Nestled along the sun-kissed shores of the Turkish Riviera, the ancient city of Side beckons travelers with its captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures. Amongst the highlights is a full-day tour that unveils the region’s rural charm, from the serene depths of the Altinbesik Cave to the timeless traditions of the Ormana Village. As visitors embark on this immersive journey, they’ll discover a realm where the untamed wilderness and the enduring spirit of the Turkish countryside converge, hinting at the profound insights that await those who delve deeper.
Key Points
- A full-day tour from Side that explores the Turkish countryside, Taurus Mountains, and traditional Turkish life, including a boat trip in Altinbesik Cave.
- Discover the largest underground lake in Turkey and the third-largest in Europe, with its breathtaking rock formations and serene atmosphere.
- Visit Ormana Village, a 300-year-old village with traditional ‘Buttoned House’ architecture and an opportunity to interact with local people and witness time-honored crafts.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, a delicious local lunch, and entrance to Altinbesik Cave.
- The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments, and bookings can be made online with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Details
This full-day tour from Side takes visitors to the Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Village, lasting approximately 7 hours with hotel pickup and afternoon drop-off.
Highlights of the tour include marveling at the Turkish countryside and Taurus Mountains, experiencing traditional Turkish life in Ormana Village, and exploring natural wonders like the Altinbesik Cave.
Guests will enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
The Altinbesik Cave boasts the largest underground lake in Turkey and the third largest in Europe, offering a boat trip to explore its natural bridges and scenery.
In Ormana Village, visitors can tour a 300-year-old mosque and a traditional ‘Buttoned House’, as well as interact with the local people.
Highlights of the Tour
During this captivating tour, visitors marvel at the serene Turkish countryside and the majestic Taurus Mountains.
They’ll experience the traditional way of life in Ormana Village, where they can explore a 300-year-old mosque and tour a historic ‘Buttoned House’.
The highlight of the tour is the jaw-dropping Altinbesik Cave, home to Turkey’s largest underground lake and the third-largest in Europe. Visitors take a boat trip to witness the cave’s natural bridges and stunning scenery, all while enjoying a stable temperature of 16 degrees year-round.
Throughout the day, guests savor a delicious local lunch, ensuring a well-rounded culture in this picturesque region.
Exploring Altinbesik Cave
Visitors embark on a captivating boat ride to explore the awe-inspiring Altinbesik Cave, home to Turkey’s largest underground lake and the third-largest in Europe.
The stable year-round temperature of 16 degrees Celsius creates a serene atmosphere, as the boat glides along the serene waters.
The cave’s natural wonders come to life, with:
- Breathtaking natural bridges spanning the subterranean landscape
- Stunning rock formations and stalactites adorning the cave’s walls
- The shimmering underground lake, reflecting the natural light from above
This immersive experience allows visitors to marvel at the raw beauty and tranquility of this remarkable natural wonder, leaving a lasting impression on all who venture into its depths.
Discovering Ormana Village
After exploring the natural wonders of Altinbesik Cave, the tour takes visitors to the charming Ormana Village, where they can enjoy the traditional Turkish way of life. The village is home to a 300-year-old mosque, which stands as a testament to the region’s rich history. Visitors can also tour a traditional ‘Buttoned House,’ gaining insight into the architectural styles and living practices of the locals.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Mosque | 300 years old |
| ‘Buttoned House’ | Traditional architecture |
| Interaction | Opportunity to interact with locals |
The highlight of the Ormana Village experience is the chance to interact with the friendly local people, allowing visitors to truly connect with the cultural heritage of the region.
Traditional Turkish Life
Ormana Village offers a glimpse into the enduring traditions that shape daily life in rural Turkey.
Locals gather at the 300-year-old mosque, where the rhythmic chants of the muezzin echo through the streets.
Visitors can tour a traditional ‘Buttoned House‘, marveling at the intricate woodcarvings and hand-woven textiles that adorn the interior.
Throughout the village, residents engage in time-honored crafts, from pottery-making to basket weaving, sharing their skills and stories with fascinated onlookers.
This immersive experience allows travelers to connect with the authentic heart of Turkish culture, far from the tourist crowds of the cities.
Boat Trip in the Cave
Inside the vast Altinbesik Cave, visitors embark on a captivating boat ride to explore its natural wonders.
The largest underground lake in Turkey and third-largest in Europe, the cave’s stable 16-degree temperature creates a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.
Navigating the serene waters, the boat glides past stunning natural bridges and breathtaking rock formations.
Stalactites and stalagmites adorn the cave’s ceilings and floors, creating a mesmerizing display of nature’s artistry.
The boat’s gentle motion and the cave’s tranquil ambiance combine to provide a truly immersive and unforgettable experience for visitors.
Whether marveling at the cave’s sheer scale or appreciating its intricate geological features, this boat tour offers a unique glimpse into the hidden treasures of the Altinbesik Cave.
Inclusion and Exclusion
The tour package to Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Village includes several key elements to ensure a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for visitors.
- Pickup from the hotel and drop-off in the afternoon, providing convenient transportation and avoiding the hassle of driving.
- A delicious lunch at a local restaurant, allowing visitors to enjoy the authentic flavors of the region.
- The entrance fee to Altinbesik Cave, granting access to the impressive natural wonder and its stunning underground lake.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments, ensuring the safety and comfort of all participants.
Booking and Cancellation
Travelers can conveniently book the tour through an online platform, with the option to reserve now and pay later.
Alternatively, they can also take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility in their travel plans. This helps ensure that visitors can adjust their schedule if necessary, without incurring any penalties.
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments, as the cave exploration may pose some physical challenges.
However, for those who meet the requirements, the Altinbesik Cave and Ormana tour offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders and traditional Turkish culture of the region.
Recap
This immersive tour provides a unique glimpse into Turkey’s natural and cultural treasures.
Visitors will explore the serene Altinbesik Cave and its underground lake, then experience the traditional life of Ormana Village.
The boat trip through the cave and the delicious local lunch make this a well-rounded excursion, offering a deep dive into the region’s remarkable heritage.
