Belek orientation tour (half day)
The ancient and the modern co-exist to give Belek a unique flavour with historical sites, sun-kissed beaches, mountain scenery and a choice of championship golf courses.
This resort town was specifically developed for tourism and has grown to encompass the neighbouring village of Kadriye.
Alanya (full day)
Lively Alanya lies on a delightful stretch of coast and is sheltered by densely wooded, purple-tinged hills. Two sweeping, sandy bays curve round the headland, where a giant peninsula juts out dramatically into the sea.
Alanya was known as Korakesion in ancient times, and was founded in the 4th century BC. The town was later annexed by the Selçuk sultan, Alâeddin Keykubad, becoming his naval base.
From the lower town a road winds round the harbour, with its boat yards and medieval octagonal Red Tower, and leads up to the old well-preserved double-walled Selçuk fortress that keeps watch over Alanya.
Plus on 14 nights or longer:
Antalya (full day)
The most picturesque part is the Old Town, dominated by the 13th-century Yivli Minare or ‘fluted minaret’ of a mosque built by the Selçuk sultan, Alâeddin Keykubad. From here it is a short stroll to the attractively restored old harbour, popular with visiting yachtsmen.
View the triple-arched Hadrian’s Gate, which was built to commemorate a visit by this Emperor in 130AD, and the Hidirik Kulesi tower, believed to have been a Roman lighthouse. The Kesik Minare, meaning ‘broken minaret’, is a ruined 5th-century church later converted to a mosque. The Archaeological Museum is one of the finest in the country.
National Park (half day)
Turkey has a large number of national parks, which have been created for the protection of the indigenous flora and fauna, the conservation of archaeological sites and national monuments, and to honour the fallen.
On this excursion you drive along the Kopru river valley for about 90 minutes, all the way up to Beskonak Canyon.
You also visit two Roman bridges dating back to the 2nd century, and enjoy a walk of about one-and-a-half kilometres in the park.
You should wear comfortable walking shoes, preferably with non-slip soles, on this excursion.