a local ranch, before tucking into a Turkish feast at lunch. The afternoon continues with more water fun and a stop by a beach to wind down. You'll go home with stories that'll be the highlight of dinner conversations.

Altinkum-Didim - 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.

Altinkum-Didim - Mavisehir Market night tour

One of the best shopping experiences on the Aegean coast is also one of its best-kept secrets. The night market at Mavisehir, a lovely resort on the opposite end of the Altinkum peninsula, is not just a great spot to grab a bargain, it's also buzzing with activity. Browse, haggle, taste and maybe even buy.

Altinkum-Didim - Kusadasi Shopping Tour from Didim in Turkey

This full-day day trip to Kusadasi shows off one of the most famous resorts on Turkey's Aegean Cost. As well as beaches, this place is home to castles, mosques, and plenty of shopping opportunities. You'll stop at a couple of hotspots, before heading into the centre of Kusadasi in the afternoon for some free time.First up, delve into the world of gold at a gold centre. Here, you'll learn about the benefits of buying gold in Turkey – Turkish goldsmiths are known for their high-quality craftsmanship. Then, you'll have time for a wander around, and maybe even to try your hand at haggling for that perfect piece of jewellery. Your shopping spree continues with a visit to a Turkish delight shop, where you can top up on these famous sweet treats.In the afternoon, you'll head into Kusadasi centre for a nosy around. The harbour is great for a relaxing stroll, or drop into a cafe for a cup of caffeine-rich Turkish coffee. Up on the hills surrounding the town, you'll spot plenty of colourful homes, and the produce-scented market and the historic Kaleiçi Mosque are also worth checking out.

Altinkum-Didim - Altinkum 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 lunch on-board.

Bodrum - Day trip to the Greek island of Kos

Just across the water from Turkey is the Greek island of Kos. Known for its beautiful sandy beaches and classical antiquities, a catamaran or ferry ride will take you to its capital, Kos town, where you'll have the day to explore on your own.Prepare to be charmed by the town, where ancient and modern sit side by side. Dip into the shops and boutiques in the streets behind the harbour or sip coffees in the square, admiring the huge plane tree – it's said that Hippocrates held lessons under it 2,400 years ago. And admire the sea views from the battlements of the 15th-century Knights' fortress. History lovers will also want to see nearby Asklepieion. One of Greece's most important classical sites, its marble temples mark where the world's first hospital once stood.Or if you fancy some R&R, take your pick of the town's beaches. Its shores are laced with sandy sweeps perfect for getting in some sunbathing and swimming before your ride back. And remember, you'll need to cross the borders – sometimes with lengthy security and passport checks – between Turkey and Greece in this tour, so a valid passport or photo ID is needed.

Bodrum - Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary tour with visit to Sirince and optional lunch

Ephesus is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites from the classical era. Highlights include the Celsus Library and the Great Theatre. You'll also discover the House of the Virgin Mary and stop by Sirince. Gökhan, one of our local guides, says, ‘During the time of Emperor Tiberius, Ephesus was the most important city in Europe apart from Rome. It was wealthy due to its flourishing commercial activity, home to 250,000 people and culturally very advanced. The site is truly impressive – so much detail remains.'Let your expert guide transport you back in time, learning about the living past of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the Celsus Library, built with double walls to protect its scrolls from the heat. Peek into houses still decorated with frescoes, and nose around the public baths, brothel and shops. Walk down Marble Street to see the Great Theatre, a spectacular 24,000-seater dug into the hillside, which once rang with the cries of gladiators and the sermons of St Paul. There's a museum at Ephesus, too, which you'll walk through during your visit. It's digital exhibits are designed to show off what Ephesus might've looked like when it was at its peak. Next, we'll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic and Muslim shrine. There's a wishing wall, where you can leave written prayers, and a fountain whose waters are believed by some to have miraculous powers. We'll round off the day in Sirince – a little less ancient but still with a sense of yesteryear. For those who book the lunch included option, you'll dine at a family-run restaurant in Sirince before a tasting of the local fruit wine - there's also free time to stroll along the town's cobbled streets.

Marmaris - 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