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Nat Geo Day Tour: Women of Antalya, Past to Present

Nearly two millennia ago, Plancia Magna blazed a trail by making an impressive impact on the city of Perge despite the usual passive role of women at that time. She was born into a wealthy, powerful family, but instead of an easy life, she used her privilege to benefit her city. Her courage, independence and character was celebrated long after her time, and inspired women through the ages to seek influential roles in society. Your National Geographic-trained guide will reveal the ancient city of Perge with a focus on the life and legacy of Plancia Magna, an inspirational figure even today. Perhaps Plancia was a source of inspiration for Hatice Adıgüzel, whose workshop you will visit next. Discover the skills and artistry involved in creating lamps and garden ornaments from gourds, and learn from Hatice herself what sets her business apart - her leadership in a male-dominated workforce, her commitment to empowering local women and her choice of sustainable materials. During a hands-on workshop, you will have the opportunity to create your own decorative gourd and learn more about Hatice's work with the local women's community. She pays her success forward by employing women to grow and decorate the gourds from their own homes for the business. They also make the snacks you'll enjoy during the workshop. Hatice's aim is to help women who are unable to work in regular employment due to childcare commitments or similar restrictions by giving them a convenient way to earn.

Nat Geo Day Tour: Exploring Antalya's Nomadic Culture

The foothills of the Taurus mountains have been a region of travel and trade for millennia. On this National Geographic tour, you'll embrace the region's ancient traditions that are still thriving today and immerse yourself in the nomadic lifestyle by visiting a Yörük family. Head over to the Seljuk bridge at Aspendos with your guide who will reveal alluring facts about the site. Built around the 4th century on the banks of Köprüçay, this architectural marvel is renowned for its distinctive zigzag design, a testament to its intriguing history. Continue your voyage and head over to an ancient caravanserai, where much of the original layout remains remarkably intact. Step back in time as you wander through the inn's chambers, guardian's quarters, bathhouse, and prayer hall alongside your guide. This is a place that radiates history, where countless travelers sought refuge and replenishment. The Yörük people have perfected their nomadic lifestyle for centuries. Every spring, communities migrate with their herds from the gentle coastal plains to the mountainous summer pastures. Spend time with a Yörük family and learn about their sustainable ways of life. Tuck into a tasty meal with eye-catching views of the Taurus mountains. Nearby, you'll find a spot to purchase locally-made goods like soaps, teas, oils, and more. Proceeds support communities affected by recent earthquakes or forest fires. Finally, Explore Ormana, an Ottoman village famous for its ingeniously crafted 'button houses'.

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.

Gulet Cruise with Lunch from Side

This excursion combines history with relaxation. Kick off with a guided tour of ancient Side – its classical links include none other than Alexander the Great. See the ruins of Vespasian Gate, Temple of Apollo and the theatre. Located on the shores of the Mediterranean, its location is one of the prettiest among Turkey's archaeological sites. Bring your swimwear and a towel and get ready to live the life on board the yacht. Your captain will drop anchor from time to time so that you can take a dip in the water. Lunch will be served on board and all locally branded drinks are included.

Pirate Boat Cruise from Manavgat

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.

Full-day tour of Kekova, Myra and St Nicholas with boat trip

Authentic cuisine, a lost city and Santa – this trip offers an eclectic mix of attractions. You'll glide along the coast to Kekova island and its sunken town, then visit the church of St Nicholas and the ancient city of Myra. Ahmet, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘The highlight of the day for me has to be the ruined Lycian city of Myra. The rock-cut friezes carved with theatrical masks and the stacked tombs hewn into the cliffs are a unique sight. It still takes my breath away that parts of this site are thought to be around 2,500 years old.'Proceedings get under way with a scenic drive with a comfort stop at the Sahin Hill in Kumluca. Next, sail to Kekova island, a protected area famed for its underwater ruins. These are the relics of the ancient town of Simena, partially submerged by an earthquake in the 2nd century. There's time for a swim in the warmer months – the water is clear and inviting – it would be difficult to resist a dip in the sea. But if the weather doesn't permit a boat trip, there's a visit to the fascinating Demre museum instead.After a tasty lunch of typical dishes freshly prepared in a local restaurant, it's time to visit the Church of St Nicholas, who's better known today as Santa Claus. Finally, you'll have time to tour the site of the ancient city of Myra to explore the well-preserved amphitheatre and see the intricately carved rock tombs, high in the cliff face.

Winter tour to Pamukkale and Hierapolis

This winter tour takes you to Pamukkale, which means 'cotton castle' in Turkish – and you'll soon see why as you set eyes upon this magical landscape. You'll also visit the adjacent ancient city of Hierapolis. Both are UNESCO-listed, so it's a two-in-one deal on Turkey's historical gems. And, like all of our tours, we use expert local guides who know the area inside out. Muzaffer, one of the guides, says, ‘I've got a lot of interesting things to tell on this tour that you won't hear anywhere else.'A sight to behold, Pamukkale is a series of mountainside terraces where natural springs have solidified into snowy-white stalactites and cliffs. The effect is 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 stand at the top of Pamukkale and drink in the magnificent views.Then it's on to the ruins of ancient Hierapolis – a theatre, necropolis, temples, baths and much more. After lunch, you'll have free time to head to the archaeological museum or take a dip in Cleopatra's Bath, where you'll swim among ancient columns. And, if you're peckish on the way back, you'll be treated to dinner at a local forest restaurant.

Summer tour of Pamukkale and Hierapolis with Lake Salda

This summer tour takes you to Pamukkale, which means ‘cotton castle' in Turkish – and you'll see why as soon as you set eyes upon its magical landscape. Heading deep into the Anatolian countryside, you'll also visit Hierapolis, Lake Salda, as well as have the chance to see Cleopatra's Pool. Muzaffer, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Legend has it that Cleopatra's pool was the secret to her beauty. I don't know if that's true, but it's an inspiring place for a dip. Collapsed columns and marble remnants dating back to Cleopatra's time are submerged in the thermal waters. They fell here during the 7th century earthquake.'Leaving Antalya early in the morning, you'll arrive at Lake Salda after a few hours' scenic drive. It's been compared to the Maldives for its long white beaches and multi-toned blue waters. You'll have free time to take some photos of this otherworldly spot. We'll head to Pamukkale for lunch. Afterwards, catch a peek of the bright white calcite terraces – they look like icy stalactites dripping from pools of sky-blue water.At the top of these travertines is Hierapolis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the Byzantine Gate and marvel at the ruins as you stroll towards the vast bowl-shaped theatre. It's epic. Then, there's the option to relax with a dip in the warm water of Cleopatra's Ancient Pool, where you swim among ancient columns. Dinner in a forest restaurant on the way back is included. What's more, for every sale of this experience, there's a donation to CYDD, a charity that helps in the education of underprivileged children in Turkey.

Half-day guided tour of Side with Temple of Apollo visit

Ancient Side has hardly changed since its days as a getaway for legendary lovers Antony and Cleopatra. Uncover one of southern Turkey's best-kept secrets with this tour. You'll get to snap photos by the Temple of Apollo, discover the huge Roman theatre and explore modern Side, too. As Muzaffer, one of our guides, says, ‘You'll walk all over history. On the way to the Temple of Apollo, there are glass walkways over ancient Roman streets.'Side's location on a compact little headland is as romantic as it gets. Our expert local guide will give you the lowdown on the long history of this once-busy Roman port. You'll see the marketplace where slaves were traded, the Byzantine hospital and the Vespasian Gate. Then you'll head inside either the ancient theatre, which is a sight to behold – it seated up to 20,000 spectators – or the former bathhouse, which is now a museum with a small but impressive collection of the artefacts dug up here.But one of the most-photographed spots is the Temple of Apollo. Legend says that this second-century seafront shrine was a gift from Antony to Cleopatra. And just beside it is the Temple of Athena – zoom in on the frieze of Medusa heads. Once you've explored the ruins, there'll be free time in modern Side to buy a sizzling kebab at one of the street stalls, or haggle for bargains in the backstreet bazaars. What's more, for your convenience, this is a small group tour to help you follow the guide better and avoid agglomerations.

Full-day tour of Phaselis and Tahtali Mountain from Antalya

If you'd like an insight into Antalya's past and present, then this day tour will tick all the boxes. You've got history at the ancient ruins of Phaselis and panoramic views with a ride on the Olympos Aerial Tram. What's more, there's time to visit one of Antalya's best beaches and enjoy lunch at the top of Mt Tahtali.