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What could be more relaxing than surrounding yourself with natural beauty on a Dalyan river cruise? 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, ‘Due to the presence of endangered loggerhead turtles nesting here, Iztuzu beach is also known as Turtle Beach. It was set to be developed with new resorts in the 1980s, but luckily conservation was prioritised, and instead it remains a sanctuary for the turtles. It's a magical spot with very little human interference.'
We'll start by meandering down the River Dalyan on an eco-friendly boat – which doesn't harm marine life – and have fun smoothing on the anti-ageing clay during a stop at mud baths. Great for glowing skin, local legend says 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 glide past Lycian Rock Tombs carved into the cliffs more than 2,000 years ago.
You'll have the chance to spot birdlife where the river widens into a lagoon, before docking at Iztuzu beach. This 4km sweep of 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 chilling beckons. Round off your day with the return river cruise to Dalyan.
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