Marmaris 7-Day Adventure & Cultural Escape from Istanbul

Day 1: Arrival & Transfer

Istanbul to Marmaris, Turkey on May 18, 2025

1:10AM

Arrival at Istanbul Airport

Land in Istanbul very early morning. Proceed through customs and baggage claim before heading onward.
Included in flight ticket, 1 hour

3:00AM

Transfer to Dalaman Airport

Take a domestic flight (recommended) or night bus to Dalaman Airport to get closer to Marmaris, as it’s the nearest airport.
$50 for flight or $20 for bus, 1h15m flight or 5-6 hours by bus

6:30AM

Shuttle or taxi to Costa Mare Suites, Marmaris

After arriving in Dalaman, take a direct transfer or taxi for around 1 hour to reach your hotel in Marmaris early morning.
$30, 1 hour

8:00AM

Check-in and Rest

Enjoy early check-in or relax in the hotel lounge area to recover from your international journey.
Included in reservation, 3 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at hotel restaurant or nearby cafe

Have a light, energizing lunch at the hotel or a nearby local cafe to start your stay in Marmaris.
$15, 1 hour

2:00PM

Explore local area nearby hotel

Take a gentle walk around Marmaris promenade to get oriented and enjoy a gentle introduction to the town.
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at Seaside Restaurant

Savor fresh seafood at a restaurant along the coast, soaking in beautiful evening views of Marmaris Bay.
$35, 2 hours

Day 2: Marmaris City Tour

Marmaris, Turkey on May 19, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at nearby cafe

Enjoy a traditional Turkish breakfast of cheeses, olives, eggs, and fresh bread at a local cafe close to your hotel.
$12, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Marmaris Castle and Museum

Tour the historic castle ruins and archaeological museum inside, with stunning panoramic views of Marmaris and the harbor.
$5, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at Kervansaray Restaurant

Try delicious doner kebabs and traditional Turkish mezze in a well-reviewed local restaurant in Marmaris Old Town.
$18, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Shopping and walking in Grand Bazaar

Explore the Grand Bazaar's shops for souvenirs, spices, textiles, and local handicrafts.
Free to browse, 2 hours

5:00PM

Relax at Marmaris Main Beach

Unwind at the popular beach, enjoy a refreshing swim or sunbathe, and watch sunset over the sea.
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Restaurant Narin

Dine on authentic Mediterranean-style dishes paired with local wines in a charming atmosphere.
$40, 2 hours

Day 3: Dalyan Day Tour

Marmaris to Dalyan, Turkey on May 20, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a full breakfast buffet to fuel your day trip ahead.
Included in hotel, 1 hour

8:30AM

Transfer to Dalyan by boat

Travel from Marmaris harbor via a scenic boat ride along the Dalyan River, passing ancient rock tombs and natural scenery.
$50, 3 hours round trip

11:30AM

Explore ancient ruins at Kaunos

Visit the archaeological site featuring the ruins of an ancient city with a theater and temples overlooking the river.
$10, 1.5 hours

1:00PM

Lunch riverside in Dalyan

Eat fresh grilled fish while enjoying the serene river views at a Dalyan restaurant.
$20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Relax in Dalyan Mud Baths

Experience the famous therapeutic mud baths and take a dip in the healing thermal springs.
$15, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return to Marmaris

Boat transfer back to Marmaris in the early evening.
1 hour

7:30PM

Casual Dinner at Backstreet Restaurant

Enjoy a casual, friendly atmosphere with Turkish grills and mezes in Marmaris town center.
$25, 2 hours

Day 4: Boat Day & Coastal Views

Marmaris, Turkey on May 21, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Have breakfast buffet to prepare for full day on the water.
Included, 1 hour

9:00AM

Full-Day Gulet Boat Tour

Cruise the turquoise coast on a traditional wooden gulet, stopping for swimming, snorkeling and exploring hidden coves.
$75, 7 hours

5:30PM

Return and Relax

Unwind at the hotel or nearby cafes after your energetic day of sailing and swimming.
Free, 1.5 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at The Greenhouse Restaurant

Sample a fusion of international and Turkish cuisine in a laid-back garden setting.
$35, 2 hours

Day 5: Pamukkale Day Trip

Pamukkale, Turkey on May 22, 2025

6:00AM

Early Departure

Begin early for your longer trip to the spectacular travertine terraces of Pamukkale.
$90 for tour or $70 car rental, 3-hour drive each way

9:30AM

Visit Pamukkale & Hierapolis

Explore the stunning white calcium terraces and the ancient Hierapolis ruins including the amphitheater and Cleopatras pool.
$25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at local restaurant

Enjoy a traditional Turkish lunch near Pamukkale, sampling regional specialties.
$20, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Thermal pool relaxation

Relax in the natural thermal pools to soak away travel fatigue.
$10, 1.5 hours

5:00PM

Return to Marmaris

Drive or tour transport back to Marmaris in the early evening.
3 hours

8:30PM

Late Dinner at Hotel or nearby

Have a light dinner close to your hotel to rest after a long day.
$20, 1.5 hours

Day 6: Village & Nature Adventure

Marmaris Region, Turkey on May 23, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast in Village Café

Enjoy fresh village-style breakfast in a nearby mountain village such as Turunc or Orhaniye.
$10, 1 hour

10:00AM

Hike or Jeep Safari

Take a guided hike or jeep safari through pine forests, hidden bays, and rugged terrain showcasing Marmaris’ natural beauty.
$50, 3 hours

1:30PM

Lunch in Village Tavern

Relish a home-cooked Turkish lunch in a village taverna, enjoying authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
$18, 1.5 hours

3:30PM

Visit Local Markets & Artisans

Browse local markets for pottery, textiles, and fresh produce from artisans and farmers.
Free to browse, 2 hours

6:00PM

Return and Dinner in Marmaris

Dine at a cozy Marmaris restaurant featuring live local music and regional specialties.
$30, 2 hours

Day 7: Leisure & Last Experiences

Marmaris, Turkey on May 24, 2025

8:30AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Start the day with a relaxed breakfast at the hotel.
Included, 1 hour

10:00AM

Visit Atlantis Waterpark

Enjoy a few hours of fun in the sun and water slides at one of Marmaris’ popular waterparks, open May – October (9am-6pm).
$25, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at nearby café

Have a light lunch near the waterpark or back downtown.
$15, 1 hour

2:30PM

Last-minute shopping and stroll

Explore any neighborhoods or stores you want to revisit and collect last souvenirs.
Varies, 2 hours

6:30PM

Farewell Dinner at Blue Port Cafe

Celebrate your week in Marmaris with a memorable dinner by the marina, enjoying fresh seafood and local wine.
$40, 2 hours

Day 8: Return to Istanbul

Marmaris to Istanbul, Turkey on May 25, 2025

8:00AM

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy your final breakfast at Costa Mare Suites before check-out.
Included, 1 hour

9:30AM

Transfer to Dalaman Airport

Take a taxi or shuttle to Dalaman Airport for your flight back to Istanbul.
$30, 1 hour

11:30AM

Flight to Istanbul Airport

Fly from Dalaman to Istanbul Airport to connect with your international flight home.
$60, 1h15m

1:00PM

Istanbul Airport Lounge & Departure Prep

Spend time at Istanbul Airport lounge resting before your overnight Manila flight.
Varies, 10 hours

1:45AM (May 26)

Flight to Manila, Philippines

Depart from Istanbul on your evening flight to Manila, ending your Turkish adventure.
Included in ticket