Alanya City Tour From Side With Boat Trip And Lunch

Explore Alanya’s Charms in a Full-Day Tour from Side for $35

The Alanya City Tour From Side With Boat Trip And Lunch offers a well-rounded experience of Turkey’s popular coastal town. For just $35 per person, this 7 to 8-hour trip takes you from your Side hotel to explore Alanya’s highlights, including a boat cruise, Dim River lunch, and visits to local landmarks such as Damlatas Cave and Alanya Castle. The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, making it a hassle-free way to discover Alanya’s natural beauty and historical sites. With a rating of 4.5 out of 5 from 14 reviews, most guests appreciate the guiding service, stunning scenery, and variety of activities, although some wish for more time at certain stops.

This tour caters to those seeking a full day of sightseeing, with a mix of boat rides, cultural visits, and free time for shopping or relaxing at the beach. Its affordable price point, along with included lunch and transport, makes it a practical choice for travelers based in Side who want to maximize their day without extra costs.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $35 per person, this tour covers a full day of activities with many key sights included.
• Comprehensive Itinerary: Features a boat trip, lunch at Dim River, visits to Alanya Castle, Damlatas Cave, and a bazaar.
• Pickup and Drop-off: Hassle-free hotel transfers from Side are included, saving time and effort.
• Natural and Cultural Highlights: Enjoy stunning coastline views, historical castles, and local markets.
• Multiple Stops in One Day: Tour duration of 7 to 8 hours balances sightseeing and leisure, though some reviews mention limited free time at the bazaar.
• Good for Most Travelers: Suitable for those looking for an easy, activity-packed day with guided commentary.

From the Old Town to the Castle District

The day begins with hotel pickup in air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring comfort during the short drive from Side to Alanya. The first major stop is the Alanya Liman Harbor, where you’ll board a scenic boat cruising along the coastline. On this 1-hour boat trip, you witness views of Alanya Castle, Red Tower, Arsenal, and Shipyards, experiencing the town’s maritime charm. The boat ride offers plenty of photo opportunities of the breathtaking scenery.

The boat trip serves as an ideal introduction to Alanya’s picturesque landscape, setting the tone for the rest of the day’s exploration. The boat cruise is included in the tour price, and most reviews highlight it as a highlight of the trip, despite some noting loud music and a less-than-clean boat environment.

Lunch at Dim River in the Open Air

After the boat cruise, the tour guides escort guests to the Dim River for a delicious open buffet lunch. You can choose from main dishes like grilled chicken, trout, and kebabs, complemented by pasta and fresh salads. The lunch is served on sitting pergolas along the riverbank, offering a relaxed atmosphere and refreshing natural surroundings.

Most reviews praise the lunch location and quality, calling it a highlight of the day. The fresh air and scenic setting make this a restful break amid sightseeing. The lunch is included in the tour fee, making it a good value, though some mention that the sitting areas can be crowded.

Exploring Alanya’s Historic Castle and Bazaar

Post-lunch, the guide takes you to the Alanya town center, where you have approximately 2 hours of free time. This allows for shopping at the local bazaar, where stalls offer reasonably priced souvenirs, or relaxing at nearby cafes and pubs. Most guests appreciate the flexible free time to explore or unwind.

A visit to Alanya Castle is also part of the tour, showcasing a 13th-century Seljuk fortress that now functions as an open-air museum. From here, you get panoramic views of the city and coastline, and the castle’s historical significance adds depth to the sightseeing experience.

Damlatas Cave: A Natural Wonder

A highlight of the trip is the visit to Damlatas Cave, located near Cleopatra Beach. This stalactite-filled cave boasts a high humidity level of 95% and is believed to produce air that can ease asthma symptoms. The 30-minute visit offers a chance to walk among spectacular rock formations and experience the cave’s unique atmosphere.

Note that admission to Damlatas Cave costs 2 Euros, which is not included in the tour price. Several reviews mention the cave as worth seeing, though some found the time allocated to be brief.

Visiting Alanya’s Iconic Castle in Depth

The Alanya Castle remains an enduring symbol of the city’s history. Its 13th-century fortress features well-preserved walls and towers, offering sweeping views of the Turkish Riviera. Visitors today can walk through the castle grounds, which serve as an open-air museum, and imagine the defensive strength of this historic site.

The castle visit is part of the tour’s included stops and adds a cultural dimension to the day. Review comments note that the castle’s panoramic views are particularly impressive, making the climb worthwhile for history enthusiasts and photography lovers alike.

Return Journey and Final Stop in Side

As the day winds down, the guides arrange the return to Side hotels, aiming to ensure a safe and comfortable journey back. The return drive lasts around 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on traffic. The tour concludes with drop-off at your accommodation, making it a convenient option for travelers staying in Side.

Most reviews suggest that the overall logistics run smoothly, though some mention that the free time at the bazaar could be more generous. Still, the organized pickups and drop-offs contribute to the tour’s overall ease.

Practical Details and Additional Information

This tour is operated by Payless and can accommodate up to 46 travelers. It starts at 9:00 am and includes guiding services, air-conditioned transport, and a lunch at Dim River. The boat trip and lunch are both included, while admission to Damlatas Cave is 2 Euros, payable on-site.

Most travelers can participate, as the tour involves basic walking and boat rides that are not physically demanding. The tour is suitable for families, couples, and groups wanting a full day of sightseeing with minimal hassle.

Limitations and Considerations

While the tour offers a well-rounded experience, some reviews highlight limited free time, especially at the bazaar. The boat trip’s environment can be loud and dusty, and some guests note that the Cave visit could be brief. The price is attractive, but activities like the boat trip may not appeal to everyone, especially if loud music or crowded conditions are undesirable.

Weather can impact the experience, especially for the boat cruise and outdoor lunch, so it’s advisable to check the forecast. The cave entrance fee is not included, so budget an extra 2 Euros if you wish to explore Damlatas Cave.

Alanya City Tour From Side: Worth It for Sightseeing and Convenience

This tour offers a balanced mix of scenic boat rides, historical sites, and local culture at a budget-friendly price. The hotel pickup, guided commentary, and included meals make it particularly convenient for visitors based in Side who want a full-day adventure without extra planning.

Most reviews confirm positive impressions, especially regarding guides and scenic views, though some express a desire for more time at certain stops. The diverse activities ensure that participants enjoy a variety of experiences, from natural wonders to cultural landmarks.

If you’re seeking an active, engaging day trip that covers key highlights of Alanya, this tour provides a reliable and enjoyable option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs $35 per person, including transport, a boat trip, and lunch.

How long does the tour last?
It typically lasts 7 to 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am and ending with hotel drop-off.

Are hotel pickups included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off from all Side accommodations.

What are the main stops during the tour?
Stops include Alanya Liman harbor, Dim River for lunch, Alanya town center, Damlatas Cave, and Alanya Castle.

Is the boat trip free?
The 1-hour boat cruise is included in the tour price.

How much does Damlatas Cave cost?
Entrance to Damlatas Cave costs 2 Euros, payable on-site.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and personal essentials. Drinks purchased on the boat are not included, so consider bringing your own if preferred.

Are there any physical requirements?
The tour involves walking around at the stops, including the castle and bazaar, but is generally accessible for most travelers.

Can I customize the tour?
The itinerary is fixed, but most activities are included or have optional aspects like shopping.

What do reviews say about this tour?
Guests generally appreciate the scenic views, knowledgeable guides, and variety of stops, though some mention limited free time and loud boat environments.

This Alanya City Tour from Side offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to see many highlights of Alanya in a single day, combining natural beauty, history, and local culture with the convenience of organized transportation.