City of Side: Cabrio Bus & Green Lake Boat Tour with Lunch

Traveling in Turkey often means encountering spectacular landscapes and historic sites, and the City of Side: Cabrio Bus & Green Lake Boat Tour with Lunch offers a well-rounded taste of both. For around $28, this seven-hour guided excursion takes you from your hotel to explore the lush surroundings of Green Canyon, the tranquil waters of Green Lake, and key highlights like the Manavgat Waterfall and ancient ruins. While it’s a good value for those wanting a full day of sightseeing, some travelers have noted that the experience varies depending on weather and guide enthusiasm.

What I appreciate about this tour is how it combines natural beauty with cultural stops. The boat tour of Green Lake is a highlight — you’ll love the views of crystal-clear waters framed by forested hills. Plus, visiting the Central Mosque in Manavgat with its impressive chandeliers offers a glimpse into local religious architecture. The inclusion of a traditional Turkish lunch, with your choice of fish or chicken, adds a satisfying touch to the day — especially with the lake-view setting. One unique detail worth noting is the visit to Seleukia, an ancient site that gives a faint sense of Roman history, which some travelers find intriguing.

However, a potential inconsistency to consider is the duration of some stops, especially the Zoo visit — which some reviews describe as a letdown due to animal conditions. As one reviewer bluntly put it, animals like wolves and lions appeared to be kept in cramped, barren enclosures, which might be upsetting for animal lovers. Plus, the tour’s pace can vary; some travelers wish for more time at certain sites or a more energetic guide. It’s worth considering whether you prefer a relaxed, scenic day or a tightly scheduled itinerary.

All in all, this tour offers a good balance of natural scenery, cultural insight, and tasty food for an accessible price. It’s best suited for those who want a leisurely day out with a mix of boat rides, nature, and history — but keep in mind the mixed reviews about certain stops. If you’re a traveler who values stunning views and local flavor over intense activity or long museum visits, this could be a good fit.

Key points / Takeaways

• Beautiful boat ride: Green Lake’s crystal-clear waters and lush surroundings make it a photogenic highlight.
• Cultural stops: The Central Mosque in Manavgat and Seleukia ruins offer a glimpse into local architecture and Roman history.
• Satisfying lunch: A traditional Turkish meal with lake views, with options for fish or chicken, provides good value.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with the option to reserve and pay later.
• Weather-dependent: The experience relies on good weather; poor conditions could lead to cancellations or rescheduling.
• Mixed reviews about the zoo: Some travelers find the animal enclosures upsetting, and the stop there can be a downer.

In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

Starting Point: Hotel Pickup and First Impressions

The tour begins with hotel pickup, which is a real convenience. Being collected from your hotel in Side means you won’t need to worry about navigation or transport logistics — the tour provider, Lonely Tour, handles that. Expect to be picked up from the entrance gate of your accommodation, and you’ll receive your pickup time a day before, making planning straightforward. This setup is especially useful if you’re staying slightly outside central areas or in a resort.

Visiting the Manavgat Central Mosque

The first stop is the impressive Central Mosque in Manavgat. As one of the highlights, you’ll admire its minarets, dome, and notably, the enormous chandeliers. It’s a quick stop, but the grandeur makes it memorable. The guide’s commentary helps you understand the mosque’s role in local life, adding cultural context to this striking building. If you’re interested in architecture or religious sites, this is a good introduction to Turkish Islamic art.

Manavgat Waterfall: A Natural Marvel

Next, the Manavgat Waterfall offers a scenic break. Many visitors find this waterfall to be one of the most beautiful along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast. It’s a popular spot for photos, and the sound of rushing water combined with the greenery provides a refreshing change. Some reviews mention the waterfall’s beauty, though the time there can feel brief, so don’t expect to spend hours exploring.

Exploring Seleukia: Ancient Ruins Near Oymapinar Dam

A significant historical highlight is the visit to the ancient site of Seleukia. Here, you get a chance to walk among ruins that hint at the Roman era. The guide’s explanations help connect the dots, giving you a sense of the area’s history. This stop appeals to those interested in archaeology and ancient civilizations, though some travelers find the ruins limited in scope.

Green Lake & Green Canyon: The Main Natural Attraction

The core attraction is the boat tour on Green Lake, which is a highlight for many. The lake’s crystal-clear waters and surrounding forested hills create an incredibly tranquil scene. The boat ride typically lasts around an hour, with scenic views from the top of Taurus Mountain providing a panoramic perspective of the area.

You’ll also stop midway for a lunch with stunning lake views. The meal includes your choice of fish or chicken, served with rice, salad, and fresh fruit. Many travelers appreciate the quality of the lunch and the relaxed atmosphere. One review notes that the lakeside tables offer a “mouth-watering” experience, and the scenic setting makes the meal feel special.

Green Canyon & Additional Stops

The tour continues with a boat ride through the Green Canyon, known for its lush surroundings and clear waters. The natural beauty here is a definite highlight and worth the trip. The tour also makes a quick stop at orange and banana gardens, where you can sample fresh local fruits, adding a tasty, authentic touch.

Controversial Zoo Stop

One of the more contentious parts of the tour is a longer stop at Willis Zoo. While it offers a break and a chance to stretch, reviews are quite critical. Visitors describe the enclosures as bare, stone-based, and unsuitable for animals like wolves and lions. The reviewer Nils expressed disappointment, saying, “the animals…did not want to be there,” and hopes the zoo is eventually shut down. If you’re sensitive to animal welfare, this stop might overshadow other parts of the tour.

Final Return and Overall Length

The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, including pickup, site visits, the boat tour, and lunch. The pace is relaxed, fitting well for travelers who prefer a gentle, meandering day rather than a rush. The timing of the start varies depending on availability, so it’s worth checking in advance.

Who This Tour Is Perfect For

This tour suits travelers who enjoy scenic views, cultural insights, and a laid-back pace. It’s ideal if you want to see a mix of natural beauty and historical sites without the hassle of organizing multiple tickets or transport. The inclusion of a boat ride, scenic stops, and a hearty Turkish lunch offers good value for the price.

However, those sensitive to animal welfare concerns or seeking a more energetic or in-depth cultural experience might find the zoo stop disappointing. It also caters well to first-time visitors wanting an overview of the area’s highlights rather than in-depth exploration of any single site.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Bring comfortable shoes and sun protection — the day involves walking, some outdoor stops, and plenty of sun.
• Camera and water are must-haves; the views are photogenic, and staying hydrated helps in the warm weather.
• Weather matters — poor weather could lead to cancellations or a less enjoyable experience, so check the forecast.
• Arrive early for pickup to ensure you’re ready when the guide arrives.
• Consider your interests: if you’re passionate about animal welfare, the zoo stop might be a drawback, but the scenic boat trips and waterfalls are spectacular.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, you are picked up from your hotel entrance gate, which makes the whole process smooth and hassle-free.

What is the price of the tour?
The tour costs around $28 per person, which includes all main attractions, lunch, and boat tours. Drinks and some entrance fees are not included.

Are there options for different languages?
Yes, the tour is conducted with a multilingual guide speaking English, Russian, and German.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The tour duration and nature make it suitable for families, though very young children might find the long day tiring. Be mindful of the animal welfare concerns at the zoo.

Can I cancel the booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

Does the tour operate in bad weather?
No, this experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, a different date or full refund will be offered.

To sum it up, this tour offers a solid introduction to some of Turkey’s most scenic and historic spots around Side. You’ll enjoy the lush boat rides and scenic views, paired with a tasty lunch and culturally interesting stops. While the zoo stop is a controversial point, many travelers find the natural beauty and relaxed pace make it worth considering if you want a laid-back, scenic day with minimal hassle. If you value authentic landscapes, a gentle itinerary, and a chance to relax amid nature, this tour could be a good choice — just keep your expectations balanced and your camera ready.