Alanya Tours

Ancient Side has hardly changed since its days as a getaway for legendary lovers Antony and Cleopatra. Uncover one of southern Turkey's best-kept secrets with this tour. You'll get to snap photos by the Temple of Apollo, discover the huge Roman theatre and explore modern Side, too. As Muzaffer, one of our guides, says, ‘You'll walk all over history. On the way to the Temple of Apollo, there are glass walkways over ancient Roman streets.'Side's location on a compact little headland is as romantic as it gets. Our expert local guide will give you the lowdown on the long history of this once-busy Roman port. You'll see the marketplace where slaves were traded, the Byzantine hospital and the Vespasian Gate. Then you'll head inside either the ancient theatre, which is a sight to behold – it seated up to 20,000 spectators – or the former bathhouse, which is now a museum with a small but impressive collection of the artefacts dug up here.But one of the most-photographed spots is the Temple of Apollo. Legend says that this second-century seafront shrine was a gift from Antony to Cleopatra. And just beside it is the Temple of Athena – zoom in on the frieze of Medusa heads. Once you've explored the ruins, there'll be free time in modern Side to buy a sizzling kebab at one of the street stalls, or haggle for bargains in the backstreet bazaars. What's more, for your convenience, this is a small group tour to help you follow the guide better and avoid agglomerations.

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.

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 and Cleopatra's Pool.

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 standout historical gems.

The early start is worth it, to spend the day in this fascinating metropolis on the Bosphorus Strait – the only city in the world located on two continents. You'll catch an early-morning flight to Turkey's largest city and spend a day exploring its rich heritage. Among the sights you'll have the opportunity to visit are the Blue Mosque, the Topkapi Palace, the Egyptian Bazaar and Galata Bridge.On arrival in Istanbul, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the old town before heading to the Blue Mosque – so called because of the blue tiles that adorn its vast prayer hall. Next up is the Hippodrome – the site of ancient chariot races – where you'll see the German Fountain, Serpent Column and more. You'll then have free time for lunch.The afternoon is spent sightseeing as you please - the Topkapi Palace, Hagia Sofia, Basilica Cistern are all in the same area so take your pick. The Topkapi Palace is a favourite, a ‘forbidden city' where the Ottoman sultans lived, packed with jewels and lavishly decor. After free time to rummage around the Egyptian Bazaar, there's the option of a cruise on the Bosporus and dinner by the Galata Bridge before heading back to the airport.

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.