Things to Do in Altinkum-Didim

Up for a Turkish adventure? This half-day tour takes you to two of Turkey's most iconic sites, blending centuries of ancient history with a splash of local culture. You'll enjoy guided insights at both stops and still have time to mingle around the shops, snap a few pics and pick up a souvenir or two. You'll start off at Miletos, once a thriving port city and centre of philosophy and science in the ancient world. You'll wander through the ruins, including a massive Greco-Roman theatre, Roman baths and what's left of agora – where the locals used to trade. Your guide will bring its history to life by sharing stories and insights along the way. Next up, you'll head to the Temple of Apollo in Didymia, the fourth largest temple in the Greek world, which remains one of the best-preserved examples of Hellenistic architecture. Whether you get a good look from the outside or pay a small fee to explore the inner sanctum, its scale and atmosphere are well worth experiencing.With plenty of shops and cafes nearby the temple, you'll have time to grab a coffee, sample some Turkish sweets and browse homemade crafts after a morning of sightseeing.

Get your heart racing on a two-hour, thrilling buggy safari through the rugged landscapes of Didim. After a quick test drive, you'll be ready to tackle both on-road and off-road trails. Take a breather at the 8th-century BC Apollo Temple, snapping some epic photos before diving back into the action. Opt for a morning or afternoon session with expert instructors leading the way.

Adrenaline seekers will love this quad adventure. After a quick safety briefing, you'll strap in for both on-road and off-road trails and tracks. Spend two hours whizzing through Didim, with a quick break for photos at the Apollo Temple. Choose between a morning or afternoon session, with expert instructors leading the way.

Buckle up for a family-friendly adventure that's as unique as your crew. This 4x4 tour through Didim features water fights, off-road rallies as well as breaks for swimming. Meet the horses at a local ranch, before tucking into a Turkish feast at lunch. The afternoon continues with more water fun and a stop by a beach to wind down. You'll go home with stories that'll be the highlight of dinner conversations.

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. Soar over the cotton-white calcium terraces before touching down to visit the Roman ruins of Hierapolis, too.

One of the best shopping experiences on the Aegean coast is also one of its best-kept secrets. The night market at Mavisehir, a lovely resort on the opposite end of the Altinkum peninsula, is not just a great spot to grab a bargain, it's also buzzing with activity. Browse, haggle, taste and maybe even buy.

This full-day day trip to Kusadasi shows off one of the most famous resorts on Turkey's Aegean Cost. As well as beaches, this place is home to castles, mosques, and plenty of shopping opportunities. You'll stop at a couple of hotspots, before heading into the centre of Kusadasi in the afternoon for some free time.First up, delve into the world of gold at a gold centre. Here, you'll learn about the benefits of buying gold in Turkey – Turkish goldsmiths are known for their high-quality craftsmanship. Then, you'll have time for a wander around, and maybe even to try your hand at haggling for that perfect piece of jewellery. Your shopping spree continues with a visit to a Turkish delight shop, where you can top up on these famous sweet treats.In the afternoon, you'll head into Kusadasi centre for a nosy around. The harbour is great for a relaxing stroll, or drop into a cafe for a cup of caffeine-rich Turkish coffee. Up on the hills surrounding the town, you'll spot plenty of colourful homes, and the produce-scented market and the historic Kaleiçi Mosque are also worth checking out.

Relax into your holiday and kick-start your tan with a Turkish bath or hamam. These places have existed in Turkey for centuries and for good reason – they're a serious refresher for the mind, body and soul. They're also great for tanning – exfoliating your skin to help boost your bronzing.

Colourful sea life and good visibility make Turkey's waters ideal for scuba diving. The seas here teem with tiny fish and there's a good chance of spotting creatures like parrotfish, octopus and even stingrays. So why not zip on a wetsuit and give it a try?

Ready to relax? Then escape the hustle and bustle and head out into the Aegean on this relaxing cruise. You'll spend the day gliding along the coastline around Altinkum, passing sandy beaches, seaside resorts and hideaway bays. What's more, you'll enjoy lunch on-board.

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 four-kilometre-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.What is the itinerary for this experience? The itinerary for this experience is...- 7:45am to 8:30am – pick-up from your hotel - 8:30am to 9:30am – travel to Dalyan - 9:45am to 10:00am – river boat ride to mud baths and sulphur pool - 10:00am to 11:30am – free time at the mud baths - 11:30am to 11:45am – another short boat ride back to the other side of the river - 11:45am to 12:45pm – lunch at Paradise Restaurant (drinks cost extra)- 12:45pm to 1:45pm – river boat ride to Turtle Beach - 1:45pm to 3:00pm – free time at Turtle Beach - 3:00pm to 3:45pm – river boat ride back to Dalyan - 5:15pm to 5:30pm – arrive back at your accommodation Please note, the times and schedule may vary on the day