Marmaris is known for its lively harbor, beautiful beaches, and vibrant nightlife, but it’s also a fantastic base for exploring historical sites and natural wonders nearby. The city’s compact size makes it easy to arrange day trips, and there’s a wide variety of tours to suit different interests. We particularly love tours like the Visiting the Ancient City of Ephesus and Virgin Mary House from Marmaris, which offers a deep dive into history, and the Turkish Night in Marmaris City Center, for a lively evening of entertainment. These experiences showcase the diversity of attractions that make Marmaris a great hub for exploring Turkey’s rich heritage and culture.
Many tours include hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, enjoying natural thermal pools, or experiencing traditional folk dances, Marmaris’s tours make these adventures accessible and enjoyable. Below, we highlight the four best city tours in Marmaris, each offering something unique.
1. Visiting the Ancient City of Ephesus and Virgin Mary House from Marmaris
At number one, this full-day trip combines history, culture, and local crafts. The tour centers around Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most impressive archaeological sites. It’s a long haul — about 8 hours round-trip — but well worth it for history enthusiasts. The tour includes hotel pickup in Marmaris and takes you to Selcuk, where you’ll see the remains of the ancient city, including the Great Theater and the iconic Curetes Street.
What really sets this tour apart is the choice between visiting the House of the Virgin Mary or the Ephesus Museum in town, depending on your interests. The guided tour of Ephesus itself lasts about two hours and brings to life the scale of Roman engineering with its well-preserved ruins. An added bonus is visiting a ceramics workshop and a Turkish delight center, perfect for picking up souvenirs. The tour includes a breakfast and a lunch box, making it a comfortable way to spend the day.
Guests rave about how expansive and photogenic Ephesus is, with one traveler noting, “The ancient site is quite huge and worth many photos.” The only downside is the long coach ride, but it’s smooth and air-conditioned. This tour is ideal for history buffs who want a comprehensive day trip with added cultural stops.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice if you crave history and don’t mind a full day on the road. It’s especially good for travelers wanting a guided experience with meals included for the value.
2. Visiting the Ancient City Hierapolis, Pamukkale and Cleopatra Pool from Marmaris
Number two on our list takes you to Pamukkale, famous for its stunning white thermal terraces. This full-day tour offers a relaxing escape with a mix of natural beauty and ancient ruins. Departing from Marmaris, you’ll enjoy hotel pickup and a comfortable coach ride to Denizli, where you’ll visit a stone mason workshop, giving insight into Turkish craftsmanship.
Once at Pamukkale, you can spend about three hours exploring the thermal pools — walking barefoot on the calcium-rich terraces or taking a dip in the Cleopatra Pool for an optional fee. The nearby ruins of Hierapolis provide a fascinating glimpse of Roman architecture and are included in the tour’s free time. The day includes breakfast and lunch, ensuring you stay energized.
Reviews highlight the spectacular views and the opportunity to relax in warm waters, with one noting, “The Pamukkale view is amazing, and swimming in Cleopatra’s Pool was a highlight.” The trip is suitable for travelers of all ages, especially those interested in natural wonders and ancient sites. Be prepared for a long day, but the beauty of the terraces makes the effort worthwhile.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who love natural landscapes combined with history, offering great value for the included meals and hassle-free transportation.
3. Saklikent and Tlos Ancient City Day Trip From Dalyan
Number three on our list is a shorter, more active adventure perfect for those who like nature and archaeology. Starting from Dalyan, this 8-hour tour takes you east towards Tlos, an ancient Lycian city, and Saklikent Gorge, Europe’s second-longest gorge. The tour is ideal if you want to combine history with a bit of outdoor fun.
The day begins with a visit to Tlos ruins, where you can see remnants of the city’s theater, necropolis, and Roman baths. Afterward, you’ll head to Saklikent Gorge, where about three kilometers of walking through cool water is the main highlight. The tour also includes a visit to a village specializing in traditional rug making, providing insight into local crafts.
This trip is especially great for travelers who enjoy moderate physical activity and want to escape the summer crowds. The lunch at Tlos is included, and there’s time to relax in a peaceful setting. The tour is smaller and more intimate, giving you a chance to ask questions and enjoy the scenery at your own pace.
Reviewers appreciate the quiet atmosphere and the combination of ruins and outdoor adventure, with one comment stating, “The walk through Saklikent Gorge was refreshing and fun, even in the heat.” It’s best suited for active travelers who don’t mind a bit of hiking.
Bottom Line: Perfect for outdoor lovers and archaeology fans wanting a day away from the coast with a mix of history and nature.
4. Turkish Night in Marmaris City Center, Traditional Folk Dances, Dinner, Drinks
Finally, for a vibrant cultural experience, the Turkish Night offers lively entertainment right in Marmaris. This 4-hour evening tour includes a traditional 3-course dinner paired with unlimited beer, wine, and soda. As you dine, you’ll be treated to a parade of folk dances, belly dancers, and the mesmerizing whirling dervishes — all performed in a lively, electric atmosphere.
The tour starts with a hotel pickup in Marmaris, followed by a short transfer to the venue. Once seated, the evening kicks off with the delicious dinner, featuring Turkish dishes that vary but are generally well-spiced and authentic. The entertainment is the highlight, with performers showcasing traditional dances from different regions of Turkey, often inviting the audience to join in.
Reviews highlight the fun, energetic performances, with one noting, “The belly dancers and dervishes were incredible, and the atmosphere was so fun and lively.” This tour is ideal for travelers looking to experience Turkey’s vibrant folk traditions in a social setting. It’s a good value considering the included dinner and drinks, but it’s more about the entertainment than sightseeing.
Bottom Line: A great option for night owls and those wanting a fun, culture after a day of sightseeing. Perfect if you enjoy lively shows and socializing.
How to Choose Your Best Marmaris City Tour
When choosing the right tour, consider your budget, interests, and physical activity level. If history and archaeology are your thing, the Ephesus trip offers a full immersion in ancient ruins and is well-suited for those who enjoy guided excursions with meals included. Prefer a more relaxed, scenic experience? The Pamukkale tour provides natural beauty and ancient ruins combined with swimming opportunities.
For active travelers who want to enjoy outdoor adventures, the Saklikent and Tlos trip offers a balance of archaeology and nature, including walking through cool waters in Saklikent Gorge. If you’re after an evening of fun and entertainment, the Turkish Night is perfect for experiencing Turkish culture in a lively setting.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak summer months, to secure your preferred dates and avoid disappointment. Think about what appeals most — whether it’s exploring ancient cities, relaxing in thermal pools, hiking through scenic landscapes, or enjoying lively performances — and pick the tour that best suits your travel style.
In summary, Marmaris offers a variety of tours catering to different interests and activity levels. Whether you want to uncover history at Ephesus, relax amid natural wonders at Pamukkale, explore the Lycian ruins and gorges, or dance the night away at a Turkish folk show, there’s something for all. For a memorable trip, consider which experiences align with your interests, and book early to ensure a smooth, enjoyable adventure.