Izmir Shore Excursion: day trip to Ephesus and House of Virgin Mary

Half-day guided tour of Ephesus in Turkey

Relive the glory days of the Roman Empire as you explore Ephesus, one of the most powerful cities of the ancient world. Once a flourishing centre of trade, culture and religion, this half-day tour offers a true step back in time.You'll stroll down marble streets as your expert guide shares stories behind the temples, religious statues and relics, bringing them to life. You'll get to visit the Library of Celsus, one of the largest libraries in the Roman Empire that was once home to around 12,000 scrolls of ancient wisdom. Next, you'll step into the Grand Theatre, a dramatic amphitheatre carved into the hillside, where gladiators fought battles, crowds gathered in their thousands and St. Paul famously preached to the early Christians.Finally, you'll visit the Ephesus Experience Museum, a walk-through exhibition using state-of-the-art technology to reimagine what peak city life would have been like. This place will bring your day to an end with a blend of ancient wonder and modern storytelling.

Aqua Fantasy Waterpark with Transport

If it's thrills and spills you're after, Aqua Fantasy waterpark promises plenty. The biggest of its kind in Turkey, there are slides, rides, chutes and pools for all the family.

Kusadasi boat and 4x4 safari tour

You'll journey on land and sea to see the countryside and coastline around Kusadasi on this full day tour. Climb up into the mountains through unspoilt villages, race down tracks in a 4x4 and then sail around Baradan Bay on a boat trip complete with lunch.

Pamukkale sunrise hot air balloon ride from Kusadasi

The cotton-white calcium terraces of Pamukkale have such a dream-like quality that, at first glance, you'd think you're drifting over snowy hills and frozen waterfalls. There's no better way to see one of Turkey's top treasures – and a UNESCO-protected site to boot – than from above in a hot air balloon. You'll need to rise and shine well before sunrise, but it's all worth it. Soar over the shimmering thermal pools before touching down for a post-flight buffet breakfast.

Fire of Anatolia Turkish dance show ticket from Ozdere

Step into the world of the Ottoman Empire – a civilisation that spanned over 600 years and shaped much of Southeast Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. You'll be welcomed by Janissaries, the Sultan's elite guards, as you enter a setting inspired by Ottoman palaces. Sip traditional sherbet, Turkish coffee, tea, and colourful sweets, all to the sound of authentic Ottoman music. Then, the evening continues with the Fire of Anatolia show – a blend of dance, rhythm, and storytelling that centuries of Anatolian culture.

Kusadasi deluxe Turkish bath with transport

Ready to chill and unwind? Get pampered with a traditional Turkish Hamam experience – think full-body scrub, foam massage on marble tiles, plus a soothing 30-minute oil massage and face mask. If you're not at a participating hotel, no worries – transport's included to take you to the spa. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ultimate self-care day.

Northern Bays Boat Tour from Seferihisar & Ozdere

Step on board for a day of adventure and relaxation along Turkey's beautiful coast. We'll cruise through the Northern Bays, stopping at picturesque islands and dropping anchor for swimming. You'll enjoy a rejuvenating mud mask, and explore a cave with a hot spring inside. Lunch on board will feature grilled fish and chicken with pasta and salad. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are included during lunch service.

Pamukkale sunrise hot air balloon ride and Hierapolis tour

The terraced, vanilla-white pools of Pamukkale, one of Turkey's most recognisable UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is a looker from any angle on the ground. But, they hardly come close to the views of the area from above. That's what this guided outing is all about, seeing Pamukkale in all its glory with a bird's-eye view from a hot air balloon. Aydin, one of our local guides says "the thermal springs at Pamukkale are spread across four square miles, so it can be really tricky on the ground seeing them in one go. When you're up in a hot air balloon, you get to see every inch of them."Your hot air balloon ride is scheduled at sunrise, to make sure you get the most dramatic view of Pamukkale possible – be prepared for a very early start to the day. The early wake-up call is well worth it, though, because the pools really sparkle and shine when the morning light hits them. You'll be in the air for about 45 minutes, so there's plenty of time to take in the view and snap some pictures while you're soaring. When you come back down, you'll head to a restaurant for a buffet breakfast. When you're fuelled up, you'll head with your guide to the ancient Greek city of Hierapolis, whose ruins now serve as an open-air museum. Artifacts have been found here that date back to the Iron Age over 3,000 years ago, but it's most famous for its Greco-Roman remnants, including what's left of the Temple of Apollo, a 15,000-seater amphitheatre and one of the largest necropolises in Turkey. After your visit, you'll stop for lunch before driving back to your accommodation.

Kusadası Buggy Safari

Strap on your seatbelt for a rip-roaring adventure in the Kusadasi countryside. Driving your own off-road buggy, you'll roar through wild landscapes, swamps and scenery. And after tearing it up on Turkey's tracks and trails, you'll head back to base for a few laughs looking at photos and video from the safari.

Kusadasi Private Boat Tour

Cruising Kusadasi's coastline is a real Turkish delight. Spend a full day swimming, snorkelling and savouring the scenery with your very own private boat tour exclusively for you and your party. There'll be plenty of tanning time and lunch on board, plus a chance to explore a selection of beautiful bays.Board your luxury vessel at Kusadasi harbour in the morning and push out into the sparkling Aegean Sea, gliding past the coastline's sand-laced coves and rugged cliffs. Head to the stunning northern bays, where you'll swim in the clear, turquoise waters from the boat – or maybe just sunbathe on the ample deck.Enjoy views of nearby beaches – at one of the stops, you can even swim to shore – and, after some peaceful swimming in secluded spots, you'll head back to the boat for lunch. Relax and refuel with relax on deck on deck with a drink in your hand, as your sun-soaked cruise continues.