Side

Side Ormana Village and Altinbesik Cave Tour: Journey to the Taurus Mountains

Embark on a cultural and natural voyage from Side every Monday and Thursday. Discover the magnificent Altinbesik Cave by boat, admire the unique Buttoned Houses of Ormana Village, and witness the rich nomadic heritage of the Taurus Mountains on this unforgettable day trip.

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About This Activity

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Duration
7 Hours
Tour Guide Language
Türkçe, English, Deutsch, Русский, Polski
Pickup included
WITH COMFORTABLE AIR-CONDITIONED VEHICLES

Experience

Highlights
  • Explore Altinbesik Cave, the largest underwater cave in Turkey, on a guided boat tour.
  • Wander through historic Ormana Village and marvel at the traditional Seljuk era Buttoned Houses.
  • Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and photo stops across the majestic Taurus Mountains.
  • Keep an eye out for wild Yilki horses and traces of the authentic Yoruk nomadic culture.
  • Savor a delicious traditional lunch at a charming local restaurant in the village.
Full description
  • Your journey into the heart of the Taurus Mountains begins with a comfortable morning pickup from your hotel in Side, operating exclusively on Mondays and Thursdays. Accompanied by our knowledgeable local guide, you will travel along scenic mountain roads that offer spectacular panoramic views of the rugged landscape and ancient ruins. Along the way, we make strategic photo stops to capture the breathtaking scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for traces of the traditional Yoruk nomadic lifestyle and the majestic wild Yilki horses that roam freely in the nearby plains, adding a touch of untamed nature to your adventure.

    The first major highlight of the day is the extraordinary Altinbesik Cave, renowned as the largest underwater cave in Turkey and the third largest in Europe. You will board a small boat to navigate the crystal clear subterranean lake, gliding past stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and fascinating rock formations. This massive three level cave system holds mysteries that only professional divers can fully explore on its upper levels. Please note that exploring the cave interior by boat is a seasonal activity perfectly suited for the summer months, as high water levels during the winter can temporarily restrict access to the inner chambers.

    Following the mystical cave exploration, we arrive at the historic Ormana Village, a settlement deeply rooted in Seljuk history. The village is globally famous for its unique architectural marvels known as Buttoned Houses, which are traditional structures built entirely without mortar using interlocking cedar wood. You will enjoy a delicious, authentic lunch at a highly rated local restaurant, soaking in the peaceful village atmosphere and visiting the historic local mosque. After a day rich in natural wonders, cultural discoveries, and breathtaking photography, we will ensure a smooth and relaxing transfer back to your hotel in Side.

Includes
  • Round trip transfer from and to your hotel in Side
  • Professional local tour guide
  • Delicious lunch at a traditional restaurant in Ormana
Excludes
  • Altinbesik Cave entrance fee and boat ride ticket
  • All soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
Important Information
  • Tour Schedule: This exclusive excursion operates only twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays.
  • Cave Accessibility: Due to natural water fluctuations, entering Altinbesik Cave by boat is seasonal. It is widely accessible in summer but may be closed during heavy winter rains.
  • What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes for village exploration, a light jacket as the cave interior can be cool, and a fully charged camera for the breathtaking mountain views.

  • Explore Altinbesik Cave, the largest underwater cave in Turkey, on a guided boat tour.
  • Wander through historic Ormana Village and marvel at the traditional Seljuk era Buttoned Houses.
  • Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views and photo stops across the majestic Taurus Mountains.
  • Keep an eye out for wild Yilki horses and traces of the authentic Yoruk nomadic culture.
  • Savor a delicious traditional lunch at a charming local restaurant in the village.

Your journey into the heart of the Taurus Mountains begins with a comfortable morning pickup from your hotel in Side, operating exclusively on Mondays and Thursdays. Accompanied by our knowledgeable local guide, you will travel along scenic mountain roads that offer spectacular panoramic views of the rugged landscape and ancient ruins. Along the way, we make strategic photo stops to capture the breathtaking scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for traces of the traditional Yoruk nomadic lifestyle and the majestic wild Yilki horses that roam freely in the nearby plains, adding a touch of untamed nature to your adventure.

The first major highlight of the day is the extraordinary Altinbesik Cave, renowned as the largest underwater cave in Turkey and the third largest in Europe. You will board a small boat to navigate the crystal clear subterranean lake, gliding past stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and fascinating rock formations. This massive three level cave system holds mysteries that only professional divers can fully explore on its upper levels. Please note that exploring the cave interior by boat is a seasonal activity perfectly suited for the summer months, as high water levels during the winter can temporarily restrict access to the inner chambers.

Following the mystical cave exploration, we arrive at the historic Ormana Village, a settlement deeply rooted in Seljuk history. The village is globally famous for its unique architectural marvels known as Buttoned Houses, which are traditional structures built entirely without mortar using interlocking cedar wood. You will enjoy a delicious, authentic lunch at a highly rated local restaurant, soaking in the peaceful village atmosphere and visiting the historic local mosque. After a day rich in natural wonders, cultural discoveries, and breathtaking photography, we will ensure a smooth and relaxing transfer back to your hotel in Side.

  • Round trip transfer from and to your hotel in Side
  • Professional local tour guide
  • Delicious lunch at a traditional restaurant in Ormana

  • Altinbesik Cave entrance fee and boat ride ticket
  • All soft drinks and alcoholic beverages
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs

  • Tour Schedule: This exclusive excursion operates only twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays.
  • Cave Accessibility: Due to natural water fluctuations, entering Altinbesik Cave by boat is seasonal. It is widely accessible in summer but may be closed during heavy winter rains.
  • What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes for village exploration, a light jacket as the cave interior can be cool, and a fully charged camera for the breathtaking mountain views.

Select number of participants and date

1 Adult

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