Folklore in Alanya

Belek - 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 - 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.

Side - 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 - Alanya Blue Cruise

A boat trip that offers the best of both worlds – a tranquil start with a party atmosphere later on. This cruise along the Alanya coast is the perfect escape from the bustling resorts and when you're fully recharged, get ready to dance along to your favourite top hits.

Belek - Manavgat Market & Waterfall Tour with Riverboat Cruise

Sightseeing and a relaxing river cruise – there's something for everyone on this full day tour, exploring Manavgat bazaar and the beautiful surrounding area. Visit Manavgat Falls and enjoy a riverboat cruise.Everything begins at the Manavgat Falls on the River Manavgat. They're known as the ‘Little Falls' as their fast-flowing waters crash down a ridge into a bubbly, foaming fresh-water pool. Next, you can grab a bargain at a multi-brand outlet store, before heading inland for Manavgat's open air bazaar for more retail therapy. You'll hop onboard a riverboat cruise along the Manavgat next. Sit back and relax in the sunshine as you sail past reed beds and sandy beaches. After lunch on board, you'll moor at a beach, where the sea and the river meet. A perfect swimming opportunity ends this jam-packed day out.

Belek - 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.

Alanya - Alanya Outback Off-road Safari

How about leaving the sands of your resort behind for the day and instead go for a spin on dirt tracks? This off-road adventure will take you deep into the heart of the real Turkey, exploring places you didn't know existed high up in the beautiful Taurus Mountains.

Antalya - Antalya Aquarium & Old Town Tour with Gold Centre Visit

You'll combine sightseeing and shopping on this Antalya tour with a difference. Get the lowdown on the best gold from the region, visit Antalya Aquarium and enjoy a guided tour through the old town with some free time to bargain for souvenirs.

Belek - Fire of Anatolia Dance Show in the Aspendos Ancient Theatre

The ancient region of Anatolia makes up most of central Turkey and its folklore has shaped much of the country's wider culture and customs. And this world-famous show tells you the story of its past through the medium of dance.

Antalya - 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.

Alanya - Hammam & Turkish bath experience

Want a top-notch tan whilst trying something new? Then a trip to a hammam or Turkish bath is definitely for you. Hammams have existed in Turkey since ancient times, providing locals with a way to relax and freshen up. They're also brilliant for exfoliating your skin so you're more likely to develop a lasting tan.

Alanya - 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.

Alanya - Alanya Scuba Diving for Beginners

If you've ever fancied giving scuba diving a go, then this beginner's taster day in Alanya is just the ticket. You'll learn the basic skills for diving, and take part in two dives either side of lunch, which will be served on board the boat.

Belek - The Land of Legends Theme Park with Transfer

The Land of Legends amusement park has added a host of fun-filled water activities to its already amazing offering. Boasting a scenic setting that's infused with thrill and plenty of exciting entertainment, The Land of Legends promises a day of both adrenaline-pumping rides and relaxation.

Kemer - Köprülü Monster Truck, Jet Boat & Rafting

If there's ever a trip out that combines all the thrills and spills you'd want, then this is it. You'll ride through a nature park in a monster truck, whizz over Köprülü Canyon in a jet boat and supercharge the afternoon with some white water rafting.Calling all adrenaline junkies, this Antalya tour comes with a twist. You'll travel off-road to the base camp from where the unrelenting action is about to be released. Climb into a monster truck and set off on a sightseeing safari – but not quite as you know it. You'll experience nature, but this time bumping over the land in a thrilling experience.Before lunch, there's the small matter of getting over the Köprülü Canyon, so a jet boat comes to your rescue. Glide past amazing rock formations and enter the canyon in this supercharged machine. Your last adventure will be white water rafting, when you'll get to freshen up in the midst of the gentle rapids.

Alanya - 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.

Alanya - Full-day tour to Pamukkale and ancient Hierapolis

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. It's epic. Then, there's the option to relax with a dip in the warm water of 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.

Alanya - Full-day winter tour of Alanya with castle and cave visits

A tale of two cities, Alanya is a true mix of the old and the new. It's a bustling resort that's home to a medieval castle and picturesque old town, where you'll have free time to explore. To top it off, there are visits to the Damlatas Caves and a shop where gourds are crafted into decorative lamps. Our expert local guide, Aylin, says “this tour factors in lots of different topics, so everyone will find something to catch their attention regardless of their interests. Plus, Turkish culture's on show almost the entire time, so you'll be like an expert on Turkey by the end of the tour.”With this winter tour, you'll start the day at the Damlatas Caves. Filled with stalagmites and stalactites, the cylindrical chamber within is said to cure asthma – that's not a cue to leave your inhaler at home, though. Next up is Seljuk Castle. Topping a headland jutting into the Mediterranean, it was built in the 13th century on the remnants of Roman and Byzantine castles. Explore its watchtower-studded battlements and peer through the holes from where hot oil was poured onto enemies when they were trying to invade the area.Then, you'll continue on to a craft shop where gourds are carefully carved into lamps, with great results. After lunch, the afternoon is yours. Go shopping in Alanya bazaar – market day is Friday – or relax in a café. Or go for a stroll on the gulet-crammed harbour or promenade before it's time to head back to your accommodation.

Alanya - Deluxe Turkish Bath Alanya

Hammams have existed in Turkey since ancient times, providing locals with a way to relax and freshen up. They're also brilliant for exfoliating your skin so you're more likely to develop a lasting tan. If you want a top-notch tan whilst trying something new, then a trip to a hammam or Turkish bath is definitely for you.Head to one of the best local hammams and you'll change into your swimwear and wrap up in a towel. The hammam itself is a humid, marble-tiled room with a ‘gobektasi', a heated stone slab in the centre. Relax as the heat softens your skin, opens your pores and gets you sweating out those toxins. There's a steam room too.Lie on the ‘gobektasi', and you'll be treated to a body scrub followed by a covering in soft, soapy bubbles and a face mask. It's a great way to start your holiday.

Alanya - Alanya Pirate Boat cruise with pickup from from Alanya district

Step on board an atmospheric pirate boat and join a motley crew of pirates, buccaneers and landlubbers on a memorable seafaring adventure