Side : Jeep Safari and Green Canyon See with Lunch

A lively 6-hour Jeep safari in the countryside around Side, Turkey, offers a mix of natural scenery, historical sites, and fun stops. At just $17.80 per person, this tour provides excellent value, especially with pickup from your hotel and a small-group setting capped at 10 participants. Expect a day packed with visiting ancient ruins, photo opportunities at scenic spots like Green Canyon, and a hearty lunch overlooking Green Lake. While the trip’s main strengths are its diverse stops and affordable price, it’s good to be aware that extras like drinks and tips are not included, which can add to the overall expense.

This tour suits those who enjoy a dynamic outdoor experience with plenty of sightseeing without a lengthy or physically demanding schedule. It’s especially appealing if you’re interested in natural beauty, historical sites, and small-group adventure. The comfortable transport, combined with select hotel pickup, makes it a hassle-free way to explore the Taurus Mountains and surrounding attractions.

Key Points

• Full-day adventure in the countryside surrounding Side
• Includes visits to Seleukeia ancient city, Green Canyon, Manavgat Dam, Green Lake, and Manavgat Waterfall
• Small-group experience with a maximum of 10 travelers
• Price of $17.80 per person, with lunch included overlooking Green Lake
• Pickup and transfer are included, making logistics simple
• Be prepared for additional costs for drinks and tips

Exploring Seleukeia: The Ancient City of Lyrbe

The tour begins with a visit to Seleukeia (Lyrbe), an ancient city that offers a glimpse into Turkey’s historical past. After a 45-minute transfer from your hotel, you’ll explore this archaeological site with a guide, who explains its significance. The site is free to enter, and the visit lasts about 1 hour 25 minutes. This stop adds a touch of history before the scenic parts of the trip.

It’s a relaxed walk through ruins, ideal for history enthusiasts or those interested in Turkey’s past civilizations. The guided explanation enhances understanding of the area’s archaeological importance, making the stop a meaningful start to the day.

Scenic Photo Break at Green Canyon

Following the ancient city, the tour moves to Green Canyon, a well-known natural beauty spot. After a 20-minute journey, travelers get a brief 20-minute photo break by the water. This spot is perfect for capturing pictures of the canyon’s lush surroundings and tranquil waters.

While the admission is free, the quick stop allows plenty of time to admire the scenery. The pictures taken here can be highlights for your trip album. It’s a peaceful, scenic pause before heading further into the Taurus Mountains.

Visiting Manavgat Dam: The Largest in the Area

Next, the group stops at Manavgat Dam, the biggest dam in the region. With a 30-minute visit, travelers can admire the dam’s impressive structure and learn about its role in the area’s water management. No admission fee applies here, and the stop offers a chance for some quick photos of the dam and surrounding nature.

This stop emphasizes Turkey’s engineering feats and provides a different kind of scenic view, contrasting with the natural beauty of Green Canyon. It’s a brief but informative snapshot of local infrastructure.

Lunch at Green Lake with Mountain Views

The highlight of the journey is the lunch break at Green Lake, which lasts 2 hours. The restaurant, situated by the lake, offers a tasty meal with views overlooking Green Lake. The lunch is included in the tour price, providing a convenient and scenic setting for a mid-day rest.

Travelers often appreciate the delicious food and the opportunity to relax amid nature. The jeep ride in the Taurus Mountains to reach this spot is part of the fun, with the rugged terrain offering great photo opportunities of the mountains and greenery.

Afternoon at Manavgat Waterfall

After lunch, the safari continues to Manavgat Waterfall, where a photo break is available for about 1 hour. Although admission isn’t included, the waterfall’s natural beauty makes it a favored photo spot. Visitors can enjoy the sounds and sights of rushing water, making it a refreshing conclusion to the outdoor exploration.

It’s worth noting that some reviews mention extra costs for entry and drinks, so travelers should budget accordingly. The waterfall provides a relaxing environment after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Optional Extras and Additional Costs

Throughout the day, drinks and bottled water are not included in the tour price, and soda, alcohol, and extra beverages can add to your expenses. A small beer at the lunch venue costs around 4 euros, and tips to guides or staff are customary but not included.

Some reviews point out that extras like drinks can significantly increase the overall cost, so it’s wise to bring some cash for additional purchases. Also, entry fees at certain sites such as the waterfall are not included in the tour fee, which is mainly for transportation, guide, and lunch.

Tour Logistics: Pickup, Group Size, and Duration

The tour departs at 8:30 am, with hotel pickup included, making it easy to start your day. The small-group size—maximum 10 travelers—ensures a more personalized experience, with plenty of room for questions and interaction with the guide.

The journey lasts roughly 6 hours, with the itinerary carefully planned to balance sightseeing and relaxation. The comfortable vehicle transfers make the long drives manageable, and the pace is generally smooth, with stops designed for photos and brief explorations.

The Guide and Overall Experience

Reviews consistently praise the friendly and helpful guides, who lead the group through each stop and provide useful information. The music during the jeep ride and the ability to stand up in the jeep add to the fun atmosphere.

Many note that the trip offers good value for money, especially considering the included lunch and the variety of stops. However, some mention the importance of being prepared for additional costs for drinks and tips, so budgeting extra cash is recommended.

Booking and Cancellation Policies

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if plans change. Confirmations are received immediately, and the tour is weather-dependent—poor weather may lead to a cancellation or rescheduling.

The minimum number of travelers is not specified but is implied to be sufficient for the tour to operate. This ensures the group remains intimate, and the experience feels personalized.

Who Should Book This Tour

This Jeep safari is best suited for those who want a full-day outdoor experience with a focus on natural scenery, historical sites, and fun photo stops. It’s ideal for small groups and travelers who appreciate guided tours with easy logistics. Be aware that additional expenses for drinks and entrance fees may apply, so budget accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lunch included in this tour?
Yes, a tasty lunch overlooking Green Lake is included in the tour price of $17.80 per person.

What are the main stops during the safari?
The tour visits Seleukeia (Lyrbe) ancient city, Green Canyon, Manavgat Dam, Green Lake for lunch, and Manavgat Waterfall.

Does the tour include pickup from my hotel?
Yes, hotel pickup is offered, making the start of the day simple and convenient.

Are drinks and entrance fees included?
No, drinks like soda and bottled water are extra, and some entrance fees, such as at the waterfall, are not included. Budget extra for these.

How flexible is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the tour begins, with a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

This Jeep Safari and Green Canyon tour provides a lively, scenic, and culturally interesting day for those exploring Side. With its affordable price, small group size, and diverse stops, it makes for a memorable outing—just be prepared for some extra costs along the way.