City of Side: Green Lake Boat and Cabrio Bus Tour

Discover Side’s Natural and Historic Highlights on the Green Lake Boat and Cabrio Bus Tour

This popular tour in Antalya Province offers a well-rounded day exploring both the beauty and history of Side, Turkey. For just $25 per person, you get a full 8 hours of sightseeing, a boat trip, and authentic local experiences—all while riding comfortably in a cabrio bus that offers a fun twist on traditional coach tours. It’s a delightful way to see the area like a local, without breaking the bank.

What really sets this trip apart is how it combines cultural sites, natural beauty, and leisure in one seamless experience. We love the way it balances guided commentary with free time, making it suitable for many types of travelers—from history buffs to nature lovers. But keep in mind, the tour involves a fair amount of walking and some basic mobility requirements, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a full day on their feet.

One potential consideration is the English fluency of the guide, which some reviewers mentioned could be improved. Still, the overall value, friendly atmosphere, and variety of stops make this tour a sound choice for those looking to maximize their time in Side without splurging on multiple excursions. It’s especially ideal if you want a rundown that hits the highlights and offers some authentic local flavor.

Who Should Consider This Tour? If you’re after a budget-friendly, well-organized day that combines history, nature, and local cuisine, this tour hits the spot. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors to Side, families, or those wanting to experience a wide slice of the region’s offerings without the hassle of planning multiple activities.

Key Points

• Affordable and comprehensive: For just $25, you get a full day packed with sightseeing, activities, and local tastes.
• Diverse itinerary: From ancient Roman sites to Green Lake and waterfalls, it offers a broad view of the area’s highlights.
• Authentic local experiences: Taste Turkish gozleme, fresh orange and pomegranate juice, and enjoy a boat trip in Green Lake.
• Comfortable transportation: Travel is in a cabrio bus with Wi-Fi, making the trip both enjoyable and practical.
• Knowledgeable guides: Many reviews praise guides like Thomas for their helpfulness and insights.
• Flexible cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, adding peace of mind.

In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

From Hotel Pickup to First Stop

The tour kicks off with hotel pickup, which is included if you’re staying in Side or nearby areas like Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, Gundogdu, Sorgun, or Titreyengol. The convenience of being collected from your hotel door means you can start your day relaxed, without worrying about transportation logistics.

Once onboard, the cabrio bus offers a fun twist—an open-top style that allows for great views and photo opportunities, especially on scenic drives and at the water stops. The bus is equipped with Wi-Fi, making it easy to stay connected or share your adventure live.

Visiting the Kulliye Mosque and Learning About Islam

Your first stop is the Kulliye Mosque, where your guide offers a brief overview of Islamic history. It’s a modest but meaningful introduction to the region’s cultural heritage. The stop isn’t long, but it sets a respectful tone for the day and offers a glimpse of local religious architecture.

Sampling Turkish Gozleme

Next, you’ll take a short break to enjoy Turkish gozleme, a traditional savory pastry that’s a favorite street food in the region. This is a lovely, authentic touch for the tour, giving you a taste of local cuisine before heading into more historical sites. The break is also a good chance to chat with your guide or fellow travelers.

Exploring Seleukia Ancient Roman City

The highlight for history enthusiasts is the visit to Seleukia, an ancient Roman city. Here, your guide provides context about the ruins—think old city walls, columns, and remnants of ancient life. Several reviewers mention that guides like Thomas are knowledgeable, making the experience both educational and engaging.

Oymapnar Dam, Green Canyon, and Green Lake

Driving up to Oymapnar Dam offers stunning views over the Green Canyon and Green Lake, which are the focal points of this tour. The dam itself is impressive, and the surrounding scenery is lush and inviting.

The boat trip on Green Lake is a real treat—lasting about an hour, it allows for some relaxing downtime, photo opportunities, and even swimming if you wish. Many travelers appreciate this break, describing it as a peaceful, scenic experience. One reviewer, Adam, called the guide “Thomas,” made the whole day “easy and fun,” emphasizing how the boat ride adds a calming element to the otherwise bus-heavy itinerary.

Lunch and Waterfall Stop

After the boat, you’ll enjoy a lunch at Green Lake, providing a chance to unwind and recharge. The meal isn’t specified, but given the setting, it’s likely to be local and fresh. You’ll then head to the Manavgat Waterfall, where you can take about 30 minutes to walk around and soak in the natural beauty—or enter the waterfall area if you want.

The waterfall stop is often highlighted as a refreshing natural highlight, though some reviewers note that entrance fees may apply and that prices at the waterfall are slightly higher than in other tourist spots.

Final Stop at Orange Garden

Your day ends with a visit to an orange garden, where you can taste freshly squeezed orange and pomegranate juices. This authentic touch offers a literal taste of Turkish agriculture and is a delightful, refreshing way to conclude the tour.

Return and Drop-off

By around 5:00 PM, you’ll be back at your hotel, completing a full day of sightseeing, shopping, and sampling. The tour balances active exploration with relaxing breaks, making it suitable for most travelers.

Authenticity and Value

The tour’s value largely comes from its mix of cultural, historical, and natural highlights—all included in the modest price. Many reviews commend the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude, which enrich the experience. For example, one reviewer praised guide Thomas for making the day “easy and fun,” indicating the importance of a personable guide in making this kind of tour memorable.

The boat trip on Green Lake is another notable highlight, offering a peaceful interlude in a busy sightseeing day. For an extra cost, you might also choose to enter the waterfall or buy drinks, but overall, the inclusive lunch, boat ride, and transport make it a good deal.

Transportation and Group Size

The use of a cabrio bus with Wi-Fi, combined with hotel pickup, enhances the comfort and convenience of the trip. While the exact group size isn’t specified, the organized nature of the tour suggests it’s designed for manageable groups, likely fostering a friendly atmosphere where you can easily hear your guide.

Considerations on Cost and Comfort

At $25 per person, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the number of stops and activities included. It’s an affordable way to cover a lot of ground in one day, making it perfect for travelers who want a comprehensive introduction to the region without paying for multiple separate excursions.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of history, scenic views, and culture. Families, first-timers in Side, or those looking for an easy, organized way to explore multiple sites will find it appealing. It’s also great for budget travelers who want to make the most of their time without overspending.

However, it’s not ideal for travelers with mobility impairments, as the day involves walking and some uneven terrain at sites like the waterfalls and ancient ruins.

Final Thoughts

The Green Lake Boat and Cabrio Bus Tour offers a practical, entertaining, and price-conscious way to see some of Side’s best sights in one day. The combination of natural beauty, history, and local flavors makes it a well-rounded experience that appeals to a broad audience. Tour guides like Thomas receive consistent praise for their knowledge and friendly demeanor, adding a personal touch to the adventure.

You’ll love the scenic boat ride, the insight into ancient Roman history, and the chance to sample fresh Turkish fruit juices—all in one comfortably-paced day. The tour’s affordability and inclusions make it an excellent choice for those wanting a thorough overview without the hassle of planning. Just keep in mind the guide’s language skills and the physical aspects of some stops.

If you’re after an authentic, fun, and value-packed day in Side, this tour deserves your consideration.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is available from hotels in Side and nearby areas like Kumkoy, Evrenseki, Colakli, Gundogdu, Sorgun, and Titreyengol, making start logistics simple.

How long is the boat trip?
The boat tour on Green Lake lasts approximately one hour, providing a relaxing break and photo opportunities.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, swimwear, and a towel are recommended for enjoying the lake and waterfalls.

Are drinks included?
No, all drinks are not included. You might want to bring some water, as well as other beverages you prefer.

Is there a meal provided?
Yes, a lunch at Green Lake is included in the tour. The exact menu isn’t specified, but it’s described as delicious and refreshing.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour accessible for mobility-impaired travelers?
No, the tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments due to walking and terrain at some stops.

What languages is the guide available in?
Guides speak German and English, though some reviews suggest that English translation could be clearer.

How much does the tour cost?
The price is $25 per person, making it an affordable option with a lot of included activities.

This tour offers a balanced blend of history, nature, and local flavor, wrapped up in a comfortable and cost-effective package. It’s a fantastic way to get a broad overview of what Side and its surroundings have to offer, especially if you’re short on time or budget-conscious.