Sites & Bites: Pastry and meze in Marmaris Old Town

Ancient Ephesus tour with Virgin Mary House visit and lunch

It's home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Temple of Artemis, and holds layers of history from the Bronze Age, Classical Greek and Roman times. On this full-day tour to the beautifully preserved site of the ancient city of Ephesus, it's easy to imagine the toga-clad crowds that filled the streets 2,000 years ago. One of our local expert guides, Ahmet, says, "my favourite spot in Ephesus is the Library of Celsus. Its soaring columns still radiate a sense of grandeur, offering a glimpse into what was once one of the greatest libraries of the Roman world – home to more than 12,000 scrolls.”When you arrive, you'll wander down marble-paved streets, gaze at mosaics in ancient Roman houses and see the once imposing buildings of the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Hadrian and the Grand Theatre. As well gaining a wealth of knowledge from the museum there, your guide will explain the historical context and point out the most interesting features. After this, it's time for a buffet lunch at a nearby restaurant – the perfect chance to refuel before the next stop.Round things off with a visit to the House of the Virgin Mary, a modest chapel with hundreds of years of history. The foundations date back to the 1st-century, when St John the Apostle supposedly carried Mary to her final resting place, here in the hills of Mount Koressos. Whether you follow any faith or none, there's an undeniable spirituality to this place that makes it a great spot for some quiet reflection at the end of your trip.

Small-group gulet cruise with lunch and swimming from Turunç

Discover the bays and coastline of Marmaris on a private boat. You'll enjoy four swim stops, a tasty lunch with soft drinks and the laidback vibe of a smaller group. This per-person option is perfect if you don't want to book a whole boat. A chilled-out day on the water awaits.

Small group Marmaris boat trip with lunch – adults only

It hits different being out on the water with just a handful of people, and this Marmaris boat trip keeps it super chill with only eight guests. You'll cruise along a pretty stretch of the Turkish Riviera, passing secluded little bays as the captain picks four of the best spots to drop anchor. You can dive in for a swim, stretch out on deck, or just vibe with the mountain views. Lunch is sorted, too – just bring a bit of cash for drinks. And, since it's adults only, the entire day stays nice and peaceful.

Full day small-group Turkish gulet boat cruise from Marmaris with lunch

You'll cast off on a Turkish gulet, a traditional wooden sailboat, for a leisurely day of lounging on deck. Leave the harbour behind for a trip along Marmaris' coast, dropping anchor in four spots along the way for swims in calm bays. Peace and relaxation are the order of the day, with a no-music policy helping you focus on nothing but the views of pine-clad mountains rising from the sea and the sound of the waves. The only interruption is a welcome one – lunch and soft drinks being served on board.

Dalyan riverboat tour with market and Turtle Beach visit

You'll seamlessly flow from modern Turkish culture to nature and ancient history on this full-day tour of Dalyan. Your day takes a relaxed pace, much like the slow-flowing river, with time at a local market, a riverboat cruise and an afternoon at one of Turkeys most pristine beaches.First up, you'll head to Daylan's weekly market for a true taste of the local hustle and bustle. You'll find everything from Turkish carpets to Turkish delight, as well as ceramics and piles of spices – all under the shade of colourful awnings. Be bold and give your bartering skills a try – don't worry, vendors here expect and enjoy a good haggle. After the market, you'll head for a meal at a waterside restaurant, or if you don't choose the option with lunch included, there's free time in town for you to grab a bite for yourself before you board the riverboat.Take a quick history lesson as your guide points out the Lycian rock tombs that line your path to the sea. They were carved into the cliffs in around 400BC, but you can still see a lot of the intricate craftsmanship as you glide by. The river widens into a lagoon where 180 species of bird make their home, before you dock at Iztuzu Beach – also known as Turtle Beach after the loggerheads who nest here. The four-kilometre sweep of sand divides the river from the sea and is your playground for the afternoon. Swim, sunbathe and relax before your return boat trip to Dalyan.

Adults-only sunset gulet cruise with dinner from Marmaris

This is how you do Turkey in style – on the water, under the stars, eating authentic Turkish food and with no kids in sight. Setting sail from Marmaris, you'll board a traditional wooden gulet – a classic Turkish sailing boat – and cruise into an evening of good food and sunset-kissed scenery. As the sky melts into shades of pink and gold over the mountains, you'll have plenty of time to snap photos, raise a glass or just kick back and soak it all in. Plus, if the weather's warm enough, you can even take a dip in the sea before dinner. Once night sets in, a tasty Turkish meal is served on deck. With a spacious layout and cosy seating areas, the gulet is perfect for couples, friends wanting a laid-back vibe or solo travellers looking to unwind. Add in the sea breeze and starlit views, and you've got a dreamy night to remember. Good food, gentle sailing and memorable views await you on this adults-only Marmaris sunset cruise.

Full-day Marmaris 4x4 Off-road Safari

Buckle up for this off-road safari whizzing through the wild side of Marmaris and special locations. You'll be whisked away to the wild side zipping through the Bozburun peninsula, with its pine-studded forests, villages, and honey farms. Make a splash at Ciflik Bay – and some serious beach lounging, before chowing up some local grub at Bayir village's Derepinar restaurant. You'll then hit up Turgut waterfalls and other hidden gems like Kizkumu's Jesus Beach.

Marmaris gyrocopter flight experience

Get ready for take-off on this ultimate gyrocopter adventure. You'll begin with a full briefing before gearing up and taking your seat in a one-passenger gyrocopter. Accompanied by an experienced pilot, you'll take to the skies on a 15-minute flight over Marmaris Bay to take-in panoramic views of Turkey's stunning turquoise coastline. A high-definition camera will capture 360-degree footage, and you'll also get the chance to wear Ray-Ban™ smart glasses to snap your own photos.

Marmaris White Whale boat cruise with lunch

Dive into a day of pure relaxation at sea on this full-day tour. Setting sail from Marmaris, you'll spend the day cruising along the Turquoise Coast – with plenty of downtime to work on your tan. Your captain will drop anchor at their favourite bays and islands, where you can dive in for a refreshing dip. Plus, you'll have lunch onboard the boat before you head back to Marmaris – just remember that drinks are available at an extra charge.

Full-day private boat trip from Marmaris

The Marmaris coastline steals the spotlight on this full-day private boat trip. Cruise along this pretty part of the Turkish Riviera, known for its sandy beaches, clear waters and scenic landscapes. You'll cruise by hidden bays and your captain will choose four of the best spots to drop anchor. You can dive into the waters for a refreshing swim, or stretch out on deck and work on your tan, all with Marmaris' mountains as your postcard-worthy backdrop. Plus, there's a tasty onboard lunch included for when you need to recharge – just remember to bring some cash for your drinks.Onboard, there's space for up to eight of your friends and family – ideal if you're celebrating something special or just fancy a well-deserved treat. Your group will have the entire boat to yourselves for that extra touch of luxury. All you have left to do is kick back and relax.