Turkey

Description

Thundering over cliffs into the Mediterranean, the Karpuzkaldiran waterfall is a sight to behold. They're the appetiser before heading into Antalya old town for a guided walking tour and some free time to explore. Derya, one of our expert local guides, says, ‘A place I always recommend is the bazaar, a great spot to soak up local culture while you browse for souvenirs. Walking through the busy lanes you can find traditional Turkish craft products like ceramics, textiles and jewellery, as well as loose tea, spices and lots of clothes and accessories.' After a photo stop by the waterfall, we'll head into Antalya old town, also known as Kaleici. You'll have an hour's guided tour through the maze of narrow streets lined with traditional Ottoman-style houses, before enjoying free time to explore. The area is full of history and culture, and there are a few standout monuments to look out for. Hadrian's Gate is an ancient Roman fortification built in honour of Emperor Hadrian, who visited the city in 130 AD, while the Yivli Minaret Mosque, dating back to the 13th century, is a fine example of Seljuk architecture and boasts an iconic redbrick fluted minaret. If you want to grab some lunch, look out for typical Turkish dishes such as gözleme, a savoury stuffed pastry, and doner kebab. For dessert, try baklava, a sweet pastry made with layers of filo dough and honey. And if you want sea views as a side, head to harbour, where there are plenty of waterfront restaurants.