Turkey
Turkey, although this is not so much of a bucket list destination for me, there is so much I want to see here. Turkey is always my "go-to" holiday and I have been many times with the children and absolutely love the country. There is so much to see and do, the people are really friendly and best of all it is fairly cheap! I have been to various areas of Turkey including Marmaris, Alanya, Antalya, Bodrum and Olu Deniz. Turkey has some amazing historical places to visit as well as lots of fun activities. Over the years I have been white water rafting (although this literally scared the living daylights out of me and is something I will never repeat!), swimming with dolphins and paragliding. With this post, I just wanted to share my highlights and must visits and things I still want to do in Turkey!
Pamukkale & Hierapolis - otherwise known as cotton castle, it is a snow-white natural formation of thermal springs near to the ancient city of Hierapolis. The thermal pools are carved out from travertine terraces and the thermal springs are said to have healing powers. The thermal pools sit adjacent to the ancient city of Hierapolis, which during the Roman Empire was known as the "healing Centre" because of the mineral thermal springs. There is an impressive amphitheatre here as well as Cleopatra's Pool, which was used by the Roman's. There are remains of anxient Roman columns in the pool which you can touch, and the pool is thermal so nice and warm! I have visited Pamukkale in April and August, in August it is very busy and very hot and not so much shade around so be mindful of this if you visit in the summer months. In April it was a bit quieter, but still quite hot. Sun protection is essential! You can't wear footwear in the thermal pools so be mindful of this too, it can be quite slippery! You can also book a tour that includes a hot air balloon ride!
With hot air balloon ride - https://www.viator.com/tours/Marmaris/Marmaris-Pamukkale-Tour-With-Hot-Air-Balloon-Ride/d4300-360280P2?pid=P00238223&mcid=42383&medium=link
Without hot air balloon ride - https://www.viator.com/tours/Marmaris/Pamukkale-Day-Tour-from-Alanya/d4300-9398P151?pid=P00238223&mcid=42383&medium=link
Dalyan & Turtle Beach - I absolutely loved this tour! You visit Dalyan and embark on a boat that takes you on a tour down the river to Turtle Beach. The scenery along the river is gorgeous and you sail past the ancient Lycian Rock Tombs before arriving at Iztuzu Beach where, if you are lucky, you will see some turtles. Afterwards you are taken to the Dalyan mud baths where you can indulge yourself with the nutrient-rich mud which is believed to have therapeutic benefits, before taking a dip in the thermal baths.
Jeep safari with waterfalls - this excursion is a lot of fun for kids and big kids alike! You will be driven around Marmaris National Park in army style jeeps with many other jeeps in a convoy. You will be armed with water pistols and the main aim is to soak as many people in the other jeeps as possible! You will get to stop at a local waterfall where you can swim and cool off, and have lunch, before heading back to your pick up point.
Turkish Bath Hamam - This is literally my go to for my first day of being in Turkey every single time! A Turkish bath or Hamam is the perfect way to start your holiday and prep your skin for the best tan! You will get to relax at the Turkish spa, experience a body scrub, foam massage and oil massage, enjoy a sauna and have a Turkish tea. So indulgent!
There are so many excursions you can do in Turkey, my advice is to have a look, work out what you want to do and do it! So much better than working it out when you get there! https://www.viator.com/?m=33953&supag=1240250194145278&supca=676923706&supsc=kwd-77515991602646&supai=77515770892157&supdv=c&supnt=o&suplp=69209&supli=3169&supti=kwd-77515991602646&tsem=true&supci=kwd-77515991602646&msclkid=4b52df91ca441617f34bb83fc446f83b&pid=P00238223&mcid=42383&medium=link
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