Winter in Turkey

Today, we venture beyond Antalya's golden coastline to explore the iconic ancient sites of Aspendos and Perge. Marvel at the enormous Roman theatre in Aspendos and the sprawling Roman ruins in Perge. After lunch in the small town of Aksu, we return to Antalya. You can choose to visit the Antalya Archaeological Museum, one of Turkey's largest, or relax at one of the nearby Turkish baths.

We leave the coast behind and head into the mountains towards Burdur. Along the way, we stop at Sagalassos, one of Turkey's hidden gems. Explore the Roman columns, finely carved walls, and a theatre with one of the best views in Turkey. After lunch in the small town of Aglasun, we visit the Insuyu Caves, an underground network of stalagmites and stalactites. We end the day in Burdur, known as the City of Lakes.

We start the day with a visit to Lake Salda, known as the 'Turkish Maldives' for its bright turquoise blue waters. From there, we head to Pamukkale, one of Turkey's most amazing natural wonders. Explore the terraced thermal pools and the ancient Roman spa town of Hierapolis. You may also have the chance to dip your feet in the travertine pools or the deeper waters of Cleopatra's Pool.

Today, we visit the great Greco-Roman city of Ephesus, one of Turkey's most famous historical sites. Explore the Baths of Constantine, the brothel, the Temple of Hadrian, the giant theatre, and the Marble Avenue. We also visit the scattered remains of the Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Later, we continue to the small town of Sirince for a taste of rural Turkish life.

Today, we journey to Milas, stopping at several ancient sites along the way. Explore the ancient Greek city of Priene, marvel at the imposing Greek Temple of Apollo in Didim, and visit the ancient port city of Herakleia at Lake Bafa. Our final visit of the day is at Euromos, where the wonderfully preserved columns of the Temple of Zeus sit hidden in an olive grove.

We drive to Sultaniye, a small town on the banks of Lake Koycegiz known for its thermal pools. From there, we start our hike towards ancient Caunos. Explore the Byzantine church, the Temple of Zeus, and the Roman Baths. Don't miss the 'tombs of the kings', tombs cut directly out of a rugged rock face. After exploring the site, we continue to Dalyan, a laid-back riverside town.

We drive south towards Kas, stopping by Kayakoy for a picnic among the ruins of the ghostly Greek town. We then continue to Xanthos, the capital of ancient Lycia, and Patara, the birthplace of Saint Nicholas. After a day of exploration, we arrive in Kas, a laid-back fishing village on the Turkish Lycian coast.

Today is free for you to relax and soak up the town's charming atmosphere. You might like to pick up some picnic supplies and walk to Limanagzi Beach, a beautiful, sheltered bay only accessible on foot. After a chance to relax or swim, you can head back to Kas either on foot or via water taxi.

Today, we drive north into the Taurus mountains towards Elmali, a rural town that sits at around 1,100 metres above sea level. We'll make a tea stop at Gomuce village before continuing to Elmali, the largest Ottoman town in this area of Turkey. Visit the 16th-century mosque and the Elmali museum, and try a delicious halva, a sweet sesame-based treat.

This morning, we drive to Termessos, another ancient mountain-top city. Explore the enormous defence walls, the amphitheatre, and other ruins that are hidden in the undergrowth. After a picnic in the ruins, we drive back down to Antalya on the coast. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to do some last-minute souvenir shopping or sightseeing.