Side: Guided Tour and Electric Catamaran Cruise, Waterfall

Discover the Best of Side with a Guided Tour and Electric Catamaran Cruise

The Side Guided Tour and Electric Catamaran Cruise offers an 8-hour day exploring some of the most picturesque spots in Antalya Province, Turkey. Priced with free cancellation and reserve-now-pay-later options, this tour is designed for those seeking a balanced mix of nature, culture, and relaxing waterside experiences. The tour starts in Side and includes pickups from several local hotels, making transportation smooth and convenient.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive look at Side’s highlights in one day. It includes visits to a stunning waterfall, lush orange groves, a traditional Turkish village house, a dam with scenic views, a lakeside lunch, and a relaxing boat cruise on Green Lake. While the tour is well-organized, the pace offers enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed. An ideal choice for families and curious explorers, but those with mobility issues may find it less suitable.

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Key Points

• Duration of 8 hours with flexible starting times
• Includes hotel pickup from various Side area hotels
• Highlights include Manavgat Waterfall, orange groves, a traditional village house, Oymapnar Dam, Green Lake, and Külliye Mosque
• Lakeside lunch at Gölba Restaurant followed by an electric catamaran cruise
• Tour guides speak German and English, providing engaging commentary
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour date

Scenic Waterfalls and Lush Orange Groves Near Side

The day begins with a visit to the Manavgat Waterfall, a peaceful cascade surrounded by thriving greenery. This spot offers excellent photo opportunities with the waters tumbling down in a scenic setting. Next, travelers explore orange groves which showcase the region’s agricultural bounty. While some may find the orange grove stop brief, it provides a quick but colorful glimpse into local farming.

The lush surroundings set the tone for a day immersed in natural beauty. The waterfall and orchards give a taste of the area’s rural charm, contrasting with the more cultural sites later in the tour. These stops are accessible and offer plenty of opportunities to appreciate the landscape.

Visiting a Traditional Turkish Village House and Tasting Gözleme

One memorable part of the tour is visiting a traditional village house that exemplifies Turkish architecture. Here, the focus is on experiencing local culture, with an opportunity to taste freshly made gözleme, a popular Turkish pastry. This stop is designed to give insight into traditional culinary practices.

While reviews note that sometimes the experience may be brief or not include all expected elements, the visit still offers a nice cultural flavor. The food tasting is a highlight for many, providing authentic flavors that reflect the region’s culinary heritage. The visit to the village house adds a personal touch to the day, offering a glimpse into local life.

The Oymapnar Dam and Scenic Views

Next on the itinerary is the Oymapnar Dam, where visitors enjoy about 20 minutes of guided sightseeing. The dam’s impressive structure is set against striking natural backgrounds, making it a favorite for photos. It’s a great chance to see regional engineering amid stunning scenery.

The guide provides insights into the dam’s significance and the surrounding landscape. This stop doesn’t take long, but it’s enough to appreciate the engineering feat and the beauty of the area. The views here are especially picturesque, perfect for a quick photo session.

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Relaxing on the Electric Catamaran on Green Lake

One of the main attractions of this tour is the electric catamaran cruise on Green Lake. The boat ride lasts about an hour, offering a tranquil way to experience the calm waters. The lakeside lunch at Gölba Restaurant follows, providing a tasty meal with a relaxed atmosphere.

The boat cruise is a highlight for those seeking a peaceful break from sightseeing. The electric boat ensures a quiet, eco-friendly ride, while the lakeside setting enhances the sense of calm. Many reviews praise this part for its relaxing vibe and scenic views, with some mentioning that the cruise features lively music, creating a festive ambiance.

The Külliye Mosque and Architectural Beauty

Later in the day, the tour includes a guided visit to the Külliye Mosque in Manavgat. This site showcases intricate architectural details and offers a serene environment for reflection. The 30-minute guided tour provides insights into its design and religious significance.

The mosque stands as an impressive example of Ottoman architecture, and the visit offers a peaceful conclusion to the cultural part of the tour. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to admire the craftsmanship and peaceful atmosphere of this historic site.

The Tour Itinerary in Detail: Stops and What to Expect

• Pickup in Side: The tour begins with a pickup from hotels across Side and nearby areas like Güngodu, Çolakl, Evrenseki, Kumköy, Sorgun, and Titreyengöl. The hotel’s main entrance is the pickup point.
• Green Lake and Lunch: The day features a 1.5-hour lakeside lunch at Gölba Restaurant, offering local cuisine in a scenic setting.
• Oymapnar Dam Tour: A 20-minute guided visit provides a look at the dam’s impressive structure and scenery.
• Boat Cruise on Green Lake: The 1-hour electric boat ride allows travelers to relax on the tranquil waters.
• Visit to Central Mosque Complex: The 30-minute guided tour of the Külliye Mosque in Manavgat highlights Turkish religious architecture.
• Return to Side: The trip concludes with a return transfer to the original pickup points.

Each stop is designed to balance sightseeing and relaxation, with enough time to enjoy each location without feeling rushed.

Practical Details and Logistics

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and swimwear for the water-related activities. The tour is not suitable for those with mobility impairments, as some sites involve walking and standing. Pets and large luggage are not permitted on the tour.

The live guides speak German and English, offering informative commentary throughout the day. Exact pickup times are provided via email or WhatsApp one day before the tour, ensuring smooth planning. The full day lasts approximately 8 hours, with starting times varying based on availability.

Value, Pricing, and Flexibility

This tour comes with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if plans change. The reserve now, pay later option allows travelers to secure their spot without immediate payment. The itinerary offers good value for a full day of sightseeing, with multiple highlights in one organized experience.

While the tour includes many scenic and cultural stops, some reviews mention that certain experiences, like the orange grove, may be brief or less detailed than expected. Still, the overall organization and variety make this a convenient way to see Side’s main attractions.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour Most?

This 8-hour guided tour appeals most to curious travelers who want a well-rounded experience of nature, culture, and scenery. It’s ideal for those who appreciate relaxed boat rides, scenic waterfalls, and traditional food sampling. Those interested in architecture, religious sites, and local crafts will find the visit to the Külliye Mosque particularly rewarding.

However, visitors with mobility challenges may find some stops less accessible. The tour’s pacing is moderate, making it suitable for most ages seeking an engaging yet comfortable day out.

This tour provides a solid introduction to Side’s natural beauty and historic sites, complemented by a relaxing lakeside boat cruise. The combination of waterfalls, orange groves, dam views, and cultural landmarks makes it a well-rounded choice for those wanting a comprehensive day trip. With organized logistics, engaging guides, and scenic stops, it promises a day filled with memorable moments.

While some minor stops may feel brief or lack detailed explanation, the overall experience offers a satisfying blend of activity and relaxation. For travelers seeking a family-friendly, scenic exploration of Side, this tour delivers on many fronts, making it a worthwhile addition to your Turkish holiday plans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, with flexible starting times based on availability.

What is included in the price?
The tour covers pickup from hotels, visits to the waterfall, orange groves, village house, dam, mosque, and Green Lake, plus a lakeside lunch and the boat cruise.

Is there a dress code for the mosque?
While not explicitly specified, modest dress is generally recommended for religious sites in Turkey.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the scheduled start.

Are vegetarian or special dietary options available?
The provided data does not specify dietary options; it’s best to inquire directly with the tour provider.

Is transportation included?
Yes, pickup from all designated hotels in the Side area is included.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Given the moderate pace and scenic stops, it is suitable for most ages, but those with mobility issues should consider accessibility.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak German and English.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and swimwear if planning to swim or enjoy water activities.

Will I have free time during the tour?
The schedule balances sightseeing and relaxation, with designated time at each stop, including a lakeside lunch and cruise for restful enjoyment.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby