Nestled along Turkey’s stunning Mediterranean coast, the city of Side offers a gateway to a realm of captivating natural wonders. This 9-hour tour whisks travelers away from the bustling seaside town, unveiling a world of charming mountain villages and the country’s largest underground lake. From the quaint traditions of Ormana and Üründ to the serene boat ride across Altinbesik Cave’s emerald waters, the journey promises to immerse visitors in the timeless allure of Turkey’s cultural tapestry. What secrets and treasures might this enchanting excursion hold?
Key Points
- Explore the picturesque Ormana village, known for its traditional ‘button houses’ and the 650-year-old Ottoman mosque.
- Visit the Altinbesik Cave National Park, home to Turkey’s largest underground lake and stunning limestone formations.
- Observe the intricate craftsmanship behind the hand-carved buttons in Ormana and learn about the village’s history on the Silk Road.
- Discover the charming Avasun village, renowned for its thriving bay leaf production and the integral role of bay leaves in Turkish cuisine.
- Learn about the unique ‘button houses’ of Üründü village and the significance of this traditional architectural style.
Tour Duration and Languages
The tour features a 9-hour duration and provides live guidance in both German and English languages. This extended timeframe allows visitors to fully enjoy the region’s captivating natural and cultural wonders.
The knowledgeable local guide leads the group, sharing insights and stories that bring the destinations to life. Whether you’re a German or English speaker, you’ll be able to engage with the tour and gain a deeper understanding of the unique attractions on the itinerary.
The multilingual approach ensures that all participants can actively participate and make the most of this comprehensive day trip.
Highlights of the Tour
Visitors can explore the picturesque mountain villages, discovering the traditional button houses that dot the landscape.
They’ll then uncover the largest underground lake in Turkey at the Altinbesik Cave, marveling at its natural beauty.
Lunch in the charming Ormana village provides a chance to savor local cuisine and take in the village’s rich cultural heritage.
The tour also includes a visit to the Golden Cradle Cavern, showcasing the region’s remarkable geological wonders.
Along the way, travelers will wander through the village of Avasun, known for its bay leaves, and the historic Sarihacilar köyü, situated on the Silk Road.
The 650-year-old Ottoman mosque is another highlight, offering a glimpse into the area’s captivating past.
Inclusions and Amenities
In an article titled ‘From City of Side: Visit to Ormana Village & Altinbesik Cave’, it is now time to discuss the CURRENT SUBTOPIC ‘Inclusions and Amenities’. This comprehensive tour package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, ensuring a hassle-free experience for travelers. A delicious lunch is provided in the charming Ormana village, allowing visitors to savor local flavors. During the excursion, a 20-minute boat trip transports guests to the captivating Altinbesik Cave, home to Turkey’s largest underground lake. Throughout the journey, a professional local guide offers insights in both German and English, enriching the culture.
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Hotel pick-up and drop-off, air-conditioned minibus |
| Meals | Lunch at a restaurant in Ormana village |
| Activities | 20-minute boat trip to Altinbesik Cave |
| Guides | Professional local guide, German and English languages |
| Duration | 9 hours |
Destinations Visited
Where does this captivating tour take travelers? The journey begins in the village of Avasun, known for its thriving bay leaf production, before moving on to the charming Ürünlü village, renowned for its traditional button houses.
Next, visitors explore the Altinbesik Cave National Park, home to Turkey’s largest underground lake.
The tour then heads to Ormana village, where travelers can admire more button houses and enjoy a delightful lunch.
The final stops include the Sarihacilar köyü, a village along the historic Silk Road, and a 650-year-old Ottoman mosque. Throughout the day, knowledgeable local guides provide insight into the rich cultural heritage of these captivating destinations.
Avasun Village and Bay Leaves
The tour begins in Avasun, a picturesque village renowned for its thriving bay leaf production, where travelers can witness the harvesting and processing of this aromatic herb.
Nestled amongst rolling hills, the village exudes a serene charm, with locals skillfully plucking the fragrant leaves from the lush bay trees that dot the landscape.
Visitors can observe the intricate drying and sorting processes, learning about the integral role bay leaves play in Turkish cuisine. The air is thick with the scent of this versatile spice, and the villagers are eager to share their knowledge and traditions with curious guests.
This stop offers a glimpse into the agricultural heart of the region, setting the stage for the day’s adventure.
Ürünlü Village and Button Houses
Leaving the verdant hills of Avasun behind, the tour group next ventures to the charming village of Ürünlü, renowned for its striking button houses.
These whimsical structures, adorned with ornate wooden buttons, showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage. As the group explores the quaint alleyways, they’re captivated by the intricate craftsmanship and the sense of timelessness that permeates the village.
The guide shares the fascinating history behind this unique architectural style, explaining how the buttons serve both decorative and functional purposes. Visitors delight in the opportunity to interact with local artisans and learn about the meticulous process of button-making.
This immersive experience offers a glimpse into Ürünlü’s enduring traditions and the enduring spirit of its resilient community.
Altinbesik Cave National Park
Plunging deep into the heart of the Taurus Mountains, the tour group arrives at the captivating Altinbesik Cave National Park, home to Turkey’s largest underground lake.
Descending into the cave’s cavernous chambers, the group is awed by the shimmering emerald waters and towering limestone formations. The 20-minute boat ride across the tranquil subterranean lake offers a serene glimpse into this hidden natural wonder.
Known as the ‘Golden Cradle Cavern,’ the cave’s unique geological features and rich biodiversity make it a true highlight of the day’s adventure.
With a sense of wonder, the group emerges from the cave, having explored one of Turkey’s most captivating natural treasures.
Ormana Village and Silk Road
After marveling at the grandeur of Altinbesik Cave, the tour group makes its way to the charming Ormana village, nestled along the famed Silk Road. Ambling through the quaint streets, they admire the traditional ‘button houses’ that dot the landscape, each one a testament to the region’s storied past.
The village offers a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural heritage:
- Visitors can explore the 650-year-old Ottoman mosque, a stunning architectural marvel.
- They’ll discover the intricate craftsmanship behind the hand-carved buttons that adorn the historic homes.
- Lunch at a local restaurant allows them to savor the flavors of Ormana’s renowned cuisine.
The Silk Road’s influence is palpable, as they imagine the caravans that once traversed this ancient trade route.
Recap
This captivating tour offers a unique blend of natural wonders and culture.
Visitors will marvel at the serene beauty of Altinbesik Cave’s underground lake, gain insights into age-old traditions in the charming villages, and discover the enduring legacy of the Silk Road.
With knowledgeable guides, this journey through Turkey’s mountain landscapes promises an unforgettable experience.
