20 best tours in Turkey
Turkey offers its guests unsurpassed opportunities for an exciting pastime. Popular among tourists, the country is the owner of interesting protected areas and world-famous historical sights. Active travelers who want to dedicate their holidays not only to a beach holiday can go on entertaining trips to Turkish regions. Without an excursion in Turkey, it is difficult to get an idea of the richness of the cultural and natural heritage of the state.
Rafting on a mountain river
An unforgettable experience is guaranteed to tourists by a trip to the Koprulu Canyon National Park Reserve, located in the vicinity of Antalya. This amazing corner of the planet and natural heritage is a deep narrow valley, in the middle of which the turquoise raging waters of a mountain river are rapidly moving. The canyon strikes the imagination with its picturesque landscape. It lies between steep cliffs and lush forests.
More than 600 plant species grow here. Cedar, eucalyptus, pine, juniper and fir groves fill the air with an enchanting fragrance. Deer, foxes, wolves and hares live in the park. Professional guides-instructors offer vacationers for 18 euros to make rafting through the rapids of the river. The length of the valley is about 14 kilometers. To overcome the distance, tourists do not need to have special training.
The safety of the rafting is provided by experienced attendants and the necessary equipment (helmets, vests). In one place of the canyon you can see a stone bridge, the height of which reaches 27 meters. This is a monument of ancient culture, erected by the Romans in the II century AD.
Demre, Kekova, Mira: places of worship on the south coast
A professional guide with deep knowledge leads an entertaining tour of the iconic places of the south coast for vacationers. The program provides for an acquaintance with the ancient civilization, a survey of the famous ancient ruins and a visit to the pilgrimage center. The price of a rich tour is 45 euros per person.
A fascinating journey begins with an hour-long yacht trip to the island of Kekova. Its rocky coastline is full of unique antiquities. An earthquake dating back to the 2nd century AD led to partial flooding of the island‘s landmass. A transparent porthole in the bottom of the boat allows tourists to view the ruins and artifacts under the sea water. At a depth of six meters, you can see marble statues, columns, dilapidated fragments of walls, amphoras and sarcophagi.
After sailing on a yacht, the participants of the tour will go to the ancient city of Myra. This unique settlement, founded in the fifth century BC, was the capital of the Lycian state. The grandiose ruins of the Greco-Roman amphitheater, the ruins of the acropolis, as well as tombs carved into the rocks brought him worldwide fame. The next point of the route will be the cozy city of Demre. One of the most revered Christian saints, Nicholas the Wonderworker, lived and preached here.
On a pirate yacht along the coast of Alanya
In the port of the resort of Alanya, a majestic three-deck pirate ship is moored, on which you can go on a short sea voyage. A daily excursion costing 16 euros per person will leave a lot of positive emotions along with vivid impressions. A beautifully designed yacht plows the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea and cruises along the picturesque coast of Alanya. The participants of the walk get the opportunity to admire the amazing landscapes and architectural sights of the Turkish region, as well as swim in the open sea or sunbathe on the deck.
The ship's route passes by mysterious caves, sheer cliffs, small waterfalls, high hills with settlements and secluded beaches. Tourists will turn their eyes to medieval buildings, among which the Seljuk fortress and the Red Tower deserve attention. The entertainment program during the voyage is provided by a team of experienced animators who organize folklore performances, competitions and a foam party.
A day of entertainment in the vicinity of Alanya
To diversify a comfortable beach holiday, tourists are advised to go on a six-hour sightseeing walk through the picturesque surroundings of Alanya. An omniscient Russian-speaking guide has prepared a rich program for vacationers. Its price is 20 euros per person. Tourists are expected to go off-road to the mountains in jeeps to the observation deck, visit the picturesque canyon, swim in the natural pool of the waterfall, as well as get acquainted with the traditional life of the inhabitants of the Turkish village.
Admiring the stunning panorama of the city will be accompanied by interesting stories from the guide about the centuries-old history of the Mediterranean resort. Tourists will look into an old wooden house, where a museum of everyday life is organized. It will be interesting to look at the interior decoration of a small mosque and learn about the features of Islam in Turkey. One of the points will be lunch in nature next to a mountain river.
Pamukkale – natural treasure of Turkey
The unique natural heritage of the country is the thermal springs of Pamukkale, where you should definitely go with a connoisseur of local attractions. From the hotel, tourists will make a trip to the province of Denizli, where they will see extraordinary landscapes. As a result of lime deposits from sources saturated with calcium, bizarre snow-white cascades of pools were formed on the mountainside. They shine and amaze with their magnificence.
The place of delightful beauty occupies the outskirts of the volcanic plateau and represents 17 thermal natural baths filled with water with a temperature of +35 degrees and above. The guide will tell you in detail about the formation of this amazing rock that looks like snowdrifts, as well as tell you the chemical composition of the springs and tell you about the beneficial properties of water. For an additional fee, tourists are given the opportunity to swim in the Cleopatra pool with healing mineral water. You can visit the eighth wonder of the world for 45 euros.
On a yacht along the coast of Side
A few pleasant hours will give a fascinating trip on a yacht along the coastline of the resort of Side. A seven-hour voyage for 18 euros originates from the cozy city of Manavgat, located on both sides of the river of the same name between the Mediterranean Sea and the Tauride Mountains. A comfortable ship will first go downstream and moor in a picturesque place where fresh water merges with the salty sea. Here, passengers who wish can go in for water procedures and take sunbaths on a sandy spit.
The yacht will then head for the open sea. A light breeze and fresh air will charge you with positive emotions. The ship will approach the iconic historical places of Side. From a great position, you will have a view of the ruins of the Temple of Apollo and other ancient buildings. High columns of the Corinthian order create a unique entourage. The highlight of the boat trip will be a stop in a cozy bay where the charming Caretta turtles live. Crystal clear azure waters allow you to watch these animals with interest. No one will be bored with the entertainment program organized by the animators on board the ship.
Travel to Cappadocia for 2 days
One of the memorable excursions will be a two-day trip to Cappadocia. This amazing valley is a national park complex located in the central part of the country at an altitude of about a thousand meters. The territory of more than 300 square kilometers attracts with its history and unearthly beauty. The cost of the voyage is 58 euros per person.
The price includes hotel accommodation. As a result of numerous volcanic eruptions, weathering of rocks and temperature fluctuations, mother nature created fantastic landscapes. Tourists will admire bizarre stone figures, high pointed pillars and majestic rocks of volcanic origin. In many stone towers, you can see hand-cut rooms for monasteries, chapels and monks' dwellings, which the guide will tell you in detail.
The participants of the tour will make a hike through the underground multi-tiered labyrinths with an extensive network of tunnels. An unforgettable discovery will be a whole city built right in the rock. Curiosity causes the arrangement of the interiors of houses. Ukhchisar fortress deserves special attention, outwardly resembling a stone anthill.
Quad bike safari from Kemer
A few kilometers from the resort of Kemer lies the alpine valley of the Goynuk canyon. This picturesque place is ideal for an exciting quad bike safari. Experienced guides organize a comfortable trip, for the safety of which you will need sunglasses and a facial scarf. The instructors will explain the basic rules for driving an ATV. A test drive awaits young travelers so they can learn how to ride on their own.
Admiring the majesty of the towering rocks and lush coniferous vegetation, tourists will have to conquer one of the canyon roads. On roaring ATVs, they will drive through sand, stone boulders, through coniferous forests and even ford a river. Overcoming the two-hour route guarantees the participants of the voyage a charge of vivacity and a surge of adrenaline. After the road, it will be nice to stop in the forest and swim in the backwaters of a mountain river. A trip through the Goynuk Valley will cost 29 euros per person.
Pamukkale, ancient Hierapolis and Cleopatra's pool
You should definitely take advantage of the rich program in Pamukkale for 35 euros. This is an amazing natural ensemble, consisting of numerous petrified snow-white hills with cascades of terraces and artificial pools. Over many millennia, lime deposits of mineral springs have formed mountain slopes, vaults and travertines resembling cotton inflorescences. A Russian-speaking guide will acquaint you with the legends of the emergence of thermal springs, the waters of which have healing and miraculous properties.
After visiting the terraces, it will be interesting to look into the pool of Cleopatra. A popular spring with mineral hot and bubbling water in the open air attracts many tourists. Bathing in it gives a feeling of bliss, as blooming oleanders and tall palm trees create a special atmosphere. At the bottom of the pool are antique columns, capitals and stone blocks. The program includes a tour of the ancient city of Hierapolis, which has preserved many monuments of thousands of years of antiquity. These are the ruins of temples, an amphitheater, baths, as well as fragments of remarkable structures.
Ancient Olympos and the mythical Chimera
The Turkish Riviera is famous not only for its popular cities, where most vacationers flock to enjoy all kinds of resort fun. On the coast of the Mediterranean Sea there are original and quiet small villages surrounded by majestic mountains, coniferous forests and citrus orchards.
A talented and versatile guide invites tourists to visit semi-wild beaches, wander among ancient buildings and admire the unquenchable fires of Mount Chimera. The price of the voyage is 28 euros per person. The program of the walk consists of visiting Olympos and Cirali. These quiet secluded villages, still little known among the main masses of travelers, fascinate with the beauty of the surrounding nature.
Even sea turtles can be found on the amazing coastlines, which testifies to the high level of environmental friendliness of the coast. Tourists will see fragments of the fortress walls overgrown with greenery, the ruins of a theater, a colonnade and the ruins of other buildings. The group will go to Mount Chimera, the slopes of which are engulfed in flames. It is blazing natural gas coming out from under the rock. The guide will tell you about the myths associated with this place in a fascinating way.
On a pirate yacht along the coast of Kemer
An exciting sea trip in the spirit of freedom-loving pirates is a great opportunity to diversify your vacation. From the port of Kemer, a comfortable yacht made in a pirate style regularly cruises along the azure coast. Tour participants will enjoy swimming in the open sea, sunbathing on the upper deck, as well as fun entertainment on board. The cost of a seven-hour journey is 17 euros per person.
During the voyage, passengers can admire the realm of the blue of the sea, amazing landscapes, ancient buildings, architectural monuments and modern buildings. The trip is accompanied by an omniscient guide. He will share interesting historical information about the places that the yacht will sail past. The course of the ship passes along picturesque sheer cliffs, green hills, colorful islands and secluded caves. The surrounding shores are dotted with grottoes and covered with coniferous forests. The pirate schooner will anchor in cozy bays surrounded by majestic mountains. The captain gives time to everyone who wants to swim in the turquoise crystal clear waters.
Unknown Antalya – escape from the hotel
What could be better than to escape from the bustle of the resort and feel the atmosphere of the delightful colorful Antalya. The Russian-speaking guide has prepared for inquisitive guests a wonderful walk through the non-tourist places of the city. A four-hour voyage will cost vacationers 85 euros. The route runs through historical quarters and narrow winding streets with characteristic buildings from the Ottoman Empire. It will be interesting to hear stories about the way of life of local Turks. Their customs, culinary tastes and traditions will be the main topics of the tour.
The guide will show the shops, cafeterias and markets favorite by the townspeople. The group will go out of town, where residents prefer to relax away from the noise of the resort capital. Against the backdrop of a pine forest and steep cliffs, you can take beautiful photos. Tourists will have a Mediterranean meal near the banks of a mountain river in amazing wooden gazebos with pillows on the floor.
Scenic beauty of the slums of Istanbul
A guide with encyclopedic knowledge will conduct a non-trivial and informative walk through the most hidden places of Istanbul, inaccessible to most tourists. The program includes a visit to the outskirts of the city, where a unique atmosphere of antiquity reigns. After oblivion and devastation, the labyrinths of narrow winding streets suddenly turned into a fashionable art quarter. The time-worn facades of dilapidated ancient houses have been restored and colorfully decorated.
Dilapidated areas have become the object of attention of the Istanbul bohemians. During the walk, tourists will see colorful streets with designer cafes, galleries, vintage shops and shops, as well as the ruins of Byzantine buildings, shacks woven from improvised materials and cozy houses. Extraordinary balconies and clotheslines hanging overhead convey the spirit of a stopped time. The guide will tell you in a fascinating way about the way of life of the colorful inhabitants of the outskirts of Istanbul, as well as about famous personalities with whom the history of these quarters is inextricably linked.
Treasures of the Bosphorus
An erudite and competent Russian-speaking guide has prepared a fascinating route for the guests of Istanbul. The city, like a patchwork quilt, is woven from districts of various styles of architecture and age, which will leave a lot of pleasant impressions. Tourists are expected to sail along the Bosphorus on a cruise ship and walk along the picturesque bays. The guide will tell you in detail about the history of Istanbul in the 19th-20th centuries, as well as tell you interesting information about the sights located on the banks of the Bosphorus.
The three-hour voyage includes visiting the aristocratic district of Arnavutköy, the prestigious quarter of Bebek Bay, as well as the Ortakoy embankment. Ottoman mansions will appear in all their splendor, the facades of which are decorated with elaborate stone lace. It will be interesting to walk along the boulevards along the wooded coast lined with luxurious villas. Numerous yachts and boats are moored in the harbor. The snow-white mosque towering over the pier attracts the eye with its grace. The highlight of the day will be a tasting of Turkish desserts. An overview of Istanbul will cost vacationers 107 euros per tour.
Turkey without a veil: eat, pray, love
A tour of the Asian part of the Turkish metropolis will allow tourists to feel the true charm of Istanbul. This is an overview of original areas where special peace, tranquility and measuredness prevail. There are business centers and shopping complexes, shops and shady parks, colorful oriental bazaars and narrow avenues, old quarters and expressive architectural monuments. Inspection of modern buildings will dispel the stereotype about the dilapidation of Asian buildings.
Among antique shops, handicraft workshops and art galleries, an amazing freedom-loving spirit of modern citizens will open up. Mihrimah Sultan Mosque will impress with its elegance. The religious building was erected in the shape of a cube topped with a majestic hemisphere. Numerous openwork windows are decorated with colorful stained-glass windows.
The guide will lead a group of tourists to a quarter full of multi-colored wooden houses with bay windows. In one of the cozy cafes, you can enjoy tea drinking while contemplating a beautiful view of the Bosphorus. A walk along the embankments, where locals love to relax, sitting on benches under the lush crowns of trees, will leave a pleasant impression.
To the reserved canyon Sapadere from Alanya
A great opportunity to enjoy the beauty of pristine nature away from the bustle of the resort and the beach heat of the city of Alanya. A six-hour organized voyage worth 32 euros per person includes a walk through the protected area. First, a group of tourists will go by jeeps to the mountainous region of the outskirts of Alanya. Then the guide will lead the expedition members towards a picturesque crevice. Along the gorge, formed by high sheer cliffs, reliably equipped wooden decks 700 meters long are laid.
The winding road goes around various ledges, and also has small rises. A mountain river flows along the bottom of the canyon with clear icy water, which gives a pleasant coolness on a hot summer day. The vertically rising rocky walls evoke delight and anxiety at the same time. Huge boulders hang literally over the heads of tourists. In some places, slopes to natural pools with waterfalls are equipped, where you can swim. One of the stops on the route will be the Djugeler Cave, which impresses the eye with its stone vaults, stalactites and stalagmites.
From Alanya to the mysterious caves of Altinbesik
One of the most beautiful natural attractions is the Altynbeshik cave. A multi-tiered karst cave system with underground lakes, streams and waterfalls is located in the Manavgat River valley in the popular resort of Side. The program consists of a visit to the national park with forest trails and boating under majestic stone vaults among bizarre stalactites and stalagmites.
Comfortable buses fly to this unique natural structure every Monday and Thursday from 8:00. The route to the Altinbeshik cave runs through a bay leaf plantation. From a height of 1200 meters, a stunning panorama of the green canyon opens up. Accompanied by a Russian-speaking guide, tourists can see the mysterious underground world, striking with its countless tunnels. The length of the cave is more than 4000 meters. An eight-hour voyage will cost 39 euros per person.
Discover Side: Group Tour by Cabriolet
A multifaceted acquaintance with the surroundings of the Side resort will leave positive impressions in the memory of tourists. The oldest settlement on the Mediterranean coast has preserved many monuments of architecture and culture, which are of particular archaeological value to mankind. The ruins of temples and various buildings amaze the imagination with their grandeur.
We invite vacationers to feel the ancient atmosphere, fanned by a thousand-year history. An interesting walk at the cost of 29 euros per person is carried out on an open top bus. The route follows the suburb of Side Seleucia, located on top of a hill with steep cliffs. Here, tourists can see the preserved fragments of the agora and the Byzantine chapel, the Roman baths and the amphitheater, the necropolis and colonnades, the aqueduct and the monumental triumphal arch.
Next, a group of tourists will go to the waterfall of the Manavgat River. Comfortable viewing platforms, a shady square with lush trees and emerald-turquoise waters of the river have a wonderful pastime.
Surprises of non-touristic Cirali
A professional connoisseur of Turkish attractions invites travelers to discover a secluded paradise lost among the popular resorts of the Antalya coast. This is a coastal village of Cirali, located at the foot of the mountains that encircle it from three sides. Here one gains a unique feeling of unity with nature, the transience of time is realized and the remoteness of civilization is felt.
The most beautiful wild bays are buried in thickets of wild plants and flowering gardens. The guide will take tourists along the pebbly beach where Caretta sea turtles lay their eggs. Then the group will go to see the ancient city of Olympos. The surviving ruins of buildings testify to the former grandeur and luxury of this region. Climbing Mount Chimera will be remembered, where torches of natural origin always burn. The miracle of nature is explained by the release of methane gas to the surface. The 100 euro walk will culminate with a lunch at a restaurant.
Istanbul without a cover or how to get lost in the city
An erudite guide who is passionate about his work and an excellent storyteller will help tourists get to know the non-front side of Istanbul, as well as avoid popular sightseeing routes. In a relaxed, friendly atmosphere, guests of the capital of three empires explore the underside of the city, which is spread on both sides of the Bosphorus.
This is a sightseeing walking tour through the little-known cobbled lanes, secluded areas and neighborhoods that make up an amazing backstage. During the voyage, architectural ensembles, picturesque park complexes and the main attractions of Istanbul will be left without close attention. Crossing the labyrinths of streets, tourists will plunge into the daily life of Istanbulites, learn a lot of interesting information about the culture, traditions, education and work of the citizens.
The guide will show interesting cafeterias, eateries, shops, workshops, markets and various establishments where only locals go. Cruise through the Bosphorus from the European to the Asian continent, travelers will see grandiose bridges, Sultan's palaces, minarets of mosques and many buildings of different architectural styles in all their splendor. The cost of a meaningful voyage is 100 euros.