Things to do in Kemer

Pamukkale, Hierapolis and Lake Salda private tour

This private 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 and Cleopatra's Pool. As with all 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.'Leaving Antalya early in the morning, you'll arrive at Lake Salda Lake 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. And this is just a taster for what's to come in the afternoon.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 relax with a dip in the warm water 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.

Private tour of Sagalassos ancient city and Burdur Museum

Situated in a remote region of southwest Turkey, the isolated location of Sagalassos has helped keep it a hidden gem. An important city to both Alexander the Great and ancient Rome, discover this incredibly well-preserved archaeological site with the added bonus of a Lake Karacaören photo stop and a visit to Burdur museum.You'll travel north through the Turkish countryside on this private tour, kicking off in what is one of the world's largest archaeological sites. But first, there's a stop to admire the almost made-for-Instagram Lake Karacaören – a top Turkish beauty spot.On arrival at Sagalassos, a tour of the impressive mountaintop ruins awaits. Surrounded by crumbling columns, villas, temples and major must-sees like the city centre and the Hellenistic theatre, it's like stepping through the pages of a history book. After lunch, a walking tour of nearby Burdur and a visit to the city museum reveals even more about the region's past.

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. On the way back, you'll tuck into a tasty dinner in a forest restaurant, too. 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.

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.

Pamukkale Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Experience from Antalya

Pamukkale is spectacular seen from the ground – but even better with bird's eye views. See one of Turkey's top natural treasures from above with this hot air balloon experience. You'll need to rise and shine well before sunrise, but it's all worth it as you soar over the cotton-white calcium terraces, making memories that'll last long after you leave.

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.

4x4 tour in the Taurus Mountains from Kemer

Get a new perspective on Kemer as you hop in a 4x4 and set off into the Taurus Mountains. You'll head out along the Somakşegri route, climbing to the lofty village of Gedelma. Your 4x4 will roar up the mountains, reaching a peak in Belenyayla 1,600 metres above sea level, with a view of Tahtali Mountain. Then, it's downhill over rugged landscapes, stopping at a 2,000-year-old tree, before heading to a local restaurant for a hearty lunch of bulgur rice, kebab and salad. Round off the tour with a visit to Cheese Hole Cave and take a dip in the freshwater pools of the canyon at Kesme Bogazı.

Olympus 4x4 evening tour from Kemer

Swoop into an evening of adventure on this 4x4 evening tour of Olympos. You'll catch your first glimpse of this ancient city from a seaside viewpoint, with plenty of time to fill up your camera roll. Next, stop at Cirali Beach, a nesting ground for endangered Caretta Caretta turtles. There's a guided tour of Olympos' ruins available as an extra if you fancy it, or simply stretch out on the sand. Then, see Yanartas, AKA the eternal flame, famous for its natural gas flames – these have been burning four around 2,500 years – before tucking into dinner at Ulupinar.

Antalya’s Dino Park half-day visit with entry and transfers

Dino Park, in Turkey, is just the ticket for a fun family day out. This half-day tour includes your transport to and from the park, as well as entry – just don't forget your camera for those dino selfies. The park's got life-sized dinosaur models that move and roar, making you feel like you've travelled back in time. Budding archaeologists can try their hand at digging up fossils at the Fossil Pool, or there are creative workshops on offer, too.

Kemer Turkish baths visit with massage

Sink into a full-on traditional Turkish hamham experience, complete with a scrub and foam massage, a back reflex massage and a 30-minute Thai massage. Sit back and relax in the salt room, sauna and hot tub, or take a dip in the chilly shock pool if you can brave it. Fancy a cup of herbal tea? It's on us. And, don't worry about the kiddos – there's a babysitting service and children's room ready for little ones aged three and over. This is your time to relax and unwind.

Antalya Aquarium Ticket for Kemer hotels

Boasting the longest aquarium tunnel in the world and a dazzling array of species, Antalya Aquarium is a great day out. The main tank features a life-size aeroplane, a shipwreck and a submarine, and each installation is brimming with dozens of species of tropical fish and sharks. There's also a special tank for jellyfish and a wax museum. For a small extra cost – and if you're brave enough – you can take on the Fear Trophy, a creepy exhibit that showcases the world's deadliest snakes, spiders and more. Or at Snow World, discover a winter wonderland with igloos, Santa's grotto and cafés. You can even have a snowball fight and make snowmen.

Antalya’s Paradise Canyon tour with boat cruise and lunch

See a slice of Turkey's top natural sights by land and sea on this adventurous day trip. You'll ride a monster buggy – think open-air off-road minibus – as you bound across rugged, rural trails and splash through rivers on an outback safari drive. Then, as you reach Paradise Canyon, you'll understand the name. The pine-covered slopes of the Taurus Mountains give way to emerald-green waters, which you'll be cruising along after lunch at a lakeside restaurant. You'll then have plenty of free time for fun in the water, with everything from swimming and fishing to canoeing and riding a banana boat on offer.