Excursies en activiteiten in Altinkum-Didim

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.

Ephesus is one of the best-preserved archaeological sites from the classical era. Highlights include the Celsus Library and the Great Theatre. You'll also discover the House of the Virgin Mary and stop by Sirince for a spot of lunch. Gökhan, one of our local guides, says, ‘During the time of Emperor Tiberius, Ephesus was the most important city in Europe apart from Rome. It was wealthy due to its flourishing commercial activity, home to 250,000 people and culturally very advanced. The site is truly impressive – so much detail remains.'Let your expert your guide transport you back in time, learning about the living past of Ephesus, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the Celsus Library, built with double walls to protect its scrolls from the heat. Peek into houses still decorated with frescoes, and nose around the public baths, brothel and shops. Walk down Marble Street to see the Great Theatre, a spectacular 24,000-seater dug into the hillside, which once rang with the cries of gladiators and the sermons of St Paul.Next, we'll visit the House of the Virgin Mary, a Catholic and Muslim shrine. There's a wishing wall, where you can leave written prayers, and a fountain whose waters are believed by some to have miraculous powers. We'll round off the day in Sirince – a little less ancient but still with a sense of yesteryear. Here, you'll have lunch at a family-run restaurant before tasting the local fruit wine and enjoying free time to stroll along the town's cobbled streets.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hop on a catamaran to sail from Turkey to the Greek island of Kos. Explore the island's capital, Kos town, at your own pace – dip into shops and boutiques, sip a coffee by Hippocrates' legendary plane tree, and snap up sea views from the 15th-century Knights fortress. History buffs can't miss the nearby Asklepieion. For a bit of relaxation, choose from the town's beautiful beaches for summing and sunbathing before your catamaran ride back. Don't forget your passport or ID for border checks between Turkey and Greece.

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.