Pamukkale sunrise hot air balloon ride and Hierapolis tour

Pamukkale sunrise hot air balloon ride from Kusadasi

The cotton-white calcium terraces of Pamukkale have such a dream-like quality that, at first glance, you'd think you're drifting over snowy hills and frozen waterfalls. There's no better way to see one of Turkey's top treasures – and a UNESCO-protected site to boot – than from above in a hot air balloon. You'll need to rise and shine well before sunrise, but it's all worth it. Soar over the shimmering thermal pools before touching down for a post-flight buffet breakfast.

Pamukkale sunrise hot air balloon ride and Hierapolis tour

The terraced, vanilla-white pools of Pamukkale, one of Turkey's most recognisable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a looker from any angle on the ground. But, they hardly come close to the views of the area from above. That's what this guided outing is all about, seeing Pamukkale in all its glory with a bird's-eye view from a hot air balloon. Aydin, one of our local guides says "the thermal springs at Pamukkale are spread across four square miles, so it can be really tricky on the ground seeing them in one go. When you're up in a hot air balloon, you get to see every inch of them."Your hot air balloon ride is scheduled at sunrise, to make sure you get the most dramatic view of Pamukkale possible – be prepared for a very early start to the day. The early wake-up call is well worth it, though, because the pools really sparkle and shine when the morning light hits them. You'll be in the air for about 45 minutes, so there's plenty of time to take in the view and snap some pictures while you're soaring. When you come back down, you'll head to a restaurant for a buffet breakfast. When you're fuelled up, you'll head with your guide to the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis, whose ruins now serve as an open-air museum. Artifacts have been found here that date back to the Iron Age over 3,000 years ago, but it's most famous for its Greco-Roman remnants, including what's left of the Temple of Apollo, a 15,000-seater amphitheatre and one of the largest necropolises in Turkey. After your visit, you'll stop for lunch before driving back to your accommodation.

Kusadasi Private Boat Tour

Cruising Kusadasi's coastline is a real Turkish delight. Spend a full day swimming, snorkelling and savouring the scenery with your very own private boat tour exclusively for you and your party. There'll be plenty of tanning time and lunch on board, plus a chance to explore a selection of beautiful bays.Board your luxury vessel at Kusadasi harbour in the morning and push out into the sparkling Aegean Sea, gliding past the coastline's sand-laced coves and rugged cliffs. Head to the stunning northern bays, where you'll swim in the clear, turquoise waters from the boat – or maybe just sunbathe on the ample deck.Enjoy views of nearby beaches – at one of the stops, you can even swim to shore – and, after some peaceful swimming in secluded spots, you'll head back to the boat for lunch. Relax and refuel with relax on deck on deck with a drink in your hand, as your sun-soaked cruise continues.

Private Pamukkale and Hierapolis guided tour

A natural masterpiece combines with an ancient one on this private tour. Discover Pamukkale and Hierapolis, bathing in calcium-rich waters before journeying back in time to one of the world's oldest health spas.First up is in Pamukkale, which means Cotton Castle. It's a spectacle of terraces formed over thousands of years that look like a cascading snowy waterfall but are filled with calcium carbonate minerals left by the flowing water. On arrival, you'll have lunch at the Pam Hotel and hit its thermal pools there before heading to the thermal pools of Pamukkale.The waters have always been said to bring health benefits, which is why the Romans built the nearby spa town of Hierapolis. You'll enjoy a guided tour of its ancient streets, a 13,000-seat theatre and, of course, thermal baths. A dip is extra but well worth forking out for the experience of bathing in an oasis scattered with Roman ruins.

Private tour of Ancient Ephesus with pottery demonstration

Ephesus is one of the best-preserved ancient sites in the world. So well-preserved that it's not difficult to imagine the roar of the crowd at the Great Theatre, or the hubbub of the busy main street in its heyday 2,000 years ago. Defne, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World – the Temple of Artemis – Ephesus was a beacon of power and wealth at that time. It was also an important hub of trade, culture and religion. It's influence spread far and wide, and it played a particularly important part in the story of early Christianity.'You'll step back in time as you travel through sun-soaked hills and olive groves to explore Ephesus with your private guide. This extensive archaeological site encompasses marble-paved streets, mosaics in ancient Roman houses and epoch-defining buildings such as the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Great Theatre. Your personal guide will explain the historical context and point out the most interesting features as you roam the site.After your tour, we'll round things off with a visit to a ceramics factory to see how Turkish pottery is made. The Seljuks, who ruled much of Anatolia in the 11th century, are credited with bringing the art of pottery to Turkey from Central Asia. Marvel at the precision of the master potter – working only by eye – as he decorates and paints traditional pieces. It's one of the best places to snap up some authentic souvenirs and support local livelihoods.

Ancient Ephesus guided tour with House of the Virgin Mary

The hills around Kuşadası are home to two of Turkey's most popular historical sites – the ancient city of Ephesus and the House of the Virgin Mary. You'll be whisked through centuries of history at Ephesus, see one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and visit an important pilgrimage site on Mount Koressos – all in one afternoon. Esra, one of our expert local guides, says, "The Library of Celsus is one of the most impressive landmarks of Ephesus. It once held over 12,000 scrolls and was the third-largest library in the ancient world."Kick off with a drive into the sun-soaked hills to visit the House of the Virgin Mary. According to popular belief, St John the Evangelist brought Mary to Ephesus after the crucifixion of Jesus, and she lived here until her death. Next, it's time to head to the ancient city of Ephesus, where a journey through history awaits. Your guide will lead you around the sprawling archaeological site and point out its highlights while regaling you with fascinating historic tales of this once-powerful city. While you're here, you'll also walk through the museum, where digital exhibits help to bring the place to life by showcasing what Ephesus could've looked like in its heyday. You'll stroll down marble-paved streets where mosaics and frescoes still decorate the walls of ancient Roman houses, gaze at the Temples of Artemis and Hadrian, and be blown away by the Library of Celsus. Esra says "I love to imagine the Great Theatre filled with 25,000 spectators. They would come to watch gladiator clashes, political rallies and performances in this theatre, a hub of city life. You can almost hear the roar of the crowd."

Adaland Waterpark with Transfers

It's fast, it's furious and it's one of Kusadasi's top waterparks. Adaland is so exciting that you'll be running from one attraction to the other. There are themed areas, slides for the kids and even rafting. And for the fearless, there's the chance to defy gravity on Freefall and Kamikaze.

Sites & Bites: Sirince tour, St John’s Basilica and Turkish meze

History fans and foodies, listen up! This guided tour to Sirince is all about getting to grips with the area's main landmarks, as well as sampling some of the local cuisine. This activity ticks off everything from castles and temples to meze and ice-cream. Plus, you'll have a guide with you throughout the trip, so expect lots of insider info and stories on top of the sightseeing and food tasting.You'll be picked up from your hotel and driven to your first stop, St John's Basilica in Selcuk. On the way, you'll get a glimpse of other big-name attractions in this part of Turkey, including the Temple of Artemis and Isa Bey Mosque. You might have a chance to hop off the coach and snap some pics. If not, you'll get a good look at them from the window as you drive by. Your guide will be on board, too, and they'll share stories and info related to everything you'll see. After some time to look around the exterior of the basilica, you'll wind your way through countryside lanes to Sirince.When you arrive in the village, you'll sit down for breakfast. You'll have a chance to try some authentic Turkish meze dishes, like stuffed vine leaves, gozleme pancakes and bazlama round bread. Then, it's time for a guided walk through the city. Your guide will tell you what life's like here, and they'll point out all the leading landmarks. It's a laidback walk, so you'll have plenty of time to shop for souvenirs, as well, and you'll also be treated to some ice-cream. After your walk, you'll wrap things up at the restaurant you had breakfast in for a fruit wine-tasting.

Aqua Fantasy Waterpark with Transport

If it's thrills and spills you're after, Aqua Fantasy waterpark promises plenty. The biggest of its kind in Turkey, there are slides, rides, chutes and pools for all the family.

Kusadasi shopping trip

Turkey is renowned for its shopping and for being a haggler's paradise, and on this morning out from Kusadasi, you'll see exactly why. With visits to a gold centre, a Turkish shopping centre and the bustling stalls of a local market, even the most ardent shopper will be satisfied.First up on this guided shopping morning is a trip to a renowned gold jewellery centre, where something shiny might well catch your eye. Then it's time to practise your haggling skills amid the heaving stalls of Selçuk or Kusadasi market – and don't be shy about it, the vendors expect it. The rest of this shopping tour includes some free time to peruse the teeming shops and stalls of the bazaar and a pit stop at a superstore – perfect for Turkish presents, souvenirs, and – of course – Turkish delight.