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Things to do in Turkey

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Activities and attractions in Turkey

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Dalyan Riverboat Tour with Lunch and Iztuzu Beach
Excursions & day trips

Fethiye - Dalyan Riverboat Tour with Lunch and Iztuzu Beach

Surrounding yourself with natural beauty on a river cruise from Dalyan is a great way to unwind. 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, ‘Iztuzu Beach is also known as Turtle Beach because endangered loggerhead turtles nest here. It's a magical spot with very little human interference. The beach was all set to be developed with new resorts in the 1980s, but luckily conservation was prioritised.'Sail down the Dalyan River on an eco-friendly boat – which doesn't harm marine life – and have fun smoothing on the anti-ageing clay at the mud baths. It's great for glowing skin, and it's believed that Cleopatra visited for a pampering soak in the mineral-rich liquid mud. Finish with a dip in the warm sulphur pool before gliding across the river for a freshly prepared lunch of local dishes. You'll then add a little history and culture to the mix, as you continue on the riverboat past Lycian Rock Tombs – dating back to 400BC – carved into the cliffs.As the river widens into a lagoon, you'll have the chance to spot birdlife before docking at Iztuzu Beach. This 4km-long sweep of golden 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 relaxation beckons. Round off your day with the return relaxing river cruise to Dalyan.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, nl, pl 

Manavgat Market & Waterfall Tour with Riverboat Cruise
Excursions & day trips

Belek - Manavgat Market & Waterfall Tour with Riverboat Cruise

Sightseeing and a relaxing river cruise – there's something for everyone on this full day tour, exploring Manavgat bazaar and the beautiful surrounding area. Visit Manavgat Falls and enjoy a riverboat cruise.Everything begins at the Manavgat Falls on the River Manavgat. They're known as the ‘Little Falls' as their fast-flowing waters crash down a ridge into a bubbly, foaming fresh-water pool. Next, you can grab a bargain at a multi-brand outlet store, before heading inland for Manavgat's open air bazaar for more retail therapy. You'll hop onboard a riverboat cruise along the Manavgat next. Sit back and relax in the sunshine as you sail past reed beds and sandy beaches. After lunch on board, you'll moor at a beach, where the sea and the river meet. A perfect swimming opportunity ends this jam-packed day out.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Fethiye boat cruise with lunch and transfers
Excursions & day trips

Fethiye - Fethiye boat cruise with lunch and transfers

Fancy sailing out of Fethiye and exploring the surrounding area on a traditional Turkish gulet boat? Now you can. Your transfer will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Fethiye's harbour, where your boat will be waiting. Once on board, you'll set sail for a relaxing full day on the water. You'll drop anchor in a few of the area's best swimming spots throughout the day, as well as stop for lunch. When you get back to Fethiye, your transfer return you to your hotel.

free cancellation
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Half-day Antalya Old Town tour with Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall visit
Excursions & day trips

Kemer - Half-day Antalya Old Town tour with Karpuzkaldiran Waterfall visit

Thundering over the cliffs into the Mediterranean Sea, the Karpuzkaldiran waterfall is a sight to behold. This leisurely tour will take you to snap the falls before heading into Antalya's old town for a guided walk and some free time to explore.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

Day Trip to Greek Island of Rhodes from Marmaris Harbour
Excursions & day trips

Marmaris - Day Trip to Greek Island of Rhodes from Marmaris Harbour

You can add another stamp to your passport on this day trip. You'll trade Turkey for Greece, as you make the short hop across the Aegean Sea to the island of Rhodes.After a catamaran cruise, you'll arrive in Rhodes town. Here, you can explore the capital's pretty harbour, walled old quarter and upmarket New Town. You'll spend the morning ticking off sights like the charming Street of the Knights and the huge Palace of the Grand Masters. Make your way along the maze of cobbled streets, where you'll be surrounded by fountains, medieval churches and shops selling handmade goods and Greek delicacies. Speaking of food, you'll have a choice of hidden bistros or bustling waterfront bars for lunch.Later, you can head to Mandraki harbour. It was once home to the Colossus of Rhodes – a 30-metre-tall statue, ranked as a Wonder of the Ancient World.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Ancient Perge and Aspendos Tour
Excursions & day trips

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.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, fr, nl 

Green Canyon boat cruise with lunch and shopping
Excursions & day trips

Antalya - Green Canyon boat cruise with lunch and shopping

The star attractions of this full day excursion are shopping, riverside dining and a beautiful, wild canyon. You'll take a canyon boat trip and stop for a swim at Oymapinar Dam Lake. Narin, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘Oymapinar Dam Lake is one of the largest reservoirs in Turkey, covering an area of approximately 19 square kilometres. The lake is fed by the Manavgat River, which flows south from the Taurus Mountains and eventually empties into the Mediterranean Sea at Side.' Your tour starts with a spot of shopping at Dickman Textile Centre. If fashion is your thing, then you're in luck as you can enjoy a stress-free browse for clothing and accessories from leading brands. Next, we'll head to a riverside restaurant for a freshly prepared meal made with locally sourced ingredients. Afterwards it's all aboard, ready for a cruise down the canyon waterway. Spectacularly rugged rock formations tower around you and the river, in shades of turquoise and green, snakes away into the distance. It's a tranquil slice of Turkish natural beauty and the colour of the water is spellbinding. You'll cruise the canyon, admiring the views, before the boat slows - you'll be able to swim in these wild surroundings once the boat reaches the Oymapinar Lake.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en, pl 

The Land of Legends Theme Park Ticket for Antalya
Theme parks

Antalya - The Land of Legends Theme Park Ticket for Antalya

Just like something out of a storybook, The Land of Legends theme park has all the twists and turns you'd expect from tales that make the imagination run wild. You'll have access to a whole day's worth of family fun including rollercoasters, electrifying rides and endless thrills.

free cancellation
Entrance Fees Included
Antalya Airport VIP lounge and service from Antalya area
Extras

Antalya - Antalya Airport VIP lounge and service from Antalya area

A more relaxed way to round off your holiday. Booking the VIP airport service and lounge ensures that you'll be greeted at the airport and then fast-tracked through check-in, hand luggage security and passport control.

free cancellation
Entrance Fees Included
Fethiye 4x4 safari tour to Saklıkent Gorge and Gizlikent Waterfall
Activities

Fethiye - Fethiye 4x4 safari tour to Saklıkent Gorge and Gizlikent Waterfall

The River Xanthos area has been the scene of action since ancient times – and the fun just keeps on coming with this excursion. You'll go on an open-top 4x4 safari through mountains and past villages before enjoying the chance to bathe in mud pools. This is the stuff of legend.Climb aboard your 4x4 and you'll start with a drive through the village of Zorlar. The village's Ottoman-style houses epitomise old Turkey. After trundling through fruit groves and getting wet 'n' wild with a water fight, you'll enjoy lunch at Gizlikent waterfall. Tuck into a host of tasty dishes with a backdrop of the waterfall.In the afternoon, there's an optional visit — for a small fee — to Saklıkent Gorge. Here, you can pay to do river tubing – settle on a rubber ring and float down the river for a couple of kilometres. If you're a landlubber, you can stay in the 4x4, meeting the rafters further downstream. And you'll also have the chance to bathe in some natural mud pools or play more water games, in which you'll get to squirt your family and friends with a blaster.

free cancellation
Available in:

en 

Dalaman Airport VIP service and lounge from Sarigerme area
Extras

Sarigerme - Dalaman Airport VIP service and lounge from Sarigerme area

Travel in style with the full VIP service at Dalaman airport. Avoid all the usual hassle as you're fast tracked through check in and security to enjoy unlimited drinks, snacks, Wi-Fi and more in the exclusive departure lounge. An altogether more relaxed way to round off your stay.

free cancellation
Fast Track
Pirate Boat Cruise from Manavgat
Excursions & day trips

Side - 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.

free cancellation
Available in:

de, en 

What to do in Turkey

Turkey is a fascinating destination with much to offer: from the stunning beaches of the Turkish Riviera and the marvelous cultural attractions of Istanbul to the fairytale landscapes of Cappadocia and Pamukkale. Add to that its rich cuisine and interesting historical legacy, and it’s no wonder that thousands of travellers choose this country for their vacations each year. Keep reading to discover the best activities and things to do in Turkey.

The top 10 activities and things to do in Turkey

1. Discover the wonders of Istanbul This beautiful Turkish city, straddling two continents, is home to countless cultural and historical attractions. During your visit, be amazed by the beautiful Byzantine mosaics of Hagia Sophia and the architectural beauty of the Blue Mosque, explore the rooms of the Topkapi Palace, and visit the enormous Basilica Cistern, whose construction dates back to the reign of Emperor Justinian I. Don’t miss a cruise along the Bosphorus either. These are just a few of the many experiences that await you in Istanbul.

2. Learn to haggle at the Grand Bazaar Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is one of the largest covered markets in the world and one of Turkey’s most popular tourist attractions. With over 3,000 shops, it’s a true paradise for shopping lovers. In its colourful stalls, you’ll find everything from jewellery and lamps to handicrafts and clothing, among many other products. The vendors expect you to haggle, so don’t hesitate to test your negotiation skills.

3. Admire the white terraces of Pamukkale The spectacular cascade of white terraces with small bright blue thermal pools is one of Turkey’s most impressive natural landscapes. Pamukkale, which means "cotton castle" in Turkish, has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited places in the country. You can take tours to Pamukkale from many places in Turkey, including Istanbul and the Turkish Riviera. Most tours also include a visit to the ancient city of Hierapolis, which boasts a large theatre and Cleopatra’s pool.

4. Travel back in time to the country’s numerous archaeological sites History lovers should not miss the opportunity to visit some of Turkey’s many archaeological sites. One of the most popular is Ephesus, the ancient Greco-Roman city near Kuşadası. There, travellers can walk the streets once traversed by Cleopatra and Alexander the Great, while admiring landmarks such as the Library of Celsus, which could hold up to 12,000 scrolls, and the remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Roman theatre of Aspendos, about 40 km from Antalya, and the Temple of Apollo in Side are also must-sees.

5. Explore the fascinating landscape of Cappadocia The moon-like landscapes and whimsical rock formations known as “fairy chimneys” make Cappadocia one of Turkey’s must-visit regions. Besides exploring underground cities, discovering the area’s wine culture, and visiting rock-cut churches, hot air balloon rides to admire the landscape from above are some of the most popular activities. The best time to enjoy this experience is at sunrise.

6. Spend a few days in Bodrum, the “Turkish Saint-Tropez” Known as the “Turkish Saint-Tropez,” Bodrum is a vibrant destination that perfectly combines beach, history, and nightlife. In addition to relaxing on its beautiful beaches, you can take the opportunity to visit the city’s cultural attractions, such as Bodrum Castle and the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, explore the picturesque nearby villages, or take a trip to the Greek island of Kos. Another popular experience in this tourist destination is the gulet boat trips across the waters of the Aegean Sea.

7. Admire the Lycian tombs during a river cruise on the Dalyan Boat trips on the Dalyan River are one of the most popular excursions in beach destinations like Marmaris and Sarigerme. Sailing through reeds and marshes, travellers can see the impressive Lycian tombs carved into the rock thousands of years ago. Most tours also offer the chance to enjoy a mud bath and relax on the famous Iztuzu Beach.

8. Relax in a traditional hammam The hammam is a very important part of Turkish culture and the perfect place to relax body and mind after a long day of sightseeing. The ritual begins in the steam room, where you acclimate to the heat and prepare your skin, followed by a body exfoliation and a foam massage. To finish, you’ll be rinsed with warm or cold water. It’s undoubtedly an essential experience you shouldn't miss.

9. Discover the spectacular beaches of the Turkish Riviera The Turkish Riviera is one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations and includes well-known places like Antalya, Alanya, Bodrum, Marmaris, Side, and Fethiye. Besides its natural beauty and cultural richness, this beautiful coastal area attracts thousands of sun-seeking travellers every year. Take advantage of your vacation to relax on stunning beaches like Iztuzu, Cleopatra Beach, or the Blue Lagoon!

10. Savor Turkish cuisine Characterized by the use of spices and fresh ingredients, Turkish food is a rich blend of flavours, with influences from Ottoman and Mediterranean cuisine. During your trip, in addition to enjoying the famous kebabs, take the time to discover traditional dishes, starting with the hearty Turkish breakfast, which includes cheeses, jams, honey, olives, and eggs, among other delights. Don’t miss seafood specialities, pide (also known as “Turkish pizza”), and börek (a type of filo pastry filled with cheese and spinach or other ingredients). As for desserts, one of the most popular is, without a doubt, baklava.

Plan your visit to Turkey

When is the best time to visit Turkey?

The best time to travel to Turkey will depend on what you want to do during your trip and the destinations you plan to visit. The busiest time on the Turkish Riviera is during the summer months, when temperatures can reach over 30°C (86°F). However, the months of April, May, September and October are also great, as the weather is very pleasant for both beach and cultural sightseeing. Istanbul is a wonderful destination 365 days a year, and every season has its charm. To avoid the extremes of heat or cold, spring and the first weeks of autumn are a good time to visit this beautiful city, as well as popular places such as Cappadocia and Pamukkale.

What is the best part of Turkey to visit?

The best area to holiday in Turkey will depend on your tastes and interests. If you're looking for a sun and sand destination, the Turkish Riviera is for you. Coastal resorts such as Antalya, Bodrum and Fethiye are perfect for relaxing days by the sea. If you prefer a vibrant city with a fascinating history and numerous cultural attractions, Istanbul will not disappoint. On the other hand, nature lovers should not miss the incredible landscapes of Cappadocia and Pamukkale.

Are seven days in Turkey enough?

Considering the size of the country and its endless attractions, seven days is not enough time to discover all that Turkey has to offer. Even if you are well-organized and take some internal flights, you will probably still have to prioritize. For example, if you only have a week, you can combine a few days in Istanbul with a trip to Cappadocia, and if you plan to stay on the Turkish Riviera, you can take advantage of excursions to Pamukkale and the archaeological site of Ephesus.

Frequently asked questions about Turkey

What are the top destinations to visit in Turkey?

These are some of the most popular destinations in Turkey:

What are the top attractions in Turkey?

Here are the must-see attractions in Turkey:

What activities in Turkey include exclusive access, hands-on experiences, expert guides and local specialists?

Our National Geographic Day Tours, operated by TUI, cover all of the above and will help you discover Turkey. They are fully immersive experiences based on National Geographic's unique storytelling and legacy of exploration.