Turkey

Alanya - Manavgat River pirate cruise with swim stops

All aboard this Manavgat river cruise for a family-friendly day out on the waves. Pirate-themed games, swimming and the chance to get up close to the Apollo Temple – both kids and grown-ups are in for an action-packed day. Isra, one of our expert local guides, says, “there's something for the whole family on this cruise – kids will love the pirate-themed activities, and the adults have time to relax and enjoy the views of the Apollo Temple ruins from the deck of the ship.”The fun begins the moment you step on the boat. All dark wood and sturdy sails, it's every bit the authentic pirate ship. Accompanied by a crew of Jack Sparrow-style sailors, we'll cast off down the River Manavgat. The kids will be busy learning pirate language and having their faces painted by the entertainment team, while adults can sit back and sip on a refreshing drink from the bar. We'll anchor for a spot of swimming, before tucking into a tasty lunch served on board.After lunch, the route sees us venturing into the Mediterranean. Here, you'll get to admire the spectacular Apollo Temple ruins, dating back to 150 AD. The temple was dedicated to Apollo, the Greek god of music, poetry, prophecy, and healing – you'll be able to recognise it easily from the ship's deck because of its tall columns. To round the day off, we'll continue to our final swim stop location. Cool off in the fresh waters while the kids have fun hunting for a treasure chest buried on the shore. It's a family day out like no other.

Alanya - Antalya family outdoor adventure experience in Aladdin's Canyon

An experience in the Anatolian wilds awaits with a day of canyoning, swimming, diving, jumping and enjoying the best of nature in the Taurus Mountains. You'll head deep into the countryside to Ahmetler Canyon for an action-packed adventure.

Belek - Ancient Perge and Aspendos Tour

You'll travel back in time to the days of togas and chariots with this half-day excursion to the ancient sites of Perge and Aspendos. Among the attractions you'll discover is perhaps the best-preserved Roman theatre of all.

Fethiye - Kayakoy ghost town tour with Mount Babadag cable car

From an abandoned hillside village to the summit of Mount Babadağ, there's a variety of views on this tour. You'll feel like you've stepped back in time exploring Kayaköy, one of the best-preserved ghost villages in Turkey. Elif, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘There are close to one thousand deserted stone houses as well as churches and chapels, even a bakery. At one point there was a plan to convert the whole village into a tourist resort, but thankfully this historic place has been preserved.'We'll start off the tour in Kayaköy, which was abandoned by Greeks fleeing war in the 1920s. Now, their ghosts flit between the empty homes as you wander through silent streets that once rang with voices. Peek into roofless stone dwellings as your guide explains their tiered designs, and discover tiny chapels and a little school. Elif says, ‘The layout of the houses and the way they were lined up was to ensure none blocked another's view.' You'll also see the empty basilica, with its faded frescoes and mosaics. Eerie yet fascinating.Next up, we'll head to the foot of Mount Babadağ to hop on a cable car almost to the top. Enjoy eye-popping panoramic views over Fethiye and the coast below as you glide up to the top station below the summit. If you want to reach the very top, there is a chairlift available. The peak is popular with paragliders, so there's a good chance you'll see them drifting in the skyline. It's a feast for the eyes.

Marmaris - Marmaris Horse Riding Safari

Bring out your inner Texas cowboy in Turkey. Saddle up for the ride of your life on this horse riding adventure in the countryside. Atop your trusty steed, you'll clip-clop your way through forest scenery and streams before heading back to ranch to help feed the farm animals.

Marmaris - Marmaris Armutalan Turkish Bath

If you're planning on getting a golden glow while you're in Turkey a hammam, or Turkish bath will get things off to a flying start. Experience a traditional hammam along with an aromatherapy massage as a finishing touch which will leave your skin in perfect condition for a lasting tan.Everything starts when we whisk you to one of the best local bath centres. Here, you'll change into your swimwear and sit in the steam-filled hammam room feeling the warm air soften your skin and open your pores.After that you'll stretch out on a warm marble slab for a body scrub to remove any dead skin cells and helping to prevent peeling, before being lathered in soft, soapy bubbles. Then it's time for a special extra - a relaxing massage in Turkish aromatherapy oils carried out in the spa centre of the hammam. To round off the experience, you'll also have a face mask and steam room visit included when you book with us. You'll come away feeling wonderfully refreshed and ready for a fabulous tan.

Kusadasi - Northern bays boat tour from Kusadasi

The coastline north of Kusadasi offers fantastic scenery from the sea. You'll spend the full day taking it in on this laid-back cruise, with lunch and drinks on board, swimming stops from the boat and excursions to the beach.Board your luxury vessel at Kusadasi harbour in the morning and push out into the sparkling Aegean Sea, gliding past the coastline's 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.Let your friendly crew-member row you to a nearby beach – and pick you up again in time for lunch aboard your boat. Relax on deck with a drink in your hand, as you set off again on your leisurely, sun-drenched cruise.

Kemer - Kemer Scuba Diving for Beginners

With vibrant coral reefs, tropical fish and exotic locales to explore, Turkey is a top spot to try scuba diving for the first time. Wriggle into a wet suit and get ready for a taster of a whole new underwater world. This excellent activity offers two dives either side of lunch, which is included as is all equipment.

Fethiye - Legends of Lycia Tour with Tlos, Patara and local lunch

This full day tour shows off two of the region's most important archaeological sites in all their glory. There's also free time at a fantastic beach and a tasty local lunch near Gizlikent waterfall to look forward to. Leyla, one of our expert local guides, says, "Ancient Tlos is home to some fine examples of the rock-hewn tombs we see around this area, always carved high up to bury people closer to the Gods. I also love spending time at Patara - one of the most beautiful beaches in this part of Turkey."You'll head to Ancient Tlos first. Boasting relics that stretch from the Lycian to Ottoman periods, it's a great place to explore. Leyla says, ‘It is not known exactly how long ago Tlos was founded, but the discovery of a bronze hatchet dating from over 3,000 years ago gives you an idea.' Located on a sloping hillside, it's a compact site but contains a remarkable number of ruins including rock-cut Lycian tombs, a theatre, Roman baths and much more to admire. After, you'll visit Gizlikent Şelalesi waterfall for some free time and lunch at a nearby restaurant.It's on to ancient Patara next, to explore the ruined city which dates back to the 8th century BCE. It was once an important harbour for the Lycian League, playing a significant role in politics and trade. Notable for being the birthplace of St. Nicholas – better known as Father Christmas – Patara features well-preserved ruins like the Triumphal Arch and Bouleuterion, offering insights into the past. After your visit, head to the golden sands of Patara beach for some time to relax.

Kusadasi - Full-day guided tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis with lunch

A natural masterpiece combines with ancient ruins for this full day tour. You'll head to Pamukkale – which means 'cotton castle' in Turkish – as well as the adjacent city of Hierapolis. Both are UNESCO-listed, so it's a two-for-one deal on Turkey's historical gems. Muzaffer, one of our local guides, says, ‘Pamukkale is like something out of a fairytale – a spectacle of terraces formed over thousands of years that look like a cascading snowy waterfall. Legend has it, the hot thermal springs here have healing properties'.On arrival, you'll stop by the Pam Hotel for a spot of lunch, before soaking in their thermal pools. Next, prepare for a sight to behold, Pamukkale's natural springs solidified into chalk-white stalactites and cliffs long ago, resulting in a winter-like wonderland of petrified tiers and pools. People have bathed here for thousands of years, including Roman emperors. Follow in their footsteps and bathe in one of the thermal pools or simply make your way to the top and drink in the magnificent views.Next up is the ancient spa town of Hierapolis. You'll have free time to explore its well-preserved ruins, including ancient streets and an epic 13,000-seat theatre. What's more, for every sale of this experience, there's a donation to the TUI Care Foundation.

Marmaris - Half-day Marmaris 4x4 Off-road Safari Tour

This off-road safari is dynamite. Enjoy a half-day of sightseeing, add a military-style convoy of 4x4s, and top it all off with swims in special locations – think a natural plunge pool under a secret waterfall and a secluded pine-fringed beach. A perfect mix if ever there was one.Once you're strapped in, the adventure begins with a drive through the pine-cloaked countryside, towards sleepy villages and secluded bays. Pass traditionally dressed locals riding on donkeys as you climb through the mountains and drive through some of the region's time-warp villages and a forest that's been restored after a devastating wildfire.Next, stop by Kızkumu beach, a secluded pebble beach in a sheltered cove, for a well-deserved dip in the sea. Finally, there's a stop in a forest to enjoy a dip in the natural plunge pool of a pretty waterfall. It's a photogenic spot, and offers a great chance to cool down in the summer months and muck around with a water fight.

Sarigerme - Marmaris shopping trip

If you fancy a full day of shopping, then a day in Marmaris will be just your thing. Big and bustling, its streets and bazaars make it great for bargain-hunting. And once you're here, you'll have several hours to blow a hole in your kitty.Start at a Marmaris Gold Centre, and you can eye up its trays of shiny gold and silver or order a piece to be specially made for you. When the expert jewellers showcase their pieces, don't forget to haggle for the best deal. And if shopping's not on your agenda, just give them a polite no. Then, it's off to a Turkish delight factory where you can add to your shopping haul with a box or two of these sugar-dusted treats.Then, it's off to a textile store where you'll find all the classic 'genuine fakes' that Turkey's famous for. It's the perfect place to practice your barting skills. And if that wasn't enough, we'll then drop you in Marmaris city centre where you'll have a couple of hours to explore.