Side Cabrio Bus Tour With Green Lake And Manavgat Waterfall

Exploring Turkey’s Countryside with the Side Cabrio Bus Tour

If you’re seeking a full-day adventure that combines history, natural beauty, and a dash of fun, the Side Cabrio Bus Tour with Green Lake and Manavgat Waterfall might just be what you’re after. This tour offers an exciting way to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, giving travelers a chance to experience Turkey’s stunning landscapes and heritage from the comfort of a specially designed Cabrio Bus.

What we love most about this experience is the blend of off-road excitement with cultural insights. The route takes you through the lush Taurus Mountains, past ancient Roman aqueducts, and into picturesque villages, all punctuated by stops that offer real connections to local life and history. A potential downside is that some attractions, like the Manavgat Waterfall, require an extra entrance fee, so it’s good to keep that in mind when budgeting. This tour suits travelers who crave a mix of adventure, history, and scenic views, especially those keen to see the countryside and its hidden gems.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary: Combines cultural visits, natural sights, and fun off-road driving
• Expert guides: Well-reviewed guides provide valuable insights into local traditions and history
• Affordable price: At $25, it offers great value for a full-day experience
• Flexible options: Includes lunch, boat tour, and transport, making it convenient
• Active and scenic: Perfect for those wanting an energetic day with beautiful vistas
• Potential extra costs: Some attractions may require additional entrance fees

A Closer Look at the Itinerary and What You Can Expect

Starting the Day: Hotel Pickup and Introduction

The adventure begins early with hotel pickup around 9:00 am. We found this to be a smooth process, with guides ready to share a bit of what’s ahead. The guides are praised for their knowledge—one reviewer noted their “top guides and driver,” which helped make the day enjoyable and informative. This initial phase sets the tone, promising a day packed with sights and stories.

First Stop: Side and Its Highlights

The tour kicks off with a brief visit to Side itself, where you get a quick overview of the town’s charm. While only a 30-minute stop, it’s enough to get a feel for Turkey’s historic coastal town. This initial stop is mainly for orientation and photo ops, not an in-depth exploration—so if you’re craving time in Side, plan to explore more on your own later.

Discovering Manavgat: Mosque and Waterfall

Next is a visit to a local mosque in Manavgat, where your guide will share insights about local religious traditions and culture. It’s a peaceful, authentic spot that offers a window into daily life.

Then comes the highly recommended Manavgat Waterfall. It’s touted as a “natural wonder,” and you’ll have around 30 minutes here. The waterfall is well worth the quick stop—perfect for photos and simply soaking in the natural beauty. Keep in mind, entrance to the Waterfall is extra, so budget accordingly. One reviewer mentioned that the waterfall “is a perfect spot for photo shooting,” which rings true for anyone wanting that classic postcard shot.

Off-Road Safari and Village Life

The real fun begins with the off-road safari—a highlight according to many travelers. Expect dusty, sometimes wet, countryside roads that get your adrenaline pumping and your clothes dirty (in a good way). Be prepared for some water fights and dust clouds, as the vehicle drives through rugged terrain—an experience that’s often described as “major water and dust fights” in reviews.

This part of the tour offers more than just thrill; it’s a chance to see local life in villages. You’ll visit a tea garden and sample Turkish pancakes or gözleme, which adds a tasty local flavor to your day. One traveler called this stop “a short break,” but it’s enough to appreciate the simplicity and hospitality of rural Turkey.

Exploring Ancient Ruins: Seleucia and Roman Engineering

Next, the journey takes you to Seleukeia, an ancient city dating back 2,500 years. Guided explanations help unravel the history behind this archaeological site, which features notable mosaics from the Hellenistic period. This stop, lasting about 30 minutes, offers a glimpse of Turkey’s layered history and impressive ancient architecture.

Additional stops include Naras Bridge, Roman aqueducts, and the Oymapinar Dam—all dating back to Roman times. These short photo and information breaks are appreciated, especially since they’re set in scenic locations. Reviewers often mention the “knowledgeable guides” who enrich these moments with interesting facts.

Green Lake and Lake Activities

The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly the Green Canyon with its turquoise lake. Here, you’ll enjoy a hearty lunch at a lakeside restaurant, featuring grilled options, rice, pasta, salad, and fruit. Not only does this fill you up, but it also offers a chance to relax and appreciate the stunning surroundings.

After lunch, you have 1.5 hours of free time. Many travelers loved getting into the water—swimming, kayaking, or fishing with provided tackle. The lake’s clear waters and peaceful atmosphere make it an ideal break from the busy sightseeing.

Boat Tour on Green Lake

The boat ride is a peaceful hour-long cruise on Green Lake’s calm waters. The reviews emphasize how tranquil and beautiful the scenery is from the boat, making it a perfect way to unwind and see the lake from a different perspective.

Final Stop at the Mini Zoo

The last stop is a mini zoo, where you can see and photograph rare animals in a wooded setting. It’s a light-hearted end to the day, and many travelers appreciated the chance to see animals in a natural environment before heading back.

End of the Day and Return to Side

The tour concludes around 4:30 pm with hotel drop-offs. The group size is capped at 50, ensuring a comfortable experience, and most travelers find the pace just right—full but not exhausting.

What Sets This Tour Apart

The knowledgeable guides, who are often praised for their friendliness and local insights, elevate this experience. Their explanations about religious traditions, ancient ruins, and local life are detailed enough to satisfy history lovers while remaining accessible.

The scenic stops like Green Lake and the Roman aqueducts are genuinely beautiful, giving you both photo opportunities and educational moments. The off-road safari adds a sense of adventure that’s missing from typical sightseeing tours, and the optional activities at Green Lake (swimming, kayaking, fishing) make the experience feel personal and flexible.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $25 per person, this tour offers excellent value. It includes transport, guides, lunch, and a boat ride—all in one day. While some attractions like Manavgat Waterfall require extra fees, the overall cost remains reasonable considering the variety of experiences packed into the itinerary.

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Bring cash for optional entrance fees and souvenirs.
• Wear comfortable clothes suitable for off-road driving and outdoor activities.
• Prepare for dust and water fights—don’t wear your best outfit.
• Sun protection is essential; hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen will help make the day comfortable.
• The duration (7-8 hours) is well-balanced, providing a full experience without feeling rushed.
• If you’re a history buff, the ancient ruins and aqueducts will be particularly interesting—guided commentary is engaging and informative.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor fun, cultural insights, and scenic beauty. It suits those looking for an affordable full-day escape from the coast, especially if you want to see rural Turkey’s charm and historic sites without strenuous activity or long travel times.

It also appeals to families, couples, or groups who enjoy a bit of everything—nature, history, and lively off-road fun. If you’re traveling with someone who appreciates a good story from a knowledgeable guide, this tour hits that mark.

Who Might Want to Skip It?

If you prefer luxury or exclusivity, or if you’re not comfortable with dusty, bumpy rides, this might not be your first choice. Also, those who want to avoid additional entrance fees should prepare accordingly. Lastly, if you’re short on time, a half-day tour might be more suitable.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package, making it convenient to start and end your day without hassle.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs approximately 7 to 8 hours, starting around 9:00 am and returning by 4:30 pm.

Are meals included?
Yes, a lunch at Green Lake is included, featuring grilled meat or fish, rice, pasta, salad, and fruits.

Can I swim at Green Lake?
Absolutely. You’ll have about 1.5 hours of free time, during which swimming, kayaking, or fishing are popular activities.

Are there any additional costs?
Some attractions like Manavgat Waterfall require an extra entrance fee. Also, purchasing souvenirs or drinks at stops is at your discretion.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While most of the activities are family-friendly, the off-road safari involves dusty roads and water fights—so consider your children’s comfort with such adventures.

What should I bring?
Bring sun protection, comfortable clothes, a camera, cash for optional fees, and perhaps a change of clothes if you plan to swim.

Final Thoughts

The Side Cabrio Bus Tour offers an exciting, well-rounded way to experience Turkish countryside, history, and scenery in one day. The blend of off-road fun, cultural stops, and relaxing lake activities makes it appealing for travelers wanting an active and diverse adventure.

Thanks to the knowledgeable guides and the variety of sights, you’ll come away with not just photos but a sense of Turkey’s rich rural life and ancient engineering. While there’s a small additional cost for some attractions, the overall value remains high, making it a smart choice for travelers wanting to get the most out of a day outside the usual tourist spots.

If you’re after an energetic, scenic, and educational experience, this tour ticks all those boxes—and might just be one of your favorite days in Turkey.