Explore AltıNbeşIk Cave & Ormana Village From Side

Explore a hidden gem in Turkey’s Side region – Altınbeşik Cave and Ormana Village. This 8-hour tour takes you on a captivating journey to discover the country’s largest cave and Europe’s third-largest underground lake. Enjoy the serene natural beauty, from saline waters to diverse wildlife. But the adventure doesn’t stop there. Venture into the charming Ormana Village, renowned for its traditional architecture and picturesque landscapes. With a professional guide by your side, prepare to uncover the cultural heritage that makes this experience truly unforgettable.

Key Points

• Take an 8-hour tour from Side to explore the Altınbeşik Cave, home to Turkey’s largest underground lake, and visit the traditional Ormana Village.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, entrance fees, a traditional Turkish lunch, and a boat tour inside the cave.
• Enjoy panoramic views of the Green Canyon and Oymapınar Dam, and see the unique buttoned houses of Ormana Village built without nails or cement.
• Altınbeşik Cave maintains a constant temperature of 16°C, so warm clothing is recommended, and access may be restricted in winter due to rainfall.
• The tour is priced at €48.00 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with an option to "Reserve now & pay later."

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers an exciting opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Altınbeşik Cave and the cultural heritage of Ormana Village.

Priced at €48.00 per person, the tour lasts 8 hours and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can also opt for the "Reserve now & pay later" option.

The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, entrance fees, a traditional lunch, insurance, and a boat tour inside the cave.

With an overall rating of 3.8/5, the tour receives positive feedback on its organization and cultural insights, though some concerns about the bus driver’s speed have been noted.

Highlights and Activities

Exploring the Altınbeşik Cave, visitors can marvel at Turkey’s largest and Europe’s third-largest underground lake. A boat tour takes them across the saline waters, surrounded by pigeons and bats in the constant 16°C temperature.

The tour also includes a visit to the charming Ormana Village, where traditional buttoned houses, built without nails or cement, showcase the area’s unique architecture.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Green Canyon and Oymapınar Dam before indulging in a traditional Turkish lunch in the village.

This excursion offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and culture.

Natural and Cultural Significance of the Destinations

Altınbeşik Cave, located 75 km from the town of Side within Altınbeşik National Park, is a natural wonder that has captivated visitors.

The cave features saline water, housing pigeons and bats, with a constant temperature of 16°C.

The national park it resides in hosts 605 plant species, 69 of which are endemic.

Ormana Village, with its unique buttoned houses, is another highlight of this tour.

These houses are built without nails or cement, using juniper, cedar, and tar woods – a testament to the region’s traditional architecture and craftsmanship.

Included Services and Amenities

As part of the tour package, the provider includes a range of services to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included, as well as the services of a professional guide. Entrance fees to Altınbeşik Cave and the national park are covered, and a traditional Turkish lunch is provided during the visit to Ormana Village.

Plus, the tour includes a boat tour inside the cave and insurance for your peace of mind.

With these comprehensive inclusions, you can focus on making the most of your day exploring the natural and cultural wonders of the region.

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Important Considerations for Visitors

While the tour offers a comprehensive package, there are a few important considerations visitors should keep in mind.

Firstly, during the winter months, access to the Altınbeşik Cave may be restricted due to increased rainfall.

Secondly, reviews indicate some concerns about the bus driver’s speed, so guests should feel empowered to speak up if they feel uncomfortable.

Lastly, the cave maintains a constant temperature of 16°C, so dressing warmly is advised.

Customer Feedback and Ratings

Customers have provided a mixed yet insightful set of reviews for the Altınbeşik Cave and Ormana Village tour.

With an overall rating of 3.8/5 based on 6 reviews, feedback highlights both positives and areas for improvement. Customers praised the well-organized tour and the cultural insights gained, particularly about Ormana Village’s unique architecture.

However, some noted concerns about the bus driver’s speed. While winter access to the cave may be restricted, the tour generally offers a comprehensive experience exploring Turkey’s natural wonders and traditional villages.

How to Book and Plan Your Tour

How can visitors book and plan their tour to explore Altınbeşik Cave and Ormana Village?

The tour can be reserved directly through the tour provider, with a €48 per person fee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors have the option to pay now or reserve their spot and pay later.

The 8-hour tour includes:

1. Pickup and drop-off at your hotel.

2. A professional guide to lead the exploration of the cave and village.

3. Entrance fees, traditional lunch, boat tour, and insurance.

Travelers should note that cave access may be restricted in winter due to rainfall.

With an overall rating of 3.8/5, this tour offers a unique cultural and natural experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour overview doesn’t mention an option to extend the duration, which is fixed at 8 hours. Customers can’t customize the tour length, but they have flexibility with the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

Do We Need to Bring Our Own Life Jackets for the Boat Tour?

No, life jackets are provided for the boat tour in Altınbeşik Cave. The tour package includes all necessary equipment and services, so there’s no need to bring your own life jackets.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees During the Tour?

No, there are no additional costs or fees during the tour. The €48.00 per person price covers hotel pickup/drop-off, guide, entrance fees, traditional lunch, boat tour, and insurance, as stated in the tour details.

Can We Take Photographs Inside the AltıNbeşIk Cave?

Yes, visitors are allowed to take photographs inside Altınbeşik Cave. However, the guide may advise against using flash to avoid disturbing the cave’s wildlife. Proper lighting and camera settings are recommended for capturing the cave’s unique beauty.

Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a minimum number of participants. It’s a private tour, so you can book it for your group regardless of size. Advance booking is recommended to secure availability.

The Sum Up

This captivating tour combines the natural wonders of Altınbeşik Cave and the cultural charm of Ormana Village, offering a well-rounded exploration of Turkey’s stunning landscapes and heritage. Visitors can expect an unforgettable experience, from the mesmerizing underground lake to the picturesque buttoned houses, all while enjoying a delectable Turkish lunch amidst the breathtaking Green Canyon views. This enriching 8-hour journey promises to leave a lasting impression on anyone seeking a unique and immersive travel experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: