Tucked away in the heart of Antalya province, the charming Ormana Village and the captivating Altinbesik Cave offer a unique glimpse into Turkey’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural wonders. This day trip from the City of Side promises an immersive experience, where visitors can explore authentic button houses, embark on a boat ride through a subterranean lake, and savor the flavors of local cuisine. As the journey unfolds, one can’t help but wonder what other hidden gems this remarkable region has in store.
Key Points
- This 9-hour tour takes visitors from the city of Side to explore Ormana Village and the Altinbesik Cave.
- Highlights include experiencing authentic button houses, a 20-minute boat ride on a subterranean lake, and enjoying local cuisine.
- The tour includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, lunch, and transportation in an air-conditioned minibus.
- The tour is priced at $49.07 per person and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- The tour has an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, with praise for the guide’s knowledge and the immersive cultural experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This tour is priced at $49.07 per person and has a duration of 9 hours.
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is offered.
The tour highlights include visiting Ormana Village, exploring Altinbesik Cave, experiencing authentic button houses, taking a boat ride on a subterranean lake, enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, and exploring additional villages along the Silk Road.
Explore Ormana Village, Altinbesik Cave, button houses, a subterranean lake, local cuisine, and Silk Road villages on this immersive experience.
Transportation, a professional local guide, and drinks are included, while personal expenses are not.
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Itinerary Highlights
The tour visits Ormana Village and explores Turkey’s largest cave, Altinbesik Cave. Visitors experience authentic button houses and traditional architecture in Ormana.
They then take a boat ride on a subterranean lake within Altinbesik Cave. After lunch at a local restaurant in Ormana, the tour moves on to Avasun village, known for bay leaves, and offers views of Green Canyon and Green Lake.
The final stop is Sarihacilar köyü, a Silk Road village, where travelers visit a 650-year-old Ottoman mosque.
Included Services
The tour includes a comprehensive set of services to enhance the overall experience.
Hotel pick-up and drop-off ensure a seamless start and end to the day. Lunch at a local restaurant in Ormana Village provides an authentic taste of the region.
The 20-minute boat trip on the subterranean lake in Altinbesik Cave is a highlight, with a professional local guide providing expert commentary.
Transportation is via an air-conditioned minibus, and drinks are included, though personal expenses are not.
These inclusive services create a well-rounded and convenient experience for visitors.
Customer Experience and Reviews
Customer reviews for this tour generally reflect a positive overall experience.
With an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 171 reviews, customers seem satisfied with the various aspects of the tour. The guide’s knowledge and professionalism earned a 4.7 rating, while the transportation and value for money were also well-received at 4.5 ratings.
Highlights from reviewers include the relaxing pace, immersion in local culture, and traditional cuisine. However, a few noted that the guide’s limited English skills somewhat impacted their experience.
More Great Tours NearbyLanguage and Accessibility
How accessible is this tour for visitors? The tour offers live guides in both German and English, catering to a range of language preferences. This ensures visitors can fully engage with the culture and understand the historical context throughout the experience.
The tour also accommodates various accessibility needs, with hotel pickup and drop-off, an air-conditioned minibus, and a boat ride in the cave. While the guide’s limited English may impact the experience for some, the overall accessibility of the tour makes it suitable for travelers seeking a comprehensive cultural adventure in Ormana Village and Altinbesik Cave.
Exploring Ormana Village
Ormana Village presents an opportunity to take in authentic Turkish rural life. Visitors explore charming button houses and traditional architectural styles. They witness locals engaging in time-honored crafts and agricultural practices.
The village’s quaint streets invite exploration, leading to captivating viewpoints of the surrounding countryside. Guests savor a delightful lunch at a local restaurant, sampling regional specialties.
This culture provides a glimpse into the daily rhythms and time-honored traditions that have shaped Ormana over centuries. The village offers a chance to step back in time and connect with Turkey’s rich heritage.
Discovering Altinbesik Cave
Descending into the depths of Altinbesik Cave, visitors embark on a spellbinding journey through Turkey’s largest cave system.
The highlight is a 20-minute boat ride across a subterranean lake, offering a mesmerizing perspective of the cave’s grandeur. As explorers navigate the underground waterways, they encounter:
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Towering stalactites and stalagmites, sculpted by centuries of mineral deposits.
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Echoing chambers with intricate rock formations, sculpted by the elements over millennia.
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A sense of tranquility and wonder, as the cave’s serene atmosphere envelops the senses.
The Altinbesik Cave experience is a captivating blend of natural beauty and geological marvel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the itinerary, drinks are included, but personal expenses are not. Guests can bring their own food and additional drinks if they prefer, but these won’t be provided as part of the included services.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
Unfortunately, there’s no option to extend the tour duration based on the provided information. The tour is a fixed 9-hour experience, and any changes to the itinerary or length would need to be discussed directly with the tour operator.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions, but children under 6 are not permitted on the boat ride in Altinbesik Cave. All participants must be able to walk moderate distances and navigate uneven terrain.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Personal Interests?
While the standard itinerary is pre-set, the tour operator may be able to accommodate minor customizations to suit personal interests. Guests should inquire about possible modifications when booking the tour.
Are There Any Recommended Items I Should Bring for the Tour?
The tour provider recommends bringing comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket, sun protection, and a camera to capture the stunning natural scenery and cultural sights. Participants should also bring any personal medications and water to stay hydrated during the 9-hour experience.
The Sum Up
Set out on a captivating day trip from Side to Ormana Village and Altinbesik Cave, enjoying local culture and stunning nature. Explore authentic button houses, take a boat ride on a subterranean lake, and savor a delicious lunch. Tour the area’s historical sites, including a 650-year-old Ottoman mosque, in the comfort of an air-conditioned minibus.
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