Excursion to Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Village

Exploring the captivating Altinbesik Cave and the charming Ormana Village offers travelers a unique opportunity to enjoy Turkey’s natural and cultural wonders. Beginning with a boat tour through the cave’s impressive rock formations, guests gain insights into the site’s geology and history from knowledgeable guides. Continuing on to Ormana, visitors encounter the village’s traditional "button houses" and serene countryside, providing a picturesque glimpse into the country’s vibrant heritage. While the excursion promises an enriching experience, there’s more to uncover about this captivating destination.

Key Points

• The excursion includes a boat tour of Altinbesik Cave to view its impressive rock formations, followed by a visit to the traditional "button houses" of Ormana Village.
• Travelers can explore the charming villages of Avasun and Urunlu, experiencing the local culture and architecture, including an abandoned Ottoman-era mosque.
• The tour provides hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off in Side, with comfortable air-conditioned minivan transportation for a seamless experience.
• A local lunch showcasing authentic Turkish cuisine is included, catering to dietary restrictions as needed.
• Positive traveler feedback highlights the knowledgeable guides, culture, and unique glimpse into the Turkish countryside, though some report motion sickness and mixed experiences with the local lunch.

Altinbesik Cave Exploration

Although the tour starts at the hotel, the first major stop is Altinbesik Cave.

Visitors embark on a short boat trip inside the cave, which lasts approximately 30 minutes. The boat ride allows them to explore the interior of the cave, taking in its impressive rock formations and natural beauty.

Admission to the cave is free, making this an accessible and budget-friendly activity. With knowledgeable guides providing information about the cave’s geology and history, travelers can appreciate the natural wonder of this unique geological site.

The Altinbesik Cave exploration sets the tone for the rest of the day’s culture in the Turkish countryside.

Ormana Village and Button Houses

After exploring the natural wonders of Altinbesik Cave, the tour moves on to the charming Ormana Village.

Here, visitors get to witness the traditional "button houses" – a unique architectural style featuring wooden houses with ornate buttons adorning the exterior.

The group will also have the opportunity to hike around the village, seeing the serene countryside atmosphere.

This segment of the excursion allows travelers to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture and traditions.

With its picturesque setting and fascinating historical elements, Ormana Village offers a delightful contrast to the earlier cave exploration, providing a well-rounded cultural experience.

Avasun and Urunlu Villages

The tour then takes visitors to explore the nearby Avasun and Urunlu villages.

These quaint, rural settlements offer a glimpse into traditional Turkish village life. Guests wander through the winding streets, observing the charming architecture and interacting with friendly locals.

An abandoned village with an Ottoman-era mosque is also included in the itinerary, allowing travelers to step back in time and imagine the history that once unfolded in this picturesque setting.

These stops provide a well-rounded cultural experience, complementing the cave exploration and village hike earlier in the day.

Abandoned Ottoman-Era Mosque

As the tour continues, visitors are led to an abandoned village that holds an intriguing historical relic – an Ottoman-era mosque.

The crumbling structure stands as a testament to a bygone era, its ornate architecture providing a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Travelers have the opportunity to explore the mosque’s interior, marveling at the intricate tile work and detailed calligraphy that adorn the walls.

This unassuming stop on the itinerary offers a unique chance to connect with Turkey’s past, fostering a deeper appreciation for the country’s remarkable history and the enduring influence of the Ottoman Empire.

Hassle-Free Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off

Typically, the tour offers hassle-free hotel pickup and drop-off from all hotels in Side, Turkey. This convenient service ensures travelers don’t have to worry about transportation to and from the starting point of the excursion.

The air-conditioned minivan transportation provides a comfortable ride throughout the day’s activities. Whether your hotel is located in the heart of Side or on the outskirts, the tour operator makes sure you’re picked up and dropped off without any inconvenience.

This hassle-free arrangement allows you to fully learn about the cultural exploration of Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Village, without the added stress of navigating transportation.

Air-Conditioned Minivan Transportation

Air-conditioned minivan transportation provides a comfortable ride throughout the day’s activities.

Travelers can relax and enjoy the scenic countryside views as the tour group makes its way to Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Village. The air-conditioning ensures a pleasant journey, even in the warmer months.

The spacious, well-maintained vehicle accommodates up to 15 travelers, ensuring everyone has ample space. The driver is experienced and familiar with the local roads, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey.

This mode of transportation allows the group to reach the destinations easily and on time, maximizing the time spent exploring the natural and cultural highlights of the region.

Included Local Lunch and Drinks

The tour includes a local lunch as part of the day’s itinerary. This provides travelers with an authentic taste of Turkish cuisine in the countryside setting. Plus, drinks are available throughout the excursion.

Item	Description	Price
Appetizers	Varied selection of Turkish meze dishes	Included
Main Course	Traditional Turkish entree, such as kebab or vegetarian option	Included
Beverages	Water, tea, and Turkish coffee	Included
Dessert	Seasonal Turkish sweets or fruit	Included
Dietary Restrictions	Accommodations available upon request	N/A

The inclusion of a local lunch and drinks ensures that travelers are fueled and hydrated during the day’s exploration of Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Village.

Traveler Feedback and Experiences

Based on the positive reviews, travelers have highlighted the knowledgeable guide and the culture provided by the excursion.

The tour reportedly offers a unique glimpse into the Turkish countryside, with visitors praising the authentic village experience.

However, some travelers have noted motion sickness due to the bumpy roads.

While the local lunch received positive feedback, one reviewer experienced food poisoning, a potential concern for those with dietary restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Age Limit for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t mention an age limit, but infants must sit on laps. It’s suitable for most travelers, though those prone to motion sickness may want to take precautions due to the bumpy roads.

Can Participants Bring Their Own Food or Snacks?

Participants are allowed to bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The tour includes a local lunch, but travelers may prefer to pack their own provisions to supplement or replace the provided meal.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour operator doesn’t offer any discounts for students or seniors. The price is fixed at $37.46 per person, with a lowest price guarantee. No additional discounts are available based on age or student status.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

The tour can likely be customized to include additional activities, but this would need to be arranged directly with the Prestige Group Travel Agency. Customization options and any additional costs would need to be discussed with the tour operator.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The tour’s cancellation and refund policy allows for full refunds up to 72 hours before the tour starts. Within 72 hours, a 50% refund is offered. No refunds are given for no-shows.

Recap

The excursion to Altinbesik Cave and Ormana Village offers a captivating blend of natural beauty and culture. Visitors can explore the impressive rock formations inside the stunning cave, then discover the traditional "button houses" and serene countryside of Ormana Village, seeing Turkey’s vibrant heritage. With hassle-free transportation, a local lunch, and insightful guides, this tour provides a comprehensive and enriching experience.