Full-Day to Explore Side by Cabrio Bus with Green Lake Boat Tour

Discover the Full-Day Side Tour with Green Lake Boat and Cultural Stops

This full-day tour in Side, Turkey, costs $36.12 per person and offers a comprehensive look at the natural and historical highlights of the region. With approximately 8 hours of activities, the tour covers scenic boat trips on Green Lake, visits to Manavgat Waterfall, the Seleukia ruins, and the Oymapinar Dam. The tour is designed for ease, with hotel pickup and round-trip transfers included, making it an excellent choice for travelers seeking convenience and value.

The experience is led by a professional guide, who shares insights into the area’s history and culture. The tour promises a blend of scenic views, cultural exploration, and leisure, topped off with a Turkish lunch featuring your choice of fish or chicken. While the tour is suitable for most travelers and includes a mobile ticket, it does have some small extra charges, like a cash fee for waterfall access. This tour is praised for its stunning scenery and knowledgeable guides, making it a highly recommended way to explore Side and its surroundings.

Key Points

• Affordable full-day excursion with round-trip hotel transfers in Side, Turkey.
• Highlights include Green Lake boat trip, waterfalls, and ancient ruins.
• Flexible activities such as fishing, canoeing, and cruising on Green Canyon.
• Cultural stops at Kulliye Mosque and Seleukia Roman city.
• Delicious Turkish lunch with fish or chicken, rice, salad, and fresh fruit.
• Well-reviewed guides and great value for money with a 5-star rating from two reviews.

Convenient Pickup and Guided Experience in Side

This tour departs at 9:00 am, with hotel pickup offered from Side, making logistics easy and stress-free. The mobile ticket system ensures quick access, and group sizes are limited to 50 travelers, maintaining a comfortable atmosphere. The professional guide shares historical insights and amusing stories, enhancing the experience with their knowledgeable commentary.

The pickup service is near public transportation, simplifying the meeting process. Travelers appreciate the smooth organization and the timing of the itinerary, which balances sightseeing, relaxation, and cultural education. This setup suits visitors who prefer to avoid driving and want a structured yet flexible tour.

Exploring Manavgat’s Iconic Kulliye Mosque

The tour begins with a visit to the Kulliye Mosque in Manavgat, where you can go inside and admire its architecture. The guide provides informative commentary about the mosque’s history and significance. Spending about an hour here gives an enriching cultural start to the day, setting the tone for more historical exploration.

This stop is admission-free, allowing you to enjoy the spiritual and architectural beauty without extra cost. It also offers a quiet moment before the bus takes you onward to the next adventure. The guides’ explanations help deepen your understanding of local religious practices and the area’s heritage.

Manavgat Waterfall: Nature’s Unique Display

Next, the tour visits the Manavgat Waterfall, a highlight for nature lovers. You have about 1.5 hours to view the waterfall, take photos, and enjoy the fresh air. While waterfall access requires a small cash charge, the scenic setting is worth the extra expense.

Near the waterfall, you can relax with a drink and soak in the natural beauty. This spot is ideal for capturing memorable photos and experiencing the power of water cascading from the Taurus Mountains. The waterfall’s setting and atmosphere make it a favorite among visitors, even if the admission fee is not included.

Touring the Roman City of Seleukia (Lybre)

The Seleukia ruins in Lybre provide a glimpse into Roman history that still echoes today. The 1.5-hour stop allows you to walk through the ancient site, with your guide sharing insights into its past. The free access means you can explore the remains of Roman architecture and learn about the area’s historical importance.

This archaeological site enriches the day with a sense of stepping back in time, offering a tangible connection to the past. The guide’s explanations help make the ruins more meaningful, bringing history to life in a lively and accessible way.

Oymapinar Dam and Green Lake Panoramas

The journey continues with a visit to the Oymapinar Dam, where panoramic views of Green Lake await. Spent about an hour here, the stop offers breathtaking vistas from the Taurus Mountains. It’s an ideal spot for photos, with the dam itself being a notable engineering marvel.

From the dam’s vantage point, you can appreciate the scale of the dam and the natural beauty of Green Canyon. This viewpoint is a peaceful moment in the tour, perfect for taking in the scenery and snapping pictures. The free access to this viewpoint complements the scenic focus of this part of the tour.

Green Lake Boat Trip: Scenic Cruises and Lake Views

The tour’s centerpiece is a 1-hour boat trip on Green Lake, using a small boat to glide across the water. The boat ride offers impressive views of Green Canyon’s lush surroundings and a chance to experience the lake’s tranquility firsthand.

During the cruise, you’ll pass near the lakeside, and the boat stops near the lake for lunch. The tables with lake views provide a perfect setting for a delicious Turkish meal, featuring either fish or chicken with rice, salad, and fresh fruit. The boat ride is praised for its scenic beauty and relaxing atmosphere, making it a highlight for many participants.

Leisure at Manavgat’s Fruit Gardens

After the boat trip, the tour takes a break at the orange and banana gardens near Manavgat. This one-hour stop enables visitors to see local agricultural practices and even sample some fresh fruits.

This relaxed pause offers a taste of local produce and a chance to enjoy the garden scenery. It’s an authentic experience that adds a flavorful and leisurely element to the day, especially appreciated for its simplicity and freshness.

Exploring the Manavgat River and Waterfalls

The Manavgat River area is part of the tour, where you can see the river’s natural flow and surrounding landscapes. While the main waterfall stop is earlier, this segment focuses on the river itself, providing additional scenic views.

Though specific activities at the river aren’t detailed, the overall emphasis is on appreciating the natural beauty of Manavgat’s waterways. This component rounds out the day’s nature focus and offers more photo opportunities against the river’s backdrop.

Value and Practical Details

At $36.12 per person, this tour offers excellent value considering all included features—hotel pickup, professional guide, insurance, and a Turkish lunch. The full-day itinerary balances sightseeing, cultural learning, and relaxation, making it suitable for most travelers.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours, flexibility is built into the booking. The tour’s positive reviews praise the friendly guides, the scenic boat trip, and the overall good value, making it a popular choice among visitors to Side.

Who Should Consider This Tour

This comprehensive day trip suits travelers interested in natural scenery, historical sites, and cultural experiences. The moderate pace and comfortable group size make it ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy a mix of sightseeing and leisure.

It’s especially recommended for those who want to avoid the hassle of driving, as hotel pickup and transfers are included. However, note that some stops involve walking and outdoor exposure, so guests should be prepared for a moderate level of activity.

Final Thoughts on the Side Cabrio Bus and Green Lake Tour

This well-rounded tour provides a great balance of nature, history, and culture at an affordable price. The scenic boat ride, combined with visits to Waterfalls, Roman ruins, and scenic viewpoints, offers a satisfying day in Side.

The guides’ knowledgeable explanations and the comfortable logistics make it a reliable choice. While the small additional fee for waterfall access and the nature of some stops require a bit of planning, the overall experience is highly praised.

For those seeking a value-packed, scenic, and culturally enriching day, this tour stands out as an excellent option for exploring Side and its surroundings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The tour costs $36.12 per person and includes hotel pickup, professional guide, insurance, and a Turkish lunch.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, starting at 9:00 am with flexible stops and activities.

Are transfers provided?
Yes, round-trip transfers are included, making participation easy without self-driving.

Is there a guide on the tour?
A knowledgeable guide leads the tour, sharing insights about each stop and the area’s history and culture.

What stops are part of the itinerary?
Stops include Kulliye Mosque in Manavgat, Manavgat Waterfall, Seleukia Roman ruins, Oymapinar Dam, Green Lake boat trip, and local gardens.

Are drinks or personal expenses included?
No, drinks and personal expenses are not included and should be paid for separately.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

What is the main highlight of the tour?
The boat trip on Green Lake and the scenic views from Oymapinar Dam are often the most appreciated highlights.

Is the tour suitable for families?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including families, especially those who enjoy outdoor activities and cultural sites.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended; some stops involve outdoor walking and sightseeing.