From City of Side: Visit to Ormana Village & Altinbesik Cave

Set out on a captivating journey from the historic City of Side to the charming Ormana Village and the enchanting Altinbesik Cave. This guided tour offers a scenic drive through the breathtaking Taurus Mountains, picturesque stops at traditional villages, and a chance to savor regional cuisine. Explore the natural beauty of the Green Canyon and explore the rich cultural heritage of the Silk Road. With an experienced guide by your side, discover the captivating blend of natural wonders and historical significance that awaits you on this unforgettable adventure.

Key Points

• The 9-hour guided tour departs from City of Side and visits Ormana Village and Altinbesik Cave, including hotel pickup/drop-off, lunch, boat ride, and local guide.
• Highlights of the tour include a scenic drive through the Taurus Mountains, photo opportunities at Green Canyon and Green Lake, and exploration of Altinbesik Cave.
• The tour provides an immersive cultural experience, with visits to Avasun village, Üründü village’s button houses, and the historic Silk Road settlement of Sarihacilar köyü.
• A traditional lunch in Ormana village features regional specialties, including freshly-grilled meats and vegetables, Turkish breads, and a refreshing yogurt-based drink.
• The tour is suitable for a wide range of participants, including adults, children, and infants, offering an inclusive and shared discovery experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This guided tour takes visitors from the City of Side to explore the picturesque Ormana Village and the captivating Altinbesik Cave, offering a comprehensive 9-hour adventure through the Taurus Mountains.

Priced at $49.16 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a delicious lunch, a boat ride into the Altinbesik Cave, and the services of a professional local guide.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour is available in both German and English.

With an impressive overall rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 135 reviews, this tour promises an unforgettable experience exploring the natural and cultural wonders of the region.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with a drive into the majestic Taurus Mountains, where the first stop is Avasun village, known for its renowned bay leaves.

From there, guests will have the chance to capture stunning photos of the picturesque Green Canyon and Green Lake.

Next, the group visits the village of Üründü to see its distinctive button houses.

After a traditional tea or coffee break, they’ll explore the Altinbesik Cave National Park, including a 20-minute boat ride on the subterranean lake.

The tour then moves to the Golden Cradle Cavern, with its impressive stalactite and stalagmite formations.

Lunch is served in the charming Ormana village, before a visit to Sarihacilar köyü, a historic Silk Road settlement.

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, a delicious lunch, a 20-minute boat trip into the Altinbesik Cave, the services of a professional local guide, transportation via air-conditioned minibus, and complimentary drinks.

This all-inclusive experience ensures that visitors can fully enjoy the natural wonders without worrying about additional expenses.

The key inclusions are:

• Guided exploration of the Altinbesik Cave National Park

• Scenic boat ride on the subterranean lake

• Visit to the picturesque Ormana village for a local lunch

With these thoughtful inclusions, travelers can enjoy a hassle-free day discovering the captivating landscapes and cultural heritage of the region.

Participant Information

Individuals between the ages of 12 and 99 can participate as adults, while children aged 4 to 11 are also welcome. Infants 3 years old and younger can join the tour as well. The tour caters to a diverse range of age groups, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

Participant Type	Age Range
Adults	12-99
Children	4-11
Infants	3 and younger

This inclusive approach allows families and groups of various ages to explore the wonders of Ormana Village and Altinbesik Cave together, fostering a sense of adventure and shared discovery.

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Customer Feedback

Customers have raved about the tour’s exceptional guide performance, rating it 4.8 out of 5 stars.

They’ve also highly praised the tour’s organization, awarding it a 4.6 out of 5 rating for value for money.

While some reviews mention issues with transportation capacity and timing discrepancies, the overall experience remains enjoyable, with a 4.6 out of 5 transportation rating.

Highlights of the customer feedback include:

• Excellent guide knowledge and communication skills

• Well-organized itinerary and smooth transitions

• Enjoyable experiences at the various stops along the tour

Taurus Mountains Drive

The tour begins with a scenic drive into the Taurus Mountains, offering breathtaking views along the way.

Travelers first stop at the charming village of Avasun, renowned for its production of bay leaves.

Next, they enjoy photo opportunities at the stunning Green Canyon and Green Lake.

The journey continues to the village of Ürünlü, known for its distinctive button houses.

Guests then stop for a traditional tea or coffee break at a local home, seeing the region’s rich culture.

This Taurus Mountains drive provides a delightful introduction to the natural wonders and charming villages that await visitors on this captivating excursion.

Ormana Village Lunch

After exploring the natural wonders and cultural sites along the Taurus Mountains drive, the tour group enjoys a traditional lunch in the charming village of Ormana.

The local restaurant serves up a delectable spread of regional specialties, allowing the travelers to enjoy the authentic flavors of the area. The meal includes:

• A selection of freshly-grilled meats and vegetables

• An assortment of savory Turkish breads and dips

• A refreshing yogurt-based drink to cleanse the palate

This hearty lunch fuels the group for the remainder of their adventure, as they prepare to venture into the captivating underground world of the Altinbesik Cave.

Silk Road Village Visit

As the tour continues, the group ventures to the village of Sarihacilar köyü, a settlement along the historic Silk Road. Here, they’ve the opportunity to explore a traditional house and admire the 650-year-old Ottoman mosque, providing a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

The village, with its distinctive architecture and well-preserved historical sites, offers a fascinating window into the past. Visitors can imagine the bustling caravans that once traversed this ancient trade route, transporting goods and ideas across continents.

The chance to witness the enduring traditions of this Silk Road community adds depth and authenticity to the overall tour experience, further immersing travelers in the unique character of the local area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Time Will the Tour Depart From the Meeting Point?

The tour departs from the meeting point at a specific time, which is not provided in the information given. The duration of the tour is 9 hours, so the departure time is likely early in the morning.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a Private Tour?

Yes, there is an option to upgrade to a private tour. According to the tour overview, the standard tour is a group tour, but travelers can likely request a private tour for an additional fee.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants are generally allowed to bring their own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks on the tour, though the tour provider includes lunch and some beverages as part of the package. Checking with the tour operator is recommended to confirm their policy.

Does the Tour Accommodate Dietary Restrictions or Allergies?

The tour accommodates dietary restrictions and allergies. Travelers can notify the tour operator in advance, and the guide will ensure the provided lunch and any other meals cater to their dietary needs.

What Is the Policy for Lost or Damaged Personal Items?

The tour provider’s policy is that they are not responsible for any lost or damaged personal items during the tour. Guests are advised to keep their belongings secure and to avoid bringing valuables.

Recap

This captivating tour takes visitors on a scenic journey from the City of Side through the breathtaking Taurus Mountains.

Highlights include exploring the enchanting Altinbesik Cave by boat, savoring traditional regional cuisine in Ormana Village, and delving into the historical significance of the Silk Road at Sarihacilar köyü.

With its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, this guided excursion offers a truly immersive experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: