Green Lake Mix Tour – A Day of Nature, History, and Culture

The Green Lake Mix Tour offers an engaging way to explore the diverse sights around Side, Turkey, all within a 9-hour day. For just $36.12 per person, this tour combines nature, history, and local culture, making it an ideal choice for travelers who want a well-rounded experience. The tour includes hotel pickup, a catamaran boat trip, visits to ancient ruins, and scenic stops at waterfalls and orchards. While admission fees to certain sites are not included, the tour’s guidance, lunch, and insurance add significant value. The tour is suited for most travelers and is popular enough to be booked about 46 days in advance.

With a highly positive 5.0/5 rating based on one review, this experience emphasizes friendly guides, beautiful views, and a well-paced itinerary. It’s especially suitable for those eager to see natural landscapes and historical remains without the hassle of organizing multiple activities themselves.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $36.12 covers a full day of sightseeing, transportation, and lunch.
• Includes hotel pickup and a catamaran boat trip across Green Lake.
• Visits to ancient Seleukia (Lybre) and orange orchards offer cultural and local flavor.
• Stops at Green Canyon and Manavgat Waterfall showcase stunning scenery.
• Tour duration of approximately 9 hours makes it a comprehensive day trip.
• Most stops are free of admission fees, but some attractions like waterfalls do not include entry costs.

Beginning the Day with Green Canyon

The tour kicks off at Green Canyon, also known as Oymapnar Dam, where visitors can enjoy photo opportunities of the canyon’s breathtaking landscape. This stop lasts about 30 minutes, and no admission fee applies, making it a quick yet impressive introduction to the area’s natural beauty. The views of the clear waters and rugged cliffs are perfect for capturing memorable photos early in the day.

Relaxing Catamaran Ride on Green Lake

Next, the group heads to OymapInar, where a lunch is served at a restaurant near Manavgat Dam, also called Green Lake. After eating, a 1-hour boat trip on the catamaran provides a chance to soak in the serene scenery of the lake. This part of the tour highlights tranquil water scenes and offers a relaxing break from sightseeing.

Discovering the Ancient Ruins of Seleukia (Lybre)

A visit to Seleukia, an ancient city, allows travelers to explore well-preserved ruins that reveal the region’s archaeological past. The guide leads visitors through the remains, sharing historical insights about this once-thriving settlement. This stop lasts around 1 minute as the focus is on a quick but meaningful exploration of the site, which is free of entrance fees.

Visiting the Orange Orchards of Manavgat

The tour includes a 30-minute stroll among orange trees in Manavgat. The fragrant citrus groves provide a sensory experience and an opportunity to learn about orange cultivation. Visitors often enjoy sampling the fresh fruit, making this a delightful taste of rural Turkish agriculture.

Witnessing the Manavgat Waterfall

A highlight of the trip is the 30-minute visit to Manavgat Waterfall. The majestic cascade offers excellent views and a chance to feel the power of nature. While admission fees are not included, the sight of the water tumbling into the river below makes this stop worthwhile for nature lovers. The waterfall’s scenic setting makes it an ideal spot for photos and relaxation.

Exploring Local Culture at the Manavgat Mosque

The tour includes a 30-minute visit to a local mosque, where visitors can experience the peaceful ambiance. The guide provides insights into Islamic practices and the significance of such places in Turkish culture. This stop offers a quiet moment of reflection and cultural appreciation.

Scenic Stop at Side’s Historic and Coastal Areas

As the tour concludes, travelers are taken back to their hotels, with a 40-minute transfer from Side’s central areas. This final segment ensures a comfortable end to a full day of exploration, wrapping up the experience with pleasant memories of scenic and cultural highlights.

Practical Details and Inclusions

The Green Lake Mix Tour includes hotel pickup from Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolakl, Gündodu, and Titreyengöl, making transportation seamless. The guiding, lunch, and insurance are all covered, simplifying the day for visitors. However, travelers should keep in mind that drinks, personal expenses, and entrance fees to certain attractions are not included. The tour operates with a maximum of 100 travelers, ensuring a comfortable group size.

The Experience from Start to Finish

The tour begins with prompt hotel pickup and a friendly, professional driver and guide team, as highlighted in positive reviews. The guides are praised for their warmth, helpfulness, and knowledgeable explanations. The pacing is well-structured, allowing enough time at each stop to enjoy the scenery and learn about the sites without feeling rushed.

The boat trip on Green Lake stands out as a relaxing highlight, with many appreciating the peaceful waters and beautiful vistas. The combination of ancient ruins, waterfalls, and local orchards creates a diverse experience that captures the essence of Antalya’s natural and cultural diversity.

The Strengths and Limitations of the Tour

The main strengths of the Green Lake Mix Tour are its affordability, comprehensive itinerary, and friendly guidance. Travelers appreciate the variety of stops that include nature, history, and local culture. The scenic boat ride and the visits to historical sites are particularly well-reviewed.

A potential limitation is that admission fees to certain attractions like waterfalls are not included, which may add to the cost if visitors choose to access additional sites. The 8-9 hour duration might be long for some, but the pacing is generally comfortable. The tour is suited for most, including those with moderate mobility, as stops are relatively accessible.

Who Would Enjoy the Green Lake Mix Tour Most

This tour is ideal for travelers looking for a balanced day of sightseeing without the need to organize multiple activities. It works well for families, couples, or solo travelers interested in nature, history, and local culture. The cost-effective price and included lunch and transportation make it a practical choice for budget-conscious visitors.

Final Thoughts on the Green Lake Mix Tour

The Green Lake Mix Tour offers a well-rounded exploration of the Antalya region’s highlights, blending scenic water views, ancient ruins, and Turkish culture. Its affordable price point and friendly guides create an inviting atmosphere for those eager to experience the area’s diversity in one day. While some attractions require additional fees, the tour’s balance of nature, history, and cultural insight makes it a strong choice for visitors wanting a rundown of Side’s surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $36.12 per person and includes guide, lunch, and insurance.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours.

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, pickup is provided from hotels in Side, Kumköy, Evrenseki, Çolakl, Gündodu,** and Titreyengöl.

What are the main stops on the tour?
Stops include Green Canyon, the boat trip on Green Lake, Seleukia (Lybre) ruins, orange orchards, Manavgat Waterfall, and a local mosque.

Are entrance fees included?
No, entrance fees for waterfalls and other attractions are not included.

What makes this tour special?
The combination of scenic boat rides, historic ruins, and local cultural stops provides a diverse experience at an affordable price.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, making it suitable for families and individuals alike.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sun protection, and a camera are recommended for capturing the scenic views.

Is the tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
Stops are relatively accessible, but travelers with specific mobility needs should confirm with the provider.

How do I book the tour?
Most travelers book around 46 days in advance, either online or through the tour provider.

The Green Lake Mix Tour presents a great way to see Antalya’s natural beauty and historical sites in one day, with a friendly guide ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.