🗺️ Where to go from the hotel: Turkey routes booked most often

Turkey packs white travertine terraces, a sunken city, and underground lakes into a single trip. Yet many resort guests never venture beyond their hotel.

Almost every point along the Antalya coast offers a full-day excursion. A bus picks you up at your hotel and brings you back in the evening, and guides work in German and English. Below are 20 routes that are booked most often.

The short answer: on your first trip, go for Pamukkale and Cappadocia, add a pirate yacht cruise by the sea, and set aside a day for the Bosphorus in Istanbul. The Pamukkale ticket office is open daily from 08:00 to 18:45 (as of 09/2026, official website of Turkey's museums).

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1. Whitewater rafting in Köprülü Canyon

💡 In short:

20 excursions across Turkey: canyons, ancient cities, the sea, and Istanbul.
A bus picks you up from your hotel, guides speak German and English.
Prices and opening hours: 09/2026, verified on Turkey's museum website.

Our pick: five excursions booked most often

Excursion	Destination	Format	Who it's for
Pamukkale and Hierapolis	Denizli	bus, full day	those who want both antiquity and thermal springs
Cappadocia	central Anatolia	bus with overnight stay	those willing to set aside two days
Pirate yacht	Alanya and Kemer	sea, half day	families with kids: swimming and entertainment
Olympos and Chimaera	Kemer, Çıralı	yacht and on foot	nature lovers
Bosphorus cruise	Istanbul	boat and on foot	those who have already seen the city center

River in Köprülü Canyon among rocks in autumn

Köprülü Canyon lies in a national park in the mountains above Antalya. The Köprüçay River cuts a narrow gorge here between pine-covered slopes. The rafting route runs through rapids along a long stretch of the river, and no special training is required.

Instructors hand out helmets and life jackets and split beginners into rafts. In the narrow part of the gorge, a Roman stone bridge stands above the water. The river water is cold even in the heat, so bring a long-sleeved shirt.

Getting there: transfers from Antalya, Kemer, Side, and Alanya are included in the tour program.
Who it's for: beginners, no experience needed.
The catch: after rafting you are soaked from head to toe, a change of clothes is a must.
Price: check with the operator on site, it depends on the season.

2. Demre, Kekova, and Myra in one day

View of Kekova Bay and the village of Kaleköy from the fortress

The tour starts with a yacht trip to Kekova Island. Part of the shore sank underwater after an earthquake, and the ruins are visible through the boat's glass bottom. You'll see marble columns, amphorae, and sarcophagi underwater.

Next, the group heads to the ancient city of Myra. There you'll find rock-cut tombs and a large Greco-Roman amphitheater. The day ends in Demre, where Saint Nicholas preached. Without a guide, the ruins are hard to read, so listen to the commentary.

Getting there: pickup from hotels in Antalya, Kemer, Belek, and Side.
Who it's for: those who want to see both the sea and antiquity in one outing.
The catch: a lot of time on the bus and in the open sun.
Price: check tour dates and prices on GetYourGuide.

3. Pirate yacht along the Alanya coast

Medieval Alanya Castle on a hill above the city

A three-deck pirate-style ship is docked in the port of Alanya. It sails along the coast past caves, sheer cliffs, and small waterfalls. From the deck you can see the Red Tower and the Seljuk fortress, and during stops you can swim and sunbathe.

The crew entertains guests with contests and a foam party. Bring a swimsuit, towel, and sunscreen: most of the day is spent on the open deck.

How to get there: pickup from hotels in Alanya, the drive to the port is short.
Who it's for: families with kids, because there is entertainment and swimming on board.
Not for: if you are looking for quiet, this is not your option.
The catch: loud music and entertainment all day.
Price: boat tour tickets are available on GetYourGuide.

4. Jeep safari and a village near Alanya

Atatürk Monument among palm trees in central Alanya

A jeep tour takes you from the hotel into the mountains above Alanya. The route goes off-road to a viewpoint, then descends to a canyon and a waterfall. After that the group visits a Turkish village, where you will see an old house museum and a mosque.

Lunch is outdoors by a mountain river. The guide tells the history of the city and explains the customs of local residents. This is the easiest way to see both the mountains and rural Turkey in one day.

How to get there: pickup from the hotel, you are brought back in time for dinner.
The catch: bumpy ride and dust on the off-road sections.
Price: dates and prices for the surrounding area on GetYourGuide.

5. Thermal terraces of Pamukkale

White travertine terraces of Pamukkale with water at sunset

Pamukkale consists of snow-white travertine terraces on a mountainside above Denizli. The water is rich in calcium and over thousands of years has deposited cascades of white pools. The terraces and the nearby ancient Hierapolis have been a UNESCO site since 1988, and entry is open daily from 08:00 (as of 09/2026, Turkey's museum portal).

Come in the morning: the sun on the white stone is blinding, and by midday bus groups start arriving. Bring water and sunglasses.

How to get there: a tour with transfer from Antalya, Kemer, and Side; the drive is not short.
The catch: Müzekart is valid only for Turkish citizens; foreigners need a separate ticket.
Price: tickets with a guide on GetYourGuide.

6. Yacht on the Manavgat River to Side

Tourist pirate boat at the mouth of the Manavgat River

The trip starts in Manavgat and goes down the river to the mouth. There the fresh water meets the sea, and you swim at a sand spit. Then the yacht heads into the open sea to the ruins of the Temple of Apollo in Side.

One of the stops is in a bay with Caretta turtles. They are not visible every day, but the water is so clear that you will notice fish too. Entertainment is provided on board.

How to get there: pickup from hotels in Side, Manavgat, and the surrounding area.
Who it's for: families and those who do not want a long drive.
The catch: nobody guarantees turtles; whether you see them depends on the day.
Price: dates and prices for sea tours on GetYourGuide.

7. Cappadocia with an overnight stay, two days

Fairy chimney rock formations in a Cappadocia valley

Cappadocia deserves a separate trip: you cannot get there and back in one day. Volcanoes, wind, and water have carved stone cones and entire cities right into the rocks here. The price includes a night in a hotel, so you have time to see everything both during the day and at dawn.

The group walks through underground labyrinths with a network of tunnels. Uchisar Fortress is visible from everywhere, and the guide explains how monasteries, chapels, and homes were carved out of the soft stone.

Getting there: bus with transfer from the Antalya region, the drive is long both ways.
The catch: two days are lost from your beach vacation.
Price: tours with overnight stay on GetYourGuide.

8. ATVs in Goynuk Canyon

Suspension bridge over a dirt road in Göynük Canyon

The Goynuk Canyon valley lies near Kemer. The ATV route runs through sand, pine forest, and across the river. Instructors show you how to operate the vehicle and give you a test drive before heading out.

After the ride, a swim in a mountain river pool feels great. Bring goggles and a face covering, otherwise you will be swallowing dust.

Getting there: office and transfer in Kemer, the drive is short.
The catch: dust, goggles and a face covering are a must.
Price: ATVs and safaris on GetYourGuide.

9. Pamukkale, Hierapolis, and Cleopatra's pool

Ancient theater of Hierapolis with seating rows and stage colonnade

This version of the Pamukkale trip also includes the entire ancient city of Hierapolis. You will see temple ruins, an amphitheater, thermal baths, and a necropolis. The city stood here since antiquity and survived several earthquakes.

A separate stop is Cleopatra's Pool with warm mineral water. Ancient columns and capitals lie on its bottom. Plan a full day: first the terraces, then the city, then swimming.

Getting there: transfer from hotels, the complex is open daily (as of 09/2026, Hierapolis page).
The catch: lots of walking in the open sun.
Price: complex tickets and guided tours on GetYourGuide.

10. Olympos and the eternal flame of the Chimera

Eternal flames of Chimaera, tongues of fire from cracks in the rock

The route takes you to a little-known stretch of coast between Kemer and Çıralı. You wander along semi-wild beaches and look at the ruins of ancient Olympos. Fragments of fortress walls, a theater, and a colonnade have survived.

The main goal of the day is Mount Chimera (Yanartaş). On its slope, natural gas seeps out from under the rock and burns around the clock. The guide tells the myths associated with this place. The climb is uphill, so wear comfortable shoes.

How to get there: pickup from hotels in Kemer and Çıralı, then a yacht and a walking section.
Who it's for: those who are tired of the pool and want nature.
The catch: the climb to the Chimera is uphill, you need sneakers.
Price: the Olympos and Chimera route on GetYourGuide.

11. Pirate yacht from Kemer port

A pirate-style yacht departs from Kemer port along the turquoise coast. The course passes sheer cliffs, green islands, and secluded caves. The yacht drops anchor in coves, and the captain gives you time for swimming.

Panorama of Kemer with the marina and mountains

The guide tells the history of the places you sail past. The shores here are covered with coniferous forests, and mountains rise above the coves. You can sunbathe on the upper deck and hide from the sun on the lower one. The program is designed for a lively crowd with music, just like on the yacht from Alanya.

How to get there: Kemer port is in the city center, then only by water.
The catch: animation and loud music, there will be no quiet.
Price: boat trips from Kemer on GetYourGuide.

12. Unknown Antalya: escape from the hotel

Old harbor of Antalya with boats and a minaret

A four-hour walk through non-touristy parts of Antalya. The route goes through historic quarters and narrow streets with Ottoman houses. The guide talks about the daily life of local Turks, their cuisine, and traditions.

You will stop into shops, cafeterias, and markets where the locals themselves go. Then the group heads out of town to a pine forest and sheer cliffs: that backdrop makes for the best photos. Lunch takes place by a mountain river in wooden pavilions with floor cushions.

How to get there: pickup in the city center or transfer from the hotel, the drive is short.
Who it's for: those who have already seen Antalya and want the city without the crowds.
The catch: part of the time goes to lunch rather than sightseeing.
Price: city walks in Antalya on GetYourGuide.

13. Art quarters on the outskirts of Istanbul

Istanbul at night from the water, lights and mosque silhouette

The walk takes you into old Istanbul neighborhoods where tourists rarely go. After a long period of neglect, the narrow streets turned into a trendy art quarter. The dilapidated facades were restored and painted.

Designer cafes, galleries, and vintage shops have opened here. Nearby stand ruins of Byzantine buildings, shacks made from whatever was at hand, and laundry lines hang overhead. Details like these capture the spirit of frozen time. The guide talks about the residents of the quarters and the people connected to their history.

How to get there: a walking tour, meeting in the city center.
Who it's for: those who have already seen the main sights and want a different Istanbul.
The catch: the route goes through ordinary residential streets, not postcard views.
Price: walks through the old quarters on GetYourGuide.

14. Bosphorus walk and Arnavutköy

Arnavutköy pier building with sign and benches

The route combines a Bosphorus cruise and a walking tour along picturesque bays. You pass aristocratic Arnavutköy, the prestigious neighborhood by Bebek Bay, and the Ortaköy waterfront. Ottoman mansions with elaborate stone carvings line the shore.

Yachts and boats are visible in the harbor, and a white mosque rises above the pier. The guide talks about Istanbul in the 19th and 20th centuries. At the end, a tasting of Turkish desserts awaits you.

Getting there: meetup in central Istanbul, then a boat ride and a walking portion.
Who it's for: those who want to see the city from the water.
The catch: part of the route runs along the water in the open air, bring a jacket.
Price: Bosphorus cruises on GetYourGuide.

15. Asian Istanbul and the Mihrimah mosque

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque with two minarets

This tour goes through the Asian side of Istanbul, where there are fewer tourists. Here business centers sit alongside shady parks, eastern bazaars, and old neighborhoods. You'll see the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Uskudar.

The guide takes the group to a neighborhood with colorful wooden houses and bay windows. At one of the cafes you can have tea with a view of the Bosphorus. A walk along the waterfronts, where locals relax under lush tree canopies, rounds out the day.

Getting there: ferry across the Bosphorus from the European side, then on foot.
Who it's for: those who want to see everyday Istanbul.
The catch: the ferry crossing takes time and depends on the schedule.
Price: Asian side tours on GetYourGuide.

16. Sapadere canyon and Cuceler cave

Emerald pool among the rocks of Sapadere Canyon

From Alanya the group travels by jeep into the mountains to Sapadere Canyon. A mountain river with icy, crystal-clear water flows along the canyon floor. Long wooden walkways run along the cliffs, making it safe to walk.

Huge boulders and vertical rock faces loom overhead. In some spots there are descents to natural pools with waterfalls. The last stop is Cuceler Cave with its stalactites and stalagmites.

Getting there: transfer from Alanya, starting with a jeep ride up into the mountains.
The catch: the walkways are damp and slippery, you need shoes with good tread.
Price: Sapadere Canyon tours on GetYourGuide.

17. Altinbesik Cave with an underground lake

Cave entrance with a turquoise underground lake

In the Manavgat River valley near Side lies Altinbesik Cave. It's a multi-level karst system with underground lakes, streams, and waterfalls. The road to it passes through a bay leaf plantation, and from the viewing platform you get a panorama of the green canyon.

Inside, you ride a boat beneath stone vaults among stalactites and stalagmites. By the length of its underground passages, it's one of the largest caves in the country. The tour takes up part of the day, so check the schedule and departure days before your trip.

Getting there: buses to the cave don't run every day, confirm departure days when booking.
The catch: the schedule is limited, making it hard to fit into your vacation.
Price: Altinbesik Cave and national park on GetYourGuide.

18. Side by open-top bus

This Side tour runs on an open-top bus. The first stop is in the suburb of Seleucia on a hilltop with cliffs. Fragments of the agora, a Byzantine chapel, a Roman bath, and an amphitheater survive there, and nearby you can see an aqueduct and a monumental triumphal arch. The ruins of temples and ancient structures in Side are considered one of the most valuable archaeological zones in the Mediterranean.

Next the group heads to the Manavgat River waterfall. There are viewing platforms and a shady park by the water. Part of the ancient zone of Side is open freely, check museum ticket details on site.

Getting there: pickup from hotels in Side and Manavgat, then along the route.
The catch: the open top doesn't protect you from the sun in the heat.
Price: Side tours on GetYourGuide.

19. Off-the-beaten-path Cirali and turtles

View of Çıralı Beach from above, sea and clouds

Cirali lies at the foot of mountains that enclose the village on three sides. Wild coves are lush with greenery, and loggerhead sea turtles lay their eggs on the pebble beach. The guide leads the group along the shore and points out nesting sites.

The walk ends with lunch at a restaurant. Flowering gardens and thickets of wild plants surround you, so the sense of being far from civilization is stronger here. Large buses rarely make it this far, so there are fewer people than in Kemer.

How to get there: transfer from Kemer and Antalya, the trip takes some time.
Who it's for: those who want a quiet village instead of a busy resort.
The catch: the infrastructure here is more basic than in Kemer.
Price: Cirali and Olympos on GetYourGuide.

20. Istanbul uncovered: legends and the Bosphorus

Silhouette of Sultan Ahmed Mosque at sunset over the Bosphorus

A guided walking tour through cobblestone alleys away from the polished side of Istanbul. The guide takes you past architectural ensembles and parks without repeating standard routes. Along the way, you stop at cafeterias, eateries, workshops, and markets that only locals visit.

In the second part, the group boards a public ferry and crosses the Bosphorus from Europe to Asia. This is a crossing, not a cruise along the shore like the Arnavutköy route. From the water you see bridges, sultan's palaces, and mosque minarets. The guide combines the walk with stories about the culture and daily life of city residents: their work, education, and traditions. He deliberately leaves the grand landmarks aside so you can see the city like a local.

How to get there: starts in the city center, then on foot and by public ferry.
Who it's for: those visiting Istanbul not for the first time.
The catch: the route is long, part of it is on foot over cobblestones.
Price: Istanbul walking tours on GetYourGuide.

Tours and tickets

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⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which tour in Turkey should I choose first?

Start with Pamukkale: the terraces, Hierapolis, and the ancient pool nearby are on the UNESCO list and open year-round. The second most popular route among tourists is Cappadocia with an overnight stay. If you're vacationing by the sea in Alanya or Kemer, add a pirate yacht or a jeep safari.

What language are tours in Turkey conducted in?

Most group tours are led by guides in German and English. The language is usually listed in the tour description, so check it before paying. Private walks in Istanbul and Antalya can also be booked in the language you need.

How much does entry to Pamukkale cost?

Check the exact price on the official website of Turkey's museums: rates change every season, and the Müzekart museum card is valid only for citizens of the country. Foreigners buy a separate ticket on site or online. The same ticket includes the travertine terraces and ancient Hierapolis.

When is the best time to go rafting in Köprülü Canyon?

Rafting runs in the warm season, when the river is not overflowing. In winter and after heavy rains, tours are canceled due to water levels. In summer, bring a spare T-shirt and shoes you don't mind getting wet.

What should I bring on a tour?

Water, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes cover almost all routes. For a yacht, add a swimsuit and towel; for rafting, a change of clothes; for the canyon, closed shoes with tread. In Pamukkale you'll need sunglasses: the white stone reflects light strongly.

In short: what's worth booking

The choice depends on where you're staying and how many days you're willing to set aside.

If you have	Book
two free days	Cappadocia with an overnight stay
first trip to Turkey	Pamukkale and Hierapolis
vacation with kids	a pirate yacht from Alanya or Kemer
several days in Istanbul	a Bosphorus cruise and the Asian side
a love of nature	Köprülü Canyon, Sapadere, or Çıralı

You can compare dates and prices for all routes on GetYourGuide. Plan ahead: some tours depart only in the morning or only a few days a week.

20 Tours in Turkey: from rafting to a Bosphorus cruise