Green Canyon Combo Mix Tour by cabrio bus

A Detailed Look at the Green Canyon Combo Mix Tour by Cabrio Bus

Looking for a day packed with nature, history, and water adventures around Side, Turkey? This 8-hour tour costs about $29, includes private transportation, lunch, and a boat tour, and takes you through the breathtaking Taurus hills. Guided mainly in a relaxed, friendly manner, it’s designed for travelers wanting a bit of everything—ancient ruins, scenic waterfalls, and a splash in natural lakes.

What we really appreciate about this trip is how it balances cultural exploration with outdoor fun. Visiting sites like Seleukia and the Oymapinar Mosque gives a glimpse into Turkish history and religion, while the Green Canyon and Manavgat Waterfall showcase the area’s stunning natural beauty. Plus, the lunch by the lake and orange garden stroll add a relaxing, authentic touch.

However, keep in mind that some aspects, like the Manavgat Waterfall entrance fee and additional drinks at lunch, aren’t included in the price. Also, the timing and communication might be a bit uneven, as some reviews mention. Still, if you’re comfortable with a full day of varied activities and like the idea of small-group sightseeing, you’ll find this tour offers great value and memorable moments.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy nature, history, and water activities in one package. If you’re happy to spend a day exploring diverse sights without the need for a highly structured experience, this could be an excellent choice.

Key Points

• Affordable value: At just $29, it combines multiple highlights into one day.
• Varied itinerary: Visits to ancient sites, waterfalls, dams, and the green canyon provide diverse scenery.
• Highlights natural beauty and history: Perfect for those wanting a balanced mix.
• Includes lunch and boat tour: Adds to the experience without extra cost.
• Potential for timing issues: Some reviews mention confusion or delays, so flexibility is key.
• Good for outdoor lovers: Especially those who enjoy water and scenic views.

An In-Depth Review of the Green Canyon Combo Mix Tour

The Real Scoop on Key Locations

This tour kicks off early at 8:30 am with pickup service, a convenience that many travelers appreciate. The first stop is Oymapinar, where you’ll see a mosque and enjoy a brief nature drive. Though this stop lasts about two hours, the highlight is the peaceful setting and the chance to stretch your legs before heading further into the hills.

Next, the group moves on to Seleukia, an ancient city with impressive aqueducts. The site offers a quick 30-minute visit, allowing you to admire remnants of Antiochus’ influence without feeling rushed. As one reviewer noted, it’s a “beautiful ancient city,” and it offers a glimpse into the historical layers of the region.

Afterward, the tour visits Manavgat Dam, a functioning dam that provides insight into Turkey’s hydropower efforts and the scenic water landscape associated with it. The dam stop also lasts about 30 minutes and is a good photo opportunity.

The Green Canyon is the star of the day. The 15-minute visit is brief but enough to admire the verdant cliffs and tranquil waters. Many find it a highlight, especially when combined with the 1-hour boat tour on the lake, which offers relaxing views of lush canyon walls and serene waters. As one traveler put it, “Loved the boat trip; it’s the perfect way to enjoy nature’s calm.”

Lunch and Orange Gardens: A Taste of Local Flavors

After soaking in the scenery, you’ll pause at a lakeside restaurant for a one-hour lunch break. The food is included, but soft drinks and alcohol are extra—something to keep in mind if you’re on a budget or prefer to drink sparingly. The setting by the lake makes for a peaceful dining experience. Many reviews mention the scenic location and the relaxing atmosphere.

Following lunch, a visit to orange gardens is scheduled, lasting about an hour. It’s a delightful way to see local agriculture, and you might even get a chance to pick or taste fresh oranges—something that adds to the authenticity of your day.

Final Stop: Manavgat Waterfall

The tour concludes with a photo stop at Manavgat Waterfall. It’s a classic scenic spot—powerful water cascading over rocks, surrounded by lush greenery. Be aware that entrance fees are not included, and some travelers might want to budget a few extra lira for this. As one reviewer said, “The waterfall was beautiful, but entrance was paid, so plan accordingly.”

Transportation, Timing, and Group Size

The tour uses private transportation—a plus for comfort and convenience, especially if you’re traveling with family or a small group. The group size is limited to 100 travelers, but most reviews suggest it feels more like a small, manageable group, thanks to the pickup and drop-off system.

Timing is generally well-structured, with most stops lasting between 30 minutes and an hour. However, some reviews highlight confusion about pickup times or delays, so being flexible and arriving promptly is advisable. The 8:30 am start is early but allows a full day of activities without feeling rushed.

The Value and Practical Details

At $29, this tour offers remarkable value considering the variety of sights, the boat trip, and lunch included. It’s ideal for travelers who want to see a bit of everything without paying for multiple excursions. Keep in mind, some extras like drinks or entrance fees to the waterfall are not included, so budget accordingly.

Real Traveler Insights: What They Love and What Could Be Better

One traveler, Peter, raved, “Loved it, take drinks and towel,” emphasizing how the boat trip and natural water spots are refreshing highlights. Another review notes, “It was a successful mix tour,” praising the variety of stops and the friendly guide, Ali. Conversely, an unfortunate experience involved missed pickup and lack of communication, which underscores the importance of reconfirmation and patience.

Who Should Book This Tour?

If you’re looking for a full-day adventure that combines history, scenic landscapes, and water fun, this tour is a solid choice. It’s perfect for outdoor lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting a relaxed pace with plenty of photo opportunities. It’s also well-suited for travelers on a budget, thanks to its affordable price point.

However, if you prefer more personalized, in-depth guided experiences or want to avoid potential scheduling hiccups, consider arriving early and confirming details ahead of time.

The Sum Up

The Green Canyon Combo Mix Tour offers a balanced blend of natural beauty and cultural sights at a very reasonable price. With visits to ancient ruins, scenic waterfalls, and a peaceful boat cruise, it’s a great way to experience the diverse sides of Turkey’s Taurus region. The convenience of included lunch and transport, along with the opportunity for some authentic local scenery, makes it a worthwhile choice for most travelers visiting Side.

While it’s not without minor logistical challenges—like timing or additional costs—it genuinely provides good value for a full day of sightseeing. Those who enjoy outdoor activities, historical sites, and lakeside relaxation will find plenty to love here. Just remember to bring a towel, perhaps some extra cash, and a flexible attitude, and you’ll likely leave with some wonderful memories.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup service, making it convenient to start your day without worrying about transportation.

How long is each stop?
Most stops range from 30 minutes to an hour, with the boat tour lasting about an hour. The waterfall stop is about 30 minutes.

Are entrance fees included?
Most sites like Oymapinar Mosque, Seleukia, dam, and canyon are free to enter. However, the Manavgat Waterfall entrance fee is not included, so you’ll need to pay separately if you choose to visit.

What’s the meal like?
Lunch is included at a lakeside restaurant, with options for free meals. Drinks like soda or alcohol are extra. The setting is scenic and relaxing.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, most travelers find it family-friendly, especially those comfortable with outdoor activities and a full day’s pace.

What should I bring?
Bring a towel for the water spots, sunscreen, water, and some extra cash for optional expenses like waterfall entrance or drinks at lunch.

How flexible is the schedule?
While the itinerary is structured, some reviews mention scheduling confusion. It’s best to arrive on time and confirm details with your guide if possible.

Whether you’re seeking a scenic escape, a touch of history, or a fun lake cruise, this tour packs a lot into just one day. It’s a solid choice for travelers eager to explore the diverse landscapes and cultural highlights of Turkey’s Taurus hills.