Explore Altınbeşik Cave & Ormana Village From Side

Discover the natural and cultural wonders of Turkey’s Side region on this captivating tour. Venture into the vast Altınbeşik Cave, home to the country’s largest underground lake, and learn about the rich heritage of Ormana Village. Stroll through the historic Silk Road settlement, admiring its distinctive buttoned houses, before indulging in a traditional village lunch. This 8-hour excursion promises stunning vistas, from the serene Green Canyon to the intricate cave formations. With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour offers a seamless way to uncover the captivating blend of nature and ancient traditions that make this corner of Turkey so alluring.

Key Points

• Tour explores the largest underground lake in Turkey, Altınbeşik Cave, and the traditional architecture of Ormana Village, starting from the town of Side.
• Priced at K71,127 per person, the 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, a professional guide, boat tour, traditional lunch, insurance, and entrance fees.
• Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Green Canyon, Oymapınar Dam, and the unique buttoned houses of İbradi Village during the tour.
• The constant temperature of 16°C and rich biodiversity make Altınbeşik Cave an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.
• Ormana Village showcases the region’s cultural heritage along the historical Silk Road, with a focus on traditional architecture and craftsmanship.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour offers visitors the chance to explore the captivating Altınbeşik Cave and the charming Ormana Village, starting from the town of Side.

Priced from K71,127 per person, the 8-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, a boat tour inside the cave, a traditional lunch in Ormana Village, insurance, and all necessary entrance fees.

Guests can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior and reserve their spot with no upfront payment.

This comprehensive experience showcases the region’s natural wonders and cultural heritage, making it an enticing option for adventure-seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.

Experience Highlights

During this 8-hour tour, visitors can look forward to an array of captivating experiences.

They’ll enjoy a traditional local cuisine lunch in the charming village of Ormana.

The tour also offers stunning views of the Green Canyon and Oymapınar Dam.

Visitors will marvel at the unique architecture of İbradi Village and embark on a boat tour through the mesmerizing Altınbeşik Cave, home to Turkey’s largest and Europe’s third-largest underground lake.

Plus, they’ll have the chance to explore Ormana’s traditional buttoned houses, which showcase the region’s rich cultural heritage along the historical Silk Road.

Altınbeşik Cave Details

Altınbeşik Cave is Turkey’s largest and Europe’s third-largest underground lake, located 75 km from Side in Altınbeşik National Park.

Visitors can explore its vast chambers by boat; the saline water inhibits fish life but hosts pigeons and bats.

Maintaining a constant temperature of 16°C year-round, the cave is ideal for nature lovers.

It’s home to 605 plant species, 69 of which are endemic, showcasing the region’s rich biodiversity.

The cave’s unique environment provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to appreciate the wonders of this natural wonder.

Ormana Village and Cultural Heritage

Ormana Village is renowned for its unique architecture, featuring buttoned houses built without the use of nails or cement.

These structures employ a distinctive locking system using juniper, cedar, and tar woods, representing the region’s rich cultural heritage along the historical Silk Road.

Visitors can explore the village’s well-preserved traditional lifestyle and architecture, as well as enjoy a delicious local cuisine lunch.

The village’s distinctive architectural style and traditional practices offer a glimpse into the area’s enduring cultural identity, providing an immersive experience for those eager to learn about the region’s unique heritage.

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Inclusions and Customer Feedback

The tour includes a hotel pickup and drop-off, a professional guide, and a boat tour inside the Altınbeşik Cave. Plus, it provides a traditional lunch in Ormana Village, insurance, and entrance fees to the cave and national park.

Customer Feedback
Overall Rating	4.7/5
Positive Highlights	Great impressions	Tour guide quality

Based on 3 reviews, the tour has received an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5. Positive feedback highlights the great impressions and the quality of the tour guide.

Getting to Altınbeşik Cave

Located 75 km from the coastal town of Side in Turkey’s Altınbeşik National Park, the cave can be easily accessed by a variety of transportation options.

Visitors can book a guided tour that includes round-trip transportation from their hotel in Side. Alternatively, they can rent a car and self-drive to the cave. The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours each way, offering scenic views along the way.

Once at the park entrance, it’s a short walk to the cave’s main entrance.

With its consistent year-round temperature of 16°C, Altınbeşik Cave provides a refreshing respite from the Mediterranean heat, making it an ideal destination for nature enthusiasts.

Exploring Ormana’s Traditional Architecture

A highlight of visiting Ormana Village is exploring its remarkable traditional architecture. The village is renowned for its buttoned houses, built without nails or cement using a unique locking system with juniper, cedar, and tar woods.

This traditional construction technique represents the region’s rich cultural heritage along the historical Silk Road. Visitors can wander through the village, marveling at the well-preserved homes and learning about the local lifestyle.

The buttoned houses not only showcase the ingenious craftsmanship of the region but also reflect the harmony between the built environment and the natural landscape that surrounds Ormana Village.

Recommended Tour Duration and Flexibility

The tour of Altınbeşik Cave and Ormana Village is designed to provide a well-rounded experience, with a recommended duration of 8 hours. This allows ample time to explore the vast underground lake, marvel at the unique architecture of Ormana’s traditional buttoned houses, and savor a local cuisine lunch. The tour also offers convenient flexibility, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option. This ensures visitors can plan their trip with confidence and make the most of their time in this captivating region.

Tour Details	Information
Duration	8 hours
Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours
Booking Option	Reserve now, pay later
Inclusions	Hotel pickup/drop-off, guide, boat tour, lunch, insurance, entrance fees
Customer Ratings	Overall 4.7/5 from 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Cave Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour does not appear to be wheelchair accessible. The description does not mention any accommodations for wheelchair users, and the cave exploration involves boat tours, which may present challenges for those with limited mobility.

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks?

Customers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour package includes a traditional lunch in Ormana Village, so there’s no need to bring your own provisions.

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

Pets are not permitted on the tour for safety and comfort of all participants. The tour focuses on the natural and cultural sights, so bringing pets would not be appropriate or allowed.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?

There is no minimum group size required for this tour. Individuals can book the tour, and it will run even with a single participant. The tour is flexible to accommodate different group sizes.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for this tour, but visitors are advised to wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking and boat rides. Dressing in layers is recommended due to the cave’s constant temperature.

Recap

This captivating tour offers an unforgettable adventure exploring Altınbeşik Cave and Ormana Village from Side. Discover Turkey’s largest underground lake, immerse in Ormana’s unique cultural heritage, and enjoy stunning natural scenery. With convenient transportation and an experienced guide, this tour promises a memorable day filled with natural wonders and rich history, making it a must-do for visitors to the region.

You can check if your dates are available here: