Exploring the tranquil Manavgat River and the vibrant Turkish bazaar in Side promises an unforgettable day filled with natural beauty and culture. Travelers can embark on a serene boat trip, taking in the stunning riverside scenery, followed by the opportunity to browse through a vast array of local handicrafts, textiles, and spices at the region’s largest marketplace. This full-day tour offers a well-rounded experience, combining the peaceful charm of nature with the bustling energy of a traditional Turkish shopping district. What awaits beyond the river and the bazaar?
Key Points
- Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Manavgat River delta, including swimming breaks and an on-board buffet lunch.
- Explore the vibrant Manavgat Bazaar, the largest marketplace on the Mediterranean coast, and browse a variety of local handicrafts, textiles, and traditional goods.
- Take advantage of the option to visit the Manavgat Waterfall for an additional fee.
- Experience a full-day tour from Side with hotel pickup and drop-off for a seamless and comfortable experience.
- The tour package caters to different preferences, including vegetarian options and multilingual guides.
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Tour Overview and Highlights
This full-day tour from Side to Manavgat offers a scenic cruise through the Manavgat delta, along with an on-board buffet lunch and free time at the Manavgat Bazaar.
The tour features swimming at a riverside beach and includes hotel pickup, drop-off, lunch, and a local guide.
It’s a great-value package that operates with a maximum of 150 travelers.
Highlights include taking in the scenic views during the river cruise and browsing the stalls at the renowned Manavgat Bazaar, known as the largest bazaar on the Mediterranean coast.
With its combination of activities and inclusions, this tour provides an engaging and cost-effective way to explore the Manavgat region.
Itinerary and Experience
The tour begins with a morning pickup from central Side, followed by a short drive to the Manavgat river pier. Here, travelers embark on a 2-deck boat cruise with breaks for swimming and tanning.
The leisurely cruise allows visitors to take in the scenic Manavgat delta while enjoying an onboard buffet lunch.
After the cruise, the group spends the afternoon browsing the stalls at the Manavgat Bazaar, known as the largest bazaar on the Mediterranean coast.
The tour concludes with a late afternoon drop-off at the hotel, giving travelers ample time to explore the vibrant market and bring home souvenirs from their day on the river and at the bazaar.
Pricing and Additional Costs
The standard tour package includes a buffet lunch, but an extra meal can be arranged for infants who don’t occupy a seat.
Visitors interested in seeing the Manavgat waterfall will need to pay an additional fee, which is approximately €5.
Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of purchase, and infant rates apply if the child doesn’t require their own seat. A vegetarian option is available upon request.
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible. Guests should note that the on-board bar remains closed during the beach breaks.
This tour operates from March 20, 2024, to November 30, 2024, on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
Accessibility and Additional Information
While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller accessible. The tour’s accessibility is limited, but it caters to families with young children who can enjoy the stroller-friendly experience.
A multi-lingual guide may operate the tour, ensuring clear communication and a seamless experience for international travelers.
Guests should note that the on-board bar remains closed during the beach breaks, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience for all participants.
The tour runs from March 20, 2024, to November 30, 2024, on Mondays and Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The seasonal operation provides ample opportunities for visitors to explore the Manavgat River and the Turkish bazaar.
Reviews and Feedback
According to the available reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 3.5 stars out of 42 total reviews.
Positive feedback emphasizes the tour’s value for money and the relaxing experience it provides.
However, some critiques mention miscommunication regarding the waterfall visit and concerns about the quality of the boat.
Opinions on the Manavgat Bazaar experience are mixed, with some travelers enjoying the shopping while others found it too commercially driven.
Manavgat River Cruise
A key highlight of this tour is the scenic Manavgat river cruise, where travelers can enjoy a relaxing 2-deck boat ride through the delta region.
The cruise offers breaks for swimming and sunbathing, allowing visitors to soak up the peaceful riverside atmosphere.
As the boat glides along the river, travelers can admire the lush greenery and take in the picturesque views.
The cruise is a great way to escape the bustle of Side and take in the tranquil natural surroundings.
With an on-board buffet lunch included, the river cruise is a well-rounded experience that combines sightseeing, relaxation, and dining in one convenient package.
Manavgat Bazaar Exploration
After the relaxing river cruise, the tour takes visitors to the bustling Manavgat Bazaar, known as the largest marketplace along the Mediterranean coast. Travelers can spend the afternoon browsing the stalls, which offer a wide variety of local handicrafts, textiles, spices, and other traditional Turkish goods. With its vibrant atmosphere and abundance of shopping options, the Manavgat Bazaar provides an immersive cultural experience for tour participants.
| Product Category | Specialty Items | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Handmade Textiles | Kilim rugs, Turkish towels, embroidered cushions | €10 – €100 |
| Leather Goods | Handbags, wallets, belts, jackets | €20 – €150 |
| Spices and Herbs | Saffron, Turkish tea, sumac, za’atar | €2 – €15 |
| Ceramics | Pottery, tiles, lamps | €5 – €50 |
| Jewelry | Silver, turquoise, and gemstone pieces | €15 – €200 |
Tour Package Inclusions
The tour package includes a range of features to provide visitors with a comprehensive and convenient experience.
Hotel pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless start and end to the day, while the included buffet lunch offers a midday respite.
Plus, the services of a local guide are provided throughout the tour, sharing insights and facilitating the exploration of the Manavgat region.
The tour also includes a scenic cruise along the Manavgat River delta, allowing travelers to soak in the natural beauty and enjoy swimming breaks.
With a great value-for-money proposition and the option to visit the renowned Manavgat Waterfall for an additional fee, this tour caters to a variety of interests and budgets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat?
According to the tour information, guests are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, a buffet lunch is included in the standard tour package, and there is an on-board bar available during the cruise.
Are There Any Restrictions on Photography During the Cruise?
Visitors are generally allowed to take photos during the cruise, though there may be some restrictions in certain areas for safety or privacy reasons. It’s best to check with the tour guide for any specific limitations.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The standard tour package has a fixed itinerary and schedule, with afternoon drop-off at the hotel. There’s no flexibility to prolong the experience.
Can I Request a Private or Small Group Tour Instead?
Yes, you can request a private or small group tour instead of the standard large group tour. The tour operator may offer customized options at an additional cost to accommodate your preferences.
What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for This Tour?
The tour has a flexible cancellation policy. Customers can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the tour. Within 24 hours, a 50% refund is offered. Some conditions may apply.
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Recap
This tour offers a delightful combination of natural beauty and culture.
Cruising down the scenic Manavgat River provides a relaxing respite, while the vibrant Turkish bazaar in Side showcases the region’s vibrant shopping scene.
With a range of local handicrafts, textiles, and spices on offer, this full-day experience is sure to leave you with lasting memories of Turkey’s captivating blend of nature and culture.
