City of Side: Altınbeşik Cave, Buttoned Houses & Ormana Tour

The City of Side offers a captivating adventure that delves into the region’s natural wonders and cultural treasures. Travelers can descend into the mesmerizing Alt??nbe??ik Cave, home to Turkey’s largest underground lake, and discover the unique craftsmanship of Ormana Village’s Button Houses. Complementing this immersive experience is a delectable local lunch and panoramic views of the majestic Green Canyon, creating a well-rounded blend of natural, cultural, and culinary delights. As one explores this enchanting tour, the opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of the Akseki mountain region beckons.

Key Points

• This full-day adventure from Side explores the natural wonders and cultural attractions of the Akseki mountain region, including the expansive Altınbeşik Cave and the unique Button Houses of Ormana Village.
• The tour offers a captivating exploration of Altınbeşik Cave’s subterranean lake, immersion in the traditional artistry of the Button Houses, and panoramic views of the stunning Green Canyon.
• Visitors can savor a delicious local lunch and enjoy a comprehensive experience blending natural, cultural, and culinary elements to discover the highlights of the region.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, knowledgeable guiding, and entrance fees, providing a well-rounded and seamless experience for travelers.
• The tour showcases Turkey’s geological marvels, traditional architectural heritage, and the breathtaking natural beauty of the Akseki mountain area, offering a diverse and immersive day-trip.

Tour Overview

This full-day adventure departs from Side, offering travelers the opportunity to explore the Akseki mountain region‘s captivating natural wonders and cultural attractions.

The tour takes visitors to the expansive Altınbeşik Cave, home to the nation’s largest underground lake. After the cave exploration, the journey continues to the charming Ormana Village, where visitors can admire the unique craftsmanship of the Button Houses.

Throughout the day, guests will enjoy a delicious local lunch and take in the panoramic views of the majestic Green Canyon.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned bus, and all necessary entrance fees included, this tour provides a comprehensive and enjoyable experience for those seeking to discover the hidden gems of the region.

Itinerary Highlights

Guests embark on a captivating exploration of Altınbeşik Cave, home to the nation’s most expansive underground lake.

They then venture to Ormana Village, marveling at the unique craftsmanship of the Button Houses.

A delightful local lunch and panoramic views of the majestic Green Canyon complete the day’s highlights.

The itinerary offers a well-rounded experience:

1. Discover the wonder of Altınbeşik Cave’s subterranean lake.
2. Immerse in the traditional artistry of Ormana Village’s Button Houses.
3. Savor a delicious lunch and admire the stunning vistas of the Green Canyon.

This tour seamlessly blends natural wonders, cultural insights, and culinary delights for an unforgettable adventure.

Pickup and Duration

The tour kicks off with pickup from Side hotels, with the exact time subject to change based on the location of each guest.

The adventure lasts around 8 hours, giving travelers ample time to explore the region’s natural wonders and cultural gems.

The day starts with an air-conditioned bus ride to the Akseki mountain area, where the group will visit the expansive Altınbeşik Cave and the charming Ormana Village.

Along the way, guests will enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Green Canyon.

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a delicious local lunch, knowledgeable guiding, and all necessary entrance fees, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s adventures.

It also covers the cost of a delicious local lunch, providing travelers a chance to savor the region’s culinary delights.

Knowledgeable guiding is included, allowing guests to learn about the cultural and natural significance of the sites visited.

Plus, all necessary entrance fees to Altınbeşik Cave and the National Park (€10) are covered, eliminating any unexpected costs during the tour.

The inclusions of this tour are:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off
2. Lunch
3. Guiding and entrance fees

This comprehensive package allows visitors to fully enjoy the highlights of the Akseki mountain region without any added financial burden.

Exploring Alt??nbe??ik Cave

Adventurers descend into Altınbeşik Cave, marveling at the nation’s most expansive underground lake that lies beneath the Akseki mountain range.

As they explore the vast cavern, they’re captivated by the serene, mirror-like waters reflecting the towering stalactites above.

The soft glow of the lighting illuminates the cave’s impressive scale, with cathedral-like chambers and winding passageways that beg to be discovered.

Visitors can take in the breathtaking sights, gazing in awe at the natural geological wonders that have formed over millennia.

From the impressive underground lake to the intricate cave formations, Altınbeşik Cave offers a truly remarkable adventure into the heart of Turkey’s geological marvels.

Discovering Button Houses

After exploring the awe-inspiring Altınbeşik Cave, visitors venture on to Ormana Village, where they discover the unique craftsmanship of the Button Houses – a captivating architectural tradition that has endured for generations in this remote mountain region.

These charming structures feature:

1. Intricate facades adorned with buttons of varying sizes, shapes, and colors, creating a mesmerizing visual tapestry.
2. Utilization of natural materials like stone and wood, seamlessly blending the homes into the surrounding landscape.
3. Ingenious design elements that optimize airflow and temperature regulation, showcasing the ingenuity of the village’s skilled artisans.

Wandering through Ormana’s winding streets, visitors are transported to a bygone era, marveling at the timeless elegance of these Button Houses.

Enjoying Local Cuisine

Following their captivating exploration of the Button Houses, visitors indulge in a delectable local lunch, savoring the flavors that define the Akseki mountain region.

They’re seated in a cozy, family-owned restaurant, surrounded by the rustic charm of the village. The menu features traditional Turkish dishes, each one a culinary masterpiece.

Fragrant Kebabs sizzle on the grill, complemented by fluffy rice and fresh salads. Local Pide, a beloved flatbread, is topped with melted cheese and aromatic spices.

For dessert, they indulge in Baklava, the flaky pastry drizzled in sweet syrup. As they savor every bite, visitors are immersed in the authentic flavors and warm hospitality that define the Akseki mountain region.

Panoramic Views of Green Canyon

The tour culminates with a breathtaking panoramic vista of the verdant Green Canyon, a natural wonder that leaves visitors in awe.

Carved over millennia by the flow of the Manavgat River, this stunning gorge boasts:

• Towering limestone cliffs that rise up to 300 meters on either side, creating a dramatic landscape.
• Lush, emerald-green foliage that blankets the canyon walls, adding to the serene, picturesque setting.
• Sparkling turquoise waters that wind through the heart of the canyon, reflecting the surrounding natural beauty.

As the tour group gazes out over this magnificent scene, they’re left with a deep appreciation for the power and splendor of Turkey’s untamed wilderness.

Recap

The Side-based tour offers a captivating blend of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and delectable local cuisine.

From the awe-inspiring Altınbeşik Cave to the unique Button Houses of Ormana Village, this experience immerses visitors in the rich tapestry of the Akseki mountain region.

Capped off by panoramic views of the majestic Green Canyon, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of the area’s natural, cultural, and culinary delights.