Side Blue Cruise

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'.

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.

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.

Alanya Castle and cave summer tour with cable car, lunch and boat trip

It's not just pristine beaches and azure waters that make Alanya so special. The city is packed with historic monuments and natural attractions. You'll tour Alanya Castle by foot and boat, delve into the depths of Dim Cave and have lunch on the banks of the River Dim.

Alanya evening 4x4 tour with cable car and Turkish dinner

For a taste of Turkish-style high life, it's hard to beat this blockbuster evening excursion. It's a greatest hits of Alanya's best bits. A cable car ride to Alanya Castle to catch the sunset, a dinner of regional dishes and a little off-road adventure are all on the menu tonight. Elif, one of our expert local guides, says "the views from the cable car open up across the red-tiled rooftops and winding streets of the old town and beyond. Look out for the 13th century Red Tower, which was built as a lookout on the harbour."You'll get straight into the action by hopping onto the Alanya Castle cable car. Once at the top, take in the scenery from this vantage point 250 metres above the Med. It's the perfect spot to watch the sun go down. After this, we'll zip down to Meazza gourmet restaurant by way of Alanya harbour. See the chefs at work as they prepare kuymak, a tasty cornmeal and melted cheese dish from the Black Sea coast, usually made with local laz or tulum cheese.The chefs will also demonstrate how to make irmik, a sweet and creamy dessert often flavoured with orange blossom water, rose water or vanilla. Elif says "the aroma of semolina cooking in melted butter takes me straight back to my childhood, when my mother used to make irmik for special occasions." After dinner, we'll go off-road, heading to the Alanya View Terrace up above the city for a glass of wine. Drink in the views of the city lights shimmering below – a great way to end an amazing evening.

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.

Adults-only Gulet cruise with lunch and drinks from Side

This relaxing boat trip serves-up all the little luxuries that make being on holiday so special. Set sail from Side aboard this adults-only cruise for a day of sun, sea and snoozing. What's more, there's an open bar stocked with local drinks, lunch, and plenty of chances to refresh yourself with a swim in the open water.

Side Scuba Diving for Beginners

Would you like to give scuba diving a go? Then wriggle into a wet suit and get ready for a taste of a whole, new underwater world. This excellent activity offers two dives either side of lunch, which is included as is all equipment.

Full-day tour to Pamukkale and ancient 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.