Full-Day Tour in Manavgat with Pick Up

Travelers looking for a diverse day trip from Side often stumble upon this Full-Day Tour in Manavgat, which promises a mix of natural beauty, history, and local culture. Priced at just over $20 per person, it’s an approachable outing that offers a good balance of sights and experiences, especially for those keen to see more of the surrounding area without breaking the bank.

One thing we particularly like about this tour is its varied itinerary — from visiting the impressive Manavgat Mosque to relaxing at Green Lake, it caters to different interests in one day. Plus, the inclusion of lunch and water activities makes it feel like real value for money.

However, it’s worth noting that the tour’s descriptions can be a bit misleading at times, especially regarding some sites like the mosque, which reviews suggest may not always match expectations. Plus, the group size can be quite large (up to 150 travelers), which might affect the intimacy of the experience. This trip is best suited for those who enjoy a well-organized, sightseeing-packed day but aren’t overly concerned about customized or private tours.

Key Points

• Varied itinerary offers a mix of natural, historical, and cultural sights.
• Affordable price point includes lunch, boat trip, and entrance fees at key stops.
• Guides are often praised for their friendliness and knowledge.
• Group size can be large, which may impact the personal feel of the experience.
• Timing is approximately 7 hours, making it a full but manageable day.
• Some reviews mention site descriptions may not always match reality, especially regarding the mosque and old city.

Starting With the Mosque: A Glimpse Into Islam’s Architecture

The tour kicks off at Manavgat Mosque, which is described as the biggest mosque in the area. It’s a chance to see Islamic architecture up close and appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into such religious structures. However, reviews reveal a bit of inconsistency here — some visitors thought it was smaller than expected or not as impressive as the name suggests. One reviewer noted they visited a small village mosque instead of the biggest one, which was a bit disappointing.

Despite this, the mosque remains a meaningful cultural stop, especially if you’re interested in local beliefs. The visit is brief, around 30 minutes, with free admission, making it a quick but insightful start.

The Waterfall: Nature’s Relaxing Soundscape

Next up is the Manavgat Waterfall, which might not be the tallest or most dramatic waterfall you’ve seen, but its constant flow and natural setting make it worth a stop. The sound of foaming water and the scenic river backdrop create a peaceful vibe. Entrance fees are included, so you can take your photos without worry.

From reviews, it’s clear many travelers love the photo opportunities here — some described it as a place to capture the “great view,” and others appreciated the chance to soak in nature’s calmness. It’s a short stop (30 minutes), so it’s more about the experience than a full hike.

The Oymapinar Dam and Green Lake: Engineering Meets Serenity

A quick 20-minute stop at the Oymapinar Dam offers a look at impressive hydroelectric engineering from the 1970s. The views from the dam’s terrace are notable, but some visitors mention it’s more about the photo opportunity than exploring the dam itself.

Then, the tour heads to Green Lake, which is a human-made reservoir. Here, the serene environment invites relaxation, and the lunch at Green Lake restaurant is a highlight. You’ll enjoy a meal with a view over the water, an experience appreciated by most. After lunch, you have free time for water sports like swimming or fishing, which can be a fun way to cool off or unwind.

Reviews show that the Green Lake area truly impresses — one guest called it “exquisite” and appreciated the calm and beauty of the place. It’s a perfect chance to take a break from sightseeing and just enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Ancient Seleukeia (Lyrbe): History Comes Alive

Next, the tour takes you to the Ancient City of Seleukeia (Lybre). Here, you’ll step back into history, walking among ruins and old structures. Guides usually provide interesting insights, and many visitors find it worthwhile for the photo opportunities — capturing the remnants of a city that has seen thousands of years.

One reviewer loved that the guide shared stories and facts as they explored, making the visit more engaging. The duration is approximately 30 minutes, so plan to soak in the historical atmosphere without feeling rushed.

Orange Garden and Local Flavor

The final stop is a natural orange garden, where you can sample freshly squeezed orange juice and take photos among the fruit trees. It’s a lively, colorful end to the day, appreciated for its authenticity and local vibe. Visitors often mention how the orange garden provides a refreshing break and a chance to experience local agriculture.

Returning Home: Reflection and Relaxation

After the orange garden, the group heads back to Side. The entire day lasts around 7 hours, so you’ll arrive back with plenty of time to relax or explore more on your own.

Many reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides make a difference. One guest praised guides Donut and the German-speaking guide for their professionalism and friendliness, noting they made everyone feel welcome. Others appreciated the balanced mix of sights, from waterfalls to ancient ruins, which kept the day interesting.

Value for money is a recurring theme. At just over $20, the tour includes lunch, water activities, entrance fees, and transportation in a comfortable cabrio bus. Guests say that the comfort of the bus and organized itinerary make the experience smooth and enjoyable, especially with large groups.

However, some critiques include the possibility of misleading site descriptions or surprise stops like the zoo, which might not appeal to everyone. Plus, the large group size (up to 150 travelers) could impact the intimate feeling of certain stops.

The tour starts at 9:30 am, with pickups arranged in front of your hotel — just ensure you’re ready and waiting on time. The transportation is via comfortable cabrio buses with roll-up windows, so you can adjust for weather and wind.

Expect a full day of sightseeing—approximately 7 hours — and be prepared for some walking at sites like the ancient city and the orange garden. Bring essentials like sunscreen, water, and comfortable shoes. The lunch at Green Lake is included, but remember to budget for additional snacks or drinks if you want soda or alcohol, which are not included.

While the tour is suitable for most travelers, those with mobility issues may want to check the accessibility of some stops, especially the ancient ruins and water stops.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want a well-rounded sightseeing day that combines nature, history, and local culture at an affordable price. If you enjoy guided excursions with friendly, knowledgeable guides and don’t mind large groups, you’ll likely find this experience rewarding.

It’s also a good choice for those who want variety — from waterfalls to ancient ruins to orange gardens — without the hassle of organizing multiple sites independently. However, if you’re seeking a more personalized or private experience, or if site descriptions matter greatly to your expectations, you might want to consider other options.

In a nutshell, the Full-Day Tour in Manavgat offers a comprehensive and value-packed way to explore some of the region’s most appealing sights. The highlights are undoubtedly the Green Lake and waterfall, with friendly guides enhancing the experience. The inclusion of lunch and water activities adds to the overall value.

Though there are a few quirks — like site descriptions that don’t always match reality — most travelers walk away with beautiful photos, new knowledge, and good memories. It’s a tour that balances scenic beauty with cultural insights, making it an excellent choice for those wanting to make the most of a day in Side.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, you will be picked up in front of your hotel, making it convenient to start your day without extra planning.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 7 hours, starting at 9:30 am and returning in the late afternoon.

What’s included in the price?
The tour price covers entrance fees for the waterfall, dam, and ancient city, plus lunch and transportation in a comfortable bus.

Are water activities available?
Yes, at Green Lake, you can swim or fish during your free time after lunch.

Can I take photos at each stop?
Absolutely. Many reviewers mention the great photo opportunities, especially at the waterfall, ancient ruins, and orange garden.

Is the group size large?
Yes, the tour can accommodate up to 150 travelers, which might mean some sites are crowded.

Are guides multilingual?
Guides are known for their friendliness and provide explanations in multiple languages, often including English and German.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, hat, camera, and a sense of adventure. Extra cash might be needed for optional water or souvenirs.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most likely, as the stops are gentle and engaging, but check with the provider if you have specific concerns about age or mobility.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, and full refunds are available if canceled on time.

This tour offers a taste of the diversity and charm of the Manavgat region, making it an accessible and enjoyable way to see the sights without the hassle of planning every detail yourself. Whether you’re after natural beauty, historical sites, or authentic local flavor, this adventure has something to offer.