Private Perge & Aspendos Tour

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.

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.

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.

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.

Gulet Cruise with Lunch along the Turkish Coast 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.

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, and stop en route at dazzling Lake Salda. Muzaffer, one of our expert guides, says, ‘Pamukkale is like something out of a fairytale – a spectacle of terraces formed over thousands of years that look like a cascading snowy waterfall. Legend has it, the hot thermal springs here have healing properties.'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. Then we'll continue to Pamukkale for lunch. Afterwards, admire 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 the TUI Care Foundation charity.

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.

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.

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.

Antalya airport Elite lounge and fast track service from Side 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.